Canton has made a name for itself as one of the best cities in metro Atlanta, known for its small town authentic and inviting community feel, while also offering exciting and new possibilities for growth. Nestled between the booming city of Atlanta and the quaint serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Canton is a unique place to settle in and call home. With a population of just over 28,000, the city’s excitement for innovation with a heart for historic preservation makes way for new amenities while enjoying and appreciating its history.
Job Opportunities
Canton’s economy was built by innovation and industry. The city has diversified from cotton and textile manufacturing in the city’s beginning, to advanced manufacturing, education, healthcare, corporate headquarters, development and more. The City of Canton offers incentives with economic development partnerships to encourage companies to relocate or expand into Canton. These incentives can be found on the city’s official website.
According to BestPlaces.net, future job growth over the next 10 years is expected to reach 49.9%, which is higher than the U.S. average of 33.5%. The largest industries in Canton are construction, retail trade and accommodation and food services. Rapidly expanding markets include insurance, rental and real estate services.
Although Canton is located north of the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, it is still home to many major headquarters for large companies and employers including Pilgrim’s Pride, a leading global provider of high-quality food products including well-recognized poultry brands.
Homeownership Opportunities
Canton is a beautiful place to settle down for home buyers of all ages. They have new communities and homes in many different price ranges, with the average home valued around $215,600. Home buyers searching for new construction will fall in love with Hickory Bluffs by Lennar Homes, an active adult community priced from the mid-$300,000s with resort-style amenities including a pool, tennis courts and clubhouse. Idylwilde by The Providence Group features new homes from the mid-$400,000s, while Patrick Malloy Communities also offers active adult homes at Horizon at Laurel Canyon.
Things To Do
With innovation on the rise and passion for historical preservation, Canton is creating exciting new possibilities for current and future residents. In the last two years, over 300,000 square feet of historic buildings have been restored including schools and textile mills. Plus, there is no shortage of great shopping and dining opportunities, especially in Canton’s growing downtown.
Kick back and relax while watching new and old release movies at the Canton Theater located in downtown Canton. The historic theater is over 100 years old and has entertained the Canton community, starting with silent films in the 1920s. It was later renovated and restored to the Art Deco style of the 1930s and remains that way today.
Stop by the Canton Farmer’s Market on Brown Street on Saturday mornings from June 5 – October 16 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for some local fresh produce. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing that the market supports the development of local agriculture!
The Etowah River and Park is one of Georgia’s most historically significant and diverse rivers. Visitors have over 16 different guides to choose from, and you can rent paddles and kayaks to take you down the river. Fishing is also available in dedicated sections of the river. The Etowah River Park features walking trails, passive recreation areas and a boat launch on the river. The launch provides a take out for a 13-mile trip from East Cherokee Drive upstream, or a starting point for a short 2-mile trip to Boiling Park downstream.
Just north of Canton is the Chattahoochee National Forest, which is a protected area in Georgia’s portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This forest is a hiker’s dream with over 300 miles of hiking trails. The park offers plenty of recreation opportunities including biking, fishing, horseback riding, golf, rafting tours and educational programs. With such a big forest, there is something for everyone to do and love.
Canton’s newest attraction, The Mill on Etowah, is a mixed-used development in a restored cotton mill. Still growing, current businesses calling The Mill home include Practically Perfect Salon & Spa, Nomadic Flow Outfitters, Atomic Biscuit, Whitetail Coffee Company, Reformation Brewery and more. The Mill also hosts events on a near daily basis, including movies on The Green, trivia nights, live music, Braves watch parties and so much more!
Places To Eat
Goin’ Costal is a family owned and operated seafood restaurant located in the heart of downtown Canton. Their menu features Po’boys, crab cake sandwiches, shrimp and grits, fried chicken, lobster mac’ and cheese, scallop risotto, New Orleans BBQ shrimp and gator tail. They offer a lunch and dinner menu, as well as an extensive cocktail list.
The Riverstone Corner Bistro is a quaint corner restaurant with a country-chic style. Their menu features bacon cheese fries, crab cakes, grilled Portobello wraps, RBC burger, Reuben, fried green tomato sandwich, pistachio encrusted grouper, grilled Italian sausage and southern fried chicken. They have specialty drinks every day including Craft Draft Mondays, margaritas on Tuesdays, martinis on Wednesdays, wine on Thursdays, and craft cocktails on Fridays and Saturdays.
Michael’s Prime is a popular steak and seafood restaurant in the heart of Canton. Their menu offers fresh oysters, colossal crab, lobster bisque as well as wet aged filet, NY Strip, ribeye and an extensive libations menu. They also offer events year-round and live music performances on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Healthcare
Northside Hospital Cherokee is located in Canton and has been recognized for the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Just opened in 2017, this facility is beautiful and continually expanding. A few miles down the road is Piedmont Mountainside Hospital and Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. Canton also has access to all the specialists and award-winning healthcare amenities in Atlanta, just 40 minutes south.
To learn more about the housing and job market, healthcare and recreational activities and events, visit www.cantonga.gov.
