Overview
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Kennesaw, Georgia is One of The Ten Best Cities for Families
Family Circle magazine named Kennesaw, Georgia as one of the top ten cities to live in the United States. Residents often speak of the charming appeal of living in Kennesaw. Located in northwest Cobb County, Kennesaw offers the feel of close-knit suburban communities with convenience of major commercial businesses and restaurants.
As of 2007, Kennesaw's population is 30,936 people. Since 2000, it has had a population growth of 42.73 percent.
The median home cost in Kennesaw is $280,200. Home appreciation the last year has been -3.09 percent.
Compared to the rest of the country, Kennesaw's cost of living is 4.68% Lower than the U.S. average.
Kennesaw public schools spend $5,267 per student. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $6,058. There are about 17 students per teacher in Kennesaw.
The unemployment rate in Kennesaw is 3.20 percent(U.S. avg. is 4.60%). Recent job growth is Positive. Kennesaw jobs have Increased by 2.82 percent.
Visitors looking for the "Old South" will find history and charm blend with the contemporary and progressive, offering an appeal to all ages and interests.
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Kennesaw is suburban hell. The flood of middle class white families to the area, and upspring of so, so many strip malls and food chains has really allowed the community to pretty much single handedly contribute to the completely unmanageable traffic clog on the northwest side of the city every morning and afternoon without fail. Something like 75% of the work force commutes from this suburb of a suburb to downtown daily. Drivers in the area are horrible, never seeming to have learned the definitions of 'merge' or 'yield,' and I think over 50% of the driving population consists of large sized SUVs. Beware, if Kennesaw doesn't have what they need, they head south and into Marietta. And it's common practice among Cobb County residents to run right turn only red lights and drive in the emergency lane, sometimes for over a mile, heading towards and coming from exit ramps.
The City of Kennesaw, Georgia is part of Cobb County, one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. For example, Cobb's 1980 population of 297,718 increased to 453,400 in 1990 according to estimates made by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). This population increased by 155,682 people or 52.3%. By contrast, according to the Census, the U.S. population increased from 1980-1990 at the rate of 9.8% and likewise, Georgia's population increased by 18.7%. By 1998, the County population was estimated to be well over 550,000.
Like the surrounding Cobb County and Atlanta area, Kennesaw's population growth is intense. Kennesaw's population increased from 5,095 in 1980 to 21,675 in 2000, an increase of 325% in just 20 years; the Kennesaw Census Area also increased approximately 271% for that same period. The City began a growth spurt in 1985 which will last through the turn of the century. The growth of the Metropolitan region encouraged the rapid expansion of housing and ancillary businesses, leading to the population explosion in and around Kennesaw. Furthermore, Kennesaw is developing as its own commercial center to further expand the metro boundary.
Established single family community wth lots of subdivisions in the area. Younger people live more in the apartments, townhomes and condos in the area.Population 30,936
Median Age 31.5
Households 11,697
Household size 2.56
Male population 49.73%
Female populaton 50.27%
Married population 64.49%
Single population 35.51%
Restaurants - Ted's Montana Grill, O'Charleys, Olive Garden, Smokey Bones, Hong Kong Star, Chili's, Applebees, TGI Friday, Golden Corral, Copeland's, Carrabas Italian Grill, Olive Garden, Raffertys. The Melting Pot, IHOP, Chuck E Cheese, Brusters, Sonic, Hooters, US Play(restaurant / game / bowling establishment),Shane's Rib Shack, Provino's Italian Restaurant, Ippolito's Italian Restaurant, Montecalvo's Italian Cuisine, My Cousin Vinny's, Oyster Cafe Seafood Restaurant, Oyster King Restaurant, Chick Fil A, Wendys, Arbys, Burger King, Starbucks, KFC, Zaxbys, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut.
Bars - Olde Towne Tavern and Grille , Diamond Dave's, Bailey's Smokehouse & Tavern, Laredo's Mexican Bar & Grill, Fuji Hana Sushi Bar & Grill, Ralph's Tavern, Sidelines Sports Grille
Apartment rental can range from a 1 bedroom at $595 a month to a 3 bedroom at $1715. There are a number of apartment complexes in the area. They house many students and young professionals in the area. Most people only stay in apartments for a limited time, as many apartment residents move out once they finished school or decide to buy a home in the area. The apartment are usually classified as "apartment homes" as hardly any of the apartment complexes in this suburban area resemble the traditional definition of apartments.
Close to I-75 and Cobb Parkway. These two are the major routes from Kennesaw into and out of the city of Atlanta and almost parellel one another. Plan accordingly for morning and evening commutes and alternate between the two depending on the travel conditions and reports. Traffic can get stacked heavily on both moring and evening commutes, so give yourself ample time if you need to be somplace at a certain time. Barrett Parkway is a major traffic artery in Kennesaw that is feed from both I-75 and Cobb Parkway. Traffic is heavy on Barrett Parkway weeekday mornings, evenings and on the weekends(Saturday in particular).
Cobb Community Transit has a bus line route that runs throug the Kennesaw area. Arrive 3 - 5 minutes early and wait at bus stops.
Buses stop only at bus stops or bus shelters. As the bus approaches,
raise your hand to signal the driver to stop.
Route signs are posted on the front of the bus and
on the side window. If you are unsure if a specific bus services your
destination, ask the driver. CCT does not offer Sunday service.
The better the apartment, the better your income, credit and references should be.
There will be younger tenants in all but the most expensive apartments.
Lots of referral fees in apartment complexes. Take advantage of them if you can.
The further out from Cobb Parkway and I-75, the cheaper the apartments will be. On the flip side, the traffic to get to where you need to go will be that much heavier.
Most of the area is spread out and suburban. Most people take their pets walking in their subdivisions or in parks in the area.
Golf - Pinetree Country Club: hilly, challenging, nice layout.
Cross Creek Golf Club: nice par 3 course.
Cobblestone Golf Club: 18 holes, beautiful and challenging golf course is nestled along Lake Acworth and provides scenic views, rolling fairways, and excellent greens.
Attractions - Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
Kennesaw Mountain -
The name Kennesaw is derived from the Cherokee Indian "Gah-nee-sah" meaning cemetery or burial ground.
Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield is a 2,923 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. The battle was fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864. Sherman's army consisted of 100,000 men, 254 guns and 35,000 horses. Johnston's army had 63,000 men and 187 guns. Over 67,000 soldiers were killed, wounded and captured during the Campaign.
There are 3 battlefield areas: In front of the Visitor Center, off Burnt Hickory Road and the main site is located at Cheatham Hill [then commonly known as the Dead Angle]. The visitor center provides introductory information about the Battlefield and the battle. While walking some of the 17.3 miles of interpretive walking trails you will see historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and various interpretive signs. There are 3 monuments representing states who fought here. Kennesaw Mountain is 1808 feet above sea level. It is approximately a 700 foot incline from the Visitor Center to the mountain's summit. The hike up is approximately 1.4 miles on the road and 1.2 mile up the trail. Horeback riding is available. The park is free to visitors.
Sparkles Roller Skating
Cowboys - huge country and western bar, concert and dance club. It's slogan is "biggest party outside the perimeter". Thursday through Sunday nights.
Silver Comet Trail - The Silver Comet Trail is located 13 miles northwest of Atlanta. This quiet, non-motorized trail is for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, roller bladers, horses, dog walkers, and is wheel chair accessible.
Located near I-285 and South Cobb Drive, the Mavell Road trailhead is the official starting point of the Silver Comet Trail. The Silver Comet is 12.8 miles long in Cobb County. It travels through Smyrna, Mableton, and Powder Springs. Cobb County has nice restrooms, benches along the trail, emergency phones, water fountains, red lights, and picnic tables.
The Cobb County Police Department uses various vehicles to patrol the trail during the day. Police cars patrol at night. The park hours are "open from dawn to dusk", and it's strictly enforced. Tickets for violating hours are expensive, so plan to be off the trail once it starts getting dark. Even though the trail is patrolled, people are encouraged to travel together and follow safety practices.
Cobb County is in the process of building a connected trail and park system that will span the county, and it's impressive. Areas within Cobb's trial system include Acworth, Kennesaw Mountain, Nooday Creek, East Cobb, Dallas, and the Cumberland Mall area. It will eventually connect to Atlanta's extensive trail system. At the Georgia / Alabama state line, the Silver Comet will connect to the 33-mile long Chief Ladiga Trail that ends in Anniston, Alabama. When construction on the Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga is finished, the trails will join to form one continuous trail from Smyrna, Georgia to Anniston, Alabama.The first phase of development at Swift-Cantrell Park was completed in December 2007. The 42-acre property located along on the western edge of the City now serves as one of the premier recreation, relaxation and central gathering places for Kennesaw area residents. Facilities include passive recreation areas, picnic pavilions/shelters, large playground areas and a trail system.
Unusual and beautiful blooming trees and shrubs are the foundation of the City's Smith-Gilbert Arboretum. The Smith-Gilbert Arboretum features a garden centered around a restored plantation home (circa 1840s). Visitors will encounter over 3,000 plant species and 30 contemporary sculptures by nationally known artists. Bird watchers and other lovers of wildlife will also appreciate the peace and sanctuary of the naturalistic woodland surroundings of the 13-acre site.
The City of Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department is your community connection for sports, recreation, leisure classes, programs and entertainment.
The Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department maintains and/or operates 23 recreation sites within City limits. These include two community parks, three neighborhood parks, 11 small urban parks, three special use areas, three indoor facilities and a community wide trail. City parks feature tennis and basketball courts, baseball and softball fields, playgrounds for toddlers and youth, trails and grassy expanses for passive recreational activities.
The Barrett Parkway street corridor is chock full of restaurants, shops, and movie theatres. This is a major parkway in Kennesaw. Cobb Parkway and George Busbee Parkway are also major parkways in Kennesaw, with apartments, single family and townhomes on these streets.
If you decide to move into the area and need to get to Atlanta or other surrounding towns often, get as close to I-75 and Cobb Parkway as you can. The further out you go from these roadways, the more backed up your commute will be.
Grocery stores - Kroger, Aldi, Publix, Costco, Wal Mart Supercenter, Super Target
The Kennesaw Farmers Market - The Market is conveniently located on Main Street in Downtown Kennesaw, in the City parking log next to Trackside Grill. Sponsored by the Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority, the Kennesaw Farmers Market features a variety of fresh produce grown by local farmers, as well as a variety of other locally produced items.
Banks - RBC Bank, Wachovia, Regions, SunTrust, BB&T, Bank of America, Bestbank, Colonial, Bank of North Georgia, Community Trust Bank, Flagstar Bank
Gyms - Anytime Fitness, American Bodyworks, LA Fitness, Golds Gym
Fit and Fabulous Wraps
Numerous dry cleaners in the area.
The growth in educational achievement rates can be attributed to the suburbanization of Kennesaw. Most of the new residents are employed and, as typical workers in the Atlanta economy, have roughly the same demographics of the region as a whole. The typical new resident has at least some college. Judging from trends in Cobb County as a whole and allowing for the local situation, as many as one-third of new residents are college graduates. As the price of the average house in Kennesaw continues to rise-- there are more $200,000 houses for sale in the City than ever before-- educational levels can be expected to rise even more due to the strong relationship between income and education. Students enrolled in the Coob County School District
continue to be among the top performers in the nation, with scores on
the SAT and Iowa Test of Basic Skills significantly higher than state
and national averages.
Awtrey Middle School grades 6-8
Big Shanty Elementary grades 3-5
Bullard Elementary grades PK-5
Chalker Elementary grades PK-5
Harrison High grades 9-12
Hayes Elementary grades PK-5
Kennesaw Charter grades KG-5
Kennesaw Elementary grades PK-2
Kennesaw Mountain High grades 9-12
Lewis Elementary grades PK-5
Lost Mountain Middle grades 6-8
North Cobb High grades 9-12
Palmer Middle grades 6-8
Pine Mountain Middle grades 6-8
Equal Housing Opportunity