Historic city with river recreation 25 miles north of Atlanta
On the northern bank of the Chattahoochee River, about 25 miles north of Atlanta, Roswell is a growing city with a population of around 91,000. With its waterfront location, expansive trail network and nearly 1,000 acres of parkland, Roswell offers abundant outdoor recreation along with a highly rated school system. "Historic is a big word to describe Roswell. The city has a rich Civil War history and several historic mills that played a significant part in the war," says Erin Waggener, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential, who has been selling houses for three years and holds a Global Luxury Certification. She is also a longtime resident of neighboring Alpharetta. Roswell's long history, predating the Civil War, is evident in its 19th-century Greek Revival architecture, particularly in the Roswell Historic District .
The city's location along Georgia Highway 400 and its proximity to Atlanta have transformed it from an 1830s textile mill settlement into a hub for corporate headquarters and high-tech industries. Today, companies like Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Snorg Tees, Tripwire Interactive and Pharsalia Technologies call Roswell home. "Roswell benefits from being right next to Alpharetta, which offers an abundance of tech jobs," Waggener says. In addition to neighboring Alpharetta, many residents commute to Atlanta. "If you work in the city, you can be in the heart of Atlanta from Roswell in 25 minutes. You can get to the airport in 45 or 50 minutes," says Matthew Baker, an associate broker with Berkshire Hathaway GA Properties with nearly 20 years of real estate experience.
Old mill building from the bridge.
One of the many historic homes that line the streets of Roswell.
Visitors appreciate the scenic trails at the creek and Roswell Mill Waterfall.
Barrington Hall Ground Level
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Small businesses line Canton Street
The Roswell Historic District is home to Canton Street, the city's main retail corridor with locally owned restaurants and breweries housed in mid-19th-century buildings. "When we go out for dinner or drinks, it's Canton Street," Baker says. "It's 100% the primary draw to that area from a local perspective. The nightlife and entertainment are great. It's very walkable, and there's a wealth of things to do." On Saturday mornings from April through October, residents head to the Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market to shop for fresh local produce. Larger chain retailers and grocery stores are concentrated near State Routes 140 and 92. Less than 10 miles away, neighboring Milton and Alpharetta offer more retail options. "Crabapple is right between Alpharetta and Roswell and serves as Milton's town center," she says. "Avalon is in Alpharetta, a high-end mixed-use development that's big and flashy."
Canton Street is home to one of the many wonderful shops.
Canton Street in Roswell is filled with different restaurants and stores for residents to enjoy.
Canton Street is a great place for Roswell residents to go shopping or simply grab a bite.
Canton Street in Roswell stays continuously busy regardless of the season.
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Chattahoochee River's waterfront parks with trails for hiking and biking
Recreation in Roswell spans over 1,000 acres across 22 parks, many located along the Chattahoochee River, which features boat launches and fishing docks. "The river is a huge part of Roswell, lined with nature centers, boardwalks and trails," Waggener says. Roswell Area Park, Riverside Park and the Chattahoochee Nature Center are popular green spaces. The Chattahoochee Nature Center has a zipline, canoe tours and exhibits that teach visitors about the Chattahoochee Watershed and its wildlife. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, about 3 miles south of downtown, has 66 miles of trails. "They have an extensive system of mountain biking trails that go through the hills and along the river," he says. The area is part of the National Park System and includes Civil War-era textile mill ruins, as well as a waterfall created by the dam that once powered the mill.
Although Roswell is far enough inland to avoid direct hits from hurricanes, it can still experience heavy rainfall and strong winds from coastal storms. "Summers can be unbearably hot," Waggener says. "Spring and fall are great weather seasons that last a long time."
Pair of cyclists leaving the park by the entrance sign.
Old Mill Park in Roswell features a beautiful covered bridge.
The Chattahoochee River flows alongside Roswell, offering beautiful scenic views.
The Entrance to the Riverwalk in Roswell, GA.
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Roswell's past is honored in the Roswell Historic District
The city of Roswell brings the community together year-round. Riverside Park hosts Riverside Sounds, a free outdoor concert series from May through October with live music and food vendors. Each May, residents gather for the two-day Roswell Arts Spring Festival, where over 100 craft artists set up on the grounds of City Hall. The Roswell Historic District's 19th-century Greek Revival estates have been transformed into museums. Notable sites include Barrington Hall and Bulloch Hall, the childhood home of Theodore Roosevelt's mother, Mittie Bulloch. Downtown's Cultural Arts Center offers a 600-seat auditorium for community theater and performances, while its upstairs houses the Roswell History Museum.
Bulloch Hall is the home to the parents of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President in Roswell.
The old mill building can be seen from the bridge at Roswell Mill Park.
Informational sign at Roswell Mill Park highlighting some of the history.
Barrington Hall Ground is a historic house and museum located in downtown Roswell.
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19th-century homes mesh with new luxury builds
Homes in Roswell range from historic properties dating back to the mid-1800s to newly developed luxury residences. "Roswell is a bit older and more established, with many neighborhoods built in the 1980s and 1990s," Waggener says. There are lakefront residences in Martin's Landing . Historic homes are concentrated near downtown, while modern multimillion-dollar mansions with acreage are found along the city's outer edges. Roswell's median home price is $660,000, a 10% increase from the previous year and higher than the national average. "I think Roswell, from top to bottom, has more affordable options than Buckhead or Midtown," Baker says, noting that townhouses and apartment-style condominiums are also available throughout the city.
A beautiful new construction in downtown Roswell.
There is another beautiful old private home located in downtown Rowell, Georgia.
Another beautiful new build in downtown Roswell which has old charm.
Mimosa Hall is a historic landmark located off Bulloch Ave in Roswell.
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A-rated schools in Fulton County School District
Roswell is part of Fulton County Schools, the fourth-largest district in Georgia. The state also offers school choice, providing more options for families. The district, rated an A by Niche, includes several A-rated high schools with strong Career and Technical Education courses and International Baccalaureate programs. The city is also home to Gwinnett College's Roswell/Sandy Springs Campus, which moved to a brand-new facility in the fall of 2023.
Gwinett College has a campus location in Roswell, GA.
For other lessons, Mountain Park Elementary School is the public school within Brookfield West borders.
Sweet Apple Elementary School serves students living in the Roswell neighborhood.
Artwork themed for the children of Northwood Elementary School of East Roseville Parkway of Roswell
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Roswell's up-and-coming mixed-used developments
Roswell's Bond Program plans to distribute $179.6 million in three phases over several years to enhance recreational areas, including park improvements and expanding trails and bike paths. The first funding phase was approved in May 2023, with the second phase anticipated in the spring or summer of 2025.
Averly East Village is a $101 million luxury mixed-use development currently under construction on Holcomb Bridge Road. It will replace the vacant East Village Shopping Center and include 75,000 square feet of retail space, 335 apartment units and 74 townhouses. In July 2024, the city council approved plans for a new mixed-use retail and recreation district along Crabapple and Crossville roads.
A office building that is used as mix use in downtown Roswell, GA.
Here is a great example of shopping next to business as well living spaces.
Roswell reception stone-carved sculpture of an African woman.
Mix use of housing and retail is on the rise in the City of Rowwell.
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Convenient transportation options and decreasing crime rates
Five state routes converge in the center of Roswell, providing residents with many transportation options. State Route 400, a north-south route along the city's eastern side, is concurrent with U.S. Highway 19 and connects to Interstate 285 about 10 miles south and Interstate 85 in northern Atlanta. Interstate 75, less than 15 miles east, is accessible via State Route 120 and Lower Roswell Road. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is approximately 35 miles south of Roswell. Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) bus stops are stationed throughout the area. Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center is also close to home for medical care.
Roswell Police Department's most recent annual crime report from 2023 indicates an overall decrease in crime compared to 2022, with rates lower than the national average. Uniform Crime Report statistics show a 2.62% decrease in overall crime from the previous year and a 1.61% decrease in property crime.
One of the many bus stops in downtown Roswell, GA.
The City Hall building in downtown Roswell is beautiful.
The Roswell police station in downtown Roswell, GA.
Canton Street in downtown Roswell is easy to navigate and very pedestrian-friendly.
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Written By
Pao Cordero
Photography Contributed By
Greg Riegler
Video By
Alex Jacobsen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Roswell, GA sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Roswell, GA over the last 12 months is $665,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Wood Creek offers renovated, spacious apartment homes (up to 1425 square feet) conveniently located in Roswell, with easy access to GA 400 and the MARTA bus line. Our gorgeous pool and tennis court will help you unwind after your convenient commute. Not to mention, our fitness center will help with that too! If all you need is your furry friend, you'll be happy to know that we are a pet friendly
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