Welcome to Canton
A peaceful and private northern Georgia suburb
Canton is the seat of Cherokee County, directly north of Atlanta along Interstate 575. With a population of nearly 30,000, the city of Canton is continuing to grow, thanks to its desirable combination of peaceful country surroundings and convenient suburban life. Canton has scenic views and outdoor recreation for its residents, thanks to its location on the Etowah River and at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills.
Founded in the 1830s, Canton preserves its early history, and many historic buildings, such as the old
Cherokee County Courthouse, have been restored. In contemporary times, Canton has been the site of several Hollywood films and TV shows, including Hidden Figures, Ozark, and The Mule. Canton offers a range of housing options, from older renovated homes, condominiums, townhomes, and large estates on quiet, private lots. Senior citizens 62 and older can apply for school tax exemption discounts which give them a hefty discount on property taxes.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle
Canton is about 40 miles from Atlanta, in a transitional area between suburban and rural countryside. Just a short drive to the north is the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains where you have plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, like camping and hiking. Back home in Canton, residents can take advantage of the nine city parks and their facilities. Downtown Canton retains its historic flair while offering a variety of trendy restaurants and shops. Many events are held downtown and in adjacent Brown Park, where the
Canton Farmers Market runs on Saturday mornings from spring to fall. Horseback riding is popular, and many residents in the rural areas keep horses.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Locally owned shops and restaurants in downtown Canton fill two streets on Main and North. You will find things here you won't find anywhere else. The
Cotton Mill Exchange, in a rustic, century-old cotton mill, has 48,000 square feet of vintage items, architectural salvage, unique fashions, and artisan creations. Restaurants in the downtown area offer something for everyone, with an emphasis on friendly socialization.
The Salty Mule is a fresh seafood restaurant with live music on weekends. The family-owned
Local on North restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and pizza, as well as Sunday brunch. A short walk from downtown, in
the Mill of Etowah shopping center, is the
Reformation Brewery, where you can meet with friends for trivia night, karaoke, and live jam sessions. East of town is the
Catch 22 Bar & Grill, a casual tavern that serves burgers and Southern comfort food like shrimp and grits.
Things to Do
Warm weather in North Georgia starts in late spring and lingers through August, and residents relish every day outdoors.
Etowah River Park is a major destination. The 58-acre park features picnic areas, walking trails, playgrounds, a canoe launch, a pedestrian bridge over the river, and an amphitheater for events like the summer concert series.
Heritage Park is nearly as large, with 48-acres of open space, including a walking trail connecting the
Etowah River Trail. Golf clubs are abundant in the Canton area. The
BridgeMill Athletic Club is a par-72 course located within the BridgeMill community, which also features an impressive aquatics center and tennis courts. Other notable courses include the
Canton Golf Club,
Fairways of Canton Golf Club,
Woodmont Golf and Country Club, and
The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm. The arts are active in Canton. The historic
Canton Theater, where silent movies were shown more than 100 years ago, now hosts live music, film screenings, and other entertainment. At the
Cherokee Arts Center, there are art lessons for all ages, exhibits, and entertainment space.