While roughly 50 miles west of Atlanta, the city of Carrollton's residents don't depend on the nearby capital city for employment, recreation or entertainment opportunities. "We are our own economic hub, we're not a bedroom community," says Carrollton City Clerk Hayley Beaver. "While Carroll County is more rural and has more of an agricultural focus, the city is definitely more urbanized," Beaver says. "We are the biggest city in our area, so we pull in people from east Alabama, and people from surrounding counties to the north and south. We don't lose our citizens to Atlanta."
Despite Carrollton being home to the University of West Georgia, contributing to the median population age of 27, the city has an identity all its own. The area attracts not only college students but also families looking to enroll in the highly rated public school system. Carrollton offers regular community events, nearly 30 parks, and a paved trail system that circumnavigates the city. "We feel like we retain our own character," Beaver says. "Some cities say that they're a university town, we say that we're a town with a university."
Carrollton's Hobbs Farm Park Greenbelt has beautiful landscaping and scenic routes.
Carrollton has a busy downtown and retail area with restaurants, medical offices, and shopping.
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An expansive park system, lake access and the largest paved pedestrian loop in the state
At 18 miles long, the Carrollton Greenbelt is the largest paved walking and bicycle loop in Georgia; trailheads can be found at various parks and locations throughout the city, including several around Lake Carroll on the city's northeast side, which is popular for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. "We are always expanding our parks since nature and recreation is so big in our area," Beaver says. "The city just purchased land north of Hobbs Farm, a nature park with about a mile of the GreenBelt trail," Beaver says. "We are hoping to dedicate more of the area to conservation with more trails for people to walk."
At nearly 55 acres, East Carrollton Park on the eastern side of Lake Carroll has a skate park and several outdoor athletic complexes; it is also the site of the East Carrollton Recreation Center, which houses a gym for competitive gymnastics and one for basketball and volleyball. Locals can also find a recreation center with another gym and an indoor swimming pool at the over 30-acre Lakeshore Park on the lake's northern end, as well as outdoor sports facilities, fishing docks and a boat ramp. Residents can also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool just west of downtown at Midtown Water Park, with water slides for all ages.
Carrollton's Greenbelt walking trails can take you anywhere within Carrollton.
Carrollton has frisbee golf for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
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A walkable downtown with local shops and breweries
Adamson Square intersection is the center of the city's walkable downtown, surrounded by locally owned boutiques and specialty retailers alongside coffee shops, eateries and breweries. To encourage the patronage of small businesses, Adamson Square has an open container allowance until midnight, allowing locals to stroll the streets with their alcoholic beverages in plastic cups. Popular chain retailers, grocery stores and restaurants are concentrated along U.S. Highway 27 further south, with additional local and chain options east of downtown spread out along Bankhead Highway.
Make your way to the Highland Deli & Grill located off Adamson Square.
Visit Local Ties off the town square for the best local drafts in the city.
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A growing local arts scene with abundant community events throuhgout the year
Downtown, the Carrollton Center for the Arts has a 272-seat theatre and a 3,000-square-foot art gallery with rotating exhibits. The Carroll County Community Theatre operates out of the center to put on productions with local talent of all ages, as do music groups like the Carroll Symphony Orchestra, the Carrollton Community Chorus and the Carrollton Wind Ensemble. The center also hosts regular youth and adult theatre, music, dance and visual arts classes throughout the year, as well as summer camps.
Also downtown, within walking distance of local restaurants and bars, the AMP open-air amphitheater hosts concerts, movie nights and other special events. "We show college sports games at the amphitheater and even local high school games when they make it to the playoffs," Beaver says. Just south of the AMP, the Southeastern Quilt & Textile Museum features rotating exhibits showcasing traditional and contemporary quilts with artful designs, and visitors can learn about the history of the local textile industry.
Mayfest is Carrollton's largest annual event, attracting over 10,000 visitors each year. This popular Saturday arts and crafts festival hosts vendors, live entertainment and food trucks at Adamson Square, while the AMP offers free family-friendly activities throughout the day, including games, face painting and the Teen Idol competition. Locals can also enjoy food and craft vendors and live music downtown as well as juried art shows from local and national artists at the annual two-day Art Festival of Carrollton in October and the Art Takeover event in March and August.
Carrollton Center for the Arts hosts performances and exhibitions.
Carrollton Center for the Arts displays artistic murals for everyone to view and enjoy.
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A highly rated school system, with top marks for athletics and extracurriculars
Carrollton is zoned for the Carrollton City School District, which Niche gives an A rating. Carrollton Elementary is the first lower elementary school in the state to have been named a STEM-certified school by the Georgia Department of Education. The elementary has an A-minus from Niche while Carrollton High earned an A, "[The high school] has about 25 athletic programs and they've sent seven football players to the NFL in the last ten years," Beaver says. "A lot of people come here not only for the athletic programs, but because the school partners with the university, a lot of the academic programs allow high school students to get college credit." High school students can also enroll in career, technical and agricultural education programs to gain hands-on experience in a wide variety of fields, ranging from computer science to sports medicine to culinary arts.
The University of West Georgia on the city's east side offers nearly 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across six colleges. Students can also attend a local branch of West Georgia Technical College downtown, which offers technical education certificates and associate degrees across a variety of career focuses, including criminal justice, cosmetology, emergency medical services and more.
Carrollton High School is located in Carroll County.
Carrollton Elementary School has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
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Turn-of-the-century homes and modern builds
The median sale price for a single-family home is around $325,000, lower than the national figure. Buyers can also find townhouses throughout the city; the median price is about $235,000. Homes in Carrollton date as far back as the late 1800s, and most of the city's most historic homes are concentrated near downtown. There are also brand-new homes being built in developing subdivisions further from Adamson Square. Homes with ample square footage and large lots directly on Lake Carroll tend to go for more than similarly sized homes further from the waterfront. Student housing is dominant near the University of West Georgia Campus.
"Carrollton is a very good place for property owners," Beaver says. "Our fire department has an ISO rating of 1, which lowers the rates of homeowners insurance. Less than 1% of all fire departments in the nation have an ISO rating of 1. We also have one of the lowest millage rates in the region at a 4," which lowers the taxable dollar amount of a property's assessed value. "Our city water and sewer systems have numerous state accolades. We have one of the top water filtration plants in the state and have won things like 'best tasting tap water' several years in a row."
Carrollton's Millennium style homes are the perfect place to experience suburban life.
Split Level homes in Carrollton are common with large front yards.
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Top area employers in the city lead to short commute times for residents
"People's commute times to work are less than 15 minutes, which means they're staying here. They're not going to Atlanta," Beaver says. "The university is one of the area's top employers, but Tanner Medical Systems also has its headquarters here in Carrollton, which is a huge employment draw for people who live here. We also have Southwire headquarters in Carrollton, a nationwide company who deals with home and industrial wiring."
Although Carrollton is largely car-dependent, locals living around the town square area can walk to nearby shops, restaurants and events. U.S. Highway 27 is the main north-south thoroughfare, which passes through the center of the city and connects residents with Interstate 20, roughly 10 miles north of the area. State Route 166 intersects U.S. 27 on the city's southern end and meets Bankhead Highway to the northeast. When flying, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport is roughly 45 miles east.
A violent crime rate comparable to the state and national rate
According to the FBI, the city had a similar violent crime rate to the rest of the U.S. However, the property crime rate is higher than national figures.
Carrollton experiences warm, humid summers and has a risk of tornadoes and tropical storms.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Isaiah Buchanan
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gary Gaines,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Carrollton, GA sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Carrollton, GA over the last 12 months is $297,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning traditional home in one of Carrollton's best neighborhoods. This one has so much space and a simply gorgeous yard and back deck. On the main level, you'll find a 2-story foyer, formal den, & formal dining, all with hardwood floors, powder room, & family room open to the kitchen. The den has a cozy fireplace surrounded by built ins and a wall of windows for great natural light. The
This is an incredibly rare find in the Central School district. This gorgeous traditional has 2 owner suites, one upstairs and one on the main level. The suite on the main level has a private den and bath with tiled shower and walk in closet. The main level also features a formal dining, cozy den with wood burning or gas log fireplace, and kitchen with beautiful wood cabinetry. There is a
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Welcome to this inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath home located just minutes from the vibrant Carrollton Square. Enjoy easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment-all within walking distance! This home features inviting front and side porches, perfect for relaxing with your morning coffee or visiting with friends. The level yard provides plenty of outdoor space, while driveway parking adds
New price ready for you to Fall in love with this renovated 3BR/2.5BA townhome just a short walk to Adamson Square! Inside, you'll find gorgeous granite & quartz counters, sleek stainless appliances, a fab white kitchen, and open, airy living spaces. Outside? Your own fenced yard, covered parking + extra front spot! Modern touches everywhere—this place is done and DONE. Come see it before someone
Charming 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Ranch, situated on two spacious lots (Lots 59 & 60), in the City Limits of Carrollton. This beautifully maintained ranch-style home offers comfort, functionality, and thoughtful updates throughout. Interior features include large open-concept living and dining area, a bright kitchen with a breakfast nook that opens into a sunroom, Plantation Shutters throughout and
At River Pointe Apartments, we offer a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. Our pet-friendly residences provide not only a comfortable place to call home but also an environment designed to enhance your lifestyle.Take a dip in our sparkling pool, enjoy friendly competition on our sports courts, or stay fit with the state-of-the-art equipment in our modern gym. We believe in the perfect
Welcome home to this large ranch home on a large private lot. 4 Bedrooms/2 Full baths plus a bonus room. Close to the college. Rent is $1600 with a $1600 deposit. NO PETS. Application fee is $40 per adult. Credit should be around 600. Call or text today to set up a time to view. Crystal Payne 770-696-8934
Discover a new standard in student housing at Westwoods Apartments. Located just minutes away from the University of West Georgia, our luxury apartments offer the perfect balance of comfort, style, and convenience. Whether you're studying or socializing, Westwoods Apartments is designed to enhance your college experience.Our pet-friendly community features modern designs and high-end finishes,
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