Marietta

Marietta

Marietta is a historic city located northwest of Atlanta. It is known for its charming downtown square, vibrant cultural scene, and rich Civil War history. As one of Atlanta’s largest suburbs, Marietta offers a mix of small-town charm with various modern amenities, attracting families, history enthusiasts, and those looking for a well-rounded community.

A Bit of History

Marietta was established in the 1830s, predating Atlanta, and quickly grew as a bustling hub due to its proximity to the Western and Atlantic Railroad. The city played a significant role during the Civil War, particularly during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in 1864. Despite being affected by the war, Marietta rebuilt and thrived, becoming a key city in Georgia’s history. Today, Marietta’s well-preserved historic sites, including antebellum homes and Civil War landmarks, showcase its storied past while blending seamlessly with its modern growth and development.

What Attracts People to Marietta

• Historic Marietta Square: Marietta's heart is its historic downtown square, featuring brick-paved streets, unique shops, boutiques, restaurants, theaters, and museums. The Square is also the venue for many community events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year.
• Rich History: With landmarks such as the Marietta Museum of History and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Marietta offers a window into Georgia’s past, attracting history buffs and those interested in Civil War history.
• Proximity to Atlanta: Located about 20 miles northwest of Atlanta, Marietta provides residents a more suburban lifestyle while allowing convenient access to the city’s attractions and employment hubs.
• Outdoor Recreation: Marietta boasts an abundance of parks, trails, and natural attractions, including Kennesaw Mountain and the Silver Comet Trail, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking recreational activities.
• Diverse Dining and Shopping: From charming cafes to upscale restaurants and an array of shopping options, Marietta has something for everyone.

Places to Eat

Marietta offers a diverse and vibrant dining scene, particularly in and around Marietta Square:

• Douceur de France: A charming French bakery and café serving pastries, bread, coffee, and a selection of breakfast and lunch dishes in a cozy European-inspired setting.
• Kiosco: A cozy Colombian restaurant offering a variety of traditional Colombian dishes like empanadas, arepas, and grilled meats.
• Marietta Pizza Company: A beloved pizza joint in Marietta Square serving classic and specialty pizzas, calzones, and salads in a laid-back setting.
• Spring: An upscale, farm-to-table restaurant in Marietta Square featuring seasonal American cuisine emphasizing locally sourced ingredients.
• Stockyard Burgers & Bones: This spot is known for its gourmet burgers, craft beer, and whiskey selection and offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
• Taqueria Tsunami: A fusion restaurant that blends Asian and Latin flavors, offering creative tacos, rice bowls, and appetizers like edamame guacamole.
• The Marietta Local: A casual spot known for its comforting Southern-inspired dishes, including their famous fried chicken and waffles. Perfect for breakfast or brunch.

       

Things to Do

• Attend Local Events: Marietta hosts various community events, including the Fourth of July Celebration, Taste of Marietta, and the Marietta Art in the Park festival, drawing visitors from all over the metro Atlanta area.
• Gone With the Wind Museum: This museum celebrates the classic novel and film “Gone With the Wind,” featuring memorabilia, historical documents, and insights into the book’s creation.
• Ghost Tours: Marietta offers popular ghost tours that explore the city’s haunted history, taking visitors through historic buildings and sites with intriguing tales of the past.
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park: A short drive from the square, this historic site features miles of hiking trails, scenic views, and Civil War history. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and families.
• Marietta Museum of History: Located in the historic Kennesaw House on Marietta Square, this museum explores the city’s history through various exhibits, including artifacts from the Civil War era and the growth of Marietta as a railroad hub.
• Marietta Square: This vibrant downtown area is lined with historic buildings and offers plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It is also home to the Marietta Square Farmers Market, which showcases fresh produce, local artisans, and food vendors.
• Six Flags White Water: This large water park is located in Marietta and offers a variety of water slides, pools, and attractions, making it a fun summer destination for families and thrill-seekers.
• The Strand Theatre: Located on Marietta Square, the historic Strand Theatre hosts a variety of live performances, concerts, and classic movie screenings, offering a rich cultural experience.

Marietta’s blend of historic charm, diverse dining options, cultural activities, and outdoor recreation makes it a vibrant community that appeals to residents and visitors alike. Its rich history and lively downtown square, paired with modern amenities and natural attractions, create a unique atmosphere that offers something for everyone.

Buying a Home in Marietta: What to Know

 Property Types & Neighborhood Styles

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• Historic downtown includes Victorian and antebellum-style homes with tree-lined streets, porches, and easy walking access to shops and restaurants.
• Suburban subdivisions such as North Landing, Weatherstone, and Pine Valley offer family-friendly layouts, mature landscaping, and community amenities like parks and sidewalks.
• Master-planned communities feature larger homes, swim-and-tennis facilities, cohesive architectural standards, and HOA governance.
• Condos and townhomes near the square and major corridors provide low-maintenance living close to dining, entertainment, and cultural venues.

Location & Municipal Overview

• Spanning around 23–24 square miles, Marietta is managed by its own city government and delivers full municipal services including parks, utilities, public safety, and planning.
• Major thoroughfares such as I‑75, US‑41 (Cobb Parkway), and local connector roads allow quick travel to Atlanta, the airport, and surrounding suburbs.
• The downtown square is the cultural hub, offering farmers markets, festivals, boutiques, and dining.

 What to Know During Inspections

• Older homes often require updates to plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC systems, roofs, and foundations—inspection is key.
• In newer communities, inspect grading, drainage, and HOA rules governing landscaping or exterior maintenance.
• Properties near Sope Creek or Kennesaw Mountain should be checked for runoff potential, slope stability, and flood-prone areas.

Pricing, Demand & HOA Notes

• Median list prices generally range between $525K and $535K; recent median sale prices hover around $485K–$535K.
• The average home value sits near $483K, with modest year-over-year changes.
• Homes typically go under contract within 2–5 weeks of listing and receive 1–3 offers on average.
• Marietta’s market supports negotiation, though well-priced and well-maintained properties remain in high demand.
  

Transportation & Commute

• Easy access to major highways like I‑75, US‑41, and state routes facilitates commuting regionally.
• Public transit—CobbLinc and Xpress bus routes—connect Marietta to Atlanta and the airport.
• The city is walkable near the square and several neighborhoods close to downtown amenities.

Recreation, Culture & Community

• Marietta Square hosts public events like farmers markets, outdoor concerts, theater productions, and seasonal festivals.
• Historic attractions include the Strand Theatre, Marietta Museum of History, and the “Big Chicken” landmark.
• Outdoor recreation is abundant: Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is nearby, offering hiking, history, and green space.

Zoning & Growth Awareness

• Historic districts are protected, while new growth is carefully managed through zoning, architectural standards, and infrastructure planning.
• Neighborhoods range from upscale East Cobb to more affordable areas—buyers should review zoning and HOA guidelines.
• Proposed developments and infrastructure projects are in progress—review city plans for potential impact.

Final Tips

• Decide which setting fits your lifestyle: historic downtown charm, family-focused suburbs, luxurious planned communities, or low-maintenance condos.
• Prioritize inspections and HOA document reviews based on home age and type.
• Market competition is moderate—pre-approval and prompt offers improve your chances.
• Marietta offers a unique mix of heritage, amenities, and commuter convenience, making it a strong long-term investment and place to live.