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Georgia Kennesaw

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Moving to Kennesaw, Georgia

Kennesaw, Georgia blends Southern charm, suburban comfort, and a strong sense of history, making it a standout community in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Known for its welcoming neighborhoods, excellent schools, and proximity to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, the city offers a balance of small-town atmosphere and access to big-city amenities.

From historic downtown Kennesaw with its locally owned shops, cafes, and museums to newer developments featuring modern dining and retail options, the area provides diverse living environments. Many neighborhoods are close to parks, trails, and family-friendly recreational spaces, making it a popular choice for those seeking both convenience and green space.

Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate Kennesaw’s abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring nature, particularly the trails and scenic views at Kennesaw Mountain. Community events, farmers markets, and seasonal festivals—like the Big Shanty Festival—foster a strong local spirit and bring residents together throughout the year.

With a cost of living generally lower than central Atlanta, a growing job market in sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology, and easy access to major highways, Kennesaw offers a high quality of life paired with the cultural and economic advantages of the greater Atlanta region.

Kennesaw by the numbers

33,036

City population

6% Lower

City rank of cost of living

$401,000

Median home price

kennesaw

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Discover Kennesaw: Top Attractions and Things to Do

Local Experiences

Local Experiences

Kennesaw, Georgia is a welcoming suburban city where Southern history meets modern growth, community pride, and an active lifestyle. Located just northwest of Atlanta, Kennesaw offers scenic mountain views, historic landmarks, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re hiking at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, exploring downtown’s locally owned shops and restaurants, or attending one of the city’s seasonal festivals, Kennesaw blends small-town charm with easy access to metropolitan amenities.

Historic Character & Local Flavor

Kennesaw’s identity is shaped by its Civil War heritage, thriving local businesses, and strong community connections. From historic museums to contemporary eateries and breweries, the city honors its past while fostering a growing cultural scene.

Downtown Kennesaw
features restored buildings, public art, and a variety of locally owned cafés and restaurants that reflect the area’s southern roots and entrepreneurial spirit. Community events and farmers markets highlight regional produce, handmade goods, and local talent.

Annual celebrations like the Big Shanty Festival fill the streets with live music, food vendors, and crafts, bringing residents and visitors together to experience Kennesaw’s community-focused energy.

Arts & Entertainment

While Kennesaw is smaller than nearby Atlanta, it maintains a lively arts presence through local galleries, community theater, and music performances at venues like the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History. Outdoor concerts, movie nights, and seasonal events bring art and entertainment into the city’s parks and public spaces.

Kennesaw’s proximity to Atlanta expands its cultural reach—major museums, theaters, and concert halls are within a short drive—while its own events, markets, and festivals keep the local creative spirit vibrant.

Sports and Recreation

Sports and Recreation

Kennesaw, Georgia is a city where outdoor adventure, community pride, and active living come together every day. Surrounded by scenic mountains, well-kept parks, and welcoming neighborhoods, Kennesaw offers residents and visitors a lively suburban experience closely connected to nature, local events, and recreational opportunities. Whether you’re hiking the trails at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, enjoying youth sports at Swift-Cantrell Park, or exploring community greenways, Kennesaw blends small-town charm with an active, family-friendly lifestyle.

Sports & Community

Kennesaw has a strong culture of recreation and community engagement that energizes the city year-round. Youth sports leagues, city-hosted events, and local school athletics play a central role in bringing families and neighbors together.

While Kennesaw doesn’t host professional teams, its proximity to Atlanta means residents are just a short drive away from cheering on the Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), and Atlanta United FC (MLS). Within Kennesaw itself, community leagues, fitness programs, and recreational sports offer opportunities for all ages and skill levels.

The city’s parks and recreation system provides facilities for soccer, baseball, tennis, pickleball, basketball, and more—creating spaces for both organized competition and casual play. Outdoor fitness trails, dog parks, and open fields encourage an active lifestyle for individuals and families alike.

Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate Kennesaw’s access to miles of hiking and biking trails, the historic Kennesaw Mountain parklands, and local green spaces perfect for walking, running, or picnicking. Seasonal events like outdoor movies, holiday races, and community festivals showcase Kennesaw’s dedication to health, connection, and year-round recreation.

Adventures

Adventures

Kennesaw, Georgia is a welcoming city where outdoor living, community connection, and active lifestyles are part of everyday life. Known for its scenic mountain backdrop, well-maintained parks, and extensive trail systems, Kennesaw offers residents and visitors numerous ways to enjoy nature while appreciating the area’s history and small-town charm.

Kennesaw features a variety of parks and green spaces perfect for runners, hikers, cyclists, and families:

  • Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park offers over 22 miles of trails ranging from gentle paths to challenging hikes with panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline. It’s a favorite for walking, running, and exploring the region’s Civil War history.

  • Swift-Cantrell Park, one of the city’s most popular recreational spaces, includes paved walking trails, open fields, playgrounds, a skatepark, and picnic areas—making it ideal for daily exercise and family activities.

  • The Noonday Creek Trail connects Kennesaw to nearby cities and provides a paved, multi-use path for biking, jogging, and casual strolls through wooded areas and neighborhoods.

  • Smaller community parks and greenways throughout Kennesaw offer playgrounds, sports courts, and quiet spaces to relax, making outdoor recreation easily accessible from every part of town.

Kennesaw’s calendar includes annual events like outdoor movie nights, charity runs, and festivals such as the Big Shanty Festival, which bring people together to celebrate fitness, family, and community spirit in the city’s beautiful parks.

Seasonal Events

Seasonal Events

Kennesaw, Georgia celebrates its heritage, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong community spirit with festivals and events that bring residents together throughout the year. Signature events include:

  • Big Shanty Festival (April):
    One of Kennesaw’s largest annual events, featuring arts and crafts vendors, live music, a parade, local food, and activities that highlight the city’s history and charm.

  • Taste of Kennesaw (Fall):
    A popular food festival where local restaurants showcase their best dishes alongside live entertainment, children’s activities, and community performances.

  • Salute to America (July 3rd):
    A patriotic celebration with concerts, family activities, and one of the region’s most impressive fireworks displays.

  • Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival (Late Summer):
    A beloved barbecue and music festival that includes cooking competitions, live bands, craft vendors, and fun for all ages.

  • Holiday Festivities in Downtown Kennesaw (December): Seasonal events featuring a Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa, holiday markets, and carriage rides that transform downtown into a festive gathering place.

From food and music festivals to patriotic celebrations and holiday traditions, Kennesaw’s annual calendar is filled with opportunities to enjoy its welcoming spirit, local culture, and strong sense of community.

Community Resources

Healthcare
Hospitals and Medical Centers

Kennesaw, Georgia provides residents with access to a growing, community-focused healthcare network that supports wellness and quality of life for individuals and families at every stage. With nearby hospitals, specialty care providers, and convenient urgent care options, Kennesaw ensures comprehensive health resources both within the city and in the surrounding Cobb County area.

Major Hospitals

Urgent Care & Preventive Services

Kennesaw residents have easy access to numerous urgent care clinics, including Wellstar Urgent Care, Piedmont Urgent Care, and national providers like Concentra and CVS MinuteClinic. These centers provide same-day treatment for minor injuries, illnesses, vaccinations, physicals, and diagnostic testing.

The Cobb & Douglas Public Health Department supports the Kennesaw area with essential community health programs, including:

  • Immunizations and travel vaccines

  • Women’s health, family planning, and prenatal support

  • STD testing, education, and treatment

  • Nutrition counseling and chronic disease prevention

Community events such as wellness fairs, flu shot clinics, and fitness programs help encourage preventive care and healthy living for all residents.

Education
Schools and Learning Institutes

Kennesaw, Georgia is a community that values education and lifelong learning. From high-performing public schools to nearby colleges and adult education resources, Kennesaw supports learners of all ages in reaching their academic and professional goals while fostering growth and community engagement.

Public Schools

Kennesaw is served primarily by the Cobb County School District, one of Georgia’s largest and highest-rated districts, known for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation. The district offers a variety of programs tailored to diverse student needs and interests:

  • Specialty and magnet programs focusing on STEM, performing arts, language immersion, and career readiness

  • Gifted and talented education, special education services, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses available across many schools

  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways in areas such as health sciences, information technology, engineering, and culinary arts, preparing students for college and the workforce

  • Schools like Kennesaw Mountain High School and Harrison High School emphasize rigorous academics alongside extracurricular opportunities

  • A wide range of clubs, athletics, music, robotics, and leadership programs encourage student creativity, teamwork, and community involvement

Higher Education & Lifelong Learning

Kennesaw benefits from proximity to several respected higher education institutions that provide strong academic programs and workforce training:

  • Kennesaw State University (KSU):
    A major public university with campuses in Kennesaw and nearby Marietta, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, health sciences, engineering, education, and the arts. KSU is known for its research initiatives and community partnerships.

  • Chattahoochee Technical College:
    Offers workforce development programs, associate degrees, and certifications in technical fields including healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology.

  • Life University:
    Located in nearby Marietta, Life University specializes in chiropractic education and health sciences.

Local libraries and community centers in Kennesaw also provide adult education classes, digital literacy workshops, and cultural programming that promote lifelong learning and civic engagement for residents of all ages.

Public Resources
Regional Services and Agencies

Kennesaw, Georgia offers residents reliable public services, modern infrastructure, and engaged local leadership—creating a safe, connected, and community-focused city at the doorstep of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Known for its commitment to smart growth, public safety, and sustainability, Kennesaw continually invests in systems that support families, businesses, and regional development.

 

Government & Safety

Kennesaw operates under a Mayor-Council form of government, with elected officials and city departments working collaboratively to oversee urban planning, public safety, and essential city services.

The Kennesaw Police Department emphasizes community policing, crime prevention, and resident engagement. Programs like Neighborhood Watch, citizen outreach, youth safety education, and community events foster trust and cooperation between officers and residents.

The Cobb County Fire Department provides comprehensive emergency services including fire suppression, emergency medical response, hazardous materials management, and rescue operations. Fire prevention education and disaster preparedness programs are important parts of their mission.

City agencies manage a wide range of services such as:

  • Solid waste collection and recycling programs

  • Water supply and wastewater treatment

  • Street maintenance, pothole repair, and traffic management

  • Stormwater management and code enforcement

  • Emergency management and disaster response planning

Transportation

Kennesaw benefits from strong regional connectivity and growing local infrastructure:

  • Highways & Roads: The city is conveniently located near Interstate 75, providing access to Atlanta and points north. Local thoroughfares like Cobb Parkway (US-41) and Barrett Parkway serve as key corridors.

  • Public Transit: CobbLinc, the regional bus service, connects Kennesaw with neighboring cities and Atlanta’s transit system, supporting commuters and regional travelers.

  • Airports: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports, is about 35 miles south, offering extensive domestic and international flights.

  • Bike & Pedestrian Infrastructure: Kennesaw is expanding its network of multi-use trails, sidewalks, and greenways, such as the Noonday Creek Trail, encouraging eco-friendly transportation and outdoor recreation.

Vehicle Registration and Licensing

Vehicle and driver services in Kennesaw are managed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and the Cobb County Tax Commissioner’s Office. Local offices and online services provide:

  • Driver’s licenses, learner permits, and REAL ID (Secure ID)

  • Vehicle registration, title transfers, and license plates

  • Commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and motorcycle endorsements

  • Handicap parking placards and vehicle emissions information

Many services are available online through the Georgia DDS and Georgia DRIVES portals for convenient license and registration renewals, scheduling appointments, and updating personal information.

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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.