Kennesaw Real Estate
KENNESAW, GA
 Kennesaw is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Atlanta in the north central portion of Cobb County.Incorporated in 1887, Kennesaw has the distinction of being named one of the "10 Best Towns For Families" in August of 2007 by Family Circle Magazine.This award is given to the best mid-sized communities across the country which offer big-city opportunities combined with small-town charm.Taken into consideration were various aspects of living, such as affordable real estate, good jobs, low crime, top-rated public schools and community resources.The City of Kennesaw offers many special events during the year, such as their free Summer Concert Series and Outdoor Movies as well as Youth Camps. Their All-Star Summer DayCamp is a shining example of what makes this an award-winning city.
DEMOGRAPHICS
While the city proper consists of an area measuring only 8.5 square miles, Kennesaw encompasses a larger area in unincorporated Cobb County. Population has exploded in Kennesaw, with the Census placing the population in 1980 at 5,095 residents and 21,670 in 2000, a 325% increase.This increase was partially spurred on by the affordability of homes as well as a major retail hub, Town Center Mall, located on the outskirts of the city.
HISTORY
 Steeped in Civil War history, Kennesaw was located on a railroad line through Cobb County and was originally named Big Shanty after a railroad stop which marked the high point of the railroad between the Chattahoochee and Etowah rivers.Big Shanty fell to Sherman´s troops in 1864 and struggled to rebuild.In 1887, Big Shanty was incorporated and renamed Kennesaw after nearby Kennesaw Mountain, which was the site of a major Civil War battle, the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, a Confederate victory over Sherman´s Union army.Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a National Park consisting of 2,884 acres and houses a history and nature center where you can see many artifacts of the war as well as hike on the miles of trails around the mountain. Preserved earthworks where soldiers hunkered down during battle can be seen from the walking trails. Kennesaw Mountain´s summit is the highest peak in the Atlanta area, reaching an elevation of 1808 feet.
 The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is located in the old historic railroad depot downtown and houses the famous steam locomotive, The General, which was highlighted in a 1957 Walt Disney movie called "The Great Locomotive Chase" starring Fess Parker.Aside from The General, the Museum is home to extensive railroad and Civil War memorabilia. The Kennesaw Historical Society offers many activities through the year at this location.
KENNESAW REAL ESTATE
 One attraction of Kennesaw is that the homes tend to be newer with the majority of subdivisions built since the early 1990's. Compared to homes built in East Cobb or Marietta, the homeowner who wants newer or an "open floor plan" will often find their needs met better in the Kennesaw area. Kennesaw real estate is also cheaper than in some of the surrounding areas, so potential homeowners find they can get more house for their money in Kennesaw. Since many relocating families have sought out the Cobb County School system before they narrowed down their choice of towns, Kennesaw always come up near the top of their list due to the schools. Two major highways thread through Kennesaw, making it a desirable commute to business hubs in nearby Town Center as well as Windy Hill and Cumberland Mall areas. Many residents commute down to Atlanta, which can be anywhere from 40-60 minutes in a typical morning drive. With the attractive terrain of gently-rolling hillsides, Kennesaw is one of the most sought-after areas for families relocating to the Atlanta area.
GUN LAW
All of these notable things aside, Kennesaw achieved national notoriety when the City Council passed a Gun Law in 1982 which required the head of every household to own a firearm and ammunition.Partly influenced by a 1981 handgun ban in the town of Morton Grove, IL, it is reported that this law was meant to let criminals know that in Kennesaw, they'd best beware.According to the Kennesaw Historical Society, nobody has ever been charged under this ordinance and it was modified in 1983 to permit any resident who objects to owning a firearm the right to do so. I have personally not known of anyone who has proclaimed to own a firearm because of this ordinance, although it makes for good trivia questions when out with friends.
EDUCATION
 When families relocate, one of their top priorities is finding the right schools for their children. Part of the Cobb County School System, Kennesaw is home to several highly-acclaimed public and private schools.It is also the home of Kennesaw State University, which has grown from a local commuter college to a bustling and well-respected arm of the State University system in the last dozen years.Other schools of higher education are located within easy reach of Kennesaw residents.
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