Community involvement and countryside living in Rockmart
Rockmart is a rural town with room to grow, surrounded by the forests and farmland of Polk County. Located around 35 miles west of Marietta, Rockmart was established in the late 19th century and saw quick growth from its slate quarry. Today, slate from the historic quarry can be found across the country and overseas, from the Golden Gate Bridge to landscaping stone in London. “Rockmart is a small town experiencing a lot of growth,” says Lindsey Kent, a Realtor with Re/Max Pure who has lived in the community for years and raised her kids in Rockmart. “A lot of remote workers are drawn here who want more of a quiet, small-town feel. The community gets its name for its slate-industry past, and there are still buildings standing downtown made with materials mined right here.”
Spacious lots and a growing housing market
The area’s residential streets are lined with ranch-style homes, Cape Cods, early 1900s bungalows and modern craftsman-style houses. Near the center of town, homes sit on quarter-to-half-acre lots, while properties further out properties reach 5 acres and beyond. “There are a lot of equestrian properties on the outskirts of town with a lot of acreage,” says Kent. “It's common for people moving to the Rockmart area to buy plots of land and build.” Half-acre to 8-acre lots range from $8,000 to $100,000, while fixer uppers and quaint homes on small lots can go for $30,000 to $160,000. Newer, move-in-ready builds and homes on expansive lots range from $170,000 to $660,000. “The community involvement here is stellar,” Kent says. “When something happens in the community everyone shows up, whether it's a new business or someone's kids gets sick, the entire community is there. The market is continuing to grow [too]. There are some new townhomes and single-family developments in the works on the north side of town."
Career-based learning and a four-day school week
Local students may attend Van Wert Elementary School, which earns a B-minus grade from Niche. Rockmart Middle School receives a C-plus and has an array of extracurriculars, from 4-H club and robotics to art club. The C-plus-rated Rockmart High School has over 20 career and technical education courses, including equine science, graphic design, programming and criminal investigations. “Our school district [Polk School District] has one of the highest graduation rates in the state,” says Kent. “And since 2020, the district has switched to a four-day school week, which local families have really liked.”
Small businesses and a weekly market on Marble Street
Marble Street serves as Rockmart’s downtown corridor, with a varied selection of businesses, including a clothing boutique, an antique store and an ice cream shop. Sanity Coffee Co. serves seasonal lattes, tea and baked goods, while Soli’s Soups, Salads & Sandwiches. Down the road, Exotic-Que serves classic barbecue dinners and ice cream. “Marble Street is also where we have a lot of our festivals, and a farmers market every Thursday,” Kent says. Shoppers can pick up their groceries at the nearby Walmart or Ingles Market.
Athletic facilities and a 60-mile trail
There are a handful of popular recreation areas across Rockmart, including the Nathan Dean Sports Complex, which has facilities for baseball, soccer and football, along with a walking track. At the corner of Pearl Street and Piedmont Avenue there are tennis courts, a skate park and an indoor gymnasium. The Silver Comet Trail can be accessed from the sports complex and from Church Street along Euharlee Creek. The paved trail runs for over 60 miles from Smyrna to Cedartown.
Driving to Marietta and Atlanta
U.S. Route 278 leads around 35 miles east to Marietta, while downtown Atlanta is roughly 45 miles southeast. Atlanta International Airport is around 55 miles away.
![Jillian Pillow]()
Written By
Jillian Pillow
