Sun rays over winding rural road surrounded by autumn trees and rolling hills at sunset.

Life in Cartersville, GA

Located in Bartow County, just 40 miles northwest of Atlanta along I-75, Cartersville offers a rich combination of history, outdoor beauty, and economic growth. With a vibrant downtown, top-rated museums, excellent schools, and access to Lake Allatoona and the Etowah River, Cartersville is a prime destination for families, retirees, and professionals.

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Cartersville Neighborhoods

  • Downtown Cartersville: Historic homes, walkable shops, restaurants, and community events
  • Planters & Waterford Communities: Suburban-style developments with swim/tennis amenities
  • Hamilton Crossing: Newer subdivisions with access to parks
  • West Cartersville: More rural feel with larger lots and scenic views
Small town main street with historic buildings, parked cars, and a gold-domed courthouse in the background under clear sky.

Population

Cartersville is steadily growing with a population of 25,000; boasting a 12% population increase (2020-2025) and a roughly 2.25% annual growth rate.

Aerial view of a small town downtown with historic buildings, a courthouse with a gold dome, and parked cars under a blue sky.

Cartersville Demographics

Racial/ethnic makeup:

  • White: 71.9%
  • Black/African-American: 14.3%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 14.0%
  • Asian: 1.9%
  • Two or more races: ~10.4%
  • Median age: 37.1 years
  • Median household: $78,640
Modern school building with a central entrance labeled C, surrounded by landscaping and a curved driveway.

Cartersville Schools

Cartersville is served by two systems: Cartersville City Schools and Bartow County School District — both offering strong academic and extracurricular programs.

Notable Public Schools:

  • Cartersville High School (Purple Hurricanes, known for academics & athletics)
  • Cartersville Middle School
  • Cloverleaf Elementary School
  • Woodland High School (Bartow County)

Childcare & After-School Programs

  • Primrose School of Cartersville
  • Cartersville KinderCare
  • Boys & Girls Club of Bartow County
  • YMCA programs and local church-based care

Extracurriculars & Youth Programs

  • Art: Booth Western Art Museum youth programs
  • Dance: Cartersville School of Ballet
  • Martial Arts: ATA Martial Arts Cartersville
  • Sports: Dellinger Park leagues for soccer, baseball, tennis, and swimming
Historic two-story yellow home with porch, gardens, and a Sam Jones historical marker in front under tree shade.

Cartersville is known for:

Cartersville, Georgia is known for several distinctive features and attractions. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Cultural and Historical Significance

  • Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site: One of the most well-preserved Mississippian culture archaeological sites in the Southeastern U.S., showcasing ancient Native American ceremonial mounds, a museum, and artifacts dating back to 1000 AD.
  • Bartow History Museum: Located in downtown Cartersville, this museum explores the region's past through exhibits and educational programs focused on local history from the 1800s to the present.
  • Rose Lawn Museum: The former home of evangelist Sam P. Jones, Rose Lawn is now a museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2. Major Attractions

  • Booth Western Art Museum: A Smithsonian-affiliated museum featuring the largest permanent exhibition space for Western art in the country. It includes works by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, and contemporary Western artists.
  • Tellus Science Museum: A large science museum with planetarium shows, fossil galleries, and a hands-on children's science center, appealing to families and school groups.
  • Savoy Automobile Museum: One of Cartersville's newer attractions, showcasing classic and collectible cars in rotating exhibits.

3. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation

  • Lake Allatoona: A popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping, located just outside Cartersville.
  • Red Top Mountain State Park: Offers hiking, biking, and lakeside cabins, and is closely associated with Cartersville's outdoor lifestyle.
  • Pine Mountain Trail: A well-known hiking trail with scenic views of the surrounding region, popular among locals and visitors.

4. Quaint Downtown & Community Events

  • Downtown Cartersville: Known for its small-town charm, antique shops, restaurants, and local boutiques. It's also the site of regular festivals, farmers markets, and art walks.
  • Annual Events: Popular events include the Cartersville Bluegrass & Folk Festival and Fourth of July celebrations.
Historic downtown street with brick buildings and a cafe named Sunflower Market on the corner under an awning.

Living in Cartersville

Housing Market

  • Homeownership Rate: 64%
  • Median Home Price: $330,000
  • Cartersville offers a range of housing from historic homes and craftsman-style cottages to new construction and luxury estates.
  • Why Live in Cartersville?

    1. Small-Town Charm with Big-City Access

    Cartersville offers a relaxed, small-town atmosphere while being just about 45 minutes from Atlanta via I-75. You get the benefits of peaceful suburban living without giving up access to metropolitan amenities.


    2. Affordable Cost of Living

    Compared to nearby urban areas, Cartersville provides more affordable housing, lower property taxes, and a lower overall cost of living—ideal for families, retirees, and first-time homebuyers.


    3. Rich Culture & History

    Home to attractions like the Booth Western Art Museum, Tellus Science Museum, and Etowah Indian Mounds, Cartersville boasts a vibrant cultural scene and deep historical roots. These provide unique educational and recreational opportunities year-round.


    4. Scenic Outdoor Lifestyle

    With Lake Allatoona, Red Top Mountain State Park, and local hiking trails like Pine Mountain, residents enjoy abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking—all in their backyard.


    5. Strong Community and Schools

    Cartersville is known for its tight-knit community, family-friendly neighborhoods, and well-regarded public and private schools. Community events and local sports foster a sense of connection among residents.


    Growing Economy

    The city has a diverse and growing job market supported by local industry, healthcare, education, and logistics—making it a promising area for both career growth and business development.


    Cartersville is ideal for those looking to balance affordability, quality of life, and proximity to Atlanta—all within a scenic and culturally rich environment.

    Weather in Cartersville

    • Spring: 60s-70s, ideal for festivals and park outings
    • Summer: 80s-90s, humid with afternoon storms
    • Fall: Crisp 50s-70s, perfect for hiking and lake visits
    • Winter: 30s-50s, rarely snowing
Budweiser brewery building with large red logo, surrounded by green lawn, flowers, and trees under blue sky

Working in Cartersville

Cartersville has a strong manufacturing base and is also home to regional healthcare, logistics, and education employers.

Top Employers:

  • Anheuser-Busch
  • Shaw Industries
  • Georgia Power Plant Bowen
  • Cartersville Medical Center (HCA Healthcare)
  • Bartow County Government & Schools

Fast-Growing Job Sectors:

  • Manufacturing & skilled trades
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Logistics & warehousing

Transportation & Commute

  • Direct access to I-75, 40-50 minutes to downtown Atlanta
  • Bartow Transit offers limited local service
  • Closest MARTA station: North Springs (35-45 minutes by car)
  • 1-hour drive to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
Hikers and a dog on rocky summit overlooking forest, lake, and distant hills under clear sky.

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

Grocery Stores

  • Publix, Kroger, Ingles, and Aldi
  • Walmart Supercenter
  • Local farmers markets and specialty food stores

Dining & Breweries

  • Appalachian Grill - Upscale Southern cuisine
  • Moores Gourmet Market - Local favorite
  • Table 20 - Contemporary farm-to-table fare
  • Drowned Valley Brewing Co. - Craft beer and community events
  • El Charro Mexican Grill, Los Arcos, and a variety of international eateries

Entertainment & Parks

  • Booth Western Art Museum - Smithsonian-affiliated, nationally acclaimed
  • Tellus Science Museum - Interactive exhibits and planetarium
  • Savoy Automobile Museum - Showcasing historic cars
  • Dellinger Park - Sports fields, walking trails, pool, and amphitheater
  • Lake Allatoona - Boating, fishing, and camping
Historic red brick courthouse with tall white columns and golden dome under blue sky with trees

Community Services & Resources in Cartersville

Healthcare & Medical Access

  • Cartersville Medical Center - Full-service hospital
  • Urgent Care: Peachtree Immediate Care, Floyd Urgent Care
  • Specialists: Pediatricians, dental, vision, orthopedic, and OB/GYN offices throughout the city

Religious Communities

  • Sam Jones Memorial United Methodist Church
  • Faith United Methodist Church
  • Emmanuel Baptist Church
  • St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
  • New Season Church