Smyrna, GA, United States

With a population of 55,663 as of 2020, Smyrna is one of the fastest-growing cities in Georgia, but don't expect a quiet suburban idyll. The city has seen a wave of redevelopment, resulting in thousands of new homes, mostly in cluster, townhouse, and condo communities. However, this rapid expansion has come with a persistent bureaucratic headache, as the local government juggles infrastructure projects like connecting the Silver Comet Trail to the Atlanta Beltline.

While Smyrna boasts a vibrant downtown with open-air concerts and festivals, its proximity to Atlanta means it's firmly part of the metro area's sprawl. Residents enjoy easy access to major highways, but must contend with the traffic and density that comes with being in the inner ring of the Atlanta region.

Overall, Smyrna is best suited for those seeking an affordable, connected suburb with an active community vibe - as long as they don't mind the occasional clash with local bureaucracy.