So, I'm retired and It's a a smaller city city with about 33,627 people. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about average. Household incomes average around $79,759 in Kennesaw. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
24 upvotes
11 Replies
Hudson B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 55, moved here 1 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Riverside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
33 upvotes
kcmama2020
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The cost of living is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
philly_landon
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from Raleigh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Clara White
preach
26 upvotes
Addison
Bought a house here in 2021 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
21 upvotes
Paisley Brown
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Sophie R.
following this thread
12 upvotes
Vivian Martin
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
Carson Garcia
Moved here from Baltimore about 7 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to housing market but Hope this helps!.
7 upvotes
Emma Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 28, moved here 12 years ago from LA. I've lived in Eastside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
6 upvotes
Sebastian
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The housing market is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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