Beach volleyball courts with nets and a large wooden pavilion under a clear blue sky on sandy ground.

Life in Emerson GA

Nestled in Bartow County, Emerson is a small but rapidly growing city located about 40 miles northwest of Atlanta along I-75. Though small in population, Emerson is gaining attention as the home of LakePoint Sports Complex, one of the largest youth sports destinations in the U.S. With a mix of rural charm, economic development, and outdoor access, Emerson is ideal for families, sports professionals, and nature lovers.

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Emerson, GA Neighborhoods

Emerson is a compact community with access to both small-town neighborhoods and rural land. Nearby subdivisions in Cartersville, Acworth, and Adairsville offer additional housing options just minutes away.

  • Downtown Emerson: Small-town living with walkable access to city hall, local parks, and LakePoint
  • LakePoint Area: Growing developments and short-term rentals surrounding the sports complex
  • Creekview, Governors Towne Club (nearby): Gated and golf-course communities in nearby cities
Aerial view of a commercial area with parking lots, roads, and green forested hills under a blue sky with clouds.

Population

Emerson is a small yet vibrant city located in southern Bartow County, Georgia. With a population of approximately 1,700 residents, it combines small-town charm with access to world-class amenities.

Brick building of The Goddard School with white columns and rocking chairs at entrance under a partly cloudy sky.

Schools

Emerson is part of the Bartow County School District, known for strong academic and extracurricular programs.

Nearby Public Schools

  • Emerson Elementary School
  • South Central Middle School
  • Woodland High School

Childcare & After-School Options

  • Emerson Elementary Aftercare Programs
  • Learning Station Daycare (Cartersville)
  • Boys & Girls Club - Bartow County
  • YMCA Programs (nearby)

Extracurriculars & Recreation

  • LakePoint Sports: Baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, pickleball, and more
  • Etowah River Access: Kayaking, fishing, and riverfront trails
  • Campground & RV Parks for outdoor enthusiasts
  • Dance & Martial Arts: Available in nearby Acworth and Cartersville
Large house surrounded by trees overlooking a winding river under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Living in Emerson

Owners vs Renters

    • Median Home Price: $310,000
    • Homeownership Rate: 70%
    • Housing options include single-family homes, townhomes, new builds, and rental apartments near LakePoint.

Highlights

  • Scenic Beauty: Nestled near the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, Emerson offers picturesque landscapes, green spaces, and lakeside views.

  • Rich History: Incorporated in 1889 and named after Governor Joseph E. Brown, the city has a deep-rooted Southern heritage.

  • Sports Destination: Emerson is home to LakePoint Sports, one of the largest and most advanced youth sports complexes in the U.S., drawing teams and families from around the nation.

Weather in Emerson

  • Spring: Mild and sunny (60s-70s), great for outdoor activities
  • Summer: Hot and humid (80s-90s), perfect for lake recreation
  • Fall: Crisp and colorful (50s-70s)
  • Winter: Cool and rarely snowy (30s-50s)

Modern industrial building with glass front and Ryze Robotics signage under a cloudy sky.

Job Market & Employers in Emerson


While Emerson itself is small, it benefits from major employers in nearby Cartersville and the rapidly growing LakePoint Sports Complex, which draws millions of visitors annually.

Local & Nearby Employers:

  • LakePoint Sports (recreation, hospitality)
  • Anheuser-Busch (Cartersville)
  • Shaw Industries
  • Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center
  • Logistics, warehousing, and tourism support roles

Transportation & Commute

  • Direct access to I-75 makes commuting to Atlanta ( 45 minutes) or Chattanooga ( 90 minutes) convenient
  • Closest MARTA: North Springs Station (~40 minutes)
  • Bartow County Transit available for limited services
  • 1 hour to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

Exterior of Doug's Place restaurant with red roof, wooden walls, red door, Coca-Cola sign, and American flag.

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

Top Attractions & Activities

1. LakePoint Sports

A premier 1,300-acre sports complex hosting youth and amateur sporting events year-round. bloggerbill.com+2knowatlanta.com+2scripturesavvy.com+2

2. LakePoint Station

Family-friendly entertainment center featuring mini-golf, laser tag, arcade games, and gemstone mining. thetouristchecklist.com

3. Allatoona Lake

A popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming, offering scenic views and picnic areas. exploregeorgia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2

4. Red Top Mountain State Park

Located nearby, this park offers hiking trails, camping sites, and access to Lake Allatoona. thetouristchecklist.com

5. Terminus Wake Park

A cable wakeboarding facility catering to both beginners and experienced riders. bloggerbill.com


Dining in Emerson & Nearby

  • Doug's Place - Local favorite for Southern comfort food
  • Gabe's Downtown - Cajun cuisine (nearby Villa Rica)
  • Main Street Restaurants - in Cartersville and Acworth
  • Fast food options and sports-focused dining near LakePoint

🎟️ Entertainment & Parks

  • LakePoint Sports Complex: Year-round events, tournaments, and training
  • Red Top Mountain State Park: Hiking, camping, beach, and boating
  • Etowah Indian Mounds: Historical site and trails
  • Downtown Cartersville: Museums, shops, and cultural festivals

Historic brick building with white columns and a historical marker sign in front under clear blue sky

Community Services & Resources in Acworth

Grocery & Retail Access

Emerson has limited retail within city limits but is conveniently located near larger shopping areas:

  • Publix, Kroger, Walmart (Cartersville & Acworth)
  • Gas stations & convenience stores within Emerson
  • Tanger Outlets in nearby Calhoun (~25 minutes away)

Healthcare Services

  • Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center - Full-service hospital just 10 minutes away
  • Urgent Care: Peachtree Immediate Care (Cartersville), MinuteClinic (Acworth)
  • Specialists: Available throughout Bartow and Cobb Counties

Churches & Religious Life

  • Emerson Church
  • Emerson Baptist Church
  • Numerous other faith-based options available in Cartersville and Acworth

Scenic RV park with motorhomes, cabins, and green trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Demographics

  • Median Age: 39 years
  • Ethnic Breakdown:
    • White: 82%
    • African American: 9%
    • Hispanic/Latino: 6%
    • Other/Mixed: 3%
  • Median Household Income: ~76,000