Marietta’s first-rate quality of life has received one of the nation’s highest nods of approval by being named one of CNN Money magazine’s 25 Best Places to Retire. Keeping company with much larger cities, such as Austin, Texas and Tucson, Arizona, Marietta is the only city in Georgia named on the list.
In Lieu of an application process, cities are scrutinized according to a specific set of criteria that helps to gauge the overall quality of life. Key indicators include crime, health care, level of involvement of nonprofit organizations, median home prices, parks, city services, restaurants and recreational opportunities. After an initial selection, judges delve even deeper into what makes a potential honoree city special. Cities learn of their designation as one of the 25 Best Places to Retire only after the entire selection process is completed.
Marietta City Manager Bill Bruton attributes the honor to the members of the community. “The fact that cities are not allowed to apply for the ranking takes the politics out of this award s that judges can take a true look at the situation. This outstanding recognition is due to the efforts of hundreds of members of our community who together help create an environment and quality of life retirees would like to have”, said Bruton.
Judges particularly favored Marietta’s strong sense of community feature theater production, museums, boutiques, art galleries, events, farmers market and restaurants. The magazine also lauds the abundance of activities geared toward older residents.
Marietta received recognition in 2006 by being named an All-America City by the National Civic League. The All-America City Award recognizes civic excellence in which citizens, government, businesses and volunteer organizations work together to address critical local issues.
Population: 56,600
Antebellum history has woven itself into the fabric of everyday life in this small city 20 miles north of Atlanta. The 2,888-acre Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National Park draws Civil War buffs and fitness buffs alike with more than 17 miles of trails that meander past monuments and historic home sites.
Downtown’s Marietta Square once housed a military hospital and militia training ground, but today it plays host to a variety of community events, from the weekly farmers’ market to outdoor theater productions. The city’s many historic districts mix carefully preserved architecture with chic boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and museums, including one that pays tribute to “Gone with the Wind.”
And yet home prices here won’t make you swoon. You can find stately three-bedrooms for less than $180,000. Meanwhile, there’s no shortage of facilities, classes or events geared toward the area’s older residents. The annual Cobb County Senior Games, for example, pits residents against each other in everything from basketball to billiards.