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Best suburbs in Atlanta

Written by:
April 25, 2024
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Best suburbs in Atlanta

The GI Bill of Rights, Ike's interstate system, suburban development, and the growing affordability of cars allowed the suburbs to flourish throughout the mid-20th century. During this era, a new American Dream was established: one with single-family homes, white picket fences, and lush green lawns.

Today, however, the traditional suburb may no longer cater to what 79% of Americans want: walkability. Younger people are especially attracted to neighborhoods where stores, restaurants, and other amenities are a short walk away, according to a National Association of Realtors survey released in 2023. But a good location comes with a cost.

A Redfin analysis showed homes in 2019 in walkable areas sold for almost 25% more than homes without the same walkability, equivalent to nearly $78,000 more in the national average. Some suburbs offer the amenities of city life, whether through easy transit to big cities (such as Wilmette, Illinois, with easy proximity to Chicago), or college-town amenities such as those found in Claremont, California.

What individual families and people look for in a suburb will vary, of course, with some prioritizing quiet and extra space, even if that means driving more often.

Stacker used data from Niche to examine the best suburbs in Atlanta. Niche ranked suburbs across the U.S. based on several factors, including diversity, the cost of living, the share of the population with college degrees, and the quality of schools and housing.

Read on to see the highest-ranked suburbs in Atlanta.

Family with two children walking on pedestrian bridge in city park.
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imtmphoto // Shutterstock

#25. Scottdale, Georgia

- Population: 10,566
- Median home value: $287,300
- Median rental price: $1,385

- Top schools nearby: Talley Street Elementary School (grade A+), DeKalb School of the Arts (grade A), Paul Duke STEM High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: The Paideia School (grade A+), Greater Atlanta Christian School (grade A+), Marist School (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Father gives son ride on his shoulders outside of house.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#24. Braselton, Georgia

- Population: 13,804
- Median home value: $395,200
- Median rental price: $1,527

- Top schools nearby: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (grade A+), Buford Senior Academy (grade A+), Mill Creek High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Maranatha Christian Academy (grade A+), Sugar Hill Christian Academy (grade A), Hebron Christian Academy (grade A−)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Shot of young couple with son playing in park.
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Josep Suria // Shutterstock

#23. Buford, Georgia

- Population: 17,222
- Median home value: $292,300
- Median rental price: $1,147

- Top schools nearby: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (grade A+), Alliance Academy for Innovation (grade A+), Buford Senior Academy (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Greater Atlanta Christian School (grade A+), Lakeview Academy (grade A+), Maranatha Christian Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Cropped portrait of cheerful family playing soccer.
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BAZA Production // Shutterstock

#22. Peachtree Corners, Georgia

- Population: 42,147
- Median home value: $444,000
- Median rental price: $1,471

- Top schools nearby: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (grade A+), International Charter School of Atlanta (grade A), Paul Duke STEM High School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Fulton Science Academy Private School (grade A+), Atlanta International School (grade A+), Notre Dame Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: unavailable
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Two happy girlfriends looking in a shop window.
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RossHelen // Shutterstock

#21. Sugar Hill, Georgia

- Population: 24,947
- Median home value: $330,100
- Median rental price: $1,497

- Top schools nearby: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (grade A+), Alliance Academy for Innovation (grade A+), Buford Senior Academy (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Notre Dame Academy (grade A+), Greater Atlanta Christian School (grade A+), Pinecrest Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Young happy women shopping for vegetables and fruits.
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NDAB Creativity // Shutterstock

#20. Kennesaw, Georgia

- Population: 33,360
- Median home value: $262,000
- Median rental price: $1,673

- Top schools nearby: Kennesaw Mountain High School (grade A), Palmer Middle School (grade A−), Bullard Elementary School (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: The Walker School (grade A+), Mount Paran Christian School (grade A+), North Cobb Christian School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Couple in business clothes leaving home for work.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#19. Berkeley Lake, Georgia

- Population: 2,527
- Median home value: $644,100
- Median rental price: $2,175

- Top schools nearby: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (grade A+), Paul Duke STEM High School (grade A), International Charter Academy of Georgia (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Notre Dame Academy (grade A+), Greater Atlanta Christian School (grade A+), Marist School (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Mother and children playing basketball on driveway.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#18. Vinings, Georgia

- Population: 12,947
- Median home value: $559,900
- Median rental price: $1,662

- Top schools nearby: Atlanta Classical Academy (grade A), Teasley Elementary School (grade A−), Nickajack Elementary School (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: The Westminster Schools (grade A+), Pace Academy (grade A+), Atlanta International School (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Customers enjoying meals in busy restaurant.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#17. Smyrna, Georgia

- Population: 55,863
- Median home value: $380,100
- Median rental price: $1,553

- Top schools nearby: Atlanta Classical Academy (grade A), Wheeler High School (grade A), King Springs Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: The Westminster Schools (grade A+), Pace Academy (grade A+), Atlanta International School (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Female bakery stall owner at a farmers market.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#16. Mountain Park, Georgia

- Population: 13,334
- Median home value: $278,300
- Median rental price: $1,757

- Top schools nearby: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (grade A+), Talley Street Elementary School (grade A+), Mountain Park Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: The Paideia School (grade A+), Greater Atlanta Christian School (grade A+), Killian Hill Christian School (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Woman pushing child on swing on playground.
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oneinchpunch // Shutterstock

#15. Druid Hills, Georgia

- Population: 8,467
- Median home value: $744,600
- Median rental price: $1,968

- Top schools nearby: Talley Street Elementary School (grade A+), DeKalb School of the Arts (grade A), DeKalb Early College Academy (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Pace Academy (grade A+), Atlanta International School (grade A+), The Paideia School (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Father giving piggyback ride to his daughter while walking outside.
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Akarawut // Shutterstock

#14. Woodstock, Georgia

- Population: 35,171
- Median home value: $359,800
- Median rental price: $1,656

- Top schools nearby: International Charter School of Atlanta (grade A), Fulton Academy of Science & Technology (grade A), Bascomb Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: The Walker School (grade A+), Mount Paran Christian School (grade A+), North Cobb Christian School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Young man and little girl laughing with ice cream.
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YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV // Shutterstock

#13. Avondale Estates, Georgia

- Population: 3,507
- Median home value: $492,500
- Median rental price: $1,675

- Top schools nearby: Talley Street Elementary School (grade A+), DeKalb School of the Arts (grade A), DeKalb Early College Academy (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: The Paideia School (grade A+), Midtown International School (grade A+), Capstone Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Happy family with child and shopping cart buying food at grocery store.
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Ground Picture // Shutterstock

#12. Mountain Park, Georgia

- Population: 959
- Median home value: $323,700
- Median rental price: $1,543

- Top schools nearby: Roswell High School (grade A), International Charter School of Atlanta (grade A), Fulton Academy of Science & Technology (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Fulton Science Academy Private School (grade A+), Mount Pisgah Christian School (grade A+), King's Ridge Christian School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
A group of young children getting on the schoolbus.
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Stuart Monk // Shutterstock

#11. Dunwoody, Georgia

- Population: 51,458
- Median home value: $545,200
- Median rental price: $1,721

- Top schools nearby: Denmark High School (grade A+), Atlanta Classical Academy (grade A), DeKalb School of the Arts (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Fulton Science Academy Private School (grade A+), The Westminster Schools (grade A+), Pace Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Boy learning to ride a bicycle with his father in park.
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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#10. Brookhaven, Georgia

- Population: 56,848
- Median home value: $626,800
- Median rental price: $1,711

- Top schools nearby: Talley Street Elementary School (grade A+), Atlanta Classical Academy (grade A), DeKalb School of the Arts (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Fulton Science Academy Private School (grade A+), The Westminster Schools (grade A+), Pace Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: unavailable
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Two woman in small town downtown laughing.
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Laura Beach // Shutterstock

#9. Duluth, Georgia

- Population: 31,742
- Median home value: $334,800
- Median rental price: $1,675

- Top schools nearby: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (grade A+), Buford Senior Academy (grade A+), Peachtree Ridge High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Fulton Science Academy Private School (grade A+), Notre Dame Academy (grade A+), Greater Atlanta Christian School (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Staff serving a customer in a busy coffee shop.
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#8. Peachtree City, Georgia

- Population: 38,414
- Median home value: $435,300
- Median rental price: $1,841

- Top schools nearby: McIntosh High School (grade A+), Starrs Mill High School (grade A), Coweta Charter Academy (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Landmark Christian School (grade A+), The Forest School: An Acton Academy (grade A+), Counterpane Montessori School (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Shot of a smiling senior couple taking together in a cafe.
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PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock

#7. North Druid Hills, Georgia

- Population: 17,241
- Median home value: $460,100
- Median rental price: $1,716

- Top schools nearby: Talley Street Elementary School (grade A+), Atlanta Classical Academy (grade A), DeKalb School of the Arts (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: The Westminster Schools (grade A+), Pace Academy (grade A+), Atlanta International School (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
A family playing soccer together.
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Robert Kneschke // Shutterstock

#6. Tyrone, Georgia

- Population: 7,710
- Median home value: $372,700
- Median rental price: $1,094

- Top schools nearby: McIntosh High School (grade A+), Coweta Charter Academy (grade A), Booth Middle School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Woodward Academy - College Park (grade A+), Landmark Christian School (grade A+), The Forest School: An Acton Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Happy young family sitting in a park.
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Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock

#5. Suwanee, Georgia

- Population: 21,238
- Median home value: $375,500
- Median rental price: $1,826

- Top schools nearby: Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology (grade A+), Buford Senior Academy (grade A+), Peachtree Ridge High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Notre Dame Academy (grade A+), Greater Atlanta Christian School (grade A+), Wesleyan School (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Happy family in backyard with dog.
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Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#4. North Decatur, Georgia

- Population: 17,183
- Median home value: $410,800
- Median rental price: $1,609

- Top schools nearby: Talley Street Elementary School (grade A+), Atlanta Classical Academy (grade A), DeKalb School of the Arts (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Pace Academy (grade A+), Atlanta International School (grade A+), The Paideia School (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Back view of a little girl on fathers shoulders and mom walking alongside.
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F8 studio // Shutterstock

#3. Decatur, Georgia

- Population: 24,421
- Median home value: $654,400
- Median rental price: $1,611

- Top schools nearby: Talley Street Elementary School (grade A+), Oakhurst Elementary School (grade A), Westchester Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: The Paideia School (grade A+), Midtown International School (grade A+), Capstone Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: A
Little boy running with his dog on a leash.
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FamVeld // Shutterstock

#2. Milton, Georgia

- Population: 41,029
- Median home value: $642,500
- Median rental price: $1,765

- Top schools nearby: Alliance Academy for Innovation (grade A+), Alpharetta High School (grade A+), Milton High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Fulton Science Academy Private School (grade A+), Mount Pisgah Christian School (grade A+), Pinecrest Academy (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Senior couple on walk with a dog.
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PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock

#1. Johns Creek, Georgia

- Population: 82,230
- Median home value: $525,100
- Median rental price: $1,944

- Top schools nearby: Alliance Academy for Innovation (grade A+), Alpharetta High School (grade A+), Northview High School (grade A+)
- Top private schools nearby: Fulton Science Academy Private School (grade A+), Notre Dame Academy (grade A+), Greater Atlanta Christian School (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−

This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.

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