Smyrna

History of Smyrna, GA

Back in the 1830s, settlers began to set up a religious encampment called Smyrna Camp Ground. It was named for one of churches of the Apostle Paul. This made it a popular destination for people who lived in Georgia and the surrounding areas. By the 1840s, it became even more popular as the Western and Atlantic Railroad began coming through and attracting droves of new residents. Unfortunately, most of the homes and businesses in the area burned during the Civil War, but the city was incorporated in 1872 and began to rebuild. Much of that initial growth centered around jobs at Lockheed’s Bell Bomber plantthat produced B-29 bomber planes during World War II.

Quick Facts

• Population: 51,500
• Companies with a large presence or headquarters in Smyrna include IBM, Atlanta Bread Company, Eaton Corporation, and UCB.
• Smyrna’s nickname is “Jonquil City.” The city takes pride in the many jonquils that grow along the sides of the road and in yards and gardens during the spring.
• Smyrna is home to former U.S. Representative and presidential nominee Bob Barr, as well as former Atlanta Braves player and local TV personality Ron Gant. Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts also grew up in the area.
• There is always something going on in the community. Every Saturday from May through September, Smyrna hosts its own “Fresh Produce Market.” There is also a summer concert series, and on Tuesdays, residents can head out to “Food Truck Tuesdays” for a great meal and entertainment. There are also annual festivals such as the Spring and Fall Jonquil Festivals and Taste of Smyrna.

Demographics

Less than one third of families in Smyrna have children under the age of 18, which is a bit unusual for Atlanta’s western suburbs. For this reason, many singles and professionals choose to live here. The median household income is around $57,000, and the median age is around 34 years.

Local Attractions

From upscale eateries to neighborhood pubs, Smyrna and the surrounding area is quickly becoming a foodie paradise for suburbanites. Shopping is also plentiful here, as are beautiful parks and green spaces. In 2017, the Smyrna area will become home to Atlanta’s Major League Baseball team, the Atlanta Braves.

Dining

• Atkins Park – Atkins Park dates back to 1922, and it now has two locations in the Atlanta area, including one in Smyrna’s Market Village. Though it started out as a deli, it is now the place where locals go for a drink and meal late on a Friday night or for an early weekend brunch.
• Zucca Bar & Pizzeria – Also located in Market Village is Zucca Bar & Pizzeria. Its owners are from New York, so expect authentic New York-style pizza, as well as authentic Italian food from this restaurant that opened in 2001.
• Muss & Turner’s – Muss & Turner’s calls itself a “neighborhood joint with no culinary boundaries,” and the locals love it. Chicken wings, grass-fed burgers, barbecue, and seafood are among the items you will find on the menu. Don’t forget to check out the selection of beer and wine, as well.
• South City Kitchen – For Southern cooking at its finest, you will want to visit South City Kitchen. The restaurant claims to give an upscale twist on old favorites, and has been voted the place for the best fried chicken in Cobb County.
• Tacos La Villa – For authentic Mexican food, you can’t go wrong with Tacos La Villa. It may not be the biggest or fanciest restaurant in town, but the food is fresh, the service is fast, and the prices are unbeatable.

Transportation

• Cobb County Transit – Cobb County’s public bus system, Cobb County Transit or CCT, serves the Smyrna area. Some buses allow residents to transfer to Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA.
• Interstate 285 – Also known as Atlanta’s Perimeter, Interstate 285 is Georgia’s busiest roadway. Smyrna actually borders the interstate at multiple exits.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Smyrna is approximately 21 miles from the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International. It sees over 2,500 flights each day.

Shopping

• Cumberland Mall – One of the top shopping destinations in the Smyrna area is Cumberland Mall. The mall is home to over 150 stores and restaurants, including Macy’s, Costco, The Cheesecake Factory, Sears, H&M, Sephora, and Maggiano’s Little Italy.
• Live, Work, Play – The Smyrna area is home to multiple “live, work, play” facilities that feature restaurants, retail space, offices, and townhomes. They include Market Village, Ivy Walk, and West Village.
• Vinings Jubilee – Residents also enjoy shopping and dining at the charming Vinings Jubilee in nearby historic Vinings. Stores include LOFT, Sandpiper, Talbots, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and much more.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• Parks – Smyrna is home to over two dozen parks and facilities, and each one offers something for every resident. There are two dog parks, a recreation center for adults over 55, parks with toddler playgrounds, and parks with history that dates back to the Civil War. Many of them feature walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields.
• Fox Creek Golf Course & Driving Range – Just within Smyrna’s northern boundary, you will find the popular Fox Creek Golf Course & Driving Range. Designed by John LaFoy, the Par 62 golf course sits in a wooded area made up of tall pine trees and features Champion Bermuda grass. In 2013, Golf Range Association of America named it one of the top public ranges in the country.
• Six Flags – The city is just a few miles away from Georgia’s favorite amusement park, Six Flags. It features multiple thrill rides, roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly rides, as well as shopping, dining, and live entertainment.
• SunTrust Park – In 2017, Smyrna will become the home of Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball team. SunTrust Park is currently under construction, and it is expected to bring more shopping, dining, and entertainment to the area, as well.
• AMC Parkway Pointe 15 – Located near Cumberland Mall just outside of the city, AMC Parkway Pointe 15 is a popular destination for Smyrna movie-goers. The theater offers a bar, extended concessions, plush reclining seats, military discounts, and Sensory Friendly Films for families affected by autism.

Real Estate Information

No matter your budget, style preference, or whether you want to live in a subdivision or on a large lot with a few acres, you can find it all in Smyrna. There are multiple swim and tennis communities where you can get to know your neighbors, as well as intimate neighborhoods with larger, more expensive homes. Craftsman homes, bungalows, Southern styles, traditional styles, ranches, and luxury estates are all available. You will also find a vast selection of townhomes and condos.

Average Price of Homes

Homes in Smyrna are available for all budgets. They start around $150,000 and range all the way up to over $1 million. The average selling price is around $295,000.