Living in Canton, GA: 20 Things To Know Before You Make the Move

Is Canton, GA, a good place to live? Yes, Canton is regarded as one of the best places to live in Georgia due to its excellent school system, tight-knit community, and suburban lifestyle. Living in Canton, GA, offers the perfect balance between small-town charm in its historic downtown and the energy of a rapidly growing city — one of the fastest-growing in Georgia.

Canton at a Glance

• Population: The Canton, Georgia, population sits at about 40,400.
• Median age: The median age in Canton is 34 years old.
• City size: Canton’s total area is 18.6 square miles.
• Location: Located in northwest Georgia, Canton is found at the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Fun fact: Before adopting the moniker of Canton in 1834, the city was also called “Etowah” and “Cherokee Court.”

20 Things To Know About Living in Canton, GA

Before you start looking for a home in Canton, it's important to consider its various features and potential drawbacks. To get the best idea of whether or not Canton is right for you, take a look at everything you should know about the city before planning a move.

1. The Cost of Living in Canton, GA, Can Be Expensive

The cost of living in Canton, GA, is nearly 13 percent higher than the national average and 19.3 percent higher than the state average.

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a family of four (two working adults and two children) should make at least $121,200 annually before taxes to cover basic living costs. A couple without children should make closer to $74,000 annually before taxes, and a single person should make around $58,000 annually before taxes.

2. Pros and Cons of Living in Canton, GA

Canton offers plenty of pros, like great neighborhoods and a high quality of life — but like anywhere, there are a few drawbacks to consider.

Pros of Living in Canton, GA

• Excellent local schools
• Safe and family-friendly
• Strong job market
• An abundance of outdoor activities

Cons of Living in Canton, GA

• Higher cost of living
• Limited public transportation
• Traffic congestion
• Limited nightlife

Home styles in Canton offer the ideal blend of classic Southern character with elements of modern design.
(Source: Jenn Goddard via Facebook)

3. Canton’s Housing Market Is Balanced

The housing market in Canton is steady, and the supply and demand for homes are about equal. Even with the city’s recent growth spurt, there’s still a healthy inventory of homes on the market without tipping into oversupply territory. Plus, the average home value has experienced a slight decrease over the last year, sitting at $502,900.

Home styles in Canton offer the ideal blend of classic Southern character with elements of modern design. The most prominent styles around town are Modern Farmhouse, Southern Traditional, and Craftsman architecture.

4. The Rental Market in Canton Is Also Desirable

Similar to the housing market, Canton’s rental market is considered balanced with a good supply of rentals available. Both the housing and rental markets have experienced a recent decrease in prices, with the average rent coming at $1,700 — roughly 2.4 percent below the previous year’s average.

Curious about sizing? You’ll find spaces ranging anywhere between 700 square feet for a studio to 1,550 square feet for a three-bedroom.

5. The Best Neighborhoods in Canton, GA, Offer a High Quality of Life

Each with its own unique blend of Southern charm and local conveniences, Canton boasts an array of top-notch communities with something to offer every lifestyle. Take a look at some of the best neighborhoods to settle down in:

Towne Mill: The neighborhood of Towne Mill offers modern amenities in a convenient location for commuters. Its spacious yards are great for families, plus there’s a clubhouse, playgrounds, and a pool for the kids to enjoy.

Canton Heights: With easy access to I-575, Canton Heights offers thoughtfully designed housing along with easy access to entertainment best suited for young professionals.

Woodmont Golf and Country Club: An upscale master-planned community built around a golf course with a social atmosphere perfect for retirees.

Chattahoochee Technical College — which has a campus in Canton — offers associate degrees and certificates in health, business, and early childhood care.
(Source: Chattahoochee Technical College via Facebook)

6. Canton’s Educational Offerings Are Strong and Diverse

Schools in Canton are part of the Cherokee County School District — one of the best in Georgia. Earning an A-grade on Niche, the district offers a wide range of programs and innovative elementary schools, such as the Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy.

For higher education, Chattahoochee Technical College offers associate degrees and certificates in health, business, and early childhood care. Or students can commute to other nearby schools, including Reinhardt University.

7. Canton, Georgia, Weather Offers Warm Summers & Mild Winters

Canton’s humid subtropical climate is characterized by four distinct seasons, with hot and humid summers followed by cold winters.

Spring is the most comfortable time of year, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to the low 80s. Canton’s hot and humid summers include highs that range from the mid-80s to 90s, while temperatures begin to drop in the fall, reaching the low 60s by November.

Winters are relatively short and mild, with temperatures typically ranging between the mid 30s to the low 50s.

8. The Crime Rates in Canton Are Typically Lower Than Other Georgia Communities

Considering the overall crime rates is a very important factor when it comes to researching a new place to live, and fortunately, crime is not much of a worry for local Canton residents. What is the crime rate in Canton, GA, though?

The city’s overall crime score sits at 43, meaning it’s safer than 43 percent of U.S. cities. This is lower than the average compared to similar-sized cities across the U.S. And within Georgia, Canton’s crime rate is around 56 percent lower than other communities, making it one of the safest cities to reside in the Metro Atlanta area.

9. There’s an Abundance of Things To Do in Canton, Georgia

From exploring local attractions to taking time to appreciate the great outdoors, Canton has a range of activities to offer. Here are some of the best things to do:

• Etowah River Park: Take a walk along the river or go kayaking.
• Hickory Log Creek Reservoir: Go boating, fishing, or kayaking in this quiet reservoir area.
• The Canton Theatre: Restored from the early 1900s, this theater is a community landmark offering live performances and film screenings.
• Canton Farmers Market: Shop for local produce and artisanal goods in Brown Park.

Blue Ridge is a charming mountain town just an hour north of Canton.
(Source: Visit Blue Ridge GA via Facebook)

11. Canton’s Food Scene Is on the Rise

Canton’s food scene is characterized by its combination of Southern hospitality and international flavors, mainly concentrated around its historic Downtown district and The Mill at Etowah. The city is also experiencing a resurgence in its culinary scene, with several new restaurants opening.

Highly-rated restaurants in Canton include:

• Queenie’s: This popular establishment is known for its Southern comfort food, such as their famous Banana Pudding and Fried Chicken.
• Goin’ Coastal Seafood: This establishment is known for its high-quality seafood and sustainable practices, serving a variety of popular dishes, such as the shrimp and grits and the BBQ shrimp appetizer.
• Tumi Peruvian Restaurant: The establishment serves a variety of Peruvian dishes, including their famous chicken wings and Tallarin Saltado Especial.

12. The Cultural Scene in Canton Is Rich and Lively

Canton is known for its flourishing cultural scene and modern art presence, which encourages people to connect with one another. The Canton Cultural Arts Commission works to integrate art into various public spaces, and the city features numerous sculptures and murals by local artists that reflect its community spirit, history, and nature.

The city's art scene is thriving with several studios and galleries serving as creative hubs, including Menagerie on Main, which features a shop and gallery located in a repurposed house.

13. Take Pride in Rooting for Canton’s Local Teams

From a professional basketball team to a strong high school athletics program, sports enthusiasts in Canton take pride in rooting for their local teams.

The Georgia Kangaroos are a professional basketball team based in Canton, part of the United States Basketball League's Champion League.

The culture of high school athletics is a major factor in the success of the local teams within the Cherokee County School District. One notable example of this is the Cherokee Warriors, who have strong basketball and football programs.

14. You’ll Need a Car While Living in Canton, GA

The Cherokee Area Transportation Center (CATS) provides limited bus routes, commuter options, and demand-response services within the city of Canton. The region is mainly car-dependent, however, and public transportation is not as extensive as it is for those living in Atlanta.

CATS operates fixed routes primarily within the central portion of the city. In addition, CATS partners with Enterprise to provide a vanpool service to residents who commute to Atlanta.

Canton’s fast-growing healthcare sector is led by regional healthcare organizations, including Wellstar and Northside Hospital.

15. Employment in Canton is Thriving

The job market in Canton has been growing steadily and maintains a low unemployment rate, acting as a key employment center for the northern part of the Atlanta region. The low 2.9 percent unemployment rate in the city is also a noteworthy figure, as it consistently outperforms the national and state averages.

Canton’s fast-growing healthcare sector is led by regional healthcare organizations, including Wellstar and Northside Hospital. The construction and manufacturing sectors continue to be another one of the area's largest industries, including prominent companies such as Inalfa Roof Systems and Universal Alloy.

16. Beware of Extreme Weather Risks While Living in Canton

In Canton, there are various kinds of weather hazards that can affect the area, such as tornadoes and powerful thunderstorms during the spring and summer. And those thunderstorms can also lead to flooding. Georgia wildfires are a threat in the dry and windy months of February through May; however, Canton has not experienced a major wildfire event.

All of the state's counties are prone to tornadoes, which typically occur from March to May. Due to the heavy rainfall that occurs in the area, flash flooding can occur in certain areas, such as areas along streams and drainage channels.

17. Canton’s Commute Times Can Get Pretty Long

Rush hour traffic in Canton can be particularly problematic during rush hour — especially on major routes leading into and out of Atlanta, such as I-575.

The volume of traffic is generally manageable during non-peak hours, but the main arteries can become a source of frustration for commuters. The state and local transportation departments are working on projects to address this issue in the long run.

18. The Community-Oriented Feel in Canton Is Reflected by the City’s Events

The city of Canton is well-known for its vibrant activities. It hosts numerous festivals and events that promote a sense of community and draw in visitors and residents.

First Fridays is one of the most popular events that takes place every month, which transforms the downtown area into a bustling marketplace with live music and local food trucks. Wing & Rock Fest is another popular event featuring free outdoor music and food at Etowah River Park.

19. Canton’s Nightlife Scene Is Limited

Compared to nearby cities such as Atlanta or Woodstock, the nightlife in Canton is generally less developed. A few new establishments have opened in recent years, but the scene remains relatively limited.

When you're in the mood for a fun night out, check out Canton Icehouse, a late-night sports bar open until 2 a.m. on weekends. It offers a variety of games and entertainment, such as pool tables and karaoke.

20. The Mill on Etowah Is Canton’s Shopping Hot Spot

Canton’s shopping scene stands out for its focus on locally owned boutiques and businesses housed in restored buildings. It’s a distinct difference from other suburban areas where strip malls dominate.

The Mill on Etowah is where the shopaholics can indulge in a little retail therapy. Set on the banks of the Etowah River, the mixed-use destination offers a variety of dining, shopping, and year-round events. Within the shopping district, visitors will find Cotton Mill Exchange, which features a large indoor market with local designers, boutiques, and artisans.

Moving to Canton, GA, can be flexible with PODS portable moving containers.

Moving to Canton, GA, With PODS

Once you decide on moving to Canton, GA, let PODS help you get there with a portable moving container. Have one delivered right to your driveway, where you’ll be able to pack up on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance. Once you’re ready, your container will be picked up and delivered to your new home, or you can keep it at a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for the move.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

(Source for image featured at top: Explore Canton GA via Facebook)

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}