Looking at the metro area’s northwest side, you’ll find the suburban havens of Cobb, Cherokee, Douglas and Paulding counties. These communities appeal to families and young professionals alike. For families, there are top-notch public and private schools that consistently exceed state and national testing standards. Young professionals seek out northwest communities for affordable housing, job opportunities and easy access to Lake Allatoona, Kennesaw Mountain and Red Top Mountain.

Live
Quaint downtown squares, recreational communities, luxury enclave communities and village-style neighborhoods dot the sprawling landscape of the metro area’s northwest side.

Consider these communities for your new home: Acworth, Austell, Canton, Douglasville, Hiram, East Cobb, Holly Springs, Kennesaw, Mableton, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna, Vinings, West Cobb and Woodstock.

Work
The northwest is home to several corporate headquarters, including The Home Depot, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company and PlayNation. Two growing bio-pharmaceutical/bioscience companies—Quintiles and UCB—have opened operations in Cobb County. Georgia ranks seventh in the country for its number of bioscience companies. The northwest is poised for growth with The Bluffs, a smart-growth industrial park designed to bring development to Cherokee County over the next 15 years.

Play
Aside from scenic recreation opportunities at Kennesaw Mountain, Red Top Mountain and Lake Allatoona, the northwest is home to the Southeast’s largest amusement parks—Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags Whitewater.

If you’re looking for a more cultural avenue, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is the home of the Atlanta Opera and hosts national touring acts throughout the year.

Experience
One of the first landmarks you’re likely to hear about is the Big Chicken in Marietta. Often used when giving directions within Cobb County, the Big Chicken is a 56-foot steel chicken, with moving eyes and beak, which tops a historic Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant.

Civil War buffs can get their fill of history at Marietta Square, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History.