Best suburbs in Atlanta – based on a variety of factors including median home prices for mortgage insights
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.
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#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−
#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−
#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−
#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
#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−
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#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−
#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−
#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−
#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−
#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−
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#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
#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
#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−
#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+
#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−
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#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
#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−
#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−
#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−
#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−
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#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−
#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−
#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
#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−
#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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By Stacker
