Smyrna, GA

The second-fastest-growing city in Georgia's Cobb County, Smyrna is located 10 miles northwest of Atlanta. Many of Smyrna's approximately 49,500 residents are newcomers, lured to town by the community's recent investment in a library, community center, and new retail and residential developments. Today, the city spans 16 square miles, and new developments are constantly cropping up. The city's commitment to revitalization, along with its small-town feel and proximity to big city amenities, make Smyrna a popular place for families to raise children.

Smyrna residents enjoy long springs and falls, as well as fairly mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature is 61.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

The city is nicknamed the "Jonquil City" in honor of the jonquil flowers that fill Smyrna's gardens and line the streets in the spring.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

• The downtown area has been dubbed the Village Green and is the quintessential revitalized business and residential hub.
• Housing developments include amenities such as parks, tennis courts, and other recreation areas, and historic homes are neatly interspersed with more modern residences.
• Home values are significantly higher than they are in neighboring Atlanta suburbs.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The economy in Smyrna is largely service- and retail-oriented. The largest local employer is IBM Corporation. Gun-maker Glock is headquartered in Smyrna.

The revitalization of the downtown area, as well as its various offshoots, has greatly contributed to the employment opportunities in Smyrna. The Market Village development, which features town homes, 40,000 square feet of retail space, 18,000 square feet of office space, and seven restaurants, has given the Smyrna economy a big boost. The city expects to reap the same economic benefits from Jonquil Village and Belmont Hills Plaza, when it is redeveloped to resemble Market Village.

FOR VISITORS

Many of Smyrna's youngest residents like to frequent nearby attractions such as Six Flags Over Georgia in nearby Austell and the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. But Smyrna itself has several spots worth visiting, including:

• The Silver Comet Trail is a recreational hiking path that is well-paved and runs a full 61.5 miles.
• Aunt Fanny's Cabin is the Smyrna Welcome Center and a former restaurant. Photos showcase the cabin from its prime during the 1940s to the present.
• The Smyrna Museum is built in the tradition of a historic train depot. It is home to a large collection of city-specific memorabilia and historic artifacts.

FAMILY FUN

Smyrna includes 265 acres of park land, with 13 playgrounds, 2 swimming pools, and a total of 29 recreation sites. Local parks include:

• Taylor-Brawner Park
• Brinkley Park
• River Line Park

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Many of Smyrna's arts and cultural activities take place on the revitalized Village Green, including city sponsored concerts and family events. A downtown community center is home to rotating art displays, and also lectures by local artisans. The Smyrna Public Library is nearby.

EVENTS

• Downtown Smyrna holds an annual Spice of Life Food and Music festival during September.
• The city's Saint Patrick's Day festival includes food, bands, and of course Guinness beer, and the village fountain is dyed in honor of the occasion. A redhead contest is also held.
• The Jonquil Festival, held each spring on the Village Green, celebrates the blooming jonquils with festival foods and arts and crafts vendors.
• Each August, Smyrna locals gather for the city's Birthday Celebration, which boasts an enormous cake, food, fireworks, music, and a children's entertainment area.

EDUCATION

Smyrna is served by the Cobb County School System. The district has seven elementary schools, four secondary schools, and a single high school.

GETTING AROUND

• Smyrna is easily accessible from Interstates 285, 75, and 20. U.S. Highway 41 (Cobb Parkway), State Highway 3 (Atlanta Road), and State Highway 280 (South Cobb Drive) all pass through Smyrna.
• The Cobb Community Transit provides bus service to Smyrna residents. The bus system links up with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) rail network, giving residents easy access to Atlanta.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the largest airport serving the area, though three small airports are located within an 18-mile radius of Smyrna. These include Cobb-McCollum (15 miles away), Peachtree-DeKalb (15 miles away)and Fulton-Brown (9 miles away).