With so many new citizens calling Atlanta home, becoming familiar with the safest cities before relocating is vital! Divided into 159 counties and home to 629 towns and cities, Georgia is a vastly diverse state experiencing exponential growth.
The Atlanta Metropolitan area ranks as the eighth largest metropolitan statistical area in the United States, spanning over 8,000 miles and covering 29 counties. With increased infrastructure projects, city revitalizations and significant business moves, metro Atlanta continues to become a relocation spot for thousands of new residents every year.
KNOWAtlanta shares its list of the top 10 safest metro Atlanta cities.
Decatur
Settled six miles from Downtown Atlanta and east of the well-known Atlanta BeltLine, Decatur in DeKalb County was previously rated as the second Best Public Square in 2021 by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel awards. Within the vibrant town square, 24,569 and counting residents can immerse themselves in a lively lineup of over 200 boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs and more.
Crime Index: 13
Fayetteville
For many years, Fayetteville in Fayette County was known to many as the bedroom community of commuters to those who worked in Atlanta and frequented the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. A combination of fantastic job opportunities, low crime rates and superior quality of life drew over 19,284 residents to call Fayetteville home. From the praised Piedmont Fayette Hospital, nearby Trilith studios, a 146-acre Fayette Pavilion shopping center and much more, Fayetteville’s growth continues to attract homeowners from across the country.
Crime Index: 25
Roswell
A prime example of blending natural beauty with historic charm, Roswell in Fulton County has something for everyone. From a 640-acre historic district, a location along the Chattahoochee River, ample green space, a vibrant arts scene and endless shopping and food opportunities, Roswell continuously keeps the city’s inhabitants and visitors entertained. Join 48,081 residents and experience southern charm at its finest.
Crime Index: 26
Alpharetta
Alpharetta in Fulton County is a go-to spot for residents across Georgia, thanks to its rich shopping and business opportunities and a growing housing market. Home to the beautifully designed mixed-use development Avalon, Alpharetta continually ranks as a superb place to live, including Best Suburb to Live in Georgia and Best Places to Live in Georgia, Best Places to Raise a Family in Atlanta by Niche as well as one of the South’s Best Cities on the Rise by Southern Living®. Discover why 66,127 residents call this metro Atlanta city home.
Crime Index: 35
Duluth
Duluth in Gwinnett County is the place to be for art lovers! The welcoming and artistic city boasts 31,864 residents and sits less than 30 miles north of Atlanta. Rich in public art, performances and more, it is no surprise that this city was voted one of the Best Affordable Suburbs in America by Bloomberg Businessweek magazine.
Crime Index: 39
Peachtree City
A master-planned golfing community, Peachtree City in Fayette County is an award-winning place to call home. Over 38,818 residents enjoy a unique community design that highlights around 100 miles of wooded golf cart paths, diverse housing opportunities and recreation for all ages! A location just south of Atlanta unlocks a vibrant host of attractions and amenities for citizens and easy access to ideal residential living, commercial centers and top-rated services.
Crime Index: 51
Loganville
A city situated in both Gwinnett and Walton Counties, Loganville is a great stopping point between Atlanta and Athens! With rich educational opportunities, a thriving business center and more, the city lives up to its tagline – “Where People Matter.” Over 14,720 citizens come first in this city less than 36 miles west of Atlanta.
Crime Index: 53
Braselton
Placed 45 minutes northeast of downtown Atlanta, Braselton locals easily unlock the state of Georgia via major thoroughfares and a location in four counties, including Gwinnett, Jackson, Hall and Barrow. The ideally placed city allows over 14,383 Braselton residents to benefit from a nearby location to the award-winning Château Élan Winery & Resort and a historic downtown district.
Crime Index: 57
Milton
Offering residents the highest quality of life in Georgia according to several rankings, Milton is the perfect combination of serene living paired with extensive city amenities. In 2011, Milton was ranked as having the top quality of life in the state and ninth across the United States.
Homeowners continue to flock to this corner of metro Atlanta to immerse themselves in a quiet lifestyle surrounded by rural scenery and a strong sense of community. Over 41,259 locals enjoy a convenient location in Fulton county, just 30 miles north of Atlanta.
Crime Index: 70
Johns Creek
Previously named one of the best cities to live in Georgia by Niche, Johns Creek sits 27 miles north of Atlanta in Fulton County. With a growing population of 82,065, Johns Creek is home to a vibrant lineup of coffee shops, boutiques, parks and restaurants. Highly rated educational institutions and a suburban environment attract growing numbers of homeowners year after year.
Crime Index: 77
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Note that these cities are rated on a crime index scale of 1 to 1000, with one ranking as the safest city.
