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Moving to Marietta

Marietta is the seat of Cobb County and one of the oldest cities in metro Atlanta — founded in 1834, nearly three decades before the Civil War that would leave its mark on the city's history. The Marietta Square, a tree-lined town square with a Confederate cemetery, independent restaurants, and a vibrant community calendar, is the kind of downtown gathering place that most Atlanta suburbs don't have. With about 61,000 residents in the city proper and hundreds of thousands in the surrounding area, Marietta combines genuine small-city character with proximity to Atlanta's northwest corporate corridor — Lockheed Martin, WellStar Health System, and The Home Depot (headquartered nearby in Unincorporated Cobb County) anchor an economy that doesn't depend on downtown Atlanta.

Here's what we'll cover:

Why is Everyone Moving to Marietta, GA?

Things to Know Before Moving to Marietta, GA

The Pros and Cons of Living in Marietta, GA

Moving to Marietta, GA FAQ's

Thinking About Moving to Marietta, GA?

Things to Know Before Moving to Marietta

Before moving to Marietta, GA, know that Marietta Square is the heart of the city. The Square is surrounded by locally owned restaurants (Marietta Fish Market, Taqueria Tsunami, and the long-running Marietta Diner nearby), antique shops, a theater, and the Gone With the Wind Museum. First Friday art walks, outdoor concerts, and seasonal festivals keep the Square active year-round. The nearby Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park — a 2,965-acre preserve with hiking trails and Civil War history — is one of the most visited National Park Service sites in the country.

Housing in Marietta is among the most affordable in the desirable parts of metro Atlanta. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,300 to $1,800, and roommate shares average $700 to $1,100. The apartment supply is extensive along Cobb Parkway, Roswell Road, and the I-75 corridor. Downtown Marietta near the Square has a mix of older homes, townhomes, and small apartment buildings with character.

The job market is strong locally. Lockheed Martin's Marietta facility is one of the largest defense manufacturing plants in the country, producing C-130 and F-35 aircraft. WellStar Kennestone Hospital is a major healthcare employer. The Home Depot's headquarters in nearby Vinings and the Cumberland/Galleria office complex bring corporate jobs to the area. The new Cobb County transit system and CobbLinc buses provide some public transit, but there's no MARTA rail — Cobb County opted out decades ago. I-75 is the main highway corridor, and its traffic is among the worst in metro Atlanta.

Pros & Cons of Living in Marietta

Marietta offers something most Atlanta suburbs lack — a historic town square with real restaurants, genuine community events, and walkable character. Kennesaw Mountain adds world-class hiking minutes from home. The defense and healthcare job market is strong locally. The trade-offs are I-75 traffic (brutal), no MARTA rail, and neighborhoods that vary significantly in quality. For budget-conscious renters who want small-city charm within the Atlanta orbit, Marietta is the best value in Cobb County.

Pros of Living in Marietta

Marietta Square — A Real Downtown

Marietta Square is one of the few authentic town squares in metro Atlanta — local restaurants, shops, a community theater, and a calendar packed with First Friday art walks, outdoor concerts, and festivals. The Marietta Fish Market, Taqueria Tsunami, and surrounding dining options make the Square a genuine gathering place. It's walkable, social, and has the kind of community energy that strip-mall suburbs simply can't replicate.

Kennesaw Mountain at Your Doorstep

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is 2,965 acres of hiking trails, Civil War history, and panoramic views of metro Atlanta — and it's free. The mountain trail to the summit is a popular morning workout, and the extensive trail network offers miles of running and walking. Having a National Park Service site as your neighborhood park is an extraordinary perk.

Affordable for Quality Metro Atlanta

Marietta's rents are among the most affordable in the desirable parts of metro Atlanta. Roommate shares under $1,100 are common, and you get a city with character — not just another interchangeable suburb. The apartment supply is large and competitive, giving renters good options.

Strong Defense and Healthcare Employers

Lockheed Martin's Marietta facility is a massive employer, and the defense supply chain brings hundreds of related businesses to the area. WellStar Kennestone Hospital is one of the busiest in Georgia. The Home Depot headquarters is minutes away in Vinings. Many residents work locally without the Atlanta commute.

Diverse and Growing Community

Marietta has become one of metro Atlanta's most diverse cities, with growing Latino, Asian, and immigrant communities alongside longtime Southern families. The diversity is reflected in the food — excellent Mexican, Korean, Ethiopian, and Vietnamese restaurants are scattered throughout the city, often in unassuming strip-mall locations that locals know and love.

Cons of Moving to Marietta

I-75 Traffic Is Legendary

I-75 through Cobb County is one of the most congested highways in the Southeast. The commute to downtown Atlanta can take 45-75 minutes during rush hour for a distance of only 20 miles. The I-75/I-285 interchange (Spaghetti Junction's western cousin) is a daily bottleneck. If your job is in Atlanta, the commute will define your schedule.

No MARTA Rail

Cobb County has historically opted out of MARTA rail expansion, and Marietta has no rail transit. CobbLinc buses provide limited service, but most residents drive everywhere. The lack of rail makes Marietta significantly less connected than Sandy Springs or other ITP (Inside the Perimeter) neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Variability

Marietta's neighborhoods vary considerably in quality and safety. The Square area and East Cobb are well-maintained, but other pockets — particularly along some sections of Cobb Parkway and Franklin Road — have higher crime and aging infrastructure. Visiting your specific neighborhood at different times of day is essential.

Suburban Sprawl Outside the Square

Beyond the charming Square area, Marietta is typical Atlanta suburban sprawl — Cobb Parkway is an endless strip of big-box stores, fast food, and car dealerships. The walkable charm is concentrated in the downtown core, and most daily life involves driving between commercial strips.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Marietta

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Thinking About Moving to Marietta?

For neighborhoods in Marietta, the area around Marietta Square is the most walkable and charming — close to restaurants, shops, and the kind of tree-shaded streets that make evening walks pleasant. East Cobb (technically unincorporated but often associated with Marietta) has excellent schools and a suburban, family-oriented character. The Franklin Gateway area along Franklin Road has been undergoing revitalization. West Marietta near Kennesaw Mountain offers nature access and quieter living. Using Roommates.com will help you connect with people already living in Marietta and find a roommate who matches your lifestyle and budget.

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