Something for Everyone
Metro Atlanta’s Top 100 Best Neighborhoods
Moving to a new city is an exciting time. Relocating offers an opportunity for a new—and better—life. It’s no wonder that so many are attracted to the Metro Atlanta area. It is home to many vibrant communities—distinctive cities, towns and neighborhoods, each with its own unique appeal.
We’re shining the spotlight on neighborhoods that are Family Friendly, that hold Historic Appeal, and that are attractive to Young Professionals. Of course, these are not your only options. Our list of Atlanta’s 100 Most Popular Neighborhoods offers more great choices. If you’re looking for a Live, Work, Play environment, our story on Community Improvement Districts (CIDs), explores these districts, where community businesses work with municipal groups to fasttrack infrastructure improvements.
Metro Atlanta is home to numerous exceptional neighborhoods, so for practical reasons, they cannot all be included here. The communities we’ve included represent what we consider to be some of the most popular places to live in Metro Atlanta. Take a look—whether flying solo or with a family, you’re sure to find a neighborhood that appeals.
Duluth
Duluth was named a Tree City in 1989 for its dedication to preserving green space. Its historic downtown features boutiques and cafes. The town hosts numerous events throughout the year, including its Flicks on the Bricks family film festival and SummerStage Concert Series. Residents are in close proximity to the superregional Gwinnett Place Mall and The Arena at Gwinnett Center, home of the Gladiators hockey team. Duluth offers residential developments that are perfect for growing families, as well as a variety of public and private school options.
Peachtree City
Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation in this planned community, and a 90-mile network of multi-use paths makes it easy and ideal to take the carts everywhere. A 2,000-seat amphitheater, Lake Peachtree and Flat Creek Golf Course are just a few of the attractions that help this Fayette County city grow in popularity every year. Visitors also can catch a glimpse of native wildlife in the 500-acre Flat Creek Nature Area. Peachtree City is home to a year-round calendar of special events, including the biggest 4th of July celebration south of Atlanta.
Suwanee
A small agricultural community into the 1970s, Suwanee has blossomed in the past several decades. Suwanee’s Town Center has emerged as a regional event venue, live-work-play role model, and shopping and eating destination. Furthermore, the city’s award-winning parks and array of nearby amenities, including all the best that Gwinnett County has to offer, make Suwanee a great place to live. Located about 30 miles north of Atlanta, Suwanee offers a variety of housing options that fit an array of lifestyles. Many newer neighborhoods in Suwanee feature traditional designs, including multi-family as well as single-family units.
Woodstock
Woodstock, the fastest-growing city in Cherokee County, is “where modern amenities meet old Southern charm.” Historic Olde Towne pays a continual tribute to Woodstock’s pioneers through vintage shops, constant restoration and old-fashioned Southern hospitality. Families can enjoy five beautiful city parks. From summertime demolition derbies at the Dixie Speedway to the lighting of the City Park Christmas Tree in December, Woodstock residents are always finding ways to stay happy; of course, all of those beautiful new homes and excellent schools don’t hurt, either. It’s worth noting that several new builders entered the market in 2010 to complete unfinished projects.
FOUR GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS
WITH HISTORIC APPEAL
If you want your new neighborhood to be trimmed in old-fashioned charm, the Atlanta area has a number of communities that fit the bill. Look here for some history-making homes.
Cartersville
This Bartow County seat, located northwest of Atlanta, actually is quite accessible to the metro area by I-75. History dots the downtown area, from the award-winning courthouse restoration to the first-ever outdoor Coca-Cola wall sign painted on the side of a pharmacy. Residents won’t have to travel far to visit sites like the Booth Western Art Museum, Tellus Science Museum, Etowah Indian Mounds and Rose Lawn Victorian mansion. Homebuyers will find properties in all kinds of price ranges and varieties. Fixer uppers can be found for a bargain, but Cartersville also offers starter homes, family homes, luxury homes and estates.
College Park
With 867 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, College Park is the fourthlargest urban historic district in the state. It also is home to the largest private school in the United States: Woodward Academy. Called “Georgia’s Global City,” College Park is located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, I-285 and I-85, the CSX Railroad and MARTA. College Park’s growth and Main Street program have encouraged a variety of restaurants to open their doors downtown. The city also maintains its own municipal utility. Residents find that the city of College Park successfully combines the historic with the new.
Kennesaw
Originally named Big Shanty, Kennesaw is a city that continues to preserve its rich history while looking to the future. Arts, education and culture play a prevalent role in a community that offers a variety of homes and subdivisions. With five historic districts on the National Register, the city has been designated a Preserve America Community. For a bit of history, residents can visit the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, home of the “General” locomotive. Students benefit from being in the Cobb County School system, though some may choose to attend Kennesaw Charter Science & Math Academy.
McDonough
Designated a “City of Character” and a “City of Ethics” by the Georgia Municipal Association, McDonough features beautiful turn-of-thecentury homes and a downtown square that is home to some exceptional boutiques, unique shops and family-friendly restaurants. Main Street hosts annual events such as Music on the Square, the summer concert series, classic car shows and chili cook-offs. Newcomers can choose among single-family homes, condos, townhomes, farms and more. Centrally located in the heart of Henry County, 25 miles south of Atlanta and only 20 minutes from Hartsfield- Jackson International Airport, McDonough is a great place to live, work, shop, worship and play.
FOUR GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS
FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
We know that not all newcomers are looking for the same things. Atlanta has lots to offer for young professionals, too.
Decatur
Home to Agnes Scott College, Decatur offers a great mix of history and modernity. Residents can enjoy the more than 200 shops, galleries, services and performance venues located along tree-lined streets. At night, music lovers head for the listening room at Eddie’s Attic, where several big-name acts played in their early days, though live music can be found at numerous other venues, too. Events take place throughout the year at the city’s historic downtown square. Residents find a traditional small-town atmosphere— and the sophistication and excitement of a college town—along with all the benefits of living in a major metropolitan area.
Dunwoody
The winding streets and wooded lots of Dunwoody provide a beautiful setting to call home. A relative newcomer to Metro Atlanta, the historic area of “Dunwoody” officially became a city in 2008. Located in the northwest corner of Atlanta’s DeKalb County, the city of Dunwoody is home to 40,000 residents. Sitting at the heart of the corporate district known as Perimeter Center, Dunwoody benefits from proximity to the Perimeter
Community Improvement Districts. The very popular Perimeter Mall area is attracting young singles, and developments are great for almost any home buyer, including singles, young couples and families.
Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs has gone from a neighborhood of Atlanta to a booming independent Fulton County city that is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies and thousands of happy families. Easily recognizable by its skyline, which includes the “King” and “Queen” towers, Sandy Springs offers countless high-end shopping and dining options. Chastain Park Amphitheatre makes Sandy Springs an entertainment hub as well. AOL’s financial Web site named the Sandy Springs neighborhood of Spalding Drive and Jett Ferry Road the safest in the Atlanta area. Singles take note: Sandy Springs ranked fourth on Money magazine’s 2010 “Rich and Single” list.
Smyrna
Only minutes from Atlanta, Cobb Galleria Centre and Six Flags Over Georgia, Smyrna offers plenty of its own attractions, too. The “Jonquil City” derives this name from the thousands of jonquils that flourish in gardens and along the streets in early spring. The revitalized downtown area includes a library, community center, retail development and mixed-use development, city hall and charming homes. A vast array of amenities include parks, jogging trails, pools, lighted tennis courts, public golf courses and much more. Several mixed-use communities, such as the homes and shops of West Village, and green space initiatives add to Smyrna’s appeal.
Peachtree City
Your New Hometown
Relocating to Metro Atlanta? Don’t just look for a new home. Look for your new hometown. Over 35,000 people have found that in Peachtree City’s quiet, safe neighborhoods hidden among the trees. The community’s villages were master-planned to incorporate neighborhoods, local parks, schools, and shopping. These features are interconnected by a 90-mile path system for pedestrians, cyclists, and golf carts, resulting in resort-style living with a hometown feel.
Leisure Time
Peachtree City’s paths wind through acres of woodlands, making even a drive to school or work a vacation. That atmosphere is enhanced by the city’s golf courses, lakes, and dozens of sports fields, courts, and playgrounds. Residents also enjoy a BMX track, dog park, swimming pools, amphitheater, and one of the busiest libraries in Georgia. Community events are just as important to that hometown feel. Golf carts rule the July 4th parade and fireworks. The paths host road races and fun runs yearround. The Great Georgia Air Show is an annual favorite, and a series of festivals, concerts, and events rounds out the calendar. Peachtree City’s variety of stores and restaurants means there is always something to do, and it’s all just within a short golf cart ride away.
Schools
Look no further than Peachtree City for outstanding schools. Fayette County consistently ranks tops in Georgia and nationally in test scores, as well as with athletic and academic teams. Retirement Peachtree City has been named one of Georgia’s best places to retire. Fayette County offers tax exemptions for those 62 and older, and golf carts allow continued independence and community access even without a car.
Plan to Stay
Peachtree City’s slogan, “Plan to Stay,” acknowledges the community’s careful planning. It also reflects residents’ feelings after discovering how wonderful life can be at 15 miles per hour—the average speed of a golf cart. Think Peachtree City might be your new hometown? Learn more today by visiting the website at www.peachtree-city.org/relo.
Atlanta's 100 Most Popular Neighborhoods
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Metro Atlanta County Facts
- Cherokee County has the most undisturbed American Indian sites in the state
of Georgia.
- With 43 parks, recreation centers, and other related facilities, Cobb County’s
park system is one of the Southeast’s largest. - Recognized by the Atlanta Regional Commission as one of its first Green
Communities, DeKalb County calls itself “The Greenest County in America.” - Forsyth County is the fastest growing county in the state, according to 2010
Census figures. Over the past 10 years, 77,104 folks have moved into the county. - Fulton County stretches 70 miles from north to south and encompasses the city
of Atlanta and the state capitol building. It is the most heavily populated county
in the state. - Gwinnett County Public Schools is the largest school system in Georgia.
