Incorporated just in 2005, Sandy Springs offers proximity to both downtown Atlanta and Buckhead for those with in-town work commutes. The average commute time is 30.06 minutes for a resident of Sandy Springs.
If you want to skip the traffic, North Springs is the last stop on the North line on the MARTA rail and offers plenty of parking for those who wish to stop and ride, plus access to commuter buses.
Sandy Springs caters to emerging business professionals, college students looking for more affordable living and young families not quite ready for full suburbia life. It still keeps a small-town feel as the population hovers around 100,000 residents.
You’ll find the corporate headquarters for UPS, Cox Communications, Newell Rubbermaid, Inspire Brands, Mercedes-Benz USA and others in the area, with IBM Corporation being one of the top employers in the city. Keep on reading to see if this Greater Atlanta city is right for your lifestyle and your family.
Where is Sandy Springs?
Located in the northern part of Fulton County, Sandy Springs borders the Chattahoochee River and Roswell, Dunwoody and the Buckhead community of Atlanta. A small section falls inside the Perimeter (the ring formed by I-285), but most of it falls outside of it. You can access various parts of the city via state highway 400, which was once a toll road.
Source: Rent.
What’s it like to live in Sandy Springs?
With access to the city and Buckhead, Sandy Springs is ideal for those with work commutes within Atlanta’s business centers. You’ll feel like you’re part of a community quickly with a visit to City Springs, the new downtown development. From performances to delicious dining options, it’s just a sneak peek at what it’s like to live in this metro Atlanta suburb. Here’s more.
Demographics
Thanks to its affordability and access to downtown Atlanta, the demographics of this city skews to young professionals and families. The average age in Sandy Springs is 41.87 with an average income of $79,727.
The city has a good mix of types of housing — from single-family homes to apartment buildings throughout. It skews more urban lifestyle as the majority of the population rents their home versus owning their home. The population of Sandy Springs leans primarily White (67.7 percent) followed by Black and Hispanic, per census data.
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Entertainment
As mentioned, City Springs has brought a sense of community and plenty of entertainment to Sandy Springs — with outdoor concerts, many dining options, and even a small playground and splash pad. At the center of it all is the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, which hosts concerts and plays inside the Studio Theatre and Byers Theatre.
Dining options for a night out on the town are plenty, including Persian fare from Rumi’s Kitchen and Mexican-focused Casi Cielo. Sandy Springs has a robust community of immigrants, so you’ll also have access to Chinese, Greek, Italian, Vietnamese and more right on Roswell Road.
When the weather gets warm, you can enjoy the many festivals and events like the Sandy Springs Lantern Parade, tasting event Food That Rocks and the Sandy Springs Festival.
Education
Sandy Springs is part of the Fulton County School System, with seven elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools serving the city, including Riverwood High School and North Springs Charter School of the Arts.
Nearby, you can find several K-12 private schools, such as Brandon Hall School, Atlanta Jewish Academy, Mount Vernon Presbyterian School, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School and others. No universities are located within the city limits, but you can find the Art Institute of Atlanta, a private liberal college, not too far away in Dunwoody.
Safety
Sandy Springs was named one of the top 50 safest cities in the United States, according to a 2019 report by SafeWise. The city’s property and violent crime rates fall well below the national average. Sandy Springs’ small population of close to 109,000 residents (according to census data) is a factor in its safety, as well, according to another 2019 report.
That paired with the city’s economic diversity and good public schools make it a nice spot for children to grow up in.
Outdoor recreation
There’s a reason why Atlanta has been nicknamed “A City in a Forest.” Sandy Springs has plenty of opportunities for those that enjoy the outdoors. First, the multi-use PATH400 Greenway Trail runs through Sandy Springs into Buckhead, and soon, it will join the north section of the Atlanta BeltLine.
The city also borders the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, which gives residents access to 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River and plenty of opportunities to float down the river, fly fish, hike and picnic. Morgan Falls Overlook Park and Abernathy Greenway Playable Art Park provide plenty of fun for kids with playgrounds and accessible trails.
Finding an apartment in Sandy Springs
You can get the benefits of city life with the affordability of a suburb in Sandy Springs. You can find a one-bedroom apartment on average for $1,787 a month and a two-bedroom on average for $2,233 a month.
As a resident of Sandy Springs, you have easy access to public transportation via rail or bus, as well as all major highways, to reach economic opportunities in both downtown Atlanta and the nearby Buckhead community, plus highly-rated public and private schools for your children.
On the weekends, you have excellent fine dining options, international fare and entertainment via nearby venues. If you’re more outdoorsy, you have the flowing Chattahoochee River right in your backyard to go float in or take a hike at the Morgan Falls Overlook for scenic views and fresh air.
Whether you choose Sandy Springs or another neighborhood, it’s easy to find apartments for rent or homes to buy in Atlanta. Start looking today!
