Founded in 1832, Canton evolved from a Civil War manufacturing hub to a prosperous mill town to a city of 37,000--among the fastest-growing areas in the Atlanta metropolitan region. The Cherokee County city occupies a scenic spot along the Etowah River, and its well-preserved historic downtown is a community draw. But the city's rural vibe is changing. “At one point, Canton was known for its spacious, acre-sized properties,” says Joel Boss, a Realtor with 1 Look Real Estate who’s been selling houses in the area for six years. “Some residents are not pleased with the recent development; they sought a quieter lifestyle and are now seeing more retail, including a Starbucks, and new neighborhoods emerging. However, many welcome the growth for the added convenience of nearby amenities.”
While commuting the 40 miles to Atlanta can be challenging due to traffic, many residents work in Alpharetta, 18 miles away. It's home to around 700 tech-focused companies, and major employers there include Automatic Data Processing (ADP), Lexis Nexis and Fiserv.
Canton is a growing city with downtown amenities and quiet neighborhoods.
The Etowah River flows west-southwest through Canton and soon forms Lake Allatoona.
Downtown Canton offers a variety of restaurants with outdoor seating.
Canton boasts growing retail spaces offering more amenities to residents.
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Recreation and weather in Canton
Canton makes the most of its location on the Etowah River. The 163-mile Etowah River Trail has multiple entrances throughout the city for paddlers and kayakers. Etowah River Park is the largest in the area, covering over 58 acres with an outdoor amphitheater that hosts live concerts throughout the year. Nearby Lake Canton and Lake Allatoona Reservoir draw boaters and locals looking to fish. Red Top Mountain State Park is a popular camping spot about 25 miles away.
Canton experiences hot summers and short winters. “Snow is rare, maybe one or two days in February,” says Boss. "Natural disasters are uncommon; a tornado might touch down in metro Atlanta once every five years. The hills prevent much flooding since the water has places to go." Nevertheless, areas around the river were shut down following flooding after Hurricane Helene.
Residents can set sail on Lake Allatoona in Canton..
Lake Allatoona is a hot spot for water sports among residents.
Etowah River flows through Canton with trails and kayak launches.
New subdivisions arising in Canton border Lake Canton.
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A historic downtown and live concerts at The Mill on Etowah
Downtown Canton features red-brick sidewalks lined with historic buildings housing locally owned bakeries, breweries and restaurants. Along the river, a 120-year-old mill has been repurposed as a shopping and dining destination, The Mill on Etowah, with open space for live concerts on Fridays. Downtown’s historic Canton Theatre hosts plays and film screenings. In 2022, planning for a Public Art Master Plan began honoring Canton’s history through murals and a sculpture garden outside History Cherokee, the town’s historical society. Traditions come together during First Fridays, a warm-weather event series that supports downtown businesses with live music and food vendors. The Canton Farmers Market offers fresh produce, baked goods and specialty foods on Saturdays in downtown’s Brown Park. Additional highlights include September's annual Multicultural Festival and Riverfest Arts & Crafts Festival.
Shopping centers on the city's outskirts include Riverstone Plaza and Canton Marketplace with big-box stores and supermarkets. “[Canton’s] got a rural vibe where you can feel like you’re out in the sticks,” Boss says. “You’re never more than five minutes from a Target or a cow.”
First Friday in Downtown Canton lasts from 6pm to 9pm.
Residents can shop fresh produce and a variety of other products at the Canton Farmers Market.
The Mill at Etowah River is a re-use development that is a popular place in Canton, GA.
Canton's Public Art Master Plan includes the addition of murals honoring the city's history.
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Resort-style amenities anchor the neighborhood of Bridgemill
Canton is made up of sprawling neighborhoods with large, hilly lots of land surrounded by views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “Canton remains one of the top areas for finding acreage, though that’s changing as demand rises and space runs out," Boss says. "If you want to find a lot to build on, those opportunities have mostly passed. Any vacant lot gets snapped up quickly.” Master-planned communities include BridgeMill, with over 2,800 homes surrounding an 18-hole golf course. “It’s one of the most popular neighborhoods—huge, and each section feels different." In 2024, Canton’s median home price was $530,000, significantly less than nearby Alpharetta's median of $750,000.
Residents can spend their evening at BridgeMill golf course with their neighbors in Canton.
Master-planned communities like BridgeMill in Canton offers residents peaceful suburban living.
You'll find newly constructed homes in Canton.
Canton boasts views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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Highly rated Cherokee County School District
The Cherokee County School District has an A-minus grade from Niche. It serves over 42,000 students across 23 elementary schools, seven middle schools, six high schools, five STEM academies and two fine arts academies. The Cherokee College and Career (C3) Academy offers pathways in aviation and cybersecurity. Chattahoochee Technical College is a two-year institution that features a 700-acre campus with science and HVAC labs and serves nearly 3,000 students.
Canton continues to develop
According to Canton’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the city aims to add more compact residential developments and infill existing subdivisions and urban areas. Canton also plans to diversify neighborhoods with a variety of housing types. The city is developing a Transportation Master Plan to improve infrastructure and multimodal options while alleviating traffic congestion. A downtown parking deck was added in late 2023, with ongoing projects like Downtown to the Mill Pedestrian Improvements and the River Mill District Pedestrian Bridge.
In Canton, you can cross the Etowah River Bridge from Etowah River Park to Heritage Park.
New home developments are helping to grow Canton, GA.
Farmhouse styled homes are common in Canton, and can vary in size and color.
The Mill at Etowah River in Canton includes a brewery, restaurants, and a marketplace.
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Less than 25 miles from Marietta and 40 miles to Atlanta
Canton is 18 miles north of Alpharetta and less than 25 miles from Marietta via Interstate 575, which connects to I-75. The drive to Atlanta is about 40 miles, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, one of the busiest in the country, is about 50 miles away. Cherokee Area Transit Service offers a fixed route in Canton on weekdays only. Northside Hospital Cherokee is 3 miles away.
Crime in Canton
In 2023, the Canton Police Department’s crime rate was 51.26 per 100,000 residents. In addition to the CPD’s efforts, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office offers community programs, including a Citizens Academy and Neighborhood Watch, to promote crime prevention.
Written By
Pao Cordero
Photography Contributed By
Kristinah Archer
Video By
Dan Mack
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Canton, GA sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Canton, GA over the last 12 months is $510,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your next chapter in the highly desirable Carson Creek neighborhood! This three-story modern estate was thoughtfully designed offering an unmatched blend of space, comfort, and flexibility. Needs just a touch of TLC to make it perfect. The $10,000 sellers credit to buyer makes it easy to TLC how you like. Should appraise higher so you can also build your needs into the offer price.
Picture perfect and better than new with over $110,000 in upgrades! Seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a floor plan that simply works — this Carson Creek home is engineered for real life at every scale. From intimate mornings to full-house gatherings, each space has a clear purpose without overlap or wasted square footage. The oversized kitchen anchors the home with a massive central island
Open, spacious, and thoughtfully designed for how people actually live—this elevated home offers refined living across three finished levels. From custom cabinetry and high-end finishes to multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces, the craftsmanship and detail are best experienced in person. Designed for both everyday living and elevated entertaining, this thoughtfully updated home offers an open
Space, Style & Location - Plus New Irrigation for Easy Outdoor Living! If you've been searching for a home that truly checks every box, welcome home. This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the look and feel of new construction-without the wait. Designed with today's lifestyle in mind, the highly desirable floor plan features a full bedroom and bath on the main level, perfect
Welcome to your next chapter in the highly desirable Carson Creek neighborhood! This three-story modern estate was thoughtfully designed offering an unmatched blend of space, comfort, and flexibility. Needs just a touch of TLC to make it perfect. The $10,000 sellers credit to buyer makes it easy to TLC how you like. Should appraise higher so you can also build your needs into the offer price.
When looking for New Construction but don't want to wait and are ready to move on in... this one beats them all! Located in Soleil Belmont Park, a premiere community in Canton, minutes to Quaint Downtown Canton and only a short drive to Atlanta. Enjoy the benefits of a resale but the pristine feel of a brand new home. Welcome to this extraordinary 55+ Premier Community built by Patrick Malloy.
Picture perfect and better than new with over $110,000 in upgrades! Seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a floor plan that simply works — this Carson Creek home is engineered for real life at every scale. From intimate mornings to full-house gatherings, each space has a clear purpose without overlap or wasted square footage. The oversized kitchen anchors the home with a massive central island
Beautiful Craftsman home situated on a desirable corner lot in Canton, GA. This well-maintained 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home offers approximately 3,050 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. The main level features a dedicated office and a flexible guest room option, along with a spacious great room anchored by a cozy fireplace. The large kitchen includes ample cabinetry, a breakfast
Move-in ready and beautifully maintained. This well-designed home offers space, comfort, and style. The open floor plan features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage-ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Recent updates include brand new carpet, fresh interior paint, exterior paint (2024), and a new roof in 2021. Enjoy a private, fenced backyard perfect for pets or play. The spacious
Welcome to this charming townhome in the highly desirable Holly Commons community, where comfort, convenience, and lifestyle come together seamlessly. Ideally positioned just steps from the neighborhood playground, this home offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a true sense of community—perfect for watching kids play right from your front porch. The resort-style pool is also just a short walk away,
Discover the perfect blend of modern farmhouse style and North Georgia living on 4.82 beautiful acres in highly desirable North Cherokee County. Seller offering $15K in concessions with acceptable offer! Featuring a gently cleared front yard and a private, partially wooded backyard, this property offers space, privacy, and a connection to nature while still being convenient to shopping, dining,
Adorable Cape Cod home on 1.6+ acres in sought-after Cherokee County, located in the Avery, Creekland, and Creekview school district. New Roof. New Windows & New Water Heater. This charming home offers a welcoming front porch overlooking a large, level front yard, creating the perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying the North Georgia lifestyle. Inside, the main level features hardwood floors
Welcome to this beautifully designed single-level retreat, where a thoughtfully open and flowing floor plan meets refined detail at every turn. Set amid vibrant, manicured grounds, the home immediately charms with its welcoming street presence and a shaded front porch, the perfect place to unwind and greet neighbors. Inside, you’ll find a serene blend of comfort and sophistication, highlighted by
Welcome home to this beautifully designed Gibson plan by Meritage Homes in the highly sought-after Towne Mill community, offering the perfect blend of modern comfort, energy efficiency, and relaxed sophistication. Designed for effortless one-level living, this home showcases quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design and timeless appeal. The open-concept layout showcases luxury VP flooring, shiplap
Just Refreshed + Move-In Ready + Space Where It Matters Most! Welcome to 388 Lakeside Ct-a home designed for real life, offering the perfect blend of space, function, and flexibility in one of Canton's growing and convenient locations. From the moment you step inside, you'll notice the bright, open layout that makes everyday living feel effortless. The main level features a full bedroom and
Experience the epitome of refined living in our beautifully designed one and two-bedroom apartments, where modern luxury meets timeless comfort. Every detail, from the sleek, open-concept kitchens to the spacious, sun-drenched bedrooms, is tailored to elevate your everyday. With a seamless flow between style and function, our apartment homes offer the perfect canvas for both relaxation and
Enjoy ONE MONTH FREE for a limited time! Live like you're on vacation every day at our brand new community, offering spacious apartments and the largest amenity offering in the area. With a dedicated onsite team, we are committed to providing exceptional customer service. Call or come by today!
Madison Overlook is a brand-new apartment community offering luxury one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in Canton, GA. Each home is designed with upscale finishes, open layouts, and private balconies with views of the rolling North Georgia hills. Conveniently located near Canton's top shopping, dining, and employers, Madison Overlook combines modern features with a peaceful setting.
Experience elevated living at Legends at Laurel Canyon in Canton, Georgia, where modern one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes feature stylish finishes and spacious designs. Surrounded by the natural beauty of North Georgia, residents enjoy thoughtfully curated amenities and a relaxed, connected lifestyle just outside metro Atlanta. Discover comfort, convenience, and mountain-town charm all in one
Apply by June 15th for any of our brand-new apartment homes in building 1000 to receive 50% off your first four months in your new home! Contact our team today to explore availability and schedule your community tour!*Subject to change. Restrictions may apply. Contact our team for details.
Lancaster Ridge Apartments is tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Canton, GA. Our 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments each feature a full-size washer and dryer in every home, a large patio or balcony, walk-in closets and beautiful spacious living areas. Lancaster Ridge is tucked away in a beautiful setting with stunning landscaping, an alluring pool, and a community center that's perfect for
Looking for more space? For a limited time, enjoy 1 Month Free on select 2-bedroom apartment homes at The Crest at Laurel Canyon when you lease by June 30th.Schedule your tour today and discover spacious floor plans, exceptional amenities, and a community you'll love to call home.*Offer ends 6/30/26. Subject to change. Restrictions may apply. Contact our team for details.
Modern designs, elegant finishes, and upscale amenities are waiting for you at The Atlantic Canton Ridge. Our apartments in Canton, GA, come in one, two, and three-bedroom layouts that are spacious and adaptable, ranging from 654 to 1,338 square feet. A variety of interior luxuries adorn them, including in-unit washers and dryers, plank wood floors, walk-in closets, ceiling fans, soaking tubs,
Infuse your lifestyle with joy and comfort when you make the move to Harbor Creek Apartments. Our upgraded homes in Canton, Georgia, offer the height of suburban convenience and relaxed living.?As a resident, enjoy access to a 24-hour fitness center with on-demand virtual training, a tech lounge with Mac computers and a printing center, as well as a lighted tennis court while taking advantage of
Modern designs, elegant finishes, and upscale amenities are waiting for you at The Atlantic BridgeMill Apartments – not to mention the variety of one, two, or three-bedroom layouts that are spacious and adaptable to your needs. Besides the obvious comfort of our apartments in Canton, GA, you'll enjoy fully equipped kitchens, private balconies or sunrooms, and a host of leisure nooks. These
Float on Lake Allatoona and sip wine on an outdoor patio in Sutallee, a rustic riverside community where the neighborhoods are as peaceful as the water. Locals love the rustic, secluded feel of this unincorporated Georgia community, but life here really centers around the 12,000-acre lake, which has about 270 miles of shoreline. Neighbors zip their jet skis, hoist their sails and dock their boats on the peaceful waterway. Houses in Sutallee are simply majestic. Two-story homes, outfitted with stone and brick accouterments, sit on spacious, grassy lots in neighborhoods developed in the early 2000s. Houses typically have two-car garages, well-kept front lawns with blooming floral gardens and freshly paved, light grey driveways. Two-story farmhouses can cost about $925,000, custom homes can go for $775,000 and ranch-style houses can cost around $450,000. Home prices range from roughly $285,000 to $2.4 million.<br><br>Lake Allatoona is the crown jewel of Sutallee. Surrounded by 25,000 acres of public land, the lake is a popular place for camping, either in a tent or an RV. When the temperature rises, neighbors come to the lake for fishing, jet skiing, water skiing and more. Boaters will love the Victoria Harbour Marina, where you can keep your boat in either a wet slip or on the largest dry stack on the entire lake. At the end of a day of boating, enjoy some fish tacos and a painkiller as the sun goes down at the marina’s Sunset Grille. Waterside green spaces like Fields Landing Park have picnic tables and paved pathways for leisurely afternoons by the lake. Golders will love BridgeMill Athletic Club, which has an 18-hole golf course and a driving range for lessons. The club also has courts for tennis and pickleball.<br><br>Sutallee is rustic and suburban, but all the amenities of modern life are nearby. Shop for groceries at Publix, pick up prescriptions at CVS and get a spa manicure at MC Nails. For a relaxing afternoon, check out Big Door Vineyards, a North Georgia winery where they stomp the grapes themselves. Bring your friends for a wine tasting, where you can order wine by the glass, by the bottle or sample several different varietals in a flight. Their original wine is Lenoir, a dry red with tart notes of cherry and an oak finish. Craving Mexican food? Enjoy some tacos and a frozen margarita from Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant.<br><br>Children in Sutallee can attend public school through the highly-rated Cherokee County School District. The school system has about 42,000 students and an A-minus rating from Niche. Most public-school kids in the neighborhood go to Joseph Knox Elementary School STEM Academy (rated A-minus), Teasley Middle School (rated B-plus) and Cherokee High School (rated A-minus). Knox Elementary integrates STEM education into its kindergarten through fifth-grade curriculum and has an active school council with parents, teachers and the principal. A new facility for Cherokee High School will open in August 2026.<br><br>Conveniently located along Georgia State Route 20 and minutes from Interstate 575, Sutallee sits about 52 miles north of Atlanta. Marietta is 34 miles away, and Chattanooga sits 83 miles north. If you want to live in a peaceful community by the lake, Sutallee could be somewhere to consider.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Canton Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
141
Median Rent
$2,349
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,335
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,450
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,873
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,995
Median Condo Rent
$1,640
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,725
Demographics
Total Population
38,780
Median Age
37
Population under 18
26.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$80,412
On par with the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$101,074
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.9%
On par with the national average
89%
College Graduates
29.7%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.2%
% Population in Labor Force
66.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
54''
Average Winter Low Temperature
29°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat bikeable
Bikeability®
30/ 100
Fairly walkable
Walkability®
50/ 100
Limited public transit
Transit®
30/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
