Marietta vs Woodstock: Which Northwest Atlanta Suburb is Right for You?
Should you move to Marietta or Woodstock? Today, we’re putting these two northwest Atlanta suburbs head-to-head, comparing them across 8 categories, awarding points, and declaring a winner. The categories: Population Density, Downtowns, Location, Home Prices, Healthcare, Schools, Safety, and Things to Do.
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1. Population Density
Marietta: ~62,000 residents
Woodstock: ~38,000 residents
At first glance, Marietta seems bigger—but Woodstock is actually more densely packed. Marietta feels bustling, with commercial zones, hospitals, government buildings, and multi-lane roads. Woodstock leans more suburban and peaceful.
Winner: Woodstock
2. Downtowns
Woodstock Downtown: Trendy, energetic, and walkable. Boutique shops, independent restaurants, craft breweries, patios, yoga studios, and a connected trail system. The amphitheater hosts festivals, live music, and food truck nights.
Marietta Square: Historic, charming, and event-filled. Glover Park sits at the center, surrounded by dining options, the Marietta Food Hall, and events like Art Walk, Chalktoberfest, and Winter Wonderland.
Both are great—but Woodstock’s newer, trendier downtown slightly edges out Marietta in walkability and momentum.
Winner: Woodstock
3. Location
Marietta: ~10 miles closer to Atlanta, right on I-75, easy access to I-285, Truist Park, and The Battery.
Woodstock: Off I-575, better for Canton, Ball Ground, or north Cherokee commuting.
If your commute or Atlanta access is a priority, Marietta wins.
Winner: Marietta
4. Home Prices
Marietta: Median ~$500,000
Woodstock: Median ~$482,000
Marietta offers a variety of historic homes, mid-century ranches, and some new construction. Woodstock leans toward newer subdivisions, townhomes, and master-planned communities. Price per square foot is slightly higher in Woodstock.
Winner: Tie
5. Healthcare
Marietta: Home to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, one of the largest and top-rated hospitals in Georgia. Comprehensive services include emergency care, cancer treatment, cardiovascular care, maternity, orthopedics, and more.
Woodstock: Clinics and urgent care centers locally, with full-service hospitals nearby in Canton (Northside Cherokee) or Marietta.
Winner: Marietta
6. Schools
Marietta (Cobb County Schools): Top-rated, #8 in Atlanta area
Walton High: A+ Niche, 10/10 GreatSchools
Lassiter High: A+ Niche, 10/10 GreatSchools
Pope High: A Niche, 10/10 GreatSchools
Wheeler, Sprayberry, Kell, Marietta High follow closely
Woodstock (Cherokee County Schools): Solid, #10 in Atlanta area
Etowah High: A Niche, 8/10 GreatSchools
River Ridge, Sequoyah follow
Marietta claims the top three spots and six of the top ten overall.
Winner: Marietta
7. Safety
Marietta: Crime rate ~31 per 1,000 residents, mostly property crime near downtown and older apartments. Higher than 86% of Georgia communities.
Woodstock: Crime rate 1 in 81 residents, lower than similar-sized U.S. cities, especially low in residential areas near Towne Lake and Trickum Road.
Winner: Woodstock
8. Things to Do
Woodstock: Outdoorsy lifestyle. Parks like Olde Rope Mill, JJ Biello, Dupree, Woodstock Park, and Hobgood Park. Local breweries, Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, and shopping at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta.
Marietta: Broader variety. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, The Strand Theatre, Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, events on the Square, and proximity to The Battery Atlanta.
Winner: Marietta
Final Score
Marietta: 4.5
Woodstock: 3.5
The winner? Marietta.
But don’t sleep on Woodstock—it’s growing fast and offers a sweet suburban vibe. Prioritize what’s most important to you—commute, schools, lifestyle—and the right choice will stand out.
If you’re thinking about moving to Marietta, Woodstock, or anywhere in Metro Atlanta, reach out anytime. I can help you navigate neighborhoods, schools, and housing options to find your perfect fit.
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