Affordable Atlanta Suburbs

Looking for a new home in some of the most affordable Atlanta suburbs? With some research, you can find new homes in Atlanta under $400K in great suburbs like McDonough, Bethlehem, Covington, and Union City. Let's find the perfect spot for you in some of the best affordable suburbs of Atlanta.

Summary:

Affordable Atlanta Suburbs
Which Affordable Atlanta Suburb Is Right for You?
New Construction Homes in Atlanta Under $400K
Affordable Atlanta Suburbs Conclusion

Atlanta is an incredible, vibrant city with lovely suburbs and inviting neighborhoods to call home. Get ready to discover some of the most affordable suburbs of Atlanta and new home communities within 60 miles of Georgia’s capital city.

Union City

Union City is a suburb in Fulton County, southwest of Atlanta. Explore Georgia calls Union City “the bedroom, the backstage, the peaceful retreat where rural Georgia meets Metro Atlanta.” This is one of the most affordable suburbs near Atlanta.

Pros

Proximity to Atlanta, less than 20 miles away
Offers the quiet, laid-back atmosphere residents seek
Lower cost of living, 4% less than the national average per Payscale® in March 2024
Features Ronald Bridges Park, with pavilions, playgrounds, and a nature trail
Less than 10 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for convenient travel access

Cons

Limited local attractions, likely requiring driving elsewhere for more shopping, dining, and activity options

McDonough

About 30 miles south of Atlanta is the suburb of McDonough, located in Henry County. McDonough’s popularity is growing due to its mix of everyday conveniences and stores, outdoor activities, and proximity to Atlanta.

Pros

Multiple restaurant options in McDonough Square and the surrounding area, including pub food, tacos, burgers, BBQ, and more
Within a convenient drive of High Falls State Park, a 1,050-acre park with breathtaking waterfalls and a massive lake ($5 per vehicle)
Fresh fruit picking in the summer at Southern Belle Farm

Cons

Potential traffic congestion for commuters during rush hour on the I-75

Covington

The city of Covington, Georgia, may be familiar to some since it’s a popular spot for filming. While Georgia has drawn many Hollywood crews to the South in recent years, Covington, in particular, has been the background for shows such as The Vampire Diaries and The Dukes of Hazzard, as well as movies like Remember the Titans and Selma, according to the city’s tourism website in January 2024. Explore these new home communities in Covington.

Pros

A beautiful and historic downtown with quiet streets, a picturesque center square, and boutiques and family-owned restaurants lining the sidewalks
Lower cost of living, 4% less than the national average per Payscale in January 2024, with housing 12% less and utilities 16% less than national costs
Convenient access to similarly small towns like Oxford, Madison, and Conyers

Cons

Potentially longer commutes and traffic congestion due to distance from Atlanta (around 35 miles)
Limited local amenities and activities, depending on your needs, due to being a small town and likely requires driving elsewhere for more options

Bethlehem

If you’re seeking a charming rural, small-town suburb, you’ll find affordable homes in Bethlehem. Located in Barrow County, this town spans less than three square miles, according to City Data in 2020.

Pros

Lower cost of living, 4% less than the national average, per Payscale as of January 2024, with utilities 16% less and housing 12% less than national costs
Located off Highway 29, which also leads to Lawrenceville and I-85 into Atlanta
Convenient access to Athens, about 24 miles away, or Lawrenceville, 18 miles away, for additional amenities and activities

Cons

Limited attractions and activities
Longer commutes due to the distance from Atlanta (around 50 miles)

Gainesville

Gainesville, another one of the most affordable Atlanta suburbs, may be farthest from Metro Atlanta, but it has much to offer. The downtown square is a popular local hangout thanks to its boutiques, bars, breweries, and restaurants. The city is also home to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. As a growing area, you’ll find lovely new home communities in Gainesville, GA.

Pros

An active local events calendar with something to do every weekend
Several exits off I-985, ideal for commuting into the city, plus easy access to nearby Buford and the Mall of Georgia
Access to one of the state’s best health systems: Northeast Georgia Health System, with the flagship hospital ranked among the best regional hospitals and number six in the state, according to U.S. News & World Report® as of January 2024

Cons

Longer commutes to Atlanta due to the distance (approximately 55 miles)
Traffic congestion during peak driving times, particularly on the I-985
Considered a college town, home to Brenau University, Lanier Technical College, and the University of North Georgia—a potential drawback for some people

Which Affordable Atlanta Suburb Is Right for You?

Depending on your lifestyle, some suburbs may be a more suitable fit than others. Now that you know more about the affordable suburbs near Atlanta, let’s explore which might be right for you.

Best Affordable Atlanta Suburb for Young Professionals

The suburbs are where people flock to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This suburb is the perfect spot for those who crave a quiet, laid-back atmosphere and community-centric environment at the end of the workday while still enjoying proximity to all the city amenities and activities:

Union City: Less than 20 miles outside of Atlanta, Union City is one of the most affordable suburbs, offering an easy commute into the city for work or convenient access to the many exciting nightlife options.

Best Affordable Atlanta Suburb for Families and Individuals

Suburbs often afford the luxuries of life that many households desire, such as quality schools, plenty of parks and playgrounds, and the close-knit feel of community. These are two excellent and affordable Atlanta suburbs for families and individuals:

Gainesville: Located in Hall County, Gainesville has several public and private school options, with Hall County schools earning a B+ rating on Niche as of January 2024. Residents also have proximity to many employers thanks to over 330 manufacturing and processing facilities and 57 international companies with offices in Gainesville, according to the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce in 2022. Explore new home communities in Gainesville, GA, from Centex®.

McDonough: The relaxed pace, multiple scenic green spaces, and quaint downtown draw people to McDonough, making it a relaxing and fun place to live for households of any size.

Commuter-Friendly, Affordable Atlanta Suburb

If you need an easy drive to and from the office, these are the best affordable suburbs of Atlanta for commuting:

Covington: With easy access to I-20, a major east-to-west highway in Georgia, residents can enjoy convenient commutes into Atlanta or toward Augusta, Georgia, and South Carolina. Browse our new home communities in Covington, GA, just 3.3 miles from I-20.

Union City: Less than 20 miles outside of the City of Atlanta, Union City offers commuters proximity to I-285, I-85, and the South Fulton Parkway.

Best Affordable Atlanta Suburb for Outdoor Enthusiasts

One of the perks of living around the greater Atlanta area is access to the North Georgia mountains, lakes, rivers, and wilderness. These are the best affordable suburbs of Atlanta that also boast more outdoor adventures than the rest:

Covington: Located in Newton County, Covington offers several opportunities to spend time outdoors, including being just six miles from Lake Varner Reservoir.

Gainesville: Gainesville is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. You can drive to one of Lake Lanier’s numerous access points, and the lake has dozens of parks with docks. Chicopee Woods is another local favorite for hiking, biking, and golfing.

Bethlehem: Fort Yargo, one of Georgia’s state parks, is around six miles from Bethlehem. For just $5 a vehicle, you can spend the day hiking or biking the miles of trails or enjoy the park’s 260-acre lake, equipped with a swimming beach, places to fish, and boating ramps. History buffs will appreciate checking out the log fort built in 1792 by settlers. Freeman’s Mill Park is another excellent area to explore.

Exterior of a new construction home in Gainesville, GA

New Construction Homes in Atlanta Under $400K

If any of these suburbs call to you, you’re in luck: Several of these affordable Atlanta suburbs have new construction homes for under $400K.

Westfield Village: Westfield Village is a brand-new community in Covington. Residents have access to a pool, cabana, playground, and several pocket parks for spending time outside. You can choose from two-story or ranch-style homes, which range between 1,654 to 2,670 square feet and start in the low $300Ks.

Avery Ridge: This new construction community in Gainesville offers lots of green space, easy access to Lake Lanier, and homes starting in the high $300Ks. Future homeowners can choose between ranch-style and several two-story layouts ranging from 1,838 to 2,670 square feet.