The traffic thing is only really a problem if you intend to bid 1-2 day trips, IMO. If you're gonna work 3+ day trips I consider it a small investment of time to be where I want to be.
I picked the NW side of ATL. We have a really nice one-way toll system (peachpass) to avoid congestion at the worst hours. I'm about 14 miles up 575. On rush hour days I can spend $2-6 to avoid most of the traffic and still be about a 1hr drive. Sometimes it goes longer, but I only drive 1 time a week typically.

Kennesaw - Busy college town, plenty to do. Lots of apartments, shopping, and busy roads.
Woodstock - More of your microbrew, coffee shop, young families in townhouses vibe. Downtown woodstock is very eclectic. Lower crime, higher home values on smaller lots.
Canton - Nice suburban town with all the typical suburban shopping/dining. Okay school district, not PTC quality. Proximity to Allatoona Lake (more of a marina lake with fluctuating levels year round).
Ball ground - Quiet suburban / rural vibe. More bang for the buck, but less shopping nearby. Close proximity to GA airport KCNI.
Jasper - A rural cowboy / gun toting vibe. Yellow flags abound. Shooting range and GA airport nearby. I like Jasper, but it's too far for me.
Beyond Jasper - Moutain cabins, airbnb rentals.