Welcome to Marietta
Marietta is a friendly city that welcomes all with open arms into a thriving community.
If you haven’t seen the Big Chicken, you haven’t been to Marietta. The landmark, stationed in front of a KFC, is the epitome of the Atlanta-adjacent city — humorous, bold, and steeped in history. The chicken has been around for over half a century and has been defended by residents, rebuilt, and restored, and now is spoken of with pride to newcomers. So too has the city of Marietta. After being burnt down in the Civil War, residents restored the buildings they could and rebuilt the rest, determined to see their city revitalized and thriving.
Now Marietta has brought that small-town community into a city setting. While jobs are plentiful, the economy is thriving, and the streets are bustling with people, Marietta is still welcoming, inclusive, and community-focused. Throughout the year, the town puts on special events to bring everyone together, and plenty of public amenities have been built to encourage people to get out into the community, from sports fields to numerous art galleries surrounding Marietta Square.
That sense of community has also built up Marietta’s reputation as family-friendly. It is filled with history and the schools are top-notch. Parents can be sure their children will graduate with a solid core knowledge to take with them to college and into their careers.
What to Love
- Spectacular schools
- Known as the friendliest town in
Cobb County - Small-town feel with big-city amenities
Local Lifestyle
History is everywhere in Marietta and the older, renovated, or preserved buildings and tight downtown area maintain that quaint historic vibe, despite the fact that Marietta has evolved into a bustling and thriving city in its own right. The famed Southern charm is on full display in this town, so newcomers find it easy to move here and find a community, but rather than be a boring small town, Marietta offers plenty of activities and a varied social life — on top of easy access to Atlanta.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Marietta is home to a number of spectacular restaurants offering a range of cuisines and atmospheres. Hawg & Ale is the source of some of the best barbecue in the region, particularly their tender and juicy brisket. Kiosco brought Colombian food to the area, serving dishes like arroz con pollo and empanadas that are mouthwateringly delicious. For a nice evening out, make reservations at Spring, an award-winning restaurant focused on fresh and organic ingredients to maximize flavors.
The city also has plenty of shopping easily accessible, even beyond heading into downtown Atlanta or Buckhead or out to one of the malls in the nearby area. Bark Street Petopia has everything your pet needs or you can browse the stunning antiques at Marina Marina where you might just find a hidden jewel.
Spend some time outside in Marietta. Head to Glover Park where kids can enjoy the playground while you relax in the quiet space with a book, or try Laurel Park for its basketball courts, a pond, and picnic areas. If you’re looking for some hiking trails, A.L. Burruss Nature Park has several crossing its 46 acres, as well as bike paths and some lovely spots to picnic.
Marietta Square acts as the social hub of the city with shops, restaurants, and the space to host festivals throughout the year. The most popular of those festivals is Taste Of Marietta, held in April and showcasing the best chefs in the area. In addition to the endless flow of food, see live entertainment on multiple stages, play games, and browse local artisan goods.
The town is also home to a high number of museums. The Gone With The Wind Museum features memorabilia and behind-the-scenes information about the classic film, while the Old Zion Heritage Museum pays tribute to the African-American history of the area, from slavery to Reconstruction to civil rights. It’s easy to spend months exploring the numerous museums, especially since some feature-changing exhibitions.
School
Marietta is served by the Marietta school system, home to some of the most highly-ranked schools in the country.
- Marietta Center for Advanced Academics, 3-5, accelerated education program
- Marietta High School, 9-12, championship-winning sports program
- The Walker School, PreK-12, challenging academics and a reputation for academic success
