Cobb County – A Great Place to Live

cobbcounty.org
770) 528-1000
Conveniently located about 30 minutes outside of Atlanta, Cobb County is a constantly growing suburb with much to offer. For families there are multiple parks and attractions, as well as Kennesaw Mountain. For students there are numerous public schools in the county school system, two state universities, and one technical college. The historical Marietta Square attracts history buffs and antique shoppers, in addition to people looking for an enjoyable afternoon of strolling around the square. Cobb County was one of the 24 counties created in 1832 from Cherokee Indian territory. It is named for Judge Thomas W. Cobb, a former U.S. Senator. Marietta, the county seat, is said to be named for his wife. In frontier days, the Chattahoochee River, which forms Cobb’s southeast boundary, served as a dividing line between Creek and Cherokee Indian territories.

Towns in Cobb County

Acworth
www.acworth.org
(770) 974-3112

Acworth, located about 35 miles northwest of Atlanta, is 132 square miles.While it is close enough to Atlanta to experience professional sports and cultural events like a larger city, the small-town atmosphere of Acworth provides opportunities for families that offer fun and tranquility. Convenient to both Interstate 75 and Highway 41, area hotels are comfortable and are run by community members. Visitors, whether in the mood for down- home southern cooking, a quick sandwich, spicy Cajun cuisine, or parlor style ice cream, will find a wide range of choices. Acworth is surrounded by two beautiful lakes, Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona, and 12 parks surround Acworth that are perfect for picnicking. Nestled along the banks of Lake Acworth is Cobblestone Golf Course, which was recently rated the #1 public course in Georgia by Golf Digest. Shoppers will revel in the eclectic nature and friendly, welcoming staff of the shops in Acworth’s historical downtown district. If you are a history buff, you will certainly want to visit the many homes on the historical tour. The Dixie Highway, “the granddaddy of Interstate 75,” was the first interstate to reach into the South and is Acworth’s Main Street. By the time of its incorporation in 1840, Acworth prospered as a typical railroad town. Today, Acworth is designated as a Georgia Main Street City and is committed to preserving the historical significance of its downtown district buildings.

Austell
www.austellga.gov
(770) 944-4300

Austell is experiencing rapid residential growth as newcomers discover its wealth of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a stable economic base. Austell covers 5.7 square miles. This welcoming small town provides a friendly atmosphere with commercial, industrial, and residential growth. The area has a great school system, unique shopping, easily accessible medical care, and convenient travel opportunities. The city of Austell has many family activities such as an annual Easter egg hunt, Halloween celebrations, and the festive lighting of the town Christmas tree. Strategically located in southwest Cobb County, Austell is 18 miles away from Atlanta, 10 miles from Marietta, and only minutes away from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, making travel very convenient. Regional commercial and industrial complexes as well as cultural, recreational, and leisure activities are within easy driving distance for Austell residents. Vacations in North Georgia’s mountains or along Georgia’s coast and the Golden Isles are only a few hours away.

Kennesaw
www.kennesaw-ga.gov
(770) 424-8274

In the 1830s, the railroad building craze hit Cobb County, and as more and more rail workers came to the county, Kennesaw grew up around that industry. Residents later founded the city in 1887. During the Civil War,
Kennesaw served as the staging ground for the Great Locomotive Chase, an event now recounted at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. A city rich in history, Kennesaw has become a destination for businesses and families looking to relocate in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Extensive preserved Civil War battle sites allow one to step back in time to the turbulent days of battle juxtaposed to the vibrant, stable economy that is Kennesaw today. Many attractions, shops, restaurants, parks, and businesses contribute to the vitality of the city. Kennesaw State University has become one of the premier public universities in Georgia and is now the state’s third largest university. The main strip in Kennesaw is Barrett Parkway, which offers Town Center Mall, a variety of restaurants, as well as multiple shopping centers and movie theaters

Marietta
www.mariettaga.gov
(770) 794-5530

Marietta, the county seat, is known for its historic districts and its famous town square complete with gazebo and fountain. Offering the charm of a small town with the amenities of big-city living keeps Marietta at the top of the list for sought out areas. The downtown square bustles throughout the day as visitors and residents take advantage of the many charming shops and restaurants. The adjacent Cobb government buildings ensure an ongoing steady stream of people in and out of the area on a daily basis. U.S. 41 is one of the main roads that run through Marietta. “The Big Chicken,” as residents refer to it, has become a landmark that is used to provide directions in the area. Incorporated on December 19, 1834, Marietta is the Cobb County seat of government. While the origin of the city’s name is somewhat a mystery, prevailing wisdom has it that the name remembers Mary Moore, the wife of U.S. Senator and Supreme Court Judge Thomas Willis Cobb. If this origin is correct, it seems apt, as Judge Cobb is the namesake of the county itself. When, in 1864, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman marched through Marietta, he spared the city before going to burn Atlanta.

Powder Springs
www.cityofpowdersprings.org
(770) 943-1666

Originally chartered as Springville in 1839, Powder Springs was well known for its seven medicinal and therapeutic springs. One historic springs is preserved in a local park not far from the Seven Springs Museum and the Silver Comet Trail. It has a population of over 15,000, up from 7,000 in 1990, and embodies the spirit of community that is prevalent throughout Cobb County with a nod to both its small town character and planned quality growth. Significant redevelopment projects are underway in the city’s historic downtown. Their premier downtown access to the Silver Comet Trail across Cobb County is convenient to businesses and neighborhoods along Marietta Street and to expanding amenities at the city’s linear park on Richard D. Sailors Parkway. The Silver Comet Trail and the city’s 5K-certified Wild Horse and Lucille Creek trails form a unique pedestrian and bike- friendly loop around the city’s historic core, and a new $4 million downtown park will feature a trailhead entrance and inviting public space where trail travelers can take a break to enjoy casual dining at the Marietta Street Grill and Café and Hawg’s Best Friend or shop at the Bookwork or Hand Me Ups. Timed to open with park completion, Railcat Brewing Company will located in a renovated c.1900 building. The preserved Country Store on Marietta Street boasts the oldest wooden framed Coca Cola sign in Georgia.
In 2018, the city issued 192 building permits for single family homes, an increase of 8% over 2017, reflecting approximately $36 million in new investment in Powder Springs. In particular, groundbreaking events held
at the end of January 2019 highlight the residential dimension of downtown growth with new development underway by Hollywood Construction and Fischer Homes. With land available for light industrial, commercial and residential development, plus access to major transit routes and nearby air, rail and intermodal centers, Powder Springs checks off many important boxes for investors and developers. Innovative changes in land inspection, plan review, and permitting processes set in 2017 have continued to save significant project time for developers and reflect the City’s vision – Inspired, Invigorated, Innovative...

Smyrna
www.ci.smyrna.ga.us
(770) 434-6600

Just 15 minutes from downtown Atlanta, Smyrna is known as the Jonquil City for the many blooms seen each spring. Once considered a sleepy bedroom suburb of Atlanta, Smyrna has fully come into its own with recognition for a successful rejuvenated downtown area. The Village Green provides a community atmosphere featuring shopping, dining, a community center, and city hall all intertwined with residential spaces. This area is structured in a Williamsburg style, with a central fountain surrounded by a long brick road. The Smyrna Community Center offers residents multiple spaces for meetings, activities, and athletics.The City attracts the millennials with it’s proximity to downtown Atlanta, many parks and restaurants. It is 15 square miles and has 304 acres of park and green space. The City of Smyrna was
awarded the Urban Land Institute’s Award for Excellence and is recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in the entire Metropolitan Atlanta area, “the place to be…the place to call home”.

Vinings
www.vinings.org

Just over the Chattahoochee River from the city of Atlanta, the small historic community of Vinings continues to attract those searching for unique shopping and dining experiences. With the affluent West Paces
Ferry portion of Buckhead and the suburban community of Smyrna close by, the Vinings area offers a wide variety of residential opportunities and recreational activities. Vinings Jubilee is considered by residents to be the town center, maintaining an historic look and feel. The business climate is thriving, led by the headquarters of Home Depot that is located just outside of Vinings. The main east/west road that goes through the town is Paces Ferry Road. The area has always been and still is a very desirable area for Cobb County residents.

Mableton
Mableton, which occupies more than 20 square miles between interstates 285 and 20, is the Atlanta area’s largest unincorporated area. It is also one of Cobb County’s most historic areas. The Mable House Plantation was used as a camp by Federal troops during the Civil War and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and leased to the Cobb County Parks and Recreation Department for concerts and other events. The complex also has an amphitheater and arts center. Its proximity to the major business districts of both Cobb County and the city of Atlanta, as well as the Silver Comet Trail, make it an ideal location for families and businesses alike.

Utilities

Power
Acworth Power
(770) 917-8903
acworth.org/power-department

Cobb EMC
(770) 429-2100
cobbemc.com

Greystone Power Corp
(770) 942-6576
greystonepower.com

Marietta Power
(770) 794-5100
mariettaga.gov/city/mpw

Gas
Atlanta Gas Light
(877) 427-4321
atlantagaslight.com

Gas South
(877) 472-4932
gas-south.com

Georgia Natural Gas
(877) 850-6200
onlygng.com

Infinite Energy Company
(877) 342-5434
infiniteenergy.com

True Natural Gas
(877) 746-4362
truenaturalgas.com

Walton EMC Natural Gas
(770) 267-2505
waltonemcnaturalgas.com

Water and Sewer
Cobb County Water System
(770) 423-1000
www.cobbwater.org

Cable
AT&T
(888) 695-3398
uverseonline.att.net

Charter
Communications
(888) 438-2427
charter.com

Comcast
(866) 942-1341
comcast.com

Telephone
AT&T
att.com
(888) 695-3398

Recycling
cobbcountyga.gov
(678) 581-5488

Cobb County: An Entrepreneurial Community

There’s a new energy in Cobb County. It’s a way of life and doing business that’s attracting the nation’s best known brands, passionate entrepreneurs and professionals eager to live out their version of the American dream. Discover the county’s unparalleled assets—charming neighborhoods, high-performing schools, breathtaking recreational offerings and cultural attractions, a thriving dining scene and the lowest tax rates in the metro area. The Home Depot, GE Energy, Genuine Parts Company, The Weather Channel and now the Atlanta Braves all call Cobb home because it’s a place to grow your business and your family.

The county’s mix of economic development assets is impressive. Cobb County offers quick and easy access to downtown Atlanta and the world’s busiest airport—the gateway to the world—a low cost of living, and a fiscally sound, pro-business government. Plus, you’ll find the nation’s top K-12 and higher education institutions, and quality of life accolades from some of the nation’s top publications. These assets and an aggressive new focus on economic development by the Cobb Chamber and its community-wide partners led to an impressive 6 project wins, generating over $1.04 billion in new investments and creating 5,332 new jobs in 2013. Representing 5,200 jobs, the Atlanta Braves stadium site is the largest economic development win for the county.

Cobb Chamber

It’s not difficult to figure out why people move to Cobb County. 

We’ve got the lowest tax rate in the metro Atlanta area. We’ve got the highest bond ratings possible. We are home to the state’s largest non-academic, nonprofit health system.

We have the benefits of both city and rural living. We have more than 5,000 acres of federally-owned park lands, 35 county-owned park facilities and extensive multi-use trail systems that wind for miles throughout the community. Four major interstates and a modern county-owned airport give us stellar transportation access while numerous major shopping districts place retail close at hand.

We have public transit and public universities. We encourage private enterprise. Fortune 500 companies such as Home Depot and Lockheed Martin make Cobb County their home, as do entertainment giants such as Six Flags over Georgia and Six Flags White Water.

We have a convention center to rival any in the metro area. Just around the corner from that, we have the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. And that same area will soon host the Atlanta Braves’ new $672 million stadium.

By itself, this deal will bring an estimated $400 million of investment to Cobb for the creation of a mixed-used entertainment district on the site, thousands of construction jobs and millions in revenues coming to county government and schools.

Meanwhile, we recently marked the 18th consecutive year that the nation’s top bond rating agencies each recognized us with their “Triple A” ratings, keeping us in the top 1 percent of counties nationwide. Likewise, our Water System is the first AAA-rated county water/sewer utility in America to gain this recognition by the same bond rating agencies.

These singular achievements have become so commonplace to our longtime residents, the public barely thinks of them as news anymore. Instead, our strong sense of fiscal responsibly has become a fact of life and expected by taxpayers.

Our accomplishments are enhanced by our conservative policies and investments by the business community. Our partnership in the EDGE program demonstrates our commitment to job creation and economic development.

Cooperative efforts by our economic development community are credited with 18 corporate locations and expansions, generating more than $1 billion in new investment, creating more than 5,300 new and retained jobs in 2013.

Education points to our bright future. For instance, 44 percent of residents have earned bachelor’s degrees, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The national average is only 28 percent.

The Cobb County School District SAT average score of 1515 is 63 points higher than the state average and 17 points higher than the national average. With a composite ACT score of 22.1, last year marked the eighth consecutive year Cobb graduates exceeded national and state averages on in all four subject areas.

More than two-thirds of Cobb County schools received scores of 80 or higher on the 2012 Georgia College and Career Ready Performance Index. For the 2013 Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests, the percentage of Cobb students meeting or exceeding standards was higher than the state in every content area and grade level.

We pay attention to our quality of life and it shows by the number of people who move here. Our steadily increasing population is estimated at more than 720,000 with a median household income of $58,150 in January 2013. This is higher than the median national income of $51,017.

For those few looking for something outside the county, we have excellent access to the rest of metro Atlanta. Cobb County is less than 20 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and a 15-minute drive from downtown Atlanta.

Nevertheless, it would appear that Cobb County will continue to draw visitors who want to enjoy its own attractions. Travel and tourism here amounts to an economic impact of $2.02 billion, according to the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce.

Frankly, there are too many reasons to list showing why Cobb County is one of the greatest communities in the nation. Whether you want to tour the hallowed grounds of Kennesaw National Battlefield Park, buy a home without having to pay exorbitant property taxes or enjoy a gourmet meal at a restaurant in the Cumberland area, we have much to offer.

Cobb County Ranks High in Quality of Life

Cobb County, your new home.

Welcome Home!

Cobb County, the third largest county in Georgia at nearly 350 square miles, is more than just part of the metro Atlanta area. It is a place rich in history, culture and entertainment, a leader in business and education and a great place for people of all ages to call home.

The history of Cobb spans nearly 185 years. The state legislature founded the county in 1832 after confiscating the land from Cherokee Nation—nearly five years before the city of Atlanta was established. It was named for former U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator and Georgia Superior Court Judge Thomas W. Cobb. Marietta, the county’s seat, was founded just two years later. When the construction of the railroad line began, shanty towns for workers evolved into permanent settlements, which eventually became some of the county’s first towns. In the pre-Civil War years, parts of the county like Marietta and Powder Springs enjoyed popularity as resort towns due to the area’s unique geographical features.

Like many parts of Georgia, Cobb County played an important role during the Civil War, as part of Gen. Sherman’s route from Chattanooga to Atlanta. The most well known local battle, the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, occurred on June 27, 1864. Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and his troops were attempting to protect their position near the railroads leading to Atlanta. The two-week battle resulted in 3,000 Union casualties and only 1,000 Confederate casualties. Despite his losses, Sherman continued south into Atlanta, burning many towns and crops along the way.

After the war ended, the entire area began to rebuild, and industry replaced farming as the primary economic engine. In the early 1940s, the federal government opened a plant to manufacture B-29 bombers. While the plant closed after World War II, it reopened during the Korean War and was subsequently renamed Dobbins Air Force Base. Nearby Lockheed Martin Aeronautics led the nation in the manufacture military transport planes. Even today, it is still one of the top employers in the county due to its Department of Defense contracts.

Cobb County boasts a temperate climate, with hot summers and cool—but not too cold—winters. In the spring, dogwoods, Bradford pears and azaleas burst into bloom in the spring and stay lush and green throughout the summer months. Fall in the area is marked with bright oranges and reds on the trees.

Only in Cobb County
In the 1960s and 1970s, the population of Cobb County exploded, as more and more people left the city for the suburbs, and it has been steadily growing ever since. Now with a population of nearly 700,000, the county holds vast influence in the metro area. As the home of The Home Depot’s global headquarters, as well as numerous other industries both large and small, the county is widely known as a business-friendly area. In January 2014, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, which has more than 2,500 members, was awarded 5-Star Accreditation from the United States Chamber of Commerce, putting it in the top 1 percent of chambers in the country.

In addition to traditional businesses, Cobb also has some unique economic attributes. While sometimes overshadowed by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which has held the title of world’s busiest airport for more than 10 years, Cobb is home to McCollum Airfield. This public airport averages 475 takeoffs and landing each day, making it the third busiest airport in the state.

Education is another priority in Cobb. As the 24th largest district in the country, the Cobb County School District operates 112 schools, while the Marietta City Schools system operates 11. Students who want to stay local have plenty of options when it comes to institutes of higher learning, with Kennesaw State University and Chattahoochee Technical College earning high marks in various fields.

While it is only 20 miles from downtown Atlanta, Cobb County has a vibe all its own. Its six incorporated cities—Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs and Smyrna—along with the unincorporated areas of Vinings and Mableton, strike a solid balance between honoring and preserving their history and welcoming innovation and change. Many of its municipalities, including Marietta and Smyrna, have old-fashioned town squares that host a variety of concerts, parades, festivals, farmers markets and other events throughout the year.

In addition to their small-town sensibilities, many of Cobb’s cities have been recognized for their efforts in everything from keeping residents healthy to operating strong family businesses. For example, the city of Kennesaw was named one of the 50 safest cities in Georgia and is also home to the Fit City Kennesaw initiative. This city-wide initiative kicked off in 2011 in order to address the rising rates of obesity and other health concerns. With free outdoor workouts at area parks and a wide range of annual road races and other events, Fit City Kennesaw has earned local and national attention.

For many people who are relocating to the area, health care is a big concern. Fortunately, Cobb is home to WellStar Health Systems, which operates a number of hospitals, clinics and other facilities. WellStar Kennestone Hospital was the first in the state of use the CyberKnife and da Vinci robotic surgical systems to reduce scarring and recovery time for a variety of surgical procedures.

Health care is of particular concern to baby boomers, as they begin to retire. According to realtor.org, the number of Americans 65 or older will nearly double between now and 2030, and the share of the population that is 85 and older will increase by 52 percent. With that in mind, Cobb County has many resources for its older population as well. Many facilities are embracing the “aging in place” concept, which allows residents to stay at the same facility even as their health needs change. The unincorporated community of Mableton was recently awarded the Lifelong Communities designation from the Atlanta Regional Commission. That means Mableton provides a wide range of housing options, as well as parks, transportation alternatives for those who can no longer drive and services for older residents.

No matter their age, Cobb residents know how to have fun, and the county’s many entertainment venues draw visitors from all over the metro area. World-class performing arts venues like the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and the Six Flags and Six Flags White Water amusement parks provide access to some of the region’s best performances and roller coasters.

The city of Atlanta hosts several professional teams, including the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. In 2017, Cobb County—specifically the Cumberland/Galleria business district—will become the new home for MLB’s Atlanta Braves, the team that currently calls Turner Field in downtown Atlanta home. The move was announced in fall 2013, and plans are already underway for the new stadium and entertainment complex that will complement the team’s new home at the intersection of interstates 285 and 75.

In addition to these venues, Cobb County has some unique geographical features that make it stand out from other parts of the metro area. Residents can water ski on Lake Acworth, sun themselves on the beach, then hike a mountain or ride a bike all the way to Alabama. Locals also know how much fun it can be to “shoot the ‘Hooch,” or tube down the Chattahoochee River. As the only federally-run national park in the area, the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a great place to hike, bike, picnic or just take in stunning views. The Cobb County government oversees more than 30 parks, so recreation is never far away.

Like many other parts of the Atlanta area, Cobb County has myriad restaurants to satisfy every type of craving, with outposts of nearly every major chain restaurant as well as unique local fare.

In addition to some Cobb-only restaurants like Seed Kitchen & Bar, diners can also enjoy some of metro Atlanta’s best restaurants, like Noche and South City Kitchen, all without going inside the Perimeter. The burgeoning immigrant population in Cobb means that cuisine from every corner of the world is easy to find.

While the Atlanta housing market took a hit during the recent economic downturn, the suburban real estate market has bounced back to healthy levels in the past year. Housing options in Cobb run the gamut from new construction, single family homes, condos in historic areas, and apartments near the local colleges and universities. Prices are historically lower than within the Atlanta city limits, so buyers can get more for their money.

Business, culture, education, greenspace, town squares, easy access to the city of Atlanta—Cobb County truly has it all. Residents enjoy a high quality of life and make the most of the area’s geography, history and recreational opportunities. As a place that is both in touch with its history and looking forward to the future, Cobb has much to offer families, young professionals and retirees alike.

Cobb County Congressman

Community Profiles
Cobb County 2014
Op-ed: Cong. Tom Price



The 6th District of Georgia: A Dynamic Community
By Rep. Tom Price, M.D. (GA-06)


For 30 years my family and I have had the joy of calling Roswell, Ga., our home. For the past eight years, I have had the honor of representing our community as a member of Congress for Georgia’s 6th Congressional District.

Ranked by Gallup as one of the happiest and healthiest congressional districts in the country, the 6th District encompasses a large portion of northern suburban Atlanta, including portions of Cobb, Fulton and DeKalb counties. It is comprised of several cities, from relative newcomers like Sandy Springs, Milton and Johns Creek, to those approaching their 200th anniversary like Roswell, Alpharetta and all of unincorporated East Cobb.

The northern Atlanta suburbs are a fairly prosperous and educated area. It is a productive district with all sorts of great folks who love their country and want to make certain that government takes a limited role in their lives.

One of the key aspects of the 6th District that attracts families to our area is the number of great public and independent schools, both parochial and non-parochial. Education is something our community takes very seriously. We want to make certain that our kids have the highest level of education and the greatest opportunity to be able to succeed in the future. That is one of the reasons why, as a member of Congress, I visit our schools often, to talk with young people in our community and to highlight the extraordinary work being done by our school administrators and teachers.


Of course, a tremendous amount of credit for the excellence and success of our schools must go to the moms and dads who rightfully recognize the importance of a high level of education so that their children are able to realize their dreams. Everything starts with education. When my family moved to Roswell back in the early 1980s, one of the things we focused on was finding the best schools, and it is one of the reasons we chose to live in this community.

With the growth and economic success of the metro Atlanta area comes a host of new opportunities and challenges. One issue that our community has dealt with for some time is the need for improvements to the area’s transportation system. Whenever we can make the flow of people and commerce easier within our community and around our state, the more opportunities we’ll see for more Georgia families and business.

Consequently, much of our time and energy is spent on bringing folks together to address our community’s transportation challenges. Transportation problems don’t stop at city or county lines. It is a regional issue that requires cooperation across different municipalities and with different community leaders.

Dealing directly with those challenges is under the purview of local and state elected officials, but my job includes trying to keep the federal government from getting in the way and making sure that states have the flexibility they need, in addition to making sure Georgia tax dollars come home to provide the needed resources. When it comes to transportation and infrastructure tax dollars, Georgia is a donor state. We send more to Washington than we receive in return.

Because we are growing as a community, we need the infrastructure to accompany that growth. After all, the 6th District is home to the headquarters and/or employees of several major American companies, including UPS, International Hotel Group, Cox Media Group and First Data. Moreover, we have access to health care that is some of the highest quality you can find anywhere. Health systems, hospitals and physicians in the 6th District are incredibly well-equipped and well-trained to take care of folks.

In addition to economic opportunities, there are other reasons the 6th District enjoys the reputation it does as a great place to live, work and play. We have access to beautiful outdoor areas like the Chattahoochee River and numerous parks and recreation areas. Being close to downtown affords 6th District families access to the city’s museums, amenities and sports teams. Citizens in our community are also very civic-minded and, as a community, we come together often to honor and celebrate our national identity and mark national days of remembrance, including Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

The 6th District of Georgia is a vibrant, dynamic community full of hardworking families who value a strong educational foundation and understand the importance of working together to improve our way of life.



Ryan Murphy, communications director
Rep. Tom Price, M.D. (GA-06)

Cobb County Profiles

Acworth
www.acworth.org
(770) 974-3112

Acworth, also known as the “Lake City,” is experiencing rapid residential growth as newcomers discover its natural beauty, recreational opportunities and stable economic base. Once a busy trade center on the Western and Atlantic Railroad, Acworth was incorporated in 1860. Located just 35 miles northwest of Atlanta, Acworth boasts a small-town atmosphere with easy access to the city via Interstate 75 or Highway 41. Acworth makes great use of its location on the banks of Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona with a full calendar of events, such as a national wakeboard competition, Easter Egg hunt and road races, plus year-round recreational opportunities, like swimming, boating and camping. In addition to its 12 parks, Acworth is also home to Cobblestone Golf Course, which was recently tanked the No. 1 public course in the state by Golf Digest. Its historic downtown district offers an eclectic collection of antique shops and modern boutiques. As a Georgia Main Street city, Acworth is committed to preserving its historic buildings for generations to come.

Austell
www.austellga.gov
(770) 944-4300

Once known as Salt Springs, Austell was a popular location for hunters, who came to hunt the deer attracted to the area’s salt licks. The hunters claimed the area’s water also had medicinal properties and so they began to settle there. Around the same time, the Georgia Pacific division of the Southern Railway made Austell the main station between its lines headed to Birmingham and Chattanooga. The town is named for Gen. Alfred Austell, who founded the Atlanta National Bank (which later became Wachovia) because of his efforts to lure major railways South. Austell is buried in Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery. Today, Austell is a thriving historical center located just 18 miles from Atlanta, with a population of around 6,000 people. Six Flags Over Georgia, a 290-acre theme park, lies just outside the city limits and draws many visitors throughout the year.

Kennesaw
www.kennesaw-ga.gov
(770) 424-8274

One of the metro area’s most historical cities, Kennesaw was originally one of the shanty towns that sprang up around the Western and Atlantic Railroad in the 1830s. Many of these towns were destroyed by Sherman’s army during the Civil War, but were subsequently rebuilt. Kennesaw was incorporated in 1887 and has been growing ever since. It is now home to one of the state’s best school systems, as well as institutes of higher learning, like Kennesaw State University, the state’s third largest university. Parks and other recreational opportunities abound in Kennesaw, the home of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Earlier this year, Kennesaw landed the No. 10 spot on SafeWise’s list of the 50 Safest Cities in Georgia. This family-oriented town hosts a wealth of events and festivals throughout the year, from outdoor movies, a farmers market and road races to the annual Pigs & Peaches BBQ and Taste of Kennesaw festivals.

Marietta
www.mariettaga.gov
(770) 794-5530

Marietta, the county seat of Cobb, is known for its historic town square and small town charm. Chock full of shops and restaurants, as well as a full calendar of festivals, concerts and other events in the square’s Glover Park, the square is also home to the famed Earl Strand Theatre. The 1935 Art Deco theater was restored and reopened in 2009 and hosts movies, concerts and shows year-round. Education is a top priority in Marietta. As an International Baccalaureate World School District, Marietta City Schools was the first district in Georgia to offer the IB Middle Years Program for grades 6–10. The district is also home to five Georgia Schools of Excellence and one National School of Excellence. With more than 56,000 residents calling Marietta home, the city truly has something for everyone. In 2011, CNNMoney.com named Marietta one of the top 25 places in the country to retire.

Powder Springs
www.cityofpowdersprings.org
(770) 943-1666

With its motto of “Small Enough to Know You…Large Enough to Serve You,” Powder Springs, a city with a population of nearly 14,000, embodies the spirit of community that is prevalent throughout Cobb County. Incorporated in 1838 under the name Springville, the town became known as Powder Springs in 1859. The name comes from the city’s seven springs, which contain minerals that turn the sand black. Powder Springs has worked hard to preserve its unique heritage, as evidenced by downtown’s Seven Springs Museum. Recreation is still important, and over the past few years Powder Springs has developed an extensive citywide trail system that connect neighborhoods, parks and public facilities.

Smyrna
www.ci.smyrna.ga.us
(770) 434-6600

Smyrna, Cobb’s second-largest city, is known as the Jonquil City for the many bright yellow blooms that pop up every spring. Like many of Cobb’s cities, Smyrna originally sprung up around the burgeoning Western and Atlantic Railroad in the 1830s and was officially incorporated in 1872. It has steadily grown ever since, and now boasts a well planned and rejuvenated downtown area that has served as a model for many other communities. The Village Green features shopping, dining, a community center and one of the state’s only city-owned libraries, all intertwined with new residential spaces. In 1997, the revitalization project earned the city the prestigious Urban Land Institute’s Award of Excellence, and the area continues to grow in popularity. Within one mile of downtown, Smyrna residents have access to 33 acres of parks and greenspace. Businesses thrive in Smyrna because of its supportive city government and its proximity to the thriving Cumberland-Galleria business district.  

Unincorporated Areas
East Cobb

Typically defined as the area east of I-75 and south of Town Center at Cobb, East Cobb is a vibrant and prosperous residential and commercial community. The Cumberland-Galleria business district is a major hub for conventions and retail, and in 2017 will be the new home of the Atlanta Braves major league baseball team. Though not a municipality, it is a strong residential draw because of its excellent public schools and well planned subdivisions. Shopping opportunities abound at centers like Merchant’s Walk and the Avenues East Cobb. Numerous parks offering recreational activities and a close proximity to the cultural events of Atlanta continue to lure newcomers across the Chattahoochee River to this popular locale.

Vinings
www.vinings.org

The unincorporated town of Vinings lies between the affluent West Paces Ferry section of Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood and Smyrna. Despite its small size (an area of about 3.3 miles and a population of a little more than 9,000), the town center of Vinings Jubilee attracts those searching for unique shopping and dining experiences who want the feel of the suburbs with easy access to the city. One of Vinings’ premiere attractions is the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, home of the Atlanta Opera, as well as musicals, plays, concerts and other events. Through education and various fundraisers, the Vinings Historic Preservation Society helps to maintain the city’s historical buildings.

Mableton
Mableton, which occupies more than 20 square miles between interstates 285 and 20, is the Atlanta area’s largest unincorporated area. It is also one of Cobb County’s most historic areas, as the Mable House Plantation was used as a camp by Federal troops during the Civil War. The Mable House is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is being leased to the Cobb County Parks and Recreation Department for concerts and other events. The complex also has an amphitheater and arts center. Its proximity to the major business districts of both Cobb County and the city of Atlanta, as well as the Silver Comet Trail, make it an ideal location for families and businesses alike.

Getting Around

Cobb County is trisected by three major interstates: I-75, I-20 and I-285. That means commuters can easily travel to and from downtown Atlanta, as well as to some of the other outlying counties. The Galleria district between interstates 75 and 285 has quickly become one of the area’s busiest business hubs, making it easy for commuters all over the area to get to work. In addition to its road systems, the county also has two other unique transportation options for residents.

Cobb Community Transit (CCT)

As the second largest transit system in the state, CCT’s 73 buses and 21 paratransit vehicles run 4 million trips per year. The system has been operating since 1989, and ferries riders from one corner of the county to another. Additionally, several of the routes run from the Galleria area to the Arts Center Marta station in Midtown Atlanta, for easy access to that system’s downtown stops.

Cobb County Airport – McCollum Field

Owned and operated by the county, McCollum Airport serves as a general aviation reliever airport for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport by hosting both business and personal aircraft on its runways. In addition to various aviation and fueling services, the airfield also makes a substantial contribution to the local economy, providing 842 jobs and an economic output of $112 million per year for the county.

Cobb Information


One of 24 counties created in 1832 from Cherokee Indian territory, Cobb County is named for Judge Thomas W. Cobb, a former U.S. Senator. Its county seat of Marietta is said to be named for his wife. A lot has changed over the last 190 years. At just 10 minutes northwest of Atlanta, Cobb is a constantly growing suburb offering everything from entertainment, history and natural splendor to a wide array of places to eat, drink and celebrate. Known as “Atlanta’s Sweet Spot,” it boasts 5000 acres of parkland encompassing 78 parks. Its alluring variety of destinations include Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield, Marietta Square, Six Flags Over Georgia, Lake Acworth and Truist Park – home of the 2021 World Series Champions, The Atlanta Braves. Cobb is also well-known for the excellence of its school, and its role as a major employment hub with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company and Home Depot headquartered here.

County Seat
Marietta

County Population
766,802

Millage Rates (uninc.)
30.35

Median Home Price
$399,000

Median Income
$80,830

Municipalities
Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs, and Smyrna

COBB COUNTY OFFICES
Main Contact Information
www.cobbcounty.org
(770) 528-1000

All Emergencies
911

Animal Control
(770) 499-4136

Business License
(770) 528-8410

Cobb County Tax Commissioner
Gail Downing
(770) 528-8600

Commissioner Office
(770) 528-3300

County Extension Office
(770) 528-4070

Driver’s License
(404) 657-9300

Fire and Emergency Services
(770) 528-8000

Planning and Zoning
(770) 528-2018

Police Department
(770 499-3900

Tax Assessor
(770) 528-3100

Voter Registration
(770) 528-2581

Municipalities
City of Acworth
www.acworth.org
(770) 974-3112

City of Austell
www.austellga.gov
(770) 944-4300

City of Kennesaw
www.kennesaw-ga.gov
(770) 424-8274

City of Marietta
www.mariettaga.gov
(770) 794-5530

City of Powder Springs
www.cityofpowdersprings.org
(770) 943-1666

City of Smyrna
www.ci.smyrna.ga.us
(770) 434-6600

Electricity
Acworth Power
www.acworth.org
(770) 917-8903

Cobb EMC
www.cobbemc.com
(770) 429-2100

Georgia Power
www.georgiapower.com
888-660-5890

GreyStone Power Corp.
www.greystonepower.com
(770) 942-6576

Marietta Power/Columbia Energy
(770) 794-5150

Gas Companies
Gas South
www.gas-south.com
866-762-6427

Austell Gas System
www.austellgas.com
(770) 948-1841

Marietta Power
www.mariettaga.gov
(770) 794-5150

Water and Sewer
Cobb Marietta Water Authority
www.water.cobbcountyga.gov
(770) 423-1000

Recycling
www.solidwaste.cobbcountyga.gov
(678) 581-5488

COMMUNICATION
Cable Television
AT&T U-Verse
www.att.com
(800) 288-2020

Charter
www.charter.com
(800) 955-7766

Comcast
www.comcast.com
(404) 266-2278

Telephone
AT&T
www.att.com
888-757-6500
EDUCATION

Public Schools
Cobb County School System
www.cobb.k12.ga.us
(770) 426-3300

Marietta City Schools
www.marietta-city.org
(770) 422-3500

Colleges
Chattahoochee Technical College
www.chattahoocheetech.edu
(770) 528-4545

Kennesaw State University
www.kennesaw.edu
(770) 423-6000

Southern Polytechnic State University
www.spsu.edu
(678) 915-7778

HOSPITALS
Emory Adventist Hospital
www.emoryadventist.org
(770) 434-0710

WellStar Cobb Hospital
www.wellstar.org
(770) 732-4000

WellStar Kennestone Hospital
www.wellstar.org
(770) 793-5000

WellStar Windy Hill Hospital
www.wellstar.org
(770) 644-1000

LIBRARIES
Cobb County Public Library System
www.cobbcat.org
(770) 528-2320

NEWSPAPERS
Cobb County News
www.ajc.com

The Marietta Daily Journal
www.mdjonline.com