Reasons You Should Move To Kennesaw, GA
Thinking about moving to Metro Atlanta and wondering where Kennesaw fits in? You’re in the right place. I help folks relocate to the north metro suburbs all the time, and Kennesaw is one of those spots that consistently lands on shortlists—for good reasons. Below is a quick, friendly overview to help you decide if it’s a match.
Kennesaw, Georgia sits in Cobb County, about a 40-minute drive northwest of Atlanta (traffic gods permitting). Like most suburbs outside the I-285 perimeter, it’s removed from the city’s hustle but still plugged in via I-75—so you get suburban breathing room with easy access to everything Atlanta offers.
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1. More Affordable Housing
Kennesaw’s market is one of the more approachable in Metro Atlanta—especially compared to nearby Marietta, Woodstock, or Smyrna. You still get quick I-75 access and classic suburban perks, but with friendlier prices.
Typical pricing: As of this writing, the median sales price is around $420K with an average $196/sq ft—translating to more house for your money versus several neighboring cities.
Pace: Homes are averaging about 14 days on market—competitive but not frantic.
Range: From ~1,000 sq ft condos in the mid-$200s to 10,000+ sq ft executive homes near $2M—there are options for first-time buyers and move-up buyers alike.
(Market stats change—reach out for fresh numbers.)
2. Cobb County Schools
School districts in Georgia are organized by county, and Kennesaw is in Cobb County, which consistently earns strong marks from third-party sites.
Harrison High: A on Niche, 9/10 on GreatSchools
Kennesaw Mountain High: A on Niche, 9/10 on GreatSchools
North Cobb High: A- on Niche, 8/10 on GreatSchools
Kell High: A- on Niche, 7/10 on GreatSchools
Every family’s needs are unique, and what’s “good” can be subjective. I rely on third-party data (Niche.com, GreatSchools.org) so you can interpret it for your situation—and I’m happy to help you compare neighborhoods.
3. Barrett Parkway = Convenience Central
Barrett Parkway is the area’s commercial heartbeat, crossing both I-75 and I-575. Need something? It’s probably here.
Groceries: Costco, Whole Foods, Kroger
Retail: Town Center at Cobb (yes, still going, even after recent headwinds)
Fun: Movie theater, bowling, trampoline park, Mountasia (arcade + mini-golf)
Food: Every chain you can name plus local gems
Heads-up: With that much convenience comes traffic. Peak times can feel like a slow-moving parade of brake lights. The trade-off for “everything within five minutes.”
4. A Small but Growing Downtown
Downtown Kennesaw is a compact strip with a handful of restaurants, shops, and places to grab a drink—more “let’s stop by” than “let’s spend the day.” The city has invested in a newer amphitheater and green space for festivals, markets, and live music, which definitely boosts the vibe when events are on. If you want a bigger scene, you’ll find it in nearby Marietta, Woodstock, or Acworth.
5. Safety Snapshot
I stick to third-party sources when discussing safety:
NeighborhoodScout: Notes Kennesaw’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, but lower than many similarly sized cities.
SafeWise: Frequently lists Kennesaw among Georgia’s safer cities.
Kennesaw also has a well-known (and largely symbolic) ordinance requiring heads of household to maintain a firearm with ammunition. Local police have stated it isn’t enforced.
(Always review current data and visit in person to gauge comfort.)
6. Predominantly Residential Feel
Kennesaw leans classic suburban: quiet subdivisions, cul-de-sacs, sidewalks, and a “live here, commute out” rhythm. It’s lively without being loud—and that’s exactly what many buyers want.
7. Location, Location, Location
Kennesaw puts you close to some of the area’s best destinations:
Marietta Square: Farmers markets, boutiques, coffee, and frequent community events (~15 minutes).
The Battery/Truist Park: Braves games, concerts, restaurants (~20–25 minutes).
Downtown Woodstock: Walkable, trendy restaurants and breweries, live music (~20 minutes).
Acworth: Charming downtown + Lake Acworth for quick water time (next door).
Atlanta: Straight down I-75. Commutes, concerts, museums, tacos in Midtown—roughly 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
8. Outdoors on Demand
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park: Miles of trails, shaded woods, and a summit hike with views—history buffs and hikers both win here.
Swift-Cantrell Park: Huge, clean, and versatile—multiple playgrounds, open fields, paved walking loop, three dog parks, and a legit skate park. Great for a casual afternoon or kid-energy burn.
9. KSU’s Big Impact
Kennesaw State University (KSU) is one of Georgia’s largest public universities (40,000+ students). Its presence energizes the east side of Kennesaw with restaurants, coffee shops, events, arts performances, jobs, and game-day buzz (Go Owls!). Even if you’re not a student, you’ll feel the benefits.
Final Thoughts
Kennesaw offers approachable home prices, strong county-level schools, tons of day-to-day convenience, big-park outdoor time, and quick access to the metro’s best hangouts. It may not have the most show-stopping downtown, but if you’re after a comfortable, residential base with easy reach to everything else—Kennesaw hits the sweet spot.
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