8 Best Communities to Move Your Family to in Greater Atlanta

Deciding where to raise a family goes far beyond choosing a house. Schools, safety, daily lifestyle, and long-term stability all play a role, and in Greater Atlanta, families have a wide range of options. From established Atlanta neighborhoods to highly ranked Atlanta suburbs, the region offers communities that support both family life and future growth.

At Silver Oak Remodel, we work with homeowners across the metro area, and we often hear the same question before a move or remodel: Where are families finding the best balance of schools, safety, and quality of life? This guide highlights some of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for families, ranked using those three criteria.

In this guide, you can expect to learn:

• How These Communities Were Ranked
• 1. Johns Creek
• 2. Decatur
• 3. Alpharetta
• 4. Candler Park
• 5. Roswell
• 6. Sandy Springs
• 7. Marietta
• 8. Kirkwood
• Understanding the Metrics
• Making the Right Move for Your Family
• Build Your Home in Atlanta With Silver Oak Remodel
• Ready to Remodel?

How These Communities Were Ranked

Rather than relying on a single metric, these communities were evaluated using a combination of factors that matter most to families:

• Performance and reputation of Atlanta schools and Atlanta public schools
  
  
• Safety data and crime trends
  
  
• Lifestyle considerations such as parks, walkability, family amenities, and community character
  
  

Sources include Niche and U.S. News & World Report, all of which are linked throughout the article.

1. Johns Creek

Johns Creek regularly appears at the top of national and regional rankings for family living. U.S. News & World Report has highlighted the city for its strong schools, low crime rates, and overall quality of life, making it one of the most sought-after Atlanta suburbs for families.

Families here have access to well-regarded Atlanta public schools within Fulton County Schools, including Northview High School, Chattahoochee High School, and Johns Creek High School. These schools are frequently praised for academic performance, advanced coursework, and strong parent involvement.

Lifestyle is a major draw as well. Newtown Park serves as a community hub with sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails, while Autrey Mill Nature Preserve offers outdoor education programs and nature trails that are especially popular with families. 

2. Decatur

Decatur is often cited among the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for families who want a strong sense of community paired with excellent schools. The city’s independent Decatur City Schools system consistently receives high marks for academics and engagement.

Notable schools include Decatur High School, Beacon Hill Middle School, and Oakhurst Elementary School, all of which are known for strong academic programs and active parent communities. These schools are a major reason families seeking high-performing Atlanta public schools gravitate toward Decatur.

Beyond education, Decatur’s lifestyle stands out. Glenlake Park and Legacy Park provide playgrounds, pools, and open green space, while the walkable downtown hosts family-friendly festivals, restaurants, and events throughout the year. 

3. Alpharetta

Alpharetta continues to rank highly among Atlanta suburbs for families, particularly those focused on school quality and lifestyle amenities. Niche consistently places Alpharetta among the best places to live in the metro area for families.

Schools such as Alpharetta High School, Webb Bridge Middle School, and Ocee Elementary School serve as strong anchors for the community, while private options like St. Francis School attract families considering alternative education paths.

Alpharetta’s appeal extends beyond academics. Wills Park offers sports facilities, playgrounds, walking trails, and equestrian amenities, making it a central gathering place for families. The nearby Avalon district adds dining, events, and community programming that contribute to an active, family-friendly lifestyle.

4. Candler Park

For families who want to stay within the city, Candler Park stands out among Atlanta neighborhoods. It is frequently mentioned as one of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for families who want walkability, green space, and a strong neighborhood identity.

Families in Candler Park are zoned for Mary Lin Elementary School, one of the most sought-after Atlanta public schools, along with Inman Middle School and Midtown High School. School access is often cited as a deciding factor for families choosing this neighborhood.

Candler Park itself is the heart of the community, offering playgrounds, trails, and space for festivals and neighborhood gatherings. The combination of schools, parks, and a close-knit atmosphere makes this area especially appealing to families who value urban living with a neighborhood feel.

5. Roswell

Roswell ranks high among Atlanta suburbs for families seeking space, strong schools, and access to outdoor recreation. It also consistently earns high marks on family-friendly rankings for safety and lifestyle.

Families often choose Roswell for schools such as Roswell High School, Sweet Apple Elementary School, and Elkins Pointe Middle School, all part of the Fulton County School System. These schools are known for solid academic performance and broad extracurricular offerings.

Outdoor amenities are a defining feature of Roswell. Roswell Area Park and East Roswell Park provide sports fields, playgrounds, and trails, while proximity to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area adds opportunities for hiking, biking, and nature exploration.

6. Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs offers a flexible mix of suburban comfort and proximity to Atlanta’s urban core, placing it among the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for families who want options. Public schools such as Riverwood International Charter School and North Springs High School serve the area, while nearby private institutions like The Weber School and Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School appeal to families seeking private education.

Parks play a central role in Sandy Springs’ lifestyle. Morgan Falls Overlook Park and the Abernathy Greenway provide trails, playgrounds, and river access, making outdoor time part of everyday life for many families.

7. Marietta

Marietta is a standout for families who want community character, access to parks, and multiple school pathways, both within Marietta City Schools and Cobb County School District, depending on the address. It’s a strong choice among Atlanta suburbs for families who value a “town center” feel with real day-to-day livability.

On the Marietta City Schools side, the district includes Marietta High School, along with a range of elementary and middle schools like West Side Elementary and Marietta Middle School.

For parks, Marietta gives families excellent outdoor variety. Laurel Park is a well-known option with trails, playgrounds, and sports amenities. And for bigger weekend adventures, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is nearby and managed by the National Park Service.

8. Kirkwood

Kirkwood is one of those Atlanta neighborhoods families often fall for because it feels like a true community, tree-lined streets, a strong neighborhood identity, and easy access to parks. It’s frequently included in broader discussions of best neighborhoods in Atlanta, especially for families who want an in-town lifestyle.

For schools, Fred A. Toomer Elementary is closely associated with Kirkwood and is part of Atlanta Public Schools. 

For parks and recreation, Coan Park Recreation Center is a well-known nearby spot for outdoor and cultural activities.  

Kirkwood families also spend time in smaller neighborhood green spaces, and local community organizations often publish updates and history around places like Gilliam Park.

Understanding the Metrics

When comparing areas, school performance often ranks at the top of family priorities. Research shows that areas like Decatur and Alpharetta score especially well on academic metrics and community involvement, contributing to their reputation as some of the best schools in Atlanta and among the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for families.

Safety also plays a pivotal role. Areas like Candler Park and Johns Creek consistently report crime rates lower than the national average, which contributes to their attractiveness as family communities.

Lifestyle factors, such as walkability, access to parks, local events, and strong community bonds, round out what makes a community feel like home. For many families, these elements matter as much as school ratings when considering a move to Atlanta. 

Making the Right Move for Your Family

Every family is different, and “best” will always depend on your priorities. Some will prioritize proximity to top private schools in Atlanta, while others may focus more heavily on lifestyle or commute times. Research, on-the-ground visits, and discussions with locals all help paint a fuller picture.

But Atlanta’s diversity of communities, from the suburban enclaves like Johns Creek and Alpharetta, to city neighborhoods like Decatur and Candler Park, means there are plenty of options for your family. WE hope this guide has taken you one step closer to your new home. 

Build Your Home in Atlanta With Silver Oak Remodel

If you are deciding to call Atlanta home for the first time or want to renovate your current home, the team at Silver Oak Remodel is ready to help. Since 2016, we have been offering a full range of remodeling services for Atlanta residents. Silver Oak Remodel is an award-winning design-build firm that treats every project with the care and respect it deserves. 

Check out our gallery to see examples of our work. We also offer this breakdown of our design-build process so you can understand our remodeling approach and a cost guide to help you determine your remodeling budget. We look forward to serving your family and making you feel welcome in the Atlanta area. 

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Contact us today to get started with your remodeling project.