What Atlanta suburbs cities have the most complete and proportional Downtown feel? (Roswell: violent crime, houses)

[Mike_IN_AUG]

I want to know which Atlantans suburbs have become pretty much their own city and have a complete Downtown for their population. Do these cities have their traffic problems under control? Do they have rampant crime? Which ones are on the come up and stealing residents from other areas? Which ones will stand the test of time?

Answers or any of these questions would be greatly appreciated!

[DaBurgh]

City of Decatur. You should go and see the courthouse some time, it is magnificent

[Pemgin]

Decatur. It's arguably the only suburban city that has it's own identity. Traffic within the city usually isn't bad, and it's served by MARTA rail/bus and is developing better bike infrastructure. Crime is typically just the standard burglary/car break-in type, without a lot of violent crimes. There's smart development and dense housing being built in the center of the city near the square, but some are worried about rapidly inflating housing prices and many older homes being torn down to make way for large, Mcmansion style houses. But of all the suburbs, I think Decatur will be one of the very few to age gracefully.

[AnsleyPark]

Decatur beyond a doubt. Then Roswell and Marrieta.

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

Decatur beyond a doubt. Then Roswell and Marrieta.

I agree with this. Others with greater potential are Woodstock and Lawrenceville.

[ATLTJL]

I would argue the real answer is none of them.

There are lots of "historic downtown" areas, but I don't really think any of them are complete and without Atlanta nearby, wouldn't qualify as cities, more like small towns.

But yes, Decatur is the closest to what you describe, I think.

Decatur, however, most certainly does not have its traffic problem under control.

[cwkimbro]

I'll add Lawrenceville and Norcross.

Woodstock and Suwanee get a honorable mention as being new developing town centers in a modern era.

Now I need to mention one thing... given that we are in a modern post-car era... once we get past the walk-up culture vs car-driven culture.

Cobb County, North Fulton, and Gwinnett County all have as many jobs as are needed for their amount of residents. They provide what is needed for people to live and work. They are no longer traditional suburbs that depend on commuting into the city. The main difference is it is an area built for the car and it won't look like a downtown. In fact the jobs are spread out in large facilities and campuses.

[cqholt]

Decatur

[Larry X]

Marietta

[Ferdinandbogan]

Griffin have a nice developing downtown