As a suburb of Atlanta, Marietta, GA, is known as one of the best places to live in Georgia for several reasons. If you’re thinking of moving to Georgia, there is a possibility that Marietta would have popped up in your mind during your research. Now you must be wondering, what’s so different in Marietta?
Compared to other cities in Georgia, Marietta stands out for its southern charm, historic sites, and picturesque streets. Marietta’s primary attraction is its historic downtown region, which has Victorian-era homes, boutique shops, and several dining options.
So, if you are considering moving to Marietta, there are plenty of opportunities awaiting you. But just like any other city, there are pros and cons of moving to Marietta.
Before we dive into that, let’s get to know a little more about the city and see what Marietta is known for.
6 Things Marietta Is Famous For
Nestled in the heart of Cobb County, Marietta is a city in Georgia that combines historic charm and modern living.
With its picturesque town and a wide array of recreational activities, Marietta is a perfect blend of a small-town atmosphere and the conveniences of a suburban lifestyle.
Now let’s see what this beautiful city is famous for:
1. Marietta Square
The beautiful and historic Marietta Square serves as the city’s central hub and is a famous place in Marietta.
The Square has quirky and cute restaurants, charming shops, and beautiful architecture. You enjoy live music, art festivals, and various events throughout the year with your friends.
2. Parks and Trails
There are several parks and trails in Marietta, GA, for residents and visitors to have a good time. The city has several large parks that offer various amenities, including playgrounds, jogging, hiking trails, and walking trails. You can also witness the beautiful sunset from here.
There are several small parks scattered around the city that are perfect for quick jog and run.
Below given are two great parks in the city.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Marietta is home to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which is a historic site and played an important role in the Civil War.
The park also has trails of all levels, so you can find the one that suits your fitness needs. Not only this, it offers stunning views and a calm environment where you can definitely be at peace.
The park is a popular place for people who love outdoorsy stuff and history buffs alike.
Wildwood Park
Marietta has another 28-acre serene park. You can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the time outdoors. The park features jogging and hiking trails and an off-leash dog park.
It has a picnic area as well as a good playground for the kids. If you want to spend some quality time with your friends and family, then Wildwood Park is the place to be.
3. Historical Museums and Cultural Events
With a rich history dating back to the 1800s, there are still many historical homes and buildings standing still today.
You can explore well-preserved historical homes like Gone With The Wind Museum, Marietta History Centre, and William Root House.
The city also features a vibrant arts scene throughout the year with numerous galleries and theatres. This includes Marietta Street Fest and the Cobb International Film Festival.
4. Big Chicken
When we talk about the most recognizable landmark in Marietta, it is Big Chicken. It is a giant, steel-shaped chicken structure that serves as a local KFC restaurant.
This quirky and unique rooster has become the city’s favorite and is a must-see for people visiting Marietta.
5. Golfing
If you’re someone who loves playing golf, then Marietta is your place to be. The city features several excellent golf courses regardless of skill level; whether you’re a beginner, intermediate player, or a pro, you’ll find a course that suits your skill level.
And if you just want to practice your swing, there are several driving ranges and putting greens in the area. So, go and enjoy a round of golf with your friends.
6. Entertainment Spots
Marietta has several famous entertainment opportunities. There won’t be a time when you’d feel bored here. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or residing here, you’ll have a lot to look forward to.
Below are just a few of the tourist attractions that the city has to offer:
- Marietta Fire Museum
- Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
- Gone With The Wind Museum
- Marietta Cobb Museum of Art
- Six Flags White Water
- Chattahoochee Nature Center
- Red Top Mountain State Park
- Sope Creek Mountain Bike Trail
Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving To Marietta
There are several advantages of moving to Marietta. From great schools, safe neighborhoods, to affordable housing, and beautiful outdoor destinations.
However, as there are two sides to every coin, the city also has some drawbacks that might be a deal breaker for someone who is planning to change cities. Some of these disadvantages include the high cost of living, bad traffic, and a high crime rate.
We understand that moving to a new city is never an easy decision. However, you don’t have to make that decision in haste; you can go through all the pros and cons of moving to Marietta and then decide what suits you the best.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
|---|---|
| Education Is Top-Notch | Cost of Living Is High |
| Job Market Is Good | Traffic Can Be Crazy |
| Great Place For Younger People | The Mosquitoes Can Drive You Nuts |
| Has The Best Dining Scene | The Crime Rate is High |
| Weather Is Usually Pleasant | Not The Best Place For Retirees |
Advantages of Moving to Marietta
There are several advantages of moving to Marietta. This would include a top-notch education, a strong job market, and good weather.
Let’s dive into detail what you can expect when you plan to move to Marietta:
1. Education is Top-Notch
When we talk about education in Marietta, this is one thing that you’d not be disappointed with. The Marietta City School District and Cobb County Schools are top-rated.
Cobb County Schools gets an A-grade and is among the top ten best school districts in the Atlanta area. Along with that, it gives Marietta City School an A- as well, keeping it in the top 15 districts of the Atlanta area.
Some of the best schools in Marietta, GA, include Mountain View Elementary School, Sope Creek Elementary School, Hightower Trail Middle School, and Lassiter High School.
Apart from that, there are many private schools to choose from when living in Marietta, GA. These top schools include The Wood Acres and St. Joseph Catholic.
2. Job Market Is Good
If you want to explore job opportunities in Marietta, GA, you can check out the vacancies on job portals like the Marietta City Job Board, Indeed, and LinkedIn.
The average salary in Marietta is $73,000 per year, as per Payscale. The Marietta job market is thriving, and the majority of jobs in Marietta are in manufacturing, healthcare, service, and entertainment.
Even if you don’t find your perfect job in the city, many residents of Marietta, GA, commute to Atlanta for a variety of job opportunities; it is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies.
Some major companies located in Marietta, GA include:
3. Great Place For Younger People
Marietta is a city filled with individuals and families in their 20s and 30s. The median age is about 35.2, and there are plenty of opportunities for younger people to network and maintain a good social circle.
For those who have family and kids, then this is the place to be, as this city has many family-friendly neighborhoods.
Apart from the good education system, if you want them to learn more about history, then you can take them to the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
If you want to go outdoors, you can just enjoy a small, cute picnic, go hiking at Kennesaw Mountain, or go shopping at Marietta Plaza.
4. Has the Best Dining Scene
Marietta is known for offering a variety of great restaurants, from casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants that suit every palate and budget.
So, whether you’re looking for Mexican, Chinese, Italian, American, or Indian, Marietta has some great spots in the city that you can definitely enjoy.
Here are a few restaurants you’d definitely want to visit when you move to Marietta:
Seed Kitchen and Bar
If you’re planning to live in Marietta, then you can’t miss out on this amazing restaurant. Seed Kitchen and Bar brings a chic yet casual approach to American cuisine.
The restaurant includes locally farmed ingredients whenever possible. Seed Kitchen is the best place for families to come together and enjoy modern comfort food at an affordable price.
Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s in Marietta has more state-of-the-art games than ever. Here, you can find mouth-watering menu items and the most interesting drinks. From wings to steaks, they have got everything that suits your taste.
Mac’s Chop House
Mac’s Chop House specializes in dry-aged beef. Not only that, but the menu also has a lot of seafood and vegetarian options.
5. The Weather Is Usually Pleasant
Marietta is a great place to enjoy all four seasons. About two-thirds of the year, it’s usually sunny, with temperatures ranging from about 55 degrees to 80 degrees. However, the humidity is not as harsh as in the other parts of the country.
People who are not from other parts of the South may need time to adjust to the temperatures and humidity. Now, from late spring to early fall, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy. The winters are mild, with occasional snowfalls that provide a beautiful view.
Marietta normally receives 52 inches of rain annually, so even though it rarely snows here, you should carry an umbrella.
Disadvantages of Moving To Marietta
1. The cost of Living is High
Although the cost of living in Marietta is lower than that of some cities in Georgia, it is still quite high compared to most cities.
As per Best Places, the cost of living score in Marietta is 109.9, which means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, healthcare, transportation, and other necessities is 9.8% higher than the US average and 16.2% higher than the average for Georgia.
To live comfortably in Marietta, GA, a minimum annual income of $83,160 for a family and $56,000 for a single person is recommended.
When we talk about housing costs, a typical home costs $434,000; meanwhile, if you want to rent a 2-bedroom unit in Marietta, it costs $1,580 per month.
However, if you want to save money on rent, then try staying in more affordable neighborhoods, which include:
| Neighborhoods | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| Woodland Ridge | $1,320 per month |
| Victoria Heights | $1372 per month |
| Cumberland Business Park | $1380 per month |
2. Traffic Can Be Crazy
Marietta is close to Atlanta and is situated within convenient driving distance of Atlanta and at the crossroads of three major highways.
On the good side, the residents can easily travel to the nearby locations. However, that brings with it the possibility of dealing with the rush of tourists and visitors.
During peak travel times, the road is blocked with traffic, and you might not find it easier to reach your destination on time. So be prepared for delays or leave home an hour or two before.
3. The Mosquitoes Can Drive You Nuts
We know mosquitoes are a worldwide problem, but they usually gather in wet, humid areas like Marietta. The warm and moist conditions are favorable for them to reproduce.
In order to protect yourself from getting bitten and contracting a disease, you need to take numerous precautions.
Firstly, use insect repellents whenever you go outside and try limiting your outdoor time when you feel the risk for mosquito activity is high.
4. Crime Rate Is High
Marietta, GA, has a higher violent crime rate than the national average, with a rate of 27.1 per 1000 residents.
This depicts that the probability of experiencing a violent crime in Marietta is higher than most other cities in the United States. (The US average is 22.7)
In addition to this, property crime in Marietta also exceeds the national average with a rate of 56.9 per 1000 residents. This involves crimes such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
5. Not The Best Place For Retirees.
Marietta may be a good place for younger generations (people in their mid-20s and thirties) to start their lives from scratch, but it might not be the best for the older generation.
The cost of living is higher than the national average, there is a higher crime rate, and also there is a lack of specific amenities for retirees.
So, if you want to stay around people your age who have similar interests, then you may want to keep exploring different places to retire.
Are You Planning To Move to Marietta?
Are you planning to move to Marietta, GA? Then, be ready for an adventure that awaits you. From top-class education to good job opportunities, you’d not miss out on a thing.
This city has all the charm and, of course (great food and outdoorsy stuff) to keep you on your toes throughout. But to experience all of this, you need to make a proper moving plan.
Make a moving budget and consider the moving cost before deciding whether you want to go for DIY moving or hire a professional moving company.
Make a moving checklist of what you want to take or what you want to leave. If you feel your new home isn’t ready yet, you can temporarily store your belongings in a 24×7 climate-controlled storage unit.
It is advisable to let the professional Marietta movers handle your complex task of moving so that you can focus on all the other essential things.
Professional movers are highly trained in handling all your belongings, from heavy and bulky items to specialty items, including treadmills, pianos, pool tables, or any artwork.
So you don’t have to deal with difficult tasks anymore, delegate the responsibility to local movers, and sit back and relax.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that Marietta, GA, is a great place to live, but just like any other place, it has its disadvantages that can discourage them from moving there.
Weigh the pros and cons of moving to Marietta carefully before planning to relocate. Be certain whether you’d be able to manage the cost of living and then choose what works for you and your family in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Marietta, GA, a good place to live?
If you are planning to move to Marietta, GA, then you’re making the right decision as it’s a good place to live; it offers peaceful vibes, great schools, and good job opportunities.
Moreover, it’s closer to Downtown Atlanta. Living in this offers residents a blend of both urban and suburban feel. It has a great dining scene, a lot of outdoor stuff to do, and lush green parks.
2. Is Marietta, GA, expensive?
Marietta, GA, is not as expensive as other cities in the US. The housing is 12% cheaper than the US average, while utilities are about 9% less pricey.
When we talk about basic necessities such as food, clothing, and groceries, they are around 8% cheaper in Marietta, GA, than in the rest of the country.
3. Which are the best neighborhoods in Marietta, GA
Some of the best neighborhoods in Marietta include East Cobb, West Cobb, Historic Marietta, Chestnut Creek, Chimney Springs, Windsor Oaks, and Indian Hills.
4. Is Marietta bad for allergies?
Yes, it’s true. Marietta is bad for allergies, and pollen can be a cause of concern for the months of February to May, but it shouldn’t be big enough to stop you from moving there.
Staying in touch with your doctor and following the regular medications can help you work through it.
