Located in northern Georgia, Kennesaw is a bustling city and northwestern suburb of Atlanta. Once a battleground during the Civil War, Kennesaw is now home to gorgeous nature, beautiful homes, and fun annual festivals. In 2004, First Lady Laura Bush designated Kennesaw as a “Preserve America Community,” which is a special program that recognizes communities that protect and celebrate their heritage as well as use their historic assets for economic development and community growth. As such, Kennesaw is a good place to live.
Are you wondering whether or not moving to Kennesaw, GA is right for you? Here’s a guide to everything this historic city has to offer you.
Where Is Kennesaw Georgia?
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Where is Kennesaw? Kennesaw GA is in Cobb County, which is the state’s third most populous county. Kennesaw is bordered to the northwest by the city of Acworth and Kennesaw Mountain to the southeast. Kennesaw Mountain is the highest point in the Atlanta metro area, and the city is actually named after the mountain.
Living in Kennesaw GA is perfect for those who want to have access to major cities nearby. It is 26 miles from Kennesaw to Atlanta, Georgia, 6.8 miles from Kennesaw to Marietta, Georgia, and 94 miles from Kennesaw to Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is also only 16.6 miles from Dallas, GA to Kennesaw, GA.
Kennesaw GA Population & Demographics
The Kennesaw population is 33,036, which is a 10.9% increase over the past decade. Cobb County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Georgia, with a current population of just over 766,000. According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Cobb County is expected to crest 1 million residents by 2050. Kennesaw is also a part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which has a population of 6.14 million, making it the eighth-largest metropolitan area in the United States.
Kennesaw has a very diverse population, with a racial and ethnic composition of 64.0% White (55.7% non-Hispanic), 20.5% Black or African American, 6.7% two or more races, and 5.7% Asian. 14.9% of the Kennesaw, GA population is foreign-born, which is about 1.5 times the rate in Georgia (10.3%).
The median household income in Kennesaw is $73,977, which is about 10% higher than the Georgia average of $65,030. The city is also very popular among young families, with a median age of 35.6 and an average household size of 2.6 persons.
Additional Kennesaw GA Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 52% female, 48% male
- Educational attainment: 93.5% high school degree (or higher), 44.7% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Notable people from Kennesaw: Actor Lucas Till, actor Ron Lester, model Sean O’Pry
Is Kennesaw GA safe? Here’s an overview of the Kennesaw GA crime rate.
- Overall crime: 1,315 crimes per 100,000 people ( 45% lower than the state average and 44% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime: 137 crimes per 100,000 people (75% lower than the state average and 65% lower than the national average)
- Property crime: 1,178 crimes per 100,000 people ( 58% lower than the state average and 40% lower than the national average)
As you can see, the Kennesaw Georgia crime rate is much lower than both the state and the national averages, making the city a very safe place to live.
When living in Kennesaw, you will be protected by the Kennesaw Police Department. The KPD has 68 sworn officers on the force.
Kennesaw Cost of Living
More and more people are relocating to Georgia due to the low cost of living. Financer recently named Georgia as the 5th most affordable state in the country. But what is the cost of living in Kennesaw GA? The Kennesaw Cost of Living Index is 96, meaning the city is 4% more affordable than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $86,099 per year to live comfortably in Kennesaw.
Typical Kennesaw Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $18.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.70
- Carton of eggs: $5.29
- Gallon of gas: $3.12
- Movie ticket: $16.00
- Average Kennesaw utilities per month: $375.00
Source: Numbeo
If you are searching for Kennesaw houses for sale, then you will be happy to know that prices are very affordable. According to Redfin, the average home price in Kennesaw GA is $385,000. This is well below the national average of $412,502. If you’d rather rent Kennesaw, GA, real estate, then there are many wonderful apartments and townhomes in Kennesaw. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Kennesaw GA is $1,897.
Kennesaw Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Kennesaw
Are you on the hunt for the best neighborhoods in Kennesaw GA? Some of the best places to live in Kennesaw include Downtown, Summerbrook, and Swift Cantrell Park.
Downtown Kennesaw | Trendy Area With Apartment Living Options
The downtown area is full of hip shops and restaurants, all within walking distance of each other. You will find some of the best apartment complexes in this area, such as Revival on Main Apartments and Park at Main Apartment Homes.
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Summerbrooke | Peaceful Neighborhood Close to Outdoor Attractions
Summerbrooke is one of the safest neighborhoods in Kennesaw and is popular among retirees and families who want a quiet style of living. You’ll find many outdoor attractions near this area, such as the Summerbrooke Pool and Smith-Gilbert Gardens.
Swift Cantrell Park | Beautiful Area Popular Among Families
If you want to be close to top-rated schools, then check out the area by Swift Cantrell Park. Here, you will find single-family homes within walking distance of schools such as Kennesaw Elementary and Primrose School of Kennesaw North.
Kennesaw GA Weather & Climate
Per the Köppen Classification, Kennesaw has a humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
Here are a few Kennesaw GA weather statistics.
- Kennesaw annual snowfall: 2 inches
- Kennesaw annual rainfall: 53 inches
- Average temperature in Kennesaw during the summer: 79ºF
- Average temperature in Kennesaw during the winter: 43ºF
Things to Do in Kennesaw
There is an abundance of shopping in Kennesaw GA. You can shop till you drop at the Town Center at Cobb and the Kennesaw Crossings Shopping Center, and your grocery shopping can be completed at Publix and Kroger. You will also find many hotels in Kennesaw, Georgia, for your family and friends to stay in when they visit! Here are just a few of the best things to do in Kennesaw, GA.
Big Shanty Park
Big Shanty Park includes baseball fields, basketball courts, walking trails, and The Big Shanty Art Station. The park is also a part of the annual Big Shanty Festival, which is a craft show with over 200 vendors.
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2050 Kennesaw Due West Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152, 770-528-8846
Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
This museum showcases a collection of artifacts from the Civil War and is great for kids and adults of all ages.
2829 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, 770-427-2117
Jumping World
This amusement center is one of the most fun things to do in Kennesaw with children. Kids can enjoy a jungle gym, a foam pit, a trampoline court, and more.
4200 Wade Green Rd NW #224, Kennesaw, GA 30144, 770-672-7616
Additional Kennesaw Attractions
In addition to these things to do in Kennesaw, you can check out the Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department, which runs several parks and puts on events throughout the city.
Kennesaw Restaurants
Stop it at one of these restaurants in Kennesaw for a delicious bite to eat!
Elevation Chophouse & Skybar
Elevation Chophouse & Skybar is one of the most iconic restaurants in Kennesaw GA. This restaurant overlooks an airstrip, so you can watch helicopters and planes take off while you enjoy your steak.
1723 McCollum Pkwy NW #600, Kennesaw, GA 30144, 770-485-7469
Bernie’s Social Bar
This upscale joint is one of the best restaurants in Kennesaw and serves up elevated American dishes and craft cocktails.
2825 S Main St, Kennesaw, GA 30144, 770-627-2297
The Nest Kennesaw
Located in Kennesaw Downtown, The Nest is a casual restaurant that blends Southern BBQ with a traditional beer garden. Make sure to try one of their 59 taps pouring craft beers, draft coffee, and draft wines.
2921 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, 678-903-6921
Jobs in Kennesaw GA
Are you moving to Kennesaw to find a job? Luckily, there are many Kennesaw jobs for you to choose from. According to the City of Kennesaw, Kennesaw will provide more jobs in the next 20 years than any other part of the Atlanta metro region. This growth is a direct response to the Town Center Mall, which is located just a mile from the Western edge of Kennesaw. The mall continues to grow, from 7,383 available jobs in 1990 to 44,000 jobs available in 2020.
Kennesaw State University is also a major employer in the area. In 2022, KSU’s collective employment impact was 15,917 full and part-time jobs. The university has had a major economic impact, bringing in more than $2 billion for the city’s economy in 2020.
According to PayScale, the average salary in Kennesaw is $68,000 per year. As of August 2023, the unemployment rate in Kennesaw is 3.2%, which is lower than the U.S. average of 3.8%.
If you are searching for Kennesaw GA, jobs, then take a look at the city job board. You can also search for “Kennesaw, Georgia jobs” on Indeed.
Kennesaw Schools
Students living in Kennesaw are served by the Cobb County School District. There are six elementary schools, five middle schools, and four high schools in Kennesaw GA. Some of the top-rated schools in Kennesaw include Big Shanty Elementary and Harrison High School. Harrison High School is ranked by US News as the 29th-best school in Georgia and the #1 best high school in the Cobb County School District.
Kennesaw is also home to Kennesaw State University, which has an enrollment of 37,743. Kennesaw State is located in eastern Kennesaw. The university also has a campus located in Marietta. Combined, the two campuses span over 581 acres.
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After moving to Kennesaw, you can find a good book or a quiet place to study at the North Cobb Regional Library.
Kennesaw Statistics & Information
- County: Cobb
- Kennesaw area: 9.82 square miles
- Kennesaw GA zip code: 30144, 30152
- Kennesaw area code: 770, 678, 470
- Kennesaw elevation: 1,089 feet
- Kennesaw GA time zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-4)
- Closest airport to Kennesaw: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), 36.7 miles away
Kennesaw GA Map
Find more things to do with this map of Kennesaw GA.
The City of Kennesaw is a great place to live due to its low crime rates, gorgeous real estate, and top-rated schooling options. If living in Kennesaw sounds perfect to you, then Wirks Moving is ready to assist you every step of the way. Contact our experienced Kennesaw movers today at 404-635-6683 to get started with a free estimate.
