The small city of Woodstock, located in Cherokee County just 30 miles northwest of Atlanta, may not seem exciting in comparison to the big city nearby but it lives up to its slogan: “A City Unexpected.” Living in Woodstock, you can enjoy small-town life without giving up city amenities, explore locally-owned shops and restaurants, and appreciate the area’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
What is Woodstock known for? Its artsy, fun downtown and rich history! It’s not known exactly how Woodstock got its name but it’s believed to be named for the book of the same name by Sir Walter Scott or possibly for its train stop where trains picked up their wood supply. So, is Woodstock a good place to live? Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this Atlanta suburb!
Woodstock, GA Population & Demographics
The small city of Woodstock, GA has a population of 30,000 and it’s located in southern Cherokee County in the 30188 and 30189 zip codes and area codes 770, 678, and 470. Woodstock is a somewhat diverse community with a population that’s 78% white, 10% African American, 5% Asian, 3% other races, 3% two or more races, and 10% Hispanic. The median age in Woodstock is 35, just slightly younger than the U.S. average.
About 10% of people living in Woodstock were born outside the country, lower than the national average and decreasing slowly each year. About 64% of Woodstock residents own their own home.
Woodstock, GA Climate – Mild Winters & Muggy Summers
Like much of Georgia, Woodstock has a humid subtropical climate. If you’re moving from the West Coast or up north, be prepared for real Southern weather! Woodstock weather is usually hot and muggy during the long summers while winters are short and fairly mild. You’ll hardly see any snow but you’ll get plenty of sun (213 sunny days per year!) and an impressive 53 inches of rain per year on average. The U.S. average rainfall is just 38 inches.
Make sure you pack an umbrella, waterproof windbreaker, and plenty of shorts for the summer!
Best Woodstock Neighborhoods to Explore
If you’re considering moving to Woodstock, Georgia, one of your first priorities will probably be finding the best places to live in Woodstock. Are you looking for a family-friendly neighborhood? Do you want to be near work or shopping? Do you want a prestigious neighborhood near one of Woodstock’s top-rated golf courses? Here are some of the best Woodstock neighborhoods that should make your list.
Eagle Watch is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Woodstock. A subdivision of Towne Lake, a large planned community two miles outside downtown Woodstock, the area is called Thousand-Acre Woods by long-time residents. It’s located on two creeks with Hobgood Park — the county’s largest public park — and two golf courses: Towne Lake Hills and Eagle Watch Golf Club with a course designed by Arnold Palmer. It’s definitely one of the best places to live in Woodstock for families and golf enthusiasts!
Another great neighborhood in Woodstock is The Woodlands located just off Highway 92 and minutes from GA-400 and I-575. This subdivision has an average sales price a bit higher than average for Woodstock with homes built in the early 2000s. There are more than 1,000 homes in this master-planned community of single-family homes with a wooded setting, nature trails, and a pool and clubhouse for residents.
Planning to buy a house? Start your search for Woodstock, GA homes for sale ahead of relocating to Woodstock to start narrowing down your neighborhood options based on your needs and budget.
Woodstock Schools and Colleges
While living in Woodstock, you’ll be served by the Cherokee County School District. There are 14 schools within the public school district, many of them ranked very highly and outperforming the Georgia average. Woodstock’s top-rated elementary school is Bascomb Elementary School which performs well on state testing, equity, and serving low-income students. The school is located off Towne Lake Parkway near Hobgood Park.
Curious about your opportunities for higher education? Kennesaw State University is closest to Woodstock just 7 miles away. Other nearby colleges include Southern Polytechnic State University, Reinhardt University, Brown Mackie College Atlanta, and Oglethorpe University.
What Is the Cost of Living in Woodstock, GA?
While Georgia’s cost of living is just below the national average, Woodstock is a bit more expensive. One of the many reasons people consider moving to Woodstock is its affordable living and convenient location near Atlanta and it’s definitely more affordable than the city. So, how much does it cost to live in Woodstock, GA?
Transportation costs in Woodstock are higher than average but housing is fairly affordable. The median home price in Woodstock is $206,000 — not bad compared to $302k in nearby Atlanta and the national average of $227k. Planning to rent after moving to Woodstock? The average rent in Woodstock is $1,248 or $1,076 for a one-bedroom apartment, according to RentJungle.
Great Restaurants & Fun Things to Do in Woodstock, GA
Ready to explore what to do in Woodstock once you’re officially a resident? It may be small but there are tons of great things to do in Woodstock as a couple or with the kids. The city also offers convenient shopping with Sam’s Club, Costco, Sprouts, Kroger, ALDI, and the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta. Here are some of the best Woodstock, GA attractions you’ll love!
Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center
Stars and Strikes is one of the best things to do with kids on the weekend! The 50,000-square-foot facility features everything from bowling and laser tag to bumper cars, an arcade, and a restaurant with a bar. It’s also one of the best places in the city for a birthday party!
Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center, 10010 GA-92 #180, Woodstock, GA 30188 (678) 965-5707
Olde Rope Mill Park
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Olde Rope Mill Park is the perfect Woodstock destination for outdoor activities when the weather is warm. Enjoy a picnic, explore mountain bike trails, go kayaking down the river, or just sit and watch the fish.
Olde Rope Mill Park, 690 Olde Rope Mill Park Rd, Woodstock, GA 30188 (770) 517-6788
Izumi Asian Bistro Woodstock
Izumi Asian Bistro is Woodstock’s top-rated restaurant! This Pan-Asian bistro has a diverse menu with everything from sushi and curry to pho and Chinese classics.
Izumi Asian Bistro Woodstock, 2035 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30188 (678) 238-1899
Semper Fi Bar & Grille
This bar and grill is an homage to first responders and veterans with military memorabilia everywhere you look. Stop by for classic American comfort food and great cocktails at one of the best restaurants in Woodstock!
Semper Fi Bar & Grille, 9770 Main St, Woodstock, GA 30188 (770) 672-0026
Woodstock, GA Jobs & Average Income
In its early history, Woodstock’s economy was dominated by agriculture and mining but living in Woodstock today, you’ll notice a thriving and diverse economy with major employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and finance including State Farm Insurance Company and WellStar Health System.
The median household income in Woodstock is $69,000 with an average hourly wage of $15 and average salary of $53,000. You can start your search for jobs in Woodstock, GA online to get an idea of where your qualifications and interests will take you after moving to Woodstock.
Note that many Woodstock residents commute to Atlanta for work. Here’s what your commute would look like driving from Woodstock, GA to Atlanta, GA which is 30 miles away.
Living in Woodstock Tips
- Adjust to Georgia’s famously muggy and warm weather
- Explore top-rated schools in Woodstock
- Enjoy a more affordable cost of living outside Atlanta
- Choose from several great neighborhoods ranging from prestigious golf course homes to affordable starter homes
- Find employment in Woodstock in manufacturing or healthcare or explore options in Atlanta
Ready to see how great life can be while living in Woodstock, Georgia? If you’ve settled on this beautiful Atlanta suburb, call the award-winning Woodstock movers at Wirks Moving & Storage today for help making your relocation easy and stress-free. Fill out the Request a Quote form or give us a call today!
