Cherokee County : Georgia

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and at the foothills of the Appalachians, Cherokee County, in northern Georgia, was named after the Cherokee Indians who once lived in the area. The growing county of 230,985 (2014 census), has seen a population increase of over 200% since 2000, and consists of five towns which have all seen growth in both business and residential sectors. The towns included Canton, the county seat, which has a historical district and arts center; the town of Holly Springs is part of the Main Street Start-Up Program, and has a restored train depot as its community center; Woodstock is considered a recreation haven as it has numerous parks along with close proximity to Lake Allatoona; Ball Ground is a growing community of businesses and residents, and offers restaurants, shops and beautiful scenery; the tiny town of Waleska is home to Reinhardt University, a liberal arts school that provides cultural events in Cherokee County. Photo of Pine Log Mountain courtesy of Wikipedia and Thomson200 (public domain).

Cherokee County is made up of several small towns, each with their own flavor.  You can choose to live within the towns, in nearby rural areas, or by a lake, so prices will vary.  There are active adult communities in the area, see link on left.

Cherokee County is growing, and offers all types of recreation with parks, golf, trails and lakes; The many small towns have historical sites, farmers markets, and downtowns that feature restaurants, shopping, museums and galleries; Reinhardt University presents many cultural events throughout the year; Lake Allatoona boasts 270 miles of shoreline with parks, campsites, fishing, sailing and kayaking.

Cherokee County is chilly in the winter; You need a car to get around

Retirees who are looking for a small town with a large city not far away (Atlanta), would enjoy living here.  Cherokee County offers tax breaks and exemptions for seniors, has a very active and supportive Senior Center, miles of walking and biking trails, a beautiful lake, a transportation system and a new hospital. There is also a YMCA in Canton, and a huge Aquatic Center with an indoor lap and therapy pool that offers exercise and fitness classes, along with an outdoor pool, slides and a lazy river.

Cherokee County has a diverse and growing economy, and is led by administration and management, retail, education, and health care. There are many industries within the county, and agriculture is still important to the area.

The average January temperature is 40 degrees and July's average temperature is 78 degrees.

Throughout the county there are museums, galleries, restaurants and shops along with over 20 parks that offer many types of recreation; Reinhardt University, in Waleska, is home to the Falany Performing Arts Center which presents fine arts and performing arts series for both the students and the community. Funk Heritage Center, also located on the University's campus, features collections and exhibits of Native American life and art, and an Appalachian Settlement which tells the story of Georgia's early residents.  The county is also home to the Dixie Speedway, miles of bike, hiking and equestrian trails, a polo club, and the Wiley Creek Duck Preserve.