Marietta Moving Guide

Marietta, Georgia, might just be the best-kept secret in the Peach State. Located just 20 miles northwest of Atlanta, this charming city offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and modern amenities—all wrapped up in that famous Southern hospitality. If you’re searching for a place that combines small-town charm with big-city conveniences, Marietta definitely deserves a spot on your shortlist. This article highlights many reasons why Marietta could be your next ideal home, showcasing its unique features and attractions.

10 Reasons to Move to Marietta

1. Close Proximity to Atlanta

Marietta’s location offers the tranquility of suburban life while keeping the excitement of downtown Atlanta within easy reach. Commuting for work or planning a night out becomes convenient with the city’s attractions just a short drive away. The MLB Atlanta Braves stadium and the Battery Atlanta are even closer, located just minutes away from most Marietta locations.

2. Affordable Housing Options

Compared to Atlanta’s rising housing prices, Marietta offers more bang for your buck. From historic homes with character to new developments equipped with modern features, the housing market caters to a variety of preferences and budgets.

3. Rich History and Heritage

Marietta is rich in history, from its role in the Civil War to its landmarks like the historic Strand Theatre, the city’s history adds character to everyday life. Landmarks like the Marietta Square and the Gone with the Wind Museum will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time—minus the hoop skirts.

4. Vibrant Downtown Square

The Marietta Square is the city’s beating heart, filled with boutiques, eateries, and cultural venues. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or to accidentally trip over a cobblestone while admiring the local art galleries and hand painted murals throughout the downtown area.

5. Excellent Schools

Education is a top priority in Marietta, with schools that make the grade. Both public and private institutions offer quality education, ensuring your kids are still on the right track—even if they still can’t find their shoes in the morning.

6. Diverse Job Market

With opportunities in healthcare, aerospace, education, and more, Marietta’s job market is as diverse as a potluck dinner. Plus, its proximity to Atlanta opens doors to even more career possibilities—just remember to pack a snack for the commute.

7. Plenty of Recreational Activities

Outdoor enthusiasts can flex their muscles (or just leisurely stroll) at numerous parks and trails. A hike up Kennesaw Mountain will help you work off that extra slice of pecan pie in no time, and a float down the Chattahoochee River will cool you down during our warm summers.

8. Community Spirit

Marietta is a community where neighbors still borrow cups of sugar or catch up at the local coffee shops. Festivals, parades, and events bring residents together more often than family reunions.

9. Variety of Dining and Shopping Options

From Southern comfort food that’ll make your grandma jealous to international cuisines that will bring some spice to your life, Marietta’s dining scene is a culinary adventure. Shopping options range from quirky boutiques to well-known retailers—perfect for when you need that last-minute gift or just some retail therapy.

10. Family-Friendly Events and Festivals

Marietta knows how to throw a party. Annual events like the May-retta Daze Arts, Crafts, & Music Festival, Taste of Marietta, and the Fourth of July Parade, Festival, & Fireworks ensure there’s always something on the calendar—besides dentist appointments and oil changes.

Cost of Living in Marietta

Living in Marietta won’t require digging for buried treasure in your backyard. The cost of living is relatively affordable, especially when compared to the hustle and bustle (and expense) of Atlanta.

Housing: Median home prices hover around $500,000. You can choose from cozy bungalows to spacious estates, with options to suit various budgets.
Renting: Apartments range from about $1,500 for a one-bedroom to $2,500 or more for larger spaces. Perfect for those who prefer someone else to handle lawn maintenance.
Other Expenses: Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are on par with national averages. Plus, Georgia’s state income tax is a flat 5.75%, which is easier to remember than your Netflix password.

More information about the cost of living in Marietta:

Cost of Living in Marietta – Numbeo.com
Marietta Cost of Living – BestPlaces.net
Marietta Living Expenses – NerdWallet.com

Marietta Job Market

The job market in Marietta is as solid as a cast-iron skillet. With a lower unemployment rate than the national average, opportunities abound both within the city of Marietta and in neighboring Atlanta.

Major Employers:

WellStar Health System: One of the largest healthcare providers in the state, offering roles that keep the community healthy and your resume impressive.
Lockheed Martin: If aerospace and defense get your engines running, this is the place to be—just don’t expect to bring home any cool gadgets.
Cobb County School District: For those interested in shaping the minds of tomorrow, opportunities in education are plentiful.

Popular Industries in the Area

Aerospace and Defense: Thanks to Lockheed Martin, engineering and manufacturing job opportunities are sky-high.
Healthcare: With major hospitals and clinics, opportunities in medical fields are robust—no PhD in “Grey’s Anatomy” required.
Education: Both public and private schools offer careers in teaching and administration.
Technology: The metro Atlanta tech scene is growing faster than kudzu on a summer day.

More information about finding a job in Marietta:

Jobs in Marietta – Indeed.com
Top Employers in Marietta – CobbChamber.org

Things to Do in Marietta

Activities & Entertainment in Marietta

Marietta offers something to do for everyone, including history enthusiasts, art lovers, and outdoor adventurers.

Outdoor Activities

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park: Hike where history happened, with trails that offer both exercise and education—talk about multitasking.
Silver Comet Trail: A paved pedestrian rail trail perfect for biking, walking, or pondering life’s big questions without the interruption of traffic.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Part of the National Park Service and visited by more than three million visitors a year.

Local Attractions

Marietta Square: The epicenter of fun, with shops, eateries, and events that make it the place to be.
The Big Chicken: Not just a KFC—it’s a Marietta icon and landmark. Giving directions often involves phrases like “turn left at the Big Chicken,” because who needs GPS when you have a giant fowl guiding the way?
Marietta History Center: Explore local artifacts and exhibits that make history feel less like a homework assignment and more like a fun and fascinating story.

Restaurants & Nightlife

Your taste buds will thank you for moving to Marietta.

Marietta Diner: Featured on national food shows, it’s open 24/7 to satisfy any craving.
Spring: From chef/owner Brian So, Spring is an award-winning culinary destination that brings a taste of modern American cuisine to Marietta Square.
Glover Park Brewery: Craft beer lovers rejoice—it’s the perfect spot to unwind, catch up with friends, or debate the merits of IPAs.

Check out our Marietta Restaurant Guide for many more delicious options.

Marietta Climate

Marietta enjoys a humid subtropical climate, which is a fancy way of saying you’ll experience all four seasons—sometimes in the same week.

Summers: Hot and humid with average highs around 89°F (32°C). It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and local festivals or the perfect excuse to enjoy sweet tea and air conditioning.
Winters: Mild, with average lows around 33°F (1°C). Snow is rare, so your snowman-building skills might get a bit rusty.
Rainfall: The city receives about 52 inches annually, so keep that umbrella handy.

More information about Marietta’s weather:

Marietta Weather Averages – USClimateData.com
Marietta 10-Day Forecast – Weather.com

Traffic in Marietta

Ah, traffic—the great equalizer. Marietta’s roads can get busy, especially during rush hour, but it’s a small price to pay for living near Atlanta’s plethora of opportunities.

Major Highways: I-75 and I-575 are the main arteries, connecting you to Atlanta and beyond. Just remember, using your turn signal is more of a suggestion around here.
Alternate Routes: Locals often use side streets to navigate around congestion, providing more efficient travel options during peak times. It’s like a real-life game of Pac-Man, but with fewer ghosts and more stop signs.

Marietta Public Transportation

CobbLinc: The county’s bus service offers routes throughout Marietta and connections to Atlanta’s MARTA system. It’s a solid option if you’d rather let someone else do the driving while you catch up on the latest viral cat videos.
Rideshares: Uber and Lyft are readily available, perfect for when your car’s in the shop or you just can’t even with parking.
Air Travel: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about a 30-minute drive away, depending on traffic and your willingness to weave through lanes.

Schools in Marietta

Marietta encompasses two school districts: the Marietta City School District and the Cobb County School District. If you’re planning to move to Marietta or looking at homes with a Marietta address, it’s essential to determine if the property is inside the city limits. Marietta is the county seat of Cobb County, so residences outside the city limits of Marietta and other Cobb County cities may still carry a Marietta address. Homes within the city limits are zoned for the Marietta City School District, while those outside fall under the Cobb County School District attendance zone. One of the largest areas with a Marietta address but located outside the city limits is East Cobb. If you’re moving to the East Cobb area, be sure to also check out our East Cobb Moving Guide.

Education is top-notch, with options to suit every learning style.

Public Schools: Marietta City Schools and Cobb County School District offer highly rated institutions. Schools like Marietta High School have advanced programs and extracurricular activities that keep students engaged—and parents bragging at dinner parties.
Private Schools: Numerous private and parochial schools offer alternative education choices for families.
Higher Education: Nearby Kennesaw State University and Life University offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Is the Marietta Lifestyle Right for You?

Deciding where to hang your hat is no small feat. Marietta offers a delightful blend of history, community spirit, and modern amenities that make it more than just a place to live. With its welcoming atmosphere and proximity to Atlanta’s opportunities, Marietta could be the perfect fit for your happily ever after.

So pack your bags and come see what makes Marietta a community waiting to welcome you home. And remember, if you get lost, just look for the Big Chicken—it’s a landmark you can’t miss.

Located in Cobb County and just under 20 miles north of Downtown Atlanta, Marietta is one of the most popular and fastest growing cities in the metro Atlanta area. With a rich history dating back to the 1800s, Marietta boasts a blend of urban and suburban living. It serves as the county seat and offers a range of amenities, including historic sites, cultural attractions, numerous festivals, and a vibrant downtown area.

If you are moving to Marietta, or are looking at houses with a Marietta address, it is important to find out if you are living inside or outside the city limits. Marietta is the county seat of Cobb County, meaning that unincorporated areas of Cobb County (areas outside city limits of other Cobb County cities) will have a Marietta address. If your address is inside the city limits of Marietta, your residence is zoned for the Marietta City School District. If you are outside the City of Marietta limits, your residence is part of the Cobb County School District attendance zone. One of the largest of such areas with a Marietta address, but outside the Marietta city limits, is nearby East Cobb. If you are moving to the East Cobb portion of Marietta, check our our East Cobb Moving Guide.

To find more information about Marietta real estate, things to do, utilities information, school information, and more, please click a link below. You can also read more about why you should move to Marietta, or why you should move your business to Marietta.

What Makes Cobb Great