Why people move to Kingston
Kingston sits quietly between the larger cities of Cartersville and Rome, where it's growing steadily, thanks to recent housing developments and new job opportunities. These additions have attracted young families and first-time buyers, yet Kingston maintains a slow-paced lifestyle with limited shopping and dining and annual events. When residents want a livelier setting, both cities are less than 15 miles away.
Homes and what they cost in Kingston
The median single-family home price in Kingston is around $320,000, slightly below Cartersville's median of about $360,000 but higher than Rome's $270,000 median. Mid-20th-century ranch styles generally cost between the mid-$100,000s and the lower $200,000s. Kingston has several new subdivisions, including Kingston Park, where New Traditional homes built throughout the 2020s typically range from the upper $200,000s to the lower $400,000s. “Almost every person who has moved out to Kingston in the last few years has done so because of the new developments,” says Jessica Johnson, a Realtor with the Simply Southern Realty Team, whose daughter lives in town. “They’re still building a bunch of new homes here, so it’s only going to get bigger.” Homes on large, private lots sometimes fall between the lower $800,000s and $1 million.
The job markets in Kingston, Cartersville and Rome
Hyundai is building a new electric car battery plant in Kingston, and the project is expected to bring even more growth to the community. “That plant has been a huge driving force for new developments,” Johnson says. “But aside from that, Kingston’s location works out really well for households where one person works in Cartersville and the other one works in Rome.” State Route 293 and U.S. Route 411 connect Kingston to both cities. Cartersville 's job market is largely centered around manufacturing, while Berry College and healthcare facilities shape Rome 's economy. Atlanta is also about 60 miles south via Interstate 75.
How Kingston keeps its small-town charm while slowly growing
Despite these new developments and job opportunities, Kingston has held onto its small-town feel, with a population of just under 1,000. “It’s growing, but really slowly,” Johnson says. “You still get that sense of knowing all your neighbors.” This close-knit vibe comes to life during Kingston’s many get-togethers, which include:
- The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Christmas Parade on Main Street
- Luncheons at the Kingston Museum, where exhibits highlight the town’s Civil War history
- The Spring Fling and Car Show, along with the annual Easter egg hunt, at Kingston Park
- Services at houses of worship like Kingston Baptist Church and Kingston Methodist Church
Where kids go to school
Kingston is within the Bartow County School System and is zoned for Kingston Elementary School, Cass Middle School and Cass High School. The district also offers a school choice program that allows students to apply for schools outside of their designated zones.
Shopping and dining in Kingston and the surrounding areas
Kingston has a few convenience stores, including Dollar General, and one locally owned Mexican restaurant. For more shopping and dining options, most don't mind the drive to Cartersville or Rome. “It usually takes less than 20 minutes to get to either city,” Johnson says. “People move here expecting, and wanting, a quieter location outside the noisiness of city life.” Both cities have major grocery chains and downtown districts with lively bars, upscale restaurants and cozy coffee shops.