Are you thinking about moving to Sandy Springs, GA? Sandy Springs is a city in northeastern Georgia and is a suburb of Atlanta. The city got its name due to Native Americans forging three trails in 400 CE to better access the area’s freshwater springs. Once home to the Creek Muscogee tribe, Sandy Springs was incorporated as a city in 2005 and is now known for its gorgeous nature, wonderful job opportunities, and close proximity to downtown Atlanta. As such, Sandy Springs is a good place to live.
Where Is Sandy Springs GA?
Sandy Springs is in Fulton County, Georgia, and is a part of the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is bordered by Atlanta to the South, Cobb County to the west and north, Roswell to the north, and Dunwoody and Brookhaven to the east. It also shares a very slight border with Peachtree Corners to the west. A large portion of the city’s border runs along the Chattahoochee River.
It is 14.3 miles from Sandy Springs to Atlanta and 67.1 miles from Sandy Springs to Athens. Sandy Springs’ close proximity to many major cities makes it a great starting place for a quick day or weekend trip.
Sandy Springs Information
- County: Fulton
- Sandy Springs area: 38.52 square miles
- Sandy Springs zip code: 30092-30319
- Sandy Springs area code: 404, 678, 770, 470
- Sandy Springs elevation: 1,093 feet
- Sandy Springs time zone: Eastern
- Closest airport to Sandy Springs: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), 25 miles away
Sandy Springs GA Population & Demographics
What is the population of Sandy Springs? The Sandy Springs population is 108,080, which is a 15% increase over the past decade! This bustling city is Georgia’s seventh-largest city and is the third-largest city ever to incorporate in the United States. It is a part of the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell GA Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of 6.1 million.
There are many notable people from the city, including television star Mike Bettes, celebrity chef Todd English, and rapper Playboi Carti.
Sandy Springs, Georgia Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 51.6% female, 48.4% male
- Median age: 37.2
- Racial and ethnic composition: 58.6% White, 19.4% Black or African American, 11.3% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Asian, 4.7% two or more races, 0.4% American Indian
- Median household income: $86,548 (compared to the Georgia average of $65,030)
- Educational attainment: 96.8% high school degree (or higher), 67.9% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 17.7%
Transportation in Sandy Springs
There are two major highways that serve the area. Georgia 400 runs north to south, and I-295 runs east to west. Roswell Road is the “main street” of the city, with most residents living within two miles of the corridor. Roswell Road runs directly through Downtown and straight into the Atlanta neighborhood of Buckhead.
When living in the city, you will have access to the mass transit system MARTA. MARTA has several bus lines as well as a heavy rail rapid transit line that runs through the city and Atlanta metropolitan areas. There are three MARTA stations in the city.
The closest airport to Sandy Springs is the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). ATL is 25 miles away from the city and is one of the largest airports in the United States.
Cost of Living in Sandy Springs
What is the cost of living in Sandy Springs, GA? The Sandy Springs Cost of Living Index, or COLI, is 105. This means that Sandy Springs is 5% more expensive than the national average of 100. Although the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, it is very affordable for being just outside of a large city like Atlanta.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $84,795 per year to afford to live in Sandy Springs. This comes out to about $7,066 per month. The MIT living wage for two working adults with two children in Sandy Springs is $39.60. This means that each adult would have to earn $39.60 per hour at a full-time job to support their family.
Typical Sandy Springs Living Expenses:
- Average utilities in Sandy Springs: $195.87
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $15.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.65
- Loaf of bread: $2.85
- Gallon of gas: $3.34
- Gym membership: $45.89
- Movie ticket: $15.00
- Childcare (monthly): $1,373
Source: Numbeo
It is important to understand the taxes you will be responsible for paying when living in Sandy Springs.
Property Taxes
Property taxes in Sandy Springs, GA are set by the Board of Commissioners and collected by the Fulton County Tax Commissioner. The Board of Commissioners will determine the millage rate, which is used to calculate the assessed value of a property. The City’s Charter states that the millage rate in Sandy Springs shall not exceed 4.731. This means that, at most, you will pay $4.73 per $1,000 of appraised value. A portion of your property taxes stays within the City of Sandy Springs, and the rest is distributed to Fulton County, Fulton County Schools, and the State of Georgia.
Sales Tax
The sales tax rate in Sandy Springs is 7.750%. Here’s how that number breaks down:
- Georgia State: 4.000%
- Fulton County: 3.750%
- Sandy Springs: 0.000%
- Total: 7.750%
Income Tax
The city has a graduated individual income tax. Income tax in Sandy Springs has rates ranging from 1.00% to 5.75% based on individual or business-related income levels.
Although many factors go into the Sandy Springs, GA cost of living, it is important to understand that rent and housing will be a large part of your expenses.
Sandy Springs Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices
Are you on the hunt for homes for sale in Sandy Springs, GA? According to Redfin, the average home price in Sandy Springs, GA is $650,000, which is higher than the national average of $419,103. The Sandy Springs, GA real estate market is booming, with prices up 5.2% from last year. Condos in the city sell for an average of $256,250, and townhouses sell for an average of $457,500.
Thinking about finding apartments for rent in Sandy Springs? According to RentCafe, the average rent in Sandy Springs, GA is $1,533. This is lower than nearby cities such as Atlanta ($1,846), Lawrenceville ($1,692), and Marietta ($1,635).
The most affordable neighborhoods in Sandy Springs are Avalon, Bakers Glen, and Ball Mill Place, where the average rent is $1,630 per month. The most expensive neighborhoods in the area are Winterthur, Wyncourtney, and Wyndham Hills, where the average rent is $1,969.
According to the 2022 Rental Affordability Report, it is cheaper to rent than to buy in the city.
Sandy Springs Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Sandy Springs
If you are moving to Sandy Springs, then you are probably searching for the perfect area to settle down. Some of the best places to live in Sandy Springs include Downtown, Huntcliff, and Mount Vernon Woods. You can also check out our blog post on the best Sandy Springs neighborhoods.
Downtown Sandy Springs | Sandy Springs Neighborhood Popular Among Young Professionals
If you are looking to rent an apartment in the city, then you may want to consider living in Downtown Sandy Springs. This area is very walkable and is great for those who enjoy exploring the many bars, restaurants, and shops the city has to offer.
Huntcliff | Quiet Sandy Springs Neighborhood Perfect for Retirees
Situated next to the Chattahoochee River, Huntcliff is an affluent neighborhood in Sandy Springs and surrounds the Cherokee Country Club. This is one of the best places to live in Sandy Springs for those who prefer a laid-back style of living. The area is quiet and set away from the busy areas of the city. The average home price in Huntcliff is $955,250.
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Mount Vernon Woods | Family-Friendly Neighborhood in Sandy Springs
If you are moving to the area with children, then you should consider Mount Vernon Woods. Mount Vernon Woods is one of the safest neighborhoods in Sandy Springs and is close to many of the city’s top-rated schools, such as Mount Vernon School and The School of the Seven Sages. The average home price in Mount Vernon Woods is $225,000.
Sandy Springs Weather & Climate
The Sandy Springs climate is perfect for those who prefer hot summers and mild winters. According to the Köppen classification, the city has a humid subtropical climate. This means that the city experiences hot and humid winters and mild to cool winters.
The best time of year to visit the city is from early May to mid June and late August to mid October. The summers can get incredibly hot and muggy, which is why July may not be the most comfortable month to visit the area.
The hottest month of the year in the area is July, with an average high of 89ºF. The coldest month of the year in the area is January, with an average low of 35ºF.
Does it snow in Sandy Springs, GA? It is possible, but you’re not likely to need a snow shovel. The Sandy Springs annual snowfall is just one inch.
Sandy Springs Restaurants
There are many incredible restaurants in Sandy Springs, GA. Here are just a few of the best places to eat in the area.
The Select Restaurant + Bar
The Select Restaurant + Bar is easily one of the best restaurants in Sandy Springs. This upscale restaurant serves fancy European dishes and cocktails starting at 5:00 PM every night of the week.
6405 Blue Stone Rd Suite 200, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, (770) 637-2240
C&S Seafood & Oyster Bar
C&C Seafood & Oyster Bar is one of the best restaurants for seafood lovers. This beautiful restaurant serves lunch, dinner, brunch, dessert, and drinks. They are also available for private events. Their menu changes seasonally, so you will always find something new to try!
6125 Roswell Rd Suite 700, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, (470) 427-3826
Southern Bistro
If you are searching for some good old-fashioned comfort food, then look no further than the Southern Bistro. This is one of the most popular restaurants in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Southern Bistro serves up both traditional and modern Southern comfort food in a relaxed setting.
4920 Roswell Rd Suite 55, Sandy Springs, GA 30342, (404) 705-8444
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Things to Do in Sandy Springs
Are you curious about what to do in the area? There are many fun attractions and events to check out. Here are just a few of the best things to do in Sandy Springs, GA.
Top Sandy Springs Attractions
- The Splatter Studio: The splatter studio is one of the most fun things to do in Sandy Springs. Take a step into this studio and paint canvases, the walls, and each other!
- Battle and Brew: Pay a visit to the first-ever video game restaurant and venue in the United States!
- Mutation Brewing Company: If you enjoy breweries, then you can’t miss Mutation Brewing Company.
- Regal Perimeter Pointe: Catch the latest movie at the Regal Perimeter Pointe inside of the Perimeter Pointe shopping mall.
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Sandy Springs Museums, Entertainment, and Arts
- Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and Park: This free museum showcases the Civil War and has many historical artifacts and documents.
- Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center: If you enjoy going to the theater, then catch a show at the Performing Arts Center. They have shows every week for people of all ages.
- The Sipping Plant: Enjoy a glass of wine while creating your own table-top garden or string art.
Sandy Springs Parks & Outdoors
- Morgan Falls Overlook Park: Morgan Falls Overlook Park is one of the best things to do in Sandy Springs with kids. This park features playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas.
- Big Trees Forest Preserve: This 30-acre nature preserve has many incredible walking trails to observe both nature and wildlife.
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: One of the best things to do in Sandy Springs, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is great for walking, running, rafting, and picnicking!
Shopping in Sandy Springs:
- Hammond Springs Shopping Center: This 68,000 square-foot mall has dozens of hip stores and restaurants.
- City Walk Sandy Springs: This bustling mall has many local and national retailers.
Map of Sandy Springs Things to Do
Sports
There are no sports teams in the city, but you can support all of the various Atlanta sports teams, such as the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta United FC, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, and Atlanta Thrashers.
Sandy Springs Crime Rate
Is Sandy Springs safe? According to the FBI, the Sandy Springs crime rate is 1,531 crimes per 100,000 people. This is 36.4% lower than the state average and 34.7% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate in Sandy Springs is 147 per 100,000 people, which is 63.3% lower than the state average and 62.1% lower than the national average. The property crime rate in Sandy Springs is 1,384 per 100,000, which is 31.1% lower than the state average and 29.3% lower than the national average. As such, Sandy Springs is a safe place to live.
Here’s the crime rate compared with other major cities:
- Athens: 77% higher than Sandy Springs
- Dillard: 18% higher than Sandy Springs
- Flowery Branch: 13% lower than Sandy Springs
When living in Sandy Springs, you will be served by the Sandy Springs Police Department. There are 141 officers on the force.
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Jobs in Sandy Springs
On the hunt for Sandy Springs jobs? The city is the site of many corporate headquarters, including UPS, Inspire Brands, Focus Brands, and Cox Enterprises. These headquarters are, therefore, some of the top employers in Sandy Springs.
According to PayScale, the average salary in Sandy Springs is $68,000 per year. If you are searching for jobs in Sandy Springs, GA, then check out the city job board or search for ‘Sandy Springs GA jobs’ on Indeed.
Sandy Springs Schools
After moving to the area, you will be served by the Fulton County School System. There are two high schools in Sandy Springs, as well as seven elementary schools and two middle schools. There are many incredible private schools in Sandy Springs, including Brandon Hall School, Atlanta Jewish Academy, and The Epstein School.
Serving students and residents living in the city is the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.
Is moving to Sandy Springs, GA in your future? Our Sandy Springs movers are ready to help you with any and all of your relocation needs! Fill out our online form or give us a call today at 404-635-6683 for a free moving estimate!
