Located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, 37 miles northwest of Atlanta, Cartersville is a city of nearly 25,000 people known for its three Smithsonian-affiliated museums, diverse outdoor recreation and theater community. Cartersville's pedestrian-friendly downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its stretch of early 20th-century brick buildings. "We're close enough to Atlanta that if you want to take in a Braves game, you're only 45 minutes away," says Mayor Matt Santini, who has lived in Cartersville since 1991 and been mayor since 2008. "But we're far enough away that you're in a community with a strong hometown feel." Companies like Qcells and Anheuser-Busch have large manufacturing plants in the city's north end, though some residents commute to Atlanta for work.
Residents enjoy dancing at the Black Bartow Day Party.
Anheuser-Busch, owner of Budweiser, has a manufacturing plant in Cartersville.
Residents will find local bars and restaurants in Downtown Cartersville.
Booth Western Art Museum is a museum dedicated to the Western United States.
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Exploring Historic Downtown Cartersville
Downtown Cartersville starts near the Church Street Bridge and follows an active train track along Museum Drive to Main Street. This walkable area is filled with dining and entertainment and is home to events like the weekly farmers market and the Music by the Tracks concert series. Big-box retailers and grocery stores are in the city's north and east sections. "We have a thriving downtown area that's host to concerts, great retail options and fantastic restaurants," Santini says.
Residents will find local bars and restaurants in Downtown Cartersville.
Many vendors offer tastings of their product at the Cartersville Farmers Market.
About 40 trains pass through Downtown Cartersville daily.
Cartersville features big box retailers on the northern end of the city.
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Georgia's "Museum City"
Cartersville is known as Georgia's "Museum City" for its three Smithsonian-affiliated museums; the Tellus Science Museum and Savoy Automobile Museum are in the north, and the award-winning Booth Western Art Museum is downtown. "Many of the artists at the Booth are still alive," Santini says. "Instead of staring at a painting and wondering what the artist was thinking when he painted this, you can have the artist there to tell you what he was thinking." Cartersville's downtown is also home to the 1920s-era Grand Theatre, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which hosts regular live music, comedy and theater performances. "I refer to it as the cultural centerpiece of our city," Santini says. "Everybody's got a story or a memory about being in the space."
According to Santini, the 120-acre Dellinger Park to the south is Cartersville's most popular park, hosting events like the Fourth of July celebration. The Pine Mountain Recreation Area and Red Top Mountain State Park are prominent hiking spots to the east. The 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona, also east of Cartersville, is a go-to spot for boating, fishing and swimming.
Savoy Auto Musuem features 100 cars from different eras and styles.
The Grand Theater is a performing arts theater in Cartersville.
Lake Allatoona is a hot spot for water sports among residents.
Red Top Mountain State Park offers Cartersville residents a place to hike and camp.
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Contemporary properties on the outskirts of Cartersville
The median home price in Cartersville is around $340,000. Large new-traditional style homes are built along the city's edges in suburban neighborhoods, and they sell slightly higher than the citywide median. Closer to downtown, buyers can find a selection of early 20th-century bungalows and midcentury ranch-style homes. Townhouses are also available in the north end.
Single-family homes in Cartersville feature attached car garages.
Homes in the Cartersville reside on lots with shallow front lawns.
You'll find newly constructed modern mansions in Cartersville.
Residents will find modern farm houses situated on many acres in Cartersville.
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Education with Cartersville City Schools
Local kids can attend Cartersville City Schools, which earns an A from Niche. In Georgia, parents have access to school choice, which broadens options beyond assigned schools. Private schools in the area include Excel Christian Academy and North Cobb Christian School. In Cartersville's north side, Georgia Highlands College's Cartersville Campus offers bachelor's and associate degrees in over 40 subjects.
Some college students in Cartersville go to Georgia Highlands College's Cartersville Campus.
Cartersville Elementary School
provides education in the neighborhood of Cartersville.
Cartersville Middle School provides education in the neighborhood of
Cartersville.
Cartersville High School provides education in the neighborhood of
Cartersville.
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Convenience to Interstate 75
Interstate 75 passes through Cartersville's east side, providing clear access to Atlanta. The route often has heavy traffic, though, making a 43-mile commute sometimes as long as two hours. U.S. Route 41 is the main road through Cartersville itself. There's no public transportation here and few bike lanes. The Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center is in the north section of the city. For air travel, it's 53 miles to the central hub of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Cartersville air quality and local weather patterns
The Bartow County Landfill is a municipal solid waste landfill to the city's southeast, and Plant Bowen is a coal-fired power plant 8 miles southwest. Both may affect air quality in the area.
Cartersville has a higher-than-average risk of tornadoes, but Santini says the city has a new communications system and tornado sirens to alert residents to dangerous storms. The region experiences four distinct seasons, including hot summers and very mild winters.
Crime statistics for Cartersville
According to FBI data, the rate of violent crime in Cartersville is about the same as the national average based on a population scale of 100,000. Violent crime increased slightly between 2022 and 2024. Property crime, however, is somewhat lower than the national average and has neither increased nor decreased between 2022 and 2024.
Written By
Kaitie Lamb
Photography Contributed By
Kristinah Archer
Video By
Charles Kennedy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Louis Witsiepe,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Cartersville, GA sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Cartersville, GA over the last 12 months is $340,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning Frazier Home at Hamilton Place – Dec/Jan Move-In This beautifully upgraded 5-bedroom, 4-bath Frazier floorplan offers over 3,600 sq. ft. of elegant living space, thoughtfully designed for comfort and style. The main level features a guest suite with full bath and a flex space, perfect for a playroom or a home office, along with a large gathering room ideal for entertaining. Designer
HOT LISTING Walking distance to Hamilton Crossing Park – One of our most popular and spacious layouts—the Dempsey—is now available at an unbeatable price. This 6-bedroom, 4-bath home includes a guest suite on the main level, perfect for visitors or multi-generational living. The open-concept main floor features luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the dining room, gathering space, and kitchen,
Stunning Dempsey Home at Hamilton Place – Over 4,000 Sq. Ft. of Luxury & Style | December/January Move-In Experience elevated living in this beautifully upgraded 6-bedroom, 4-bath Dempsey floorplan, offering over 4,000 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed space. From its open-concept layout to premium finishes, every detail is crafted to impress. Main Level Highlights: Guest suite with full
Experience a rare blend of privacy, acreage, and riverfront living on this extraordinary 13.65-acre gated retreat with an impressive stretch of frontage along the Etowah River. A secure entrance opens to a long, tree-lined drive that winds deep into the property, creating a secluded setting far removed from the outside world. Scenic views surround the home from every angle, offering a peaceful
Experience elevated mountain living in this breathtaking Craftsman-style home, offering PANORAMIC views from every level. With THREE expansive decks, each floor seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. The updated kitchen is a showstopper with freshly painted cabinetry, new hardware, stunning ceiling-height tile backsplash, wood beams, open shelving, and beautiful new countertops. A custom
Updated look with an updated price! - SELLER SAYS SELL!!! Owner has many updates thru out the home including kitchen touch ups, flooring and paint. Location, 10+ private acres with HUGE commercial potential and a custom built ranch home all wrapped into one! This home was custom-built by the builder/owner for his sweetheart in 1996 but now it's time for new owners and new memories. This
This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome offers modern comfort and stylish living in a prime location. Step inside to an open-concept layout filled with natural light, perfect for today’s lifestyle. The modern kitchen features stainless steel appliances, stone countertops, and plenty of cabinet space, ideal for cooking and entertaining. You’ll also find a convenient laundry closet for everyday
BRAND NEW! READY TO MOVE IN! END UNIT! AVAILABLE FOR RENT !3 Bedrooms with LOFT and 2.5 Bathrooms Single Family Home by Smith Douglas Homes, located in Highland Crossing in Cartersville. Within a few minutes to I-75 and major stores. This home greet you with a covered front porch with great curb appeal. Just off the Owner's entrance is a spacious kitchen with an island with a large pantry for
Welcome home! This home only is only one year old, featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths, thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience. The primary suite is located on the main level and offers an extra-large walk-in closet, while upstairs includes two oversized bedrooms and a versatile loft area—perfect for a home office, playroom, or entertainment space. Conveniently located just
With multiple master-planned communities featuring pools, tennis courts, playgrounds and golf courses, Cedarcrest residents enjoy a wealth of recreational opportunities right in their backyards. Largely situated in Paulding County, the second-fastest-growing county in Georgia, the area has seen a development boom since the early 2000s. “Cedarcrest Road is five miles long and there are a dozen subdivisions along that stretch of road,” says Gregg Shelton, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway, who’s been selling homes in the area for 25 years. “Bentwater has five swimming pools and five parks. Seven Hills has pools, pickleball and tennis courts. Governors Towne Club has got some really high-end homes and high-end amenities. They’ve got a golf course, a tiki bar, and a spa. They’ve got it all. And that’s just three of the subdivisions.”
In addition to the amenities, families are drawn to the area for its well-ranked schools and proximity to Atlanta. “It’s extremely kid-friendly,” Shelton says. “There are master-planned communities with their own activity directors. It’s just a great place to raise a family.”
Neo-traditional homes built from the early 2000s to the present day are the dominant style in Cedarcrest. Neighborhood streets are flanked by sidewalks, making the area highly walkable. “There’s a huge mix of lot sizes there,” Shelton says. You can find homes with no yard, homes with an acre of land, or anything in between.”
The average sales price hovers around $500,000. A three-bedroom home could be found for $400,000, while a more spacious five-bedroom could sell for upwards of $700,000. “When I moved out this way, there wasn’t much out here, but over the recent years, it has really blossomed and has been developed,” says Jenifer Stewart, a Realtor with RE/MAX Around Atlanta. “Even though the prices have risen in recent years, it is still more affordable than closer to the city, and you can live on a golf course for less than $1 million.”
Public school students typically attend Paulding County School District schools, which scores an overall B Niche grade. “Cedarcrest is in Paulding County and Cobb County, but 95 percent of kids go to Paulding County schools,” Shelton says. Kids may start at Shelton Elementary, which scores a B-plus, before moving on to A-minus-rated Sammy McClure Sr. Middle and B-rated North Paulding High. North Paulding has a dual enrollment program where students can take college courses to earn both high school and college credits.
Most Cedarcrest residents have little need to leave their subdivisions in search of outdoor recreation, but Lake Allatoona is a popular getaway. Located just east of Cedarcrest, the lake can be accessed at multiple parks. At the 82-acre Proctor Landing Park, on Proctor Landing Drive, locals can sunbathe on the beach, swim in the lake, or play a game of volleyball. It’s open from mid-April through mid-September.
Bentwater Golf Club, on Golf Links Drive, is a private 18-hole golf course offering views of Red Top Mountain. After working up an appetite on the course, members can grab a bite to eat at the club’s restaurants — The Grille and Bar 72.
Locals can stock up on groceries at the Kroger along Dallas-Acworth Highway or the Publix at Seven Hills Station on Seven Hills Boulevard. The shopping center also hosts Pizza Shack, the go-to spot for pizza and wings. Salt and Pepper Café, on Cedarcrest Road, is another local favorite for Sunday brunch.
An evening out with friends could be spent sipping wine and listening to live music at Qualusi Vineyards. The family-run winery on Blossom Trail was named after the Cherokee Indian word for grapes.
Cedarcrest is 40 miles from Atlanta via Interstate 75 South, and downtown Acworth is 7 miles east by way of Cedarcrest Road. “Cedarcrest has all your major amenities. There are doctors' offices and dentists’ offices. They could use a couple more restaurants, but most people just go to downtown Acworth,” Shelton says. “Downtown Acworth has some amazing restaurants and it’s only a few miles away. Henry’s is one of the most well-known Cajun food restaurants in Georgia.”
Property Mix - Square Feet
Cartersville Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
25,083
Median Age
39
Population under 18
25.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,226
Below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$88,663
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.5%
College Graduates
25.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.7%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
36/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
33/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
