Acworth vs Kennesaw: Which Northwest Atlanta Suburb Should You Call Home?
Thinking about moving to Kennesaw, GA or relocating to Acworth, GA? You’re not alone. These two northwest Atlanta suburbs are separated by just a few exits on I-75, but they offer very different lifestyles.
Whether you’re considering Kennesaw or Acworth, this comparison will help you understand which community fits your needs best. We’ll break down each city across eight key categories—Population Density, Downtown, Location, Home Prices, Healthcare, Schools, Safety, and Things to Do—so you can make an informed decision.
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1. Population Density
Kennesaw has a population of about 34,000, but that number jumps with Kennesaw State University’s 43,000+ students. This gives the city a busier, more active feel with more apartments, traffic, and businesses geared toward students.
Acworth is smaller, around 23,000, and feels more spread out and residential. Lakefront neighborhoods and more green space give it a slower, room-to-breathe vibe.
🏆 Winner: Acworth
2. Downtown Atmosphere
Acworth’s downtown is small but charming, walkable, and filled with local restaurants, boutiques, and parks—all near Lake Allatoona. It has a classic small-town feel with string lights, brick sidewalks, and seasonal events.
Kennesaw’s downtown is just one street with a few restaurants and a new event plaza. While improving, it doesn’t have the same draw as Acworth’s historic core.
🏆 Winner: Acworth
3. Location and Commute
Kennesaw sits about 30 minutes northwest of Atlanta with direct access to I-75, Cobb Parkway, Barrett Parkway, and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Everything you need—shopping, restaurants, and commuting routes—is close by.
Acworth is 5–10 minutes further north, which means a quieter, less congested location—but a slightly longer drive to Atlanta and the airport.
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw
4. Home Prices
Over the past year, Kennesaw’s median home price is around $420,000, while Acworth averages $415,000. Recent monthly numbers have fluctuated, with Acworth sometimes slightly higher, but overall the difference is minimal.
🏆 Tie: 0.5 point each
5. Healthcare Access
Kennesaw has the edge with proximity to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, a full-service Level II trauma center, plus a cluster of urgent care centers and specialists along Barrett and Cobb Parkway.
Acworth has smaller clinics and residents often travel to Kennesaw or Marietta for major medical needs.
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw
6. Schools
Both cities offer solid schools, but Kennesaw is simpler. Most neighborhoods feed into Cobb County schools like Kennesaw Mountain High, North Cobb, or Hillgrove, with consistent A/A– ratings.
Acworth is split across four different county school systems—Cobb, Cherokee, Paulding, or Bartow—so ratings and access vary depending on your exact address.
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw
7. Safety
Kennesaw has a slightly lower crime rate, with property crime as the main concern, often near shopping areas or campus zones.
Acworth is similar, but slightly higher on property crime. Residential neighborhoods in both cities are safe.
🏆 Tie: 0.5 point each
8. Things to Do
Kennesaw offers more variety and volume: Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Town Center Mall, restaurants, bars, escape rooms, and events at KSU.
Acworth focuses on outdoor life: Lake Allatoona, Cauble Park, Red Top Mountain, walking trails, and a charming historic downtown with festivals and seasonal events.
For sheer volume and convenience, Kennesaw wins.
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw
🥇 Final Score
Kennesaw – 4.5
Acworth – 3.5
If you love small-town charm, more space, and lake access, Acworth is a great choice. If you prefer convenience, shopping, more activities, and easy access to Atlanta, Kennesaw is likely a better fit.
Still unsure? Everyone weighs these factors differently. I can help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities. Reach out, grab our free relocation guide, or watch more videos about living in Metro Atlanta.
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