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Affordable Atlanta Suburbs 🏡💲 | The 8 Cheapest Places to Live Near Atlanta
Atlanta, also aptly nicknamed “The Big Peach” and “Hotlanta” has been recently named as one of Travel & Leisure’s 50 best places to live in the US. The southeastern metropolis is known for more than just its peaches, as it’s home to a vibrant music and arts scene, amazing food, rich history, and an endless supply of southern hospitality. Top all of that off with a growing economy, and it’s no wonder more and more people are moving there!
The cost of living in Atlanta is also relatively affordable, depending on where in Atlanta you live. There’s Metro Atlanta (which is part of the Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Marietta Metropolitan Statistical Area and is the eighth largest metro area in the US), and then there are the more quiet Atlanta suburbs. According to Payscale, the average cost of living in Atlanta is just 2% higher than the national average, with a median home price of $485,182 and a median rent of $1,475 per month.
However, that shouldn’t deter you from relocating, as there are plenty of affordable places to live in Atlanta for families and young professionals. Namely, the suburbs — and we’ve got the latest list of the most affordable Atlanta suburbs. Whether you’re in the market for the safest suburbs or the best suburbs for families, you’ll find what you’re looking for on this list of the cheapest places to live near Atlanta.
Crime rate: 5,346 crimes committed per 100,000 people — 127.9% higher than the average
With average home prices about $220,000 less than that of the metro area, Forest Park is one of the cheapest places to live in Atlanta. The relatively low cost of living is just one aspect of its appeal. It’s also just 20 minutes from Downtown Atlanta. Forest Park is also family-friendly as it’s home to four elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school and offers residents immediate access to the Atlanta State Farmers Market as well as Starr Park.
Forest Park offers up to 70 acres of scenic walking trails and several playgrounds, making it one of the best Atlanta suburbs for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. It’s also home to several other attractions, such as the National Museum of Commercial Aviation, and plenty of shopping centers and restaurants.
Morrow, GA | One of the Most Affordable Atlanta Suburbs for Renters
Population: 6,553
Distance to Downtown Atlanta: 15.3 miles
Median household income: $62,278
Median home price: $242,000
Median rent: $1,238 per month
Crime rate: 8,011 crimes committed per 100,000 people – 241.5% higher than the average
Morrow is one of the most affordable suburbs of Atlanta, thanks to its affordable housing options. Plus, it’s only a 20-minute commute to Atlanta’s City Center from Morrow, and it’s home to the Reynolds Nature Preserve, which is notably the best place to relax and watch butterflies flutter around in the spring and summer months.
As one of the smaller Atlanta suburbs, you’ll find that much of the community here likes to spend time cheering on the Clayton University Lakers during every event. Despite being small, Morrow still has plenty to offer regarding shopping, dining out, parks, and other attractions. Overall, it’s an excellent place for families, young professionals, and even retirees to call home.
Redan, GA | An Affordable Atlanta Suburb With a Small-Town Vibe
Population: 34,870
Distance to Downtown Atlanta: 17.4 miles
Median household income: $59,357
Median home price: $260,000
Median rent: $1,476 per month
Crime rate: 3,505 crimes committed per 100,000 people – 46% higher than the national average
Redan is both a suburb of Atlanta and a census-designated place (CDP) situated in DeKalb County. Redan is the birthplace of some notable people, including former Chicago Bears place kicker Kevin Butler. Redan is also considered a bustling business district with attractive housing and plenty of entertainment. The cost of living in Redan is 6.1% lower compared to the rest of the country,and the public schools here have an average of 15.7 students per teacher.
As a medium-sized suburb, Redan offers up a small town feel with its centrally located shops and friendly community. Redan Park is where many of Redan’s residents go to enjoy outdoor picnics and baseball games. The Atlanta suburb is also a short 13 minute drive to Stone Mountain Park where you can bike or hike for free!
Conyers, GA | One of the Friendliest Affordable Suburbs
Crime rate: 3,281 crimes committed per 100,000 people – 40% higher than the national average
A 30 minute drive from the city, Conyers is one of the most recognized Atlanta suburbs. It’s home to the International Horse Park that was built specifically for the 1996 Olympic Winter Games, the Old Jail Museum, and the Lewis Vaughn Botanical Garden. The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival has also become a popular yearly tradition that draws in crowds from all the surrounding suburbs and cities.
Conyers is also one of the best Atlanta suburbs for young families, thanks to its accessibility to daycare centers, parks, playgrounds, and some highly-rated preschools. It’s also an excellent place for sports enthusiasts due to its various sports venues and the people here are also very friendly.
College Park, GA | One of the Most Affordable Atlanta Suburbs By the Airport
Population: 13,889
Distance to Downtown Atlanta: 10.9 miles
Median household income: $39,164
Median home price: $376,474
Median rent: $1,265 per month
Crime rate: 7,899 crimes committed per 100,000 people — 236.7% higher than the national average
Aside from the sound of planes taking off and landing, College Park is a pretty quiet suburb and a charming town close to the thriving downtown area and the airport. Statistically speaking, College Park has a higher crime rate than other Atlanta suburbs. However, there are plenty of safe neighborhoods to live in and enjoy here – specifically, the neighborhoods in the southeast.
The suburb is only 1.3 miles from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and 19 minutes from the Downtown area. College Park is also home to the state of Georgia’s fourth largest urban historic district, with a registered historical collection of 867 structures. These structures include homes, monuments, businesses, schools, churches, parks, a government building, a railway station, and even a cemetery. Additionally, College Park is also home to the historic College Park Golf Course. The golf course was built in 1929 and is considered to be one of the most challenging courses in the Greater Atlanta area due to its undulating fairways and elevated greens courses.
Being so close to Downtown and Midtown, College Park is also one of the best Atlanta suburbs for young professionals who’ll be commuting to work every day and are looking for a little more nightlife.
Decatur, GA | One of the Most Affordable and Safest Atlanta Suburbs Close to Downtown Atlanta
Crime rate: 1,994 crimes committed per 100,000 people — 15% lower than the national average
If you’re looking for an area that’s only 20 minutes outside of Atlanta, safe, and affordable, Decatur is the suburb you want to begin searching. Decatur is a popular and affordable suburb that’s well known for its frequent festivals, such as the Decatur Arts Festival, Decatur BBQ, Summer In The City Fest, the Decatur Book Festival, the Blues & Bluegrass Festival, the Decatur Maker’s Faire, the Decatur Craft Beer Festival, and the Decatur Wine Festival. This historic city was also home to a large neighborhood settled by freed slaves after the Civil War.
Decatur is also home to plenty of unique bars and restaurants, parks, shopping centers, and natural beauty. The 17-acre Glenlake Park is a top draw for families with a dog park, play areas, and a wooded walking trail. The suburb also has more than 60 miles of sidewalk within a 4.5 square-mile radius, making it very walkable and enjoyable for those who like strolling along shops, historic Colonial homes, and greenery. It's close to many East Atlanta neighborhoods like East Atlanta Village, Inman Park, and Lake Claire.
The public schools here are also highly rated, making Decatur not only one of the safest suburbs in Atlanta but also a nice suburb for young families and young professionals alike.
Crime rate: The average crime rate is 33.4 per 1,000 people in a standard year, which is well below the national average
Tucker is a diverse and family-oriented suburb of Atlanta with affordable homes, good quality public schools, and plenty to do. It’s actually one of the most popular Atlanta suburbs as it’s home to Discover DeKalb – the company responsible for promoting and marketing the county’s attractions for residents and visitors.
Tucker is another large suburb with small-town charm, as it’s kind and welcoming. It’s also home to whole streets of small businesses, as well as the Tucker Farmers Market, which brings together local farmers, musicians, and artisans every Thursday between 4 and 7 pm. The Tucker Nature Preserve is also a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Every year, the suburb also holds its annual Tucker Day Celebration, which is a day of love and remembrance of the city’s earliest beginnings.
Locust Grove, GA | One of the Best & Smallest Suburbs South of Atlanta
Crime rate: 2,468 crimes committed per 100,000 people — 5% higher than the national average
Locust Grove is on the outskirts, just under an hour’s drive to Downtown Atlanta. However, it’s well worth commuting the distance if you’re looking for a small town south of Atlanta. Locust Grove is well known for its train watching via the Locust Grove Train Viewing Platform, as it was once a major rail distribution center for cotton and peaches. Today, it offers a peaceful suburban air that’s home to an eclectic mix of things to do. You’ll find plenty of shopping centers and boutiques, restaurants, and attractions such as Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary.
Map of Affordable Atlanta Suburbs
There are plenty of affordable Atlanta suburbs you can choose from if you’re thinking about relocating near the city. But there’s only one team of movers you’ll want to call when it’s time to move near the Big Peach – the friendly crew at Wirks Moving & Storage. Get in touch with us today at (404) 635-6683 to discuss your upcoming move and get started with a free moving quote.
Eric Wirks
Eric Wirks started out in the moving industry over 16 years ago and after gaining in depth expertise in all industry related areas, went on to found Wirks Moving & Storage in 2009. Under Eric’s expert tutelage Wirks Moving & Storage has since serviced over 10,000 moves and kept their customers very happy, proven by a 98% customer referral rate.
