East Cobb

History of Alpharetta

During the 1800s, European settlers began setting up communities in the area now known as East Cobb, including Sandy Plains, Shallowford Falls, Mount Bethel, Noonday, Blackwells, and Westoak. Many of those names are still used today to describe areas of East Cobb, as well as in the names of roads, churches, subdivisions, and other parts of the community. By 1960, parts of East Cobb that border Atlanta became a city called Chattahoochee Plantation. The city never developed its own government after it was established by the Georgia General Assembly to avoid annexation. The state did away with the defunct city in 1995.

Since 1998, residents and politicians have attempted to incorporate East Cobb, but all attempts so far have been unsuccessful. The most recent attempt was in 2009 and led by a group called Citizens for the City of East Cobb. If incorporation does happen in the near future, East Cobb would be the second-largest city in Metro Atlanta (behind Atlanta) and one of the top 5 largest cities in the state, along with Atlanta, Columbus, Augusta, and Savannah.

Quick Facts

• Population: 215,000
• Public school students in East Cobb will attend Cobb County Schools, including some of the top high schools in the state. Both Newsweek and the Washington Postconsider Sprayberry High School one of the top 5 percent schools in the nation. Atlanta magazine named Wheeler High School the third-best high school in the state. Newsweek also ranked Walton High School as one of the top 100 high schools in the country.
• There are also many private schools in and around East Cobb, including Wood Acres Country Day School, Walker School, Swift School, Shreiner Academy, Roswell Street Baptist Christian School, Noonday Academy, Pathways Academy, Mount Paran Christian School, Faith Lutheran School, Eastside Christian School, East Cobb Christian School, and Covenant Christian Ministries Academy.
• Some of East Cobb’s most notable past and present residents include Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Senator Johnny Isakson, Braves manager Bobby Cox, media personalities Ty Pennington and Alton Brown, country star Travis Tritt, comedian Brett Butler, and musicians Chris and Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes.
• East Cobb has its own library on Lower Roswell Road. It also has its own post office, and its own East Cobb Government Service Center which features police, fire, and a tag offices. All government agencies are run by Cobb County.
• Some of the largest churches in Metro Atlanta are located in East Cobb, such as Johnson Ferry Baptist Church which has over 7,500 members and Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church which has over 9,000 members.
• The area has its own magazine called East Cobber. It has been published for over 20 years.
• 30062, 30066, 30067, 30068, 30075, 30144, and 30339 are all area codes that fall within the East Cobb boundaries.

Demographics

• The cost of living is estimated at around $77,000.
• The median age in East Cobb is 41.
• The median income is just under $89,000, while the average household is worth just under $707,000.
• Around 45 percent of East Cobb residents are married, and 36.3 percent have children.
• The crime rate is much lower than the national average, and it is lower than the crime rate in the other parts of Cobb County.

Local Attractions

East Cobb is the idyllic suburban community and the attractions in the area reflect that. It is home to dozens of shops and restaurants, both nationally-recognized and locally-owned. There are a number of neighborhood parks and ballfields in the area, and many people living in the community spend their weekends cheering on the local Little League and other popular youth sports teams. The nearby Chattahoochee River also provides locals with outdoor recreational fun. Golf courses, amusement parks, historic sites, and museums are scattered throughout East Cobb and its surrounding areas.

Dining

• Common Quarter – Common Quarter is relatively new to East Cobb, but it is already a local favorite. It has been called one of the best restaurants in Marietta, named one of the top neighborhood restaurants in the country, and received rave reviews from local media outlets like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Atlanta Eats. On the menu, you will find traditional Southern dishes made with seasonal and local ingredients. Do not miss the Lowcountry Boil Fest that takes place every Monday.
• Moxie Burger – According to Zagat, Moxie Burger offers up one of the top 5 burgers in Atlanta. The casual neighborhood restaurant offers a vast selection of burgers with your choice of proteins and toppings, as well as delicious sides, salads, and “dawgs.” If you are over 21, have a craft beer or glass of wine to complete your meal.
• Hoof & Ale – Hoof & Ale calls itself the “un-bar” where patrons enjoy “TV classics, craft brews, and fresh creative cuisine.” The beer is brewed in Georgia, and the food is mostly farm-to-table. Enjoy a Southern twist on classic pub food like the poutine made with barbecue and fried egg or the burger topped with pimento cheese. You can also go a little lighter with dishes like the fried green tomato salad.
• Marlow’s Tavern – Marlow’s Tavern has several locations in the Atlanta area, as well as a few in Florida, including this one in Kennesaw. It’s a laid-back casual place to grab a drink at the bar and a burger, fish tacos, or wings for a delicious meal. Watch the chefs while they cook in the open kitchen or keep your eyes glued to the flat screen TVs to keep up with the Braves, Hawks, or Falcons.
• Marietta Fish Market – When you drive by Marietta Fish Market, the first thing you will notice is the costal-style building with its own lighthouse which is a replica of the Cape Elizabeth lighthouse in Maine. But you will feel even closer to the coast when you step inside and try the many seafood dishes on the menu. From Southern favorites like shrimp and grits to fresh lobster from Maine, there is a little something for everyone at this local favorite eatery.

Transportation

• Airports – East Cobb is approximate 30 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It is considered the busiest airport in the world. The smaller Cobb County Airport – McCollum Field is just minutes from East Cobb.
• Public Transportation – Cobb County has its own public transit system called Cobb County Transit (CCT). It offers bus service throughout the county, including East Cobb, as well as service into Downtown Atlanta.
• Major Roads and Interstates – Roswell and Johnson Ferry Roads are the two main roads passing through East Cobb. Interstates 75, 285, and 575 are all just minutes away and provide a gateway into Atlanta, the North Georgia Mountains, and other parts of the state.

Shopping

• The Avenue East Cobb – The Avenue East Cobb is an open-air mall and one of the top shopping destinations in the community. Stores there include Bed Bath & Beyond, Michaels, Gap, Loft, Ann Taylor, J. Crew, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Talbots, and several restaurants.
• Merchant’s Walk – Just up the street from the Avenue is Merchant’s Walk, another open-air shopping enter with stores, restaurants, and a movie theater. It offers over 362,261 square feet of retail space and is home to places like Whole Foods, ULTA, Stein Mart, Cook’s Warehouse, Kohl’s, PetSmart, Old Navy, and Carter’s.
• Paper Mill Village – Paper Mill Village offers a little bit of everything within a mile-long stretch of 33 buildings. There are independent shops where you can buy everything from clothing to fresh food, restaurants, medical offices, and other businesses and services. It also has a seasonal food truck setup that is great way for East Cobb residents to spend a night out on the town.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – The Chattahoochee River runs just east of East Cobb, and the nearby Chattahoochee River Recreational Area provides residents with opportunities for outdoor fun. Both the Johnson Ferry North and Sope Creek areas offer hiking trails and beautiful views. Johnson Ferry North also has a boat launch and covered picnic pavilion.
• Marietta Square – Just west of the community is the Marietta Square, a popular dining, shopping, and entertainment destination for Cobb County residents. A park sits in the center of the old-fashioned square, which is home to restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, galleries, antique shops, and more. Throughout the year, you can visit the Marietta Farmer’s Market, see free concerts, attend seasonal activities like the lighting of the Christmas tree and Fourth of July fireworks, and much more.
• Marietta Ice Center – If you prefer to stay indoors, the Marietta Ice Center is a fun destination for all ages. Whether you just want to ice skate for fun, play hockey, or become a world-class figure skater, you can do it all here. Classes, camps, and coaching are available.
• Six Flags White Water – When that hot Georgia summer heat starts beating down on East Cobb, its residents turn to the area’s very own 40-acre water park for a family-friendly day of cooling down. Six Flags White Water is home to thrill rides, water slides, kiddie rides, a wave pool, a lazy river, shops, restaurants, and much more.
• SunTrust Park – Though it is not quite finished, in 2017, Cobb County’s SunTrust Park will be the home of the Atlanta Braves. The stadium will seat 41,500 baseball fans and offer plenty of extra recreational opportunities, including a concert venue.

Real Estate Information

In East Cobb, you will find a nice blend of established neighborhood that date back to the 1970s and 1980s, as well as newer construction built over the last couple of decades. The area is made up largely of single-family homes in a variety of neighborhoods, ranging from small, single-street subdivisions to larger swim and tennis communities. The ultimate place to live for a suburban lifestyle, you will find homes with features like four-sided brick, large lots with plenty of room for outdoor activities, and hardwood floors. Two-story traditional homes are popular here, as are ranch-style homes. You will also find a few townhomes and condominiums as you move closer to Atlanta.

Average Price of Homes

The average house in East Cobb usually falls between $250,000 and $350,000, depending on the area where you choose to live. However, you can find homes for as low as $150,000 to over $1 million.