The City of Smyrna is home to just over 56,000 and is considered one of the fastest-growing metro Atlanta cities. Located in Cobb County, it boasts many idyllic reasons to want to move here. From sought-after neighborhoods and fine dining to beautiful parks and a central Village Green, the Jonquil City is a unique place to call home.
Job Opportunities
Smyrna is just 16 miles from downtown Atlanta, providing an easy commute to a number of major employment centers throughout the metro area. Top local employment opportunities include the headquarters of a number of Fortune 500 companies, including The Home Depot, RaceTrac, Genuine Parts, HD Supply Holdings and, in the very near future, ThyssenKrupp.
Also nearby is The Battery Atlanta, which is the home of the Atlanta Braves’ stadium Truist Park. The Battery is also home to Comcast’s regional office, as well as The Farm, an innovation hub supporting startups.
Homeownership Opportunities
The housing market has been booming everywhere over the last year, but even prior to the current market explosion, Smyrna had one of the healthiest housing markets to offer in Georgia. According to Zillow, the current median home price in Smyrna is $377,558, up 18 percent over the past year. Home listings on Zillow within Smyrna range from $160,000 to $2.4 million, offering a wide variety of opportunities for home buyers.
For buyers searching for a new construction home in Smyrna, a number of opportunities await, including from well-known builders David Weekley Homes and Lennar. Woodbury by David Weekley Homes boasts two- and three-story townhomes priced from $429,000, while Cumberland Station by Lennar features three-story townhomes priced from the mid-$400s.
Things To Do
Smyrna neighbors the Battery Atlanta, a live-work-play environment full of many unique shops and restaurants. The Battery houses the third location of an Atlanta pizza favorite, Antico, which specializes in well done pizzas that come a little charred. The Battery is also home to fun and entertaining nightlife. Watch the Braves game on the big screen at Live! At the Battery Atlanta and then hop on over to the Terrapin Taproom for some Athens local beer and barbecue from Fox Bros. BBQ. Or shop till you drop at local favorite boutiques including DressUp and Sugarboo.
In the heart of Smyrna, you’ll find the Village Green and Smyrna Market Village. Created after Smyrna started losing its identity to the growing urban sprawl in Cobb County, the reimagined downtown truly brought the city back to life. Featuring space for festivals and concerts throughout the year, the green resulted in Smyrna receiving the prestigious Urban Land Institute’s Award of Excellence for this beautiful, functional and successful plan.
Every Sunday and Wednesday from mid-May through mid-October, you can visit the Smyrna Handmade Market, which has many food vendors and artisans. Located at Taylor Brawner Park, the market is open on Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
Visit the 20th Century Veterans Memorial, the designated site of the annual Smyrna Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. Located in downtown Smyrna adjacent to City Hall, the park honors all those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the 20th century. The memorial includes the Court of Honor, which recognizes each branch of the military, as well as the Garden Wall, which has a peaceful reflecting pool surrounded by a stone wall listing all wars and battles of the 20th century. Finally, the Memorial Grove is the ideal place for sit in quiet reflection as you view the names of the Cobb County men and women in died in service.
Offering free tours, the Smyrna History Museum has recently undergone a total renovation of its exhibits. The museum is located inside a reconstructed historic train depot built in 1910 and includes exhibits that begin when Native Americans lived in the area, through the Civil War to the present day. The Smyrna History Museum is open Wednesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tours are free but visitors must sign up for an available time slot in advanced.
The star of the Concord Covered Bridge Historic District is of course, the Cancord Covered Bridge. Still open to traffic, this famous bridge is the busiest covered bridge in the state, and one of only 16 that remain. Locals have long gotten used to the road being closed, as it frequently damaged by tall trucks that try to cross the narrow bridge. Crossing Nickajack Creek, the bridge is part of a complex of historic buildings that also include a grist mill and miller’s home. The Historic District was also the site of Ruff’s Mill, a Civil War battle. The mill was saved from destruction during the war because it was a field hospital. In fact, you can still see bullet holes on its stone exterior today!
Smyrna residents love having access to the popular Silver Comet Trail, a paved footpath that runs along the route of the Silver Comet passenger train. The trail begins in Smyrna and runs west to Alabama, where it connects with the Chief Ladiga Trail. It’s an ideal place for runners and walkers, and it’s even open to bicyclists and horse riders!
Places to Eat
Smyrna has a number of delicious dining establishments outside of the Battery and Market Village. Mezza Luna is a local favorite serving up delicious pasta and seafood, while South City Kitchen is known for its Southern classics with an elevated spin.
Muss & Turner’s may be the area’s most well-known restaurant with its full-service bistro including a wine and beer bar, a gourmet retail area and a deli. In 2012, the team at Muss & Turner’s added a hidden bar next door called Eleanor’s, which quickly became known as the best speakeasy in Atlanta.
While it may not look like much from the outside, one look at the reviews for Himalayan Kitchen will convince you to try it out! Featuring Tibetan and Asian cuisine available for takeout only, reviewers rave about the restaurants steamed dumplings, butter chicken, momo and curry.
Smyrna Market Village is also home to many local restaurants. If you’re a fan of Puerto Rican and Argentinian fare, then Porch Light Latin Kitchen is for you. This restaurant is family-owned and offers that Latin spice you are craving. The Market Village also features Atkins Park Tavern, a local favorite inspired by New Orleans.
Healthcare
Smyrna is home to several healthcare centers, senior care services, physicians centers, health clinics and urgent care offices. For emergency care, WellStar Cobb Hospital is just west of Smyrna, while residents on Smyrna’s northside are close to WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta.
If you wish to learn more about the City of Smyrna including events, job market and recreational activities, visit www.smyrnaga.gov/home for more information.
