With a population of over 90,000 residents, Roswell, Georgia is a mid-sized city located just north of Atlanta in north Fulton County. Known for its beautiful homes, top-rated schools, Southern charm and natural beauty, Roswell has been one of the fastest growing cities in Georgia over the past two decades.
History of Roswell
Roswell was founded in the 1830s around a landmark mill built by Roswell King. The area was known as Hardscrabble when it was first settled, then incorporated as Roswell in 1854. During the Civil War, Roswell was invaded and the mill was burned down. After the war, Roswell rebuilt and by the late 1800s had become a prosperous mill town. The establishment of Bulloch Hall mansion and Barrington Hall estate brought wealthy families to Roswell in the early 1900s. Recent decades have seen Roswell transition from a rural mill village to a thriving suburban community.
Attractions and Things to Do
Some of the most popular attractions in Roswell include:
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – This protected greenspace along the river provides fishing, boating, hiking and picnicking opportunities. Roswell has several access points to the park. Learn more.
- Bulloch Hall – This antebellum mansion built in 1839 offers tours showcasing antebellum southern life. Bulloch Hall’s website
- Archibald Smith Plantation Home – Historic home and gardens dating back to the 1840s. Website
- Roswell Area Park – Large recreation area with athletic fields, trails, skate park, pool and more. Details
- Riverside Park – Walking trails along the river. Website
- Farmer’s Market – Large weekly farmer’s market selling produce, baked goods and crafts. Farmers Market website
In addition to parks and historic sites, downtown Roswell offers excellent restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore. The city hosts several festivals and events throughout the year as well including the Roswell Roots Festival, 4th of July Parade, and weekly Concerts by the Creek.
Demographics and Population
According to the US Census Bureau, the population of Roswell was estimated at 94,333 as of 2019. This makes it the 8th largest city in Georgia. The city has grown rapidly since the 1970s as part of metropolitan Atlanta’s expansion. Roswell is now the 3rd largest city in metro Atlanta after Atlanta itself and Sandy Springs.
Roswell has a predominantly white population – nearly 70% according to Census data. Other major demographic groups include Hispanic/Latino (15%), Asian (9.5%) and Black (8%). Most residents have a middle to upper-middle class household income.
Economy and Major Employers
Roswell has a thriving local economy with unemployment lower than national and state averages. Some of the major employers in Roswell include:
- Kimberly-Clark – Makers of well-known brands like Kleenex and Cottonelle, Kimberly-Clark is headquartered in Roswell and employs over 3,000 people.
- Acuitive Technologies – Provides automation and 3D sensing technologies. Over 1,000 employees.
- Publix Super Markets – Florida-based supermarket chain with a distribution center in Roswell employing over 600 people.
- Primrose Schools – Roswell is headquarters for this early education and child care franchise company.
- Alto Solutions – Financial and payment processing company based in Roswell.
In addition to large corporations, Roswell has a robust small business community across sectors like retail, healthcare, professional services and more. Tourism and filming also bring economic activity to the city. Roswell’s historic charm, parkland and natural scenery have made it a popular location for movies and TV shows.
Real Estate and Housing
Roswell real estate is characterized by medium to large-sized single-family homes, most built since the 1980s. Housing prices are above average for Georgia, which reflects Roswell’s desirability. The median home value is around $350,000 and median list price for homes is around $425,000 as of 2019 according to Zillow. Popular neighborhoods include Hampton Hall, Sweet Apple Village, Country Club of Roswell and Groveway. The city has seen rapid growth in recent decades as the Atlanta metro area expands northward.
Education
Roswell’s public schools are highly ranked and part of the Fulton County School System. The most well-regarded public high schools are Roswell High School and Centennial High School. There are also several private schools in the city including Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, Fellowship Christian School and Cottage School.
For higher education, opportunities are available at nearby Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia as well as the many colleges and universities in metro Atlanta.
City Government
Roswell operates under a council-manager form of municipal government. The city is led by an elected mayor and 6 council members. The day-to-day operations are handled by a professional city administrator appointed by the city council. Roswell’s current mayor is Kurt Wilson.
Visit the City of Roswell’s website to learn more about city government departments, services, events and more.
Things to Do
With its small-town charm and natural beauty, Roswell is the perfect place for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, golf and water sports on the Chattahoochee River. The city also offers fascinating history, cultural attractions, excellent dining and shopping as well as a vibrant arts scene. Concerts, festivals and holiday events give visitors plenty of entertainment options.
Be sure to stop by the Roswell Visitors Center to learn about current attractions and happenings when planning your trip. The city’s Facebook page and tourism website also provide valuable information on things to see and do.
Professional Sports
Roswell doesn’t have any major professional sports teams within the city limits, but sports fans can cheer on Atlanta’s pro teams located just south of Roswell. The NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, MLB’s Atlanta Braves, NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and MLS’s Atlanta United FC all play home games downtown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Truist Park and State Farm Arena.