Buying a home in Cobb County, Georgia

As a local real estate agent, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients buy and sell homes in every corner of Cobb County, and one thing is consistent: buyers here are thrilled with their decisions. Compared to some other parts of Metro Atlanta, Cobb County offers more affordable entry points while still providing excellent options in higher price ranges, particularly in Smyrna and Marietta.



Here’s a city-by-city guide to buying a home in Cobb County, including average price points, schools, transportation, lifestyle, and considerations to help you decide which area might be the best fit.

Acworth – “The Lake City”

• Home Prices: The median home price in Acworth is around $415,000–$425,000, with options ranging from townhomes in the $200Ks to lakefront properties well above $1M.
• Schools: Acworth has 13 public schools serving around 10,160 students. Overall Acworth public schools average 9/10 rating, placing them in the top 20% of Georgia public schools. Some top rated schools include Ford Elementary (10/10), Durham Middle School (10/10), Pickett's Elementary School (9/10), Alltoona High School (9/10). Check resources such as GreatSchools.org for more on schools.
• Commute: Acworth is about 34 miles from downtown Atlanta and close to I-75, making commuting straightforward. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about a 45-minute drive (depending on traffic).
• Lifestyle: Acworth is known for its charming downtown and access to Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona—perfect for boating, fishing, and outdoor living.
• Considerations: A great choice for buyers seeking suburban or semi-rural living with easy access to nature. Public transit options are limited, so this area works best for those who drive.

Austell – Affordability & Small-Town Charm

• Home Prices: Austell offers some of the most affordable homes in Cobb County, with a median price around $275,000–$300,000.
• Schools: Austell has 6 public schools serving around 5,798 students. Overall Austell public schools average 6/10 rating. Some top rated schools include Cooper Middle School (8/10), Austell Elementary School (7/10), Clarkedale Elementary School (7/10). Check resources such as GreatSchools.org for more on schools.
• Commute: Located near I-20, Austell is about 17 miles west of Atlanta—making it one of the quicker Cobb cities for reaching downtown. The airport is about a 25–30 minute drive.
• Lifestyle: Austell has a small-town feel with access to Sweetwater Creek State Park and close proximity to Six Flags Over Georgia.
• Considerations: A good fit for first-time buyers or those looking for value. Housing inventory can be more limited compared to larger Cobb cities.

Kennesaw – History & Home to Kennesaw State University

• Home Prices: Median home prices hover around $400,000–$415,000, with many single-family neighborhoods plus townhomes and condos.
• Schools: Kennesaw has 14 public schools serving over 8,000 students. Overall Kennesaw public schools average 9/10 rating, placing them in the top 20% of Georgia public schools. Some top rated schools include Harrison High School (9/10), Kennesaw High School (9/10), Lost Mountain Middle School (8/10), McClure Middle School (8/10). Check resources such as GreatSchools.org for more on schools.
• Commute: Just off I-75, Kennesaw is about 25 miles northwest of Atlanta. The airport is roughly a 40-minute drive.
• Lifestyle: Kennesaw blends history (Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park) with suburban comfort, shopping, and a growing restaurant scene.
• Considerations: A strong choice for families and professionals who want a balance of convenience and suburban living.

Mableton – Growing & Convenient

• Home Prices: Median home price is around $345,000–$360,000, though newer construction can reach the $500Ks+.
• Schools: Mabelton has 12 public schools serving about 8,703 students. Overall Mableton public schools average 3/10 rating. Check resources such as GreatSchools.org for more on schools.
• Commute: Mableton sits near I-285 and I-20, giving residents some of the fastest access to Atlanta and the airport (20–25 minutes).
• Lifestyle: Known for its convenience and affordability, Mableton offers suburban living close to the city. Mable House Amphitheatre provides concerts and cultural events.
• Considerations: A great option for buyers who want affordability with a quick commute. Ongoing development means some areas are still evolving.

Marietta – Historic & Best Schools

• Home Prices: Marietta’s housing is diverse, ranging from $350,000 starter homes to luxury properties well over $1M. Median prices are in the $450,000–$475,000 range.
• Schools: Marietta has 13 public schools serving about 8,711 students. Overall Marietta public schools average 10/10 rating, placing them in the top 10% of Georgia public schools. Some top rated schools include Marietta Center for Advanced Academics (10/10), Lassiter High School (10/10), West Side Elementary School (10/10), Mabry Middle School (10/10), Rocky Mountain Elementary School (10/10), Simpson Middle School (10/10). Check resources such as GreatSchools.org for more on schools.
• Commute: About 20 miles from downtown Atlanta, with access to I-75 and Highway 41. The airport is about 30–35 minutes away.
• Lifestyle: Marietta is known for its historic Marietta Square, lively community events, and wide range of neighborhoods. It offers both walkable areas and quiet suburban enclaves.
• Considerations: Buyers will find options across all price points. The variety of neighborhoods makes Marietta one of Cobb County’s most versatile cities.

Powder Springs – Suburban Value

• Home Prices: Median home prices are around $370,000–$385,000, offering strong value compared to nearby areas.
• Schools: Powder Springs has 14 public schools serving about 12,919 students. Overall Powder Springs public schools average 8/10 rating, placing them in the top 30% of Georgia public schools. Some top rated schools include Hillgrove High School (10/10), Kemp Elementary School (10/10), Vaughan Elementary School (10/10), Lovinggood Middle School (9/10) and Still Elementary School (9/10). Check resources such as GreatSchools.org for more on schools.
• Commute: Powder Springs is about 22 miles west of Atlanta, with access to I-20 and East-West Connector. The airport is roughly a 35–40 minute drive.
• Lifestyle: An area with many parks, trails, and more space for the price. The Silver Comet Trail is a major recreational highlight.
• Considerations: Attractive to buyers seeking affordability with suburban charm. Commutes can be longer compared to closer-in cities like Smyrna.

Smyrna – The home of the Braves

• Home Prices: Smyrna’s median home price is around $500,000, though prices range widely from condos in the $300Ks to luxury new builds $1M+.
• Schools: Smyrna has 13 public schools serving about 12,091 students. Smyrna also has many local private schools. Overall Kennesaw public schools average 6/10 rating, placing them in the top 50% of Georgia public schools. Some top rated schools include Kings Springs Elementary School (9/10), Teasley Elementary School (9/10), Nackajack Elementary School (8/10) and Griffin Middle School (7/10). Check resources such as GreatSchools.org for more on schools.
• Commute: Just 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, Smyrna has some of the best commuter access in Cobb via I-285 and Cobb Parkway. The airport is only 20–25 minutes away.
• Lifestyle: Smyrna is known for its Market Village, walkable neighborhoods, and proximity to The Battery Atlanta (home of the Braves). It’s one of the most sought-after suburbs in Metro Atlanta.
• Considerations: A fantastic option for those who want vibrant suburban living close to the city. Demand can drive prices higher compared to other Cobb cities.

Final Thoughts

Cobb County truly has something for everyone—whether you’re looking for lakeside living in Acworth, affordability in Austell, a historic downtown and high rated schools in Marietta, or vibrant suburban life in Smyrna.

I’ve had the pleasure of helping many clients find homes across Cobb County, and they consistently tell me how happy they are with their decision. With a range of price points and neighborhoods, it’s possible to find a home that fits your lifestyle and budget here.

If you’re considering buying a home in Cobb County, Georgia, I’d love to help you explore the options. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or searching for your forever home, Cobb has a community that’s right for you.

 Ready to start your Cobb County home search? Contact me today—I’d be happy to guide you through every step of the process.

 Reach out today — even if you’re just curious or have questions, I’m happy to help.