Somebody I know who works at Hartsfield, bought a beautiful townhouse in the Smyrna, Vinings area. It s not right on top of the airport, but it s a reasonably short commute via 285 -- and the areas have everything she needs: great shopping, good restaurants, a neighborhood-feel, etc.
I would say Palmetto, Peachtree City or Newnan which are south of the airport. The area immediately around the airport is not clean or safe, so stay away from East Point, Hapeville and College Park.
To Meridith...........Smyrna / Vinings..........Plan on about a 1 hour ride to the airport. Unless it s at midnight on Sunday......Thier are NO nice places near the airport - not a one.
Take a look at Tributary. It s in Douglasville, but it s close to Camp Creek Parkway right off of 285. Camp Creek runs right into the Atlanta Airport.
The words that you ve used (clean, quiet, low crime) do not generally describe the south-side city or suburbs.
North west side of town meets your description. Interstate all the way to airport (15 minutes) nice living area.
Peachtree City to the south. Vinings/Smyrna to the north
yeah a big NO for college park. Um try river dale nice school district and Beautiful houses :)