Need more space but still want quick access to Buckhead, Perimeter jobs, and MARTA? If you are outgrowing a condo or starter home, Sandy Springs gives you room to live without giving up your Atlanta connections. In this guide, you will see what you can buy, how commutes work, where the parks and schools fit in, and how Sandy Springs compares to nearby options. Let’s dive in.

Why consider Sandy Springs now

Sandy Springs sits in northern Fulton County and blends walkable City Springs, major office hubs, and leafy residential neighborhoods. The city’s population is an estimated 105,505 and the median household income is $101,593, according to the latest U.S. Census QuickFacts. The median value of owner-occupied housing units is $583,900 and the mean travel time to work is 26.6 minutes. These baseline figures help you frame affordability and commute expectations as you plan a move up.

For context on the lifestyle, the city’s civic core at City Springs brings dining, events, and the performing arts together in a walkable setting. That mix is why many buyers view Sandy Springs as a smart pivot from intown living to more space without losing urban access.

What homes you get in a move-up

If you are trading a 1,000 to 1,400 square foot condo or small home for more room, Sandy Springs delivers larger single-family options. Typical move-up houses range from about 1,800 to 3,500 plus square feet. You will often find 3 to 5 bedrooms, garage parking, and a private yard. Many homes have space for a home office and outdoor entertaining, which is a common move-up priority.

You also have a wide spread of lot sizes. Townhomes and many condos have small or shared outdoor areas. Smaller single-family lots often run about 0.15 to 0.35 acre. Suburban-style lots are commonly 0.35 to 0.75 acre, especially near the river. Estate pockets along the Chattahoochee include 1 plus acre parcels.

Neighborhood snapshots to know

• Riverside and North Riverside. These areas lean single-family with larger yards and privacy. Average home sizes in local summaries are often in the 3,400 to 3,600 square foot range, and many properties sit on about a half acre or more. If yard space and river-adjacent green feel are top of your list, start here.
• Glenridge and Hammond corridors. Close to the Medical Center and Perimeter, you will see mid-century ranches, renovated homes, and occasional teardowns that become new builds. Lots commonly span roughly 0.3 to 0.7 acre, with occasional full-acre parcels.
• Perimeter Center and City Springs. Expect a mix of newer townhomes and mid-rise condos near retail and MARTA. If you want reduced maintenance and walkability to amenities, this is a practical fit.

Renovation or rebuild choices

Supply in Sandy Springs is mostly infill and varies by street. Many move-up buyers choose renovated mid-century homes, while others target older houses on strong lots for a future rebuild. Local reporting highlights steady infill activity around Roswell Road and City Springs, which supports neighborhood momentum and long-term value. If you are weighing renovation vs. new construction, walk each block with a local advisor to understand recent sales, build trends, and permitting considerations. For context on ongoing infill discussions, see regional coverage of redevelopment near City Springs in local reporting.

Commute and job access

One of Sandy Springs’ biggest move-up advantages is commute efficiency. GA-400 and I-285 put you within short drives of Buckhead, Midtown, and the Perimeter office market. The Census-reported mean travel time for Sandy Springs residents is 26.6 minutes, which sets a realistic baseline for everyday trips.

If you prefer rail, the MARTA Red Line serves multiple stations in or near Sandy Springs, including Medical Center, Sandy Springs, and North Springs, with park-and-ride options. Trains run frequently on weekdays and connect directly to Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, and the Airport. You can review station and parking details on the city’s public transportation page.

The Perimeter Center submarket is a major regional jobs hub. Sandy Springs has seen headline employer activity in recent years, including new headquarters announcements that reinforce local demand for nearby housing. For example, the city detailed Newell Brands’ headquarters decision in an official news update. Proximity to these campuses and Pill Hill’s medical cluster is a key reason many move-up buyers choose Sandy Springs.

Schools and education options

Sandy Springs is primarily served by Fulton County Schools. One local high school, Riverwood International Charter High School, offers an International Baccalaureate program and advanced coursework. Because school boundaries can be complex and may change, always verify the exact school assignment for a property by street address using Fulton County Schools resources.

Private schools across north Atlanta are accessible from Sandy Springs, but commute times vary by campus. If you are considering private options, test the morning route from your target neighborhood during typical bell times.

Parks, river, and local lifestyle

Sandy Springs pairs suburban comfort with meaningful access to nature. You have the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Morgan Falls Overlook Park, and an expanding network of trails and greenways. For an easy overview, check out this guide to must-visit parks in Sandy Springs.

For dining, arts, and community events, City Springs is a standout. The performing arts center, seasonal programming, and restaurants create a lively, walkable hub that adds daily convenience. Learn more about the district’s vision and offerings at City Springs.

Price context and value

Recent market snapshots place Sandy Springs in the middle of the value triangle for north Atlanta. As of January 2026, one MLS-based provider reported a median sale price around $565,000. A separate index of typical home values showed about $660,185 through December 31, 2025. Different methods and monthly swings explain the gap, so focus on your specific neighborhood and product type.

A practical way to plan is by bands. Value pockets often include older homes on smaller lots or attached options near Perimeter Center. The broad mid-market includes renovated ranches and traditional two-story homes on roughly third to half-acre lots. Premium river-adjacent areas and estate sections trade higher, especially on larger parcels and newer builds. Ask your advisor to pull the latest three-month trend for the streets you prefer so you set the right expectations before you shop.

Compare nearby alternatives

• Brookhaven. A more urban-suburban mix near Buckhead. Recent reports show higher medians in many pockets. It appeals if you want closer intown convenience and are comfortable with smaller parcels in some areas.
• Dunwoody. A Perimeter neighbor with a similar single-family mix and strong highway access. Typical value signals often land in the mid-600s range. It is a common pick for buyers who prioritize proximity to Perimeter campuses.
• Roswell and Alpharetta. Further north with many larger-lot subdivisions and higher price points in several communities. These areas suit buyers who want bigger footprints and are fine with a longer commute.
• Buckhead. Intown, with higher prices per square foot in many subareas and a mix of urban and estate properties. You trade some yard for a closer drive into the core.

The bottom line. Sandy Springs often balances space, value, and access. You tend to get more yard and square footage than intown while keeping your commute manageable and amenities close.

Move-up buyer checklist

Use this quick list to pressure test whether Sandy Springs is the right fit for you.

• Define must-have space and lot needs. List your target square footage, bedroom count, and whether you need an office or flex room. Decide if you want a low-maintenance townhome, a smaller lot around 0.2 to 0.35 acre, or a larger lot closer to a half acre or more.
• Set a budget band and verify comps. Align your budget with a value, mid, or premium band and review recent sales in your exact submarket and school zone. Ask for a three-month trend to reduce seasonality noise.
• Do a commute test. Drive your route to Perimeter, Buckhead, or Midtown during typical rush windows. Also test MARTA from the nearest Red Line station and confirm park-and-ride capacity. Use the Census QuickFacts mean commute time of 26.6 minutes as a broad reference, then base your decision on live timing.
• Confirm schools by address. Boundaries can shift. Verify your home’s assigned schools through Fulton County Schools and review programs at Riverwood International Charter if relevant to your plan.
• Estimate taxes and carrying costs. Millage rates change each year. Use the county’s property tax estimator with your target price, then add insurance, utilities, and any HOA dues for a full monthly picture.
• Weigh renovation vs. move-in ready. Many buyers renovate mid-century homes or rebuild on strong lots. Price out likely updates for kitchens, baths, roofing, windows, and systems, then compare that total with the cost of a newer or fully updated home. Local reporting on infill near City Springs, such as this piece, shows how the area continues to evolve.
• Check neighborhood momentum. Scan for nearby employer growth and civic investments. City updates on HQ decisions and public transportation access can signal future demand and help support resale value.

Your next step

If Sandy Springs checks your boxes for space, commute, and lifestyle, the best next step is a targeted preview tour. Walk Riverside for yard and privacy, Glenridge for renovation or rebuild potential, and City Springs for townhome and condo convenience. Test the drive, visit parks, and verify schools by address the same day so you leave with a clear decision.

When you are ready to move up with confidence, connect with Nadine Lutz. You will get high-touch guidance, data-informed pricing, and a concierge approach that simplifies every step from search through closing.

FAQs

What price points define Sandy Springs move-ups?

• Recent reports show the median sale price around the mid-500s as of January 2026, while an index of typical values sits in the mid-600s as of late 2025. Expect variation by neighborhood and lot size.

Which Sandy Springs areas have larger lots?

• Riverside and North Riverside commonly feature larger parcels, from about a half acre to over an acre in select pockets, often paired with larger single-family homes.

How does the Sandy Springs commute compare to intown?

• The mean commute time is 26.6 minutes per U.S. Census QuickFacts, and access to GA-400, I-285, and multiple MARTA Red Line stations helps keep trips to Perimeter and Buckhead efficient.

What public high school is often noted by buyers?

• Riverwood International Charter High School serves parts of Sandy Springs and offers an IB program; always confirm the assigned school by property address with Fulton County Schools.

Where can I verify property taxes before I buy?

• Use the Fulton County online tax estimator to model your annual tax bill for a target purchase price, then layer in insurance, utilities, and any HOA dues for total carrying costs.