7 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Marietta, GA

Are you considering moving to Marietta, GA, and want to learn more about the area? Here are seven essential things to know before moving to Marietta.

As a suburb of Atlanta, Marietta, GA, is known as one of the best places to live in Georgia for countless reasons. With great schools, affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, and award-winning entertainment venues, there's no reason not to move to Marietta. 

Relocating to Marietta or any new place is a significant milestone that brings excitement and stress. It can mean a change in lifestyle, a unique work opportunity, or the start of retirement. Regardless of why you're moving, the process can be daunting. The key is conducting thorough research and learning as much as possible about the area before you move.

Georgia is home to many affordable and safe cities to choose from. Known as the home of the Dawgs at the University of Georgia, Georgia offers the best Southern charm, beautiful beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, and much more. Ensure you know everything about Georgia's best cities, like Atlanta, Savannah, and Athens. 

Marietta is a bustling city with a population of 62,626, mainly consisting of young professionals. Whether you're a new or long-time resident, plenty of options are available to suit your needs. If you're unsure whether Marietta is the right place for you, here are some crucial factors to consider.

Here are seven things to know before you move to Marietta

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Marietta is 7% lower than the national average. Make sure to keep in mind that this percentage can vary based on factors such as your career, lifestyle, number of people in your home, and much more. Your daily, monthly, and yearly expenses are all included in the average cost of living. 

Let's look deeper into the cost of living factors compared to the national average. Housing prices are 7% lower, utilities are 12% lower, groceries are 8% lower, and transportation is 8% lower. These may not seem like a huge difference, but it will save you a lot of money in the long run. 

Georgia has many relatively affordable cities; Savannah is 10% lower, and Athens is 12% lower. As a suburb of Atlanta, the prices are much cheaper than the city, and many people commute from Marietta to Atlanta for work. 

Again, prices in any city or town can fluctuate depending on where you live. The town is pretty spread out, meaning you will likely find an affordable part of town if these popular spots are out of your budget. 

Here are some more average prices on various cost-of-living items according to Payscale. 

Real Estate

Housing prices in Marietta are 12% lower than the national average, meaning you will save much more on housing than other cities nationwide. In addition, utility prices are 8% lower than the national average. 

The median home price is around $395,451, although this can vary greatly depending on the location, house size, and other factors. Still, you will likely find a beautiful home here in Marietta at a great price. The typical home styles in Marietta vary depending on the neighborhood. The majority are Dutch Colonia Revival, Craftsman, Folk Victorian, Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, and Neoclassical Revival. 

With an average age of 35.2, most residents are young professionals or small families, and most rent their homes. Fortunately, there are many single-family homes and townhomes available. 

The neighborhoods in Marietta are incredible and are mainly home to small families. Check out the best areas in other Georgia cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and Athens. 

Dining

Marietta is known for its cozy cafes, five-star restaurants, Southern cuisine, and more. You can find it here no matter what kind of food you're in the mood for. Many of the best restaurants are located in Marietta Square, where you can easily walk from shop to shop and stop into any of the fantastic restaurants for a bite to eat. 

Grocery prices are 8% lower than the national average. Although, grocery prices depend on where you shop and how many people you need to feed. There are many ways to reduce your grocery costs, like shopping at cheaper grocery stores or farmers' markets. Luckily, a farmer's market is on Saturday mornings in Marietta Square. 

You can even make a short trip up to Atlanta for even more fantastic restaurant options on special occasions. 

Here are the average prices of everyday grocery items according to Payscale. 

Check out these local favorite restaurants in Marietta, GA:

• Marietta Diner: Since 1995, this hometown gem has been known as one of Georgia's best diners. Open 24 hours a day, the diner has even been featured on Food Network's "Diner, Drive-ins and Dives."
• Piastra Restaurant: This casual but upscale restaurant specializes in from-scratch Italian cuisine. Check out their delicious brunch, lunch, and dinner options. 
• Hamp & Harry's: Located in Marietta Square, this casual yet delicious eatery is perfect for a date night or special dinner. By using locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant clearly puts a lot of effort into each dish and also offers beautifully crafted cocktails. 

Historic Landmarks

Dating back to 1834, Marietta is most known for its deep history. Marietta's historic town square is the heart of that deep history. As the oldest city in Cobb County, the town got its name from Cobb's wife just a couple of years after it was established as a town by the Georgia General Assembly. Walk around the square to learn more about this history, and check out the cute shops and dining options. 

In addition to the historic square, there are many other historical landmarks like the Marietta Confederate Cemetery, the Black Heritage Walking Tour, the William Root House Museum and Garden, and the Marietta History Center.

There are many fun historical sites around the city, and there is even a fun scavenger hunt where you can discover historic places on your own. No matter what you're interested in, Marietta has tons of opportunities for educational fun.

Job Market

Named by the National Civic League, Marietta is one of the ten best communities in the nation and an All-American City, the country's oldest and most-respected community recognition award.

As a smaller suburb of Atlanta, there are not as many high-paying job opportunities as there are in the big city. Nonetheless, many live in Marietta and commute to Atlanta for work. Marietta has also been named one of the country's top 25 places to retire. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, the median household income in 2021 was $62,585 and has grown since then. The poverty rate is 12.9%, lower than the Georgia poverty rate of 14%. 

The majority of jobs in Marietta are in manufacturing, education, the National Guard, healthcare, and service and entertainment. If you're looking for a higher-paying job, Atlanta is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies.

Crime Rates

Marietta does have a slightly higher crime rate than the majority of cities nationwide. Residents state that the Northern part of Marietta is typically safer than the Southern area. 

Both violent crimes and property crimes have been trending down since 2015, according to the Marietta Police. The violent crime rate per 1,000 residents was 4.63, and the property crime rate was 25.53, just slightly higher than the state and national average. 

Remember that areas have a higher crime rate than the national average but are still very safe and comfortable places to live. There are several safe neighborhoods around Marietta, and it is still one of the best places to live in Georgia. 

Activities

On top of the abundance of historic sites, Marietta has many fun-filled activities for the whole family. The square has many adorable shops, unique bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. You can ensure you'll have no trouble finding fun activities in Marietta. 

Explore the town by taking a tour or check out the theatre for comedy, music, and arts, the aviation wing of Marietta, City Club Marietta for the best golf course, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield and Park, and Truist Park. Overall, there are more than enough options for fun here in Marietta. Check out the Ghosts of Marietta tour... if you dare.

Check out some of the best things to do in Marietta:

• Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre: This historic theatre is located in the middle of the square and is the last standing landmark theatre in Cobb County. Featuring films, concerts, comedy, a piano bar and cocktail lounge, and a rooftop terrace, it is a must-stop if you're in town. You can even rent out the theatre for a private event. 
• Marietta Square Art Walk: On the first Friday of each month, Marietta celebrates the arts together in the square. Take a self-guided art stroll to see the best art in town.
• Andretti Indoor Karting and Games: Take the whole family here for a fun-filled day with go-karting, arcade games, laser tag, bowling, and even 7D experience games. No one will be left out with their new additions of mini Mario Karts. 

Pros and Cons of living in Marietta, GA

Pros

• Top-notch education
• Diverse population  
• The job market is thriving
• Close to big cities
• Low cost of living 
• Comfortable weather conditions 

Cons

• Mosquitoes
• High property rates
• Not the best place for retirees
• Lots of traffic

FAQ: Living in Marietta, GA

Here are some commonly asked questions about living in Marietta, GA.

Is Marietta an excellent place to live in Georgia?

Marietta is one of the best towns in Georgia, with a tranquil environment, highly-rated schools, a low cost of living, and many fun things to do as a suburb of Atlanta.

Is Marietta, GA, expensive to live in?

The overall cost of living is 7% lower than the national average, making it much more affordable than other cities and towns nationwide. Significant expenses, like housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation, are much lower than the national average. 

What is Marietta, GA, known for?

One of Marietta's main advantages is its deeply historic town square, five National Register Historic Districts, beautiful mountains, and close proximity to downtown Atlanta.

Is Marietta, GA, walkable?

Unfortunately, Marietta is not very walkable unless you are in the downtown area; you will most likely need a car or public transportation to travel around town. On the other hand, transportation costs are much lower than the national average.

Is Marietta, Georiga, a big city?

Only 15 miles northwest of Atlanta, Marietta is one of Georgia's most populous cities. Although it still maintains its original small-town charm. 

Moving to Marietta - Is Living here for you?

Marietta has a lot to offer, and it's important to gather as much information as possible about the area before making a decision to move. We are pleased to provide you with all the necessary details about Marietta.

 Marietta, Georgia, is a beautiful blend of small-town charm and city amenities, making it a top place to live in Georgia. Although, there are many others worth checking out, like Savannah, Atlanta, and Athens.

Whether you move to Marietta for its small-town charm, a new job opportunity, or just for a fresh start, you can guarantee to love it. One of the most important things to do before moving to a new area is to research everything you can about the area.

Feel free to contact one of our highly qualified Realty Specialists to help you along the process. Our team at UpHomes is dedicated to helping you find the home of your dreams. Don't forget to check out the beautiful homes for sale in Georgia.