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 Cobb County is a thriving blend of the best Atlanta has to offer: luxurious residential neighborhoods, quaint town squares, gleaming office parks, historic sites, amusement parks, arts and entertainment, and excellent educational opportunities.
Located in the northwest quadrant of Atlanta just 15 minutes from downtown, Cobb County is bisected by Interstate 75 and Highway 41/Cobb Parkway. It is bordered on the east by Interstate 285 (The Perimeter) and the Chattahoochee River and by Interstate 20 on the south.
Originally, Cobb was home to Cherokee and Creek Indians. As settlers moved to the area, development occurred along the railroad stops. Six cities sprung up, each with its own historical value and charm. In 1940, the Bell Bomber plant located in Cobb County. Now known as Lockheed Martin, nearly 10,000 employees still construct aircraft and equipment and provide a powerful economic voice. Another significant historical event was the creation of Dobbins Air Reserve base in the late 1940s, home to branches of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Georgia Air National Guard and Army National Guard. When Atlanta's population explosion began, Cobb County began to grow exponentially. Office buildings and new home subdivisions appeared, as well as upscale shopping, dining and lodging.
While small businesses thrive throughout the county, the largest center of business is the "Platinum Triangle," located in the Cumberland-Galleria area in southeast Cobb. With slightly more office space than Atlanta's central business district, major companies such as Sprint, AT&T, WorldSpan and Georgia-Pacific chose Cobb for their operation.
Relaxing is also easy to do in Cobb County. There are so many things to do that the area has been dubbed "The Fun Side of Atlanta." Amusement parks such as Six Flags Over Georgia, White Water and American Adventures cater to family fun. Unique entertainment opportunities also can be found in Cobb. Dave & Buster's is a restaurant and game room that includes video games, virtual reality games, billiards and even make-believe blackjack. At Malibu Speed Zone, you can experience the thrill of competitive racing by trying out the different race tracks and 300 horsepower racing machines.
If you would rather race through a shopping mall, you can choose from many different businesses. Cobb County is home to small boutiques and antique shops as well as sparkling malls and neighborhood shopping centers. Town Center at Cobb, Cumberland Mall and the Galleria Mall all offer a wide range of shops and restaurants. And of course, unique, specialty shops can be found throughout the area, from the Marietta Square to Vinings Jubilee.
Outdoor lovers will enjoy the recreation opportunities available in Cobb County. The Chattahoochee River flows through the county, and on summer days is filled with rubber inner tubes and rafts. "Shooting the Hooch" is a seasonal favorite. Other water sports, such as boating, skiing and sailing, are found at Lake Allatoona. Athletic programs for all ages take place on Cobb's many parks and fields. Golfing is another pastime enjoyed by many Cobb Countians.
Of course, education is an important part of any community, and Cobb County is fortunate to have two excellent school systems. Cobb County School System and Marietta City Schools each have dedicated teachers, modern facilities and high standards. Higher education opportunities in Cobb include Kennesaw State University, the Southern College of Technology, Chattahoochee Technical Institute and North Metro Technical Institute. Life University, the city's only chiropractic school, is located in Cobb, as well as branches of Brenau College and Shorter College.
Housing opportunities abound in Cobb County. From starter homes priced in the low $100,000s to executive homes starting above $300,000, there is something to suit all types of lifestyles. Swim and tennis communities are one of the most popular types of neighborhoods available. These developments can be quite exclusive, with custom homes and architectural controls securing your home value. Golf and country club communities are even more prestigious, offering private memberships and manor homes. Master-planned communities are also quite popular, combining different price point subdivisions with schools and shopping facilities nearby.
Marietta, the county seat, is the county's largest city. Its famous town square is home to quaint shops, an award-winning theater, and a beautiful park, complete with gazebo and fountain. Another famous Marietta landmark is the Big Chicken, a giant rendering that sits atop the local Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. This bird is so popular that when rumors of its disassembly surfaced, a public outcry resulted in a renovation that secured its place atop Cobb County. Marietta also has a large historic presence. It was the temporary home of General Sherman during his March to the Sea.
The second largest city in Cobb County is Smyrna, the Jonquil City. First established as a Methodist campground, the city now has a population of over 30,000. Long known for the beauty of the many jonquils that bloom each spring, Smyrna is now being recognized for its Town Center, called Village Green. Smyrna's downtown area was rejuvenated as the Village Green added a new community center, city hall, library and police department. A fire station is planned as well, and upscale shopping and housing is already in place. Festivals and special events throughout the year occur on the Green. Smyrna recently received a national award for its efforts.
North of Marietta is Kennesaw. Its namesake mountain is where the battle between Sherman and General Joseph E. Johnston occurred, and the battlefield has been preserved. The city is also known as the home of The General, the locomotive that was stolen in 1862 and became the subject of the movie, The Great Locomotive Chase. The General now sits in the Kennesaw Civil War Museum.
The small cities of Powder Springs and Austell were once railroad stops. Powder Springs was named for the seven mineral springs that flowed through the area. Austell, home of Six Flags Over Georgia, was named for General Alfred Austell, founder of the Atlanta National Bank.
Acworth is located in the northernmost part of the county on the shores of Lake Acworth. Its small town charm has been preserved, even though the town is just five minutes from one of Atlanta's busiest interstates (I-75).
Cobb County's diversity makes it an appealing place for nearly anyone. The blend of upscale housing, commercial enterprise and plenty of entertainment with the small town ambiance and historic flavor of the area make Cobb County a popular choice for newcomers.
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