Adairsville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
From its peaceful cul-de-sacs and historic downtown streets, Adairsville may seem like slow living. But this Georgia city is the site of some high-speed American history. Adairsville was one stop in the Great Locomotive Chase, which entailed Union soldiers hijacking a train during the Civil War to destroy railroad bridges from Atlanta to Chattanooga. The city still celebrates its history with an annual three-day festival. “It’s got a small-town feel with all the festivals and things,” says Heather Bontrager, a Realtor with Atlanta Communities, who’s been selling homes in the area for eight years. “It’s still a little bit of a secret, but I feel like it’s really an up-and-coming area.”
Established in 1854, the entire city of Adairsville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And while its storied past and historic buildings are part of the allure, the city’s biggest draws today include its proximity to Atlanta and lower price points. “It’s very close to 75, which takes you straight to Atlanta. It might take you less than an hour to get to the city,” Bontrager says. “Real estate has gotten so expensive in the Atlanta area. It’s hard to find a piece of land and a cute house closer in at a price first-time homebuyers can afford. If you want a house with a couple of acres and you want to have chickens, you can have that in Adairsville. You’re a little further out, but you can get more for your money.”
Adairsville’s got curb appeal
Adairsville is a blend of wooded rural areas, older suburban residential streets and newer sidewalk-lined subdivisions. Homes come in a wide range of styles including Craftsmans, ranch homes, townhouses and contemporary homes with two-car garages.
The average sale price hovers around $300,000. Costs typically range from $200,000 to $400,000, depending on size and condition. “I have a few homebuyers whose budgets are right at $200,000 and that’s one of few places where you can find something for that price point that doesn’t need a complete renovation,” Bontrager says.
Residents can get their steps in at Manning Mill Park
For a day outdoors, locals head to Manning Mill Park on Manning Mill Road. The park offers pickleball and tennis courts, walking trails and a 5-acre lake for fishing.
Character’s Famous BBQ has been a community mainstay for nearly 20 years
Adairsville’s food scene has garnered national attention thanks to Character’s Famous BBQ on Joe Frank Harris Parkway. The eatery was a champion on Destination America’s "BBQ Pitmasters" TV show, and founder Michael Character was a regular judge on "BBQ Pit Wars." The General Store & Mercantile Café in downtown Adairsville features artisan goods and is also a popular lunch spot.
For everyday necessities, residents head to the centrally located Food Lion and Family Dollar on Adairsville Highway. And on Saturdays from summer to early fall, locals can find local produce and handmade crafts at the farmer’s market on Route 140.
The Great Locomotive Chase Festival is an anticipated annual event
The Great Locomotive Chase Festival brings food vendors, carnival rides and musical performances to Adairsville’s historic town square. The annual October event has taken place for more than 50 years. The square is the site of multiple festivities throughout the year, including Halloween and Christmas celebrations.
Manning Mill Park hosts Adairsville Celebrates America, an annual Independence Day celebration with live music and fireworks.
Students attend well-ranked Bartow County Schools district schools
Adairsville Elementary, Adairsville Middle and Adairsville High serve the city. Part of the Bartow County Schools system, the elementary and middle schools earn B-plus Niche grades, while the high school scores a B. In 2023, the high school had the highest graduation rate in the school system at over 98 percent.
Residents can hop on Interstate 75 to get to Atlanta
Interstate 75 runs through Adairsville, allowing residents a straight shot south to Atlanta and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Atlanta is a 60-mile drive and the airport is 70 miles away.
