About Austell, GA

Austell is a small city located in the western portion of the Greater Atlanta metropolitan area, which has a population exceeding six million. Despite its proximity to a major urban center, the 2020 U.S. Census recorded only 7,713 residents in Austell, giving it a close-knit, small-town atmosphere. The city lies on the southern border of Cobb County, with Sweetwater Creek running through its center, offering both suburban convenience and natural beauty.

The city was incorporated in 1885 and named after General Alfred Austell, who founded the Atlanta National Bank and played a significant role in bringing railway lines to the area.

Today, Austell is known for its family-friendly environment, affordable housing, and easy access to Atlanta’s major highways. The nearby Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park provides entertainment for residents and visitors, while the community’s quiet neighborhoods offer a peaceful lifestyle close to big-city amenities.

What To Do in Austell, GA

Austell combines the charm of a small southern town with the excitement of nearby Atlanta. Here are some of the city’s most popular activities and attractions:

Explore Downtown

Alvin P. William Park is a local favorite for picnics, relaxation, and watching ducks along the pond. Woodridge Center Mall offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options for the whole family.

Outdoor Recreation

Sweetwater Creek State Park is ideal for fishing, boating, and hiking, featuring well-marked trails and scenic views. Other outdoor attractions include Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, a 120-acre park with waterfalls and picnic areas, and Clinton Nature Preserve, which features a historic cabin and trails for hiking and mountain biking. The Sope Creek Paper Mills Ruins, remnants of a 19th-century paper mill, provide a glimpse into the area’s history.

Arts & Culture

Residents enjoy local cultural experiences at the Barron Arts Center, Woodbridge Arts’ Music on Main Street, Avenel Performing Arts Center, Gallery on Main, Woodbridge Community Players, and The Club at Woodbridge.

Sports

The Woodbridge Athletic Complex offers fields for football, soccer, and baseball, serving as a hub for local sports and recreation.

Community Events

Locals gather at Mayor Mac’s Cafe and enjoy community activities such as summer movie nights at Alvin P. William Park and seasonal festivals at the Woodbridge Community Center.

Working in Austell, GA

Austell’s economy is supported by manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality. The unemployment rate is 5.8%, higher than the national average of 4.3%. The median household income is $67,958, approximately $15,000 lower than the national median of $83,730.

Job growth in Austell is projected at 39.7% over the next decade, which is higher than the national forecast of 33.5%.

Key employment sectors include:

• Hotels and restaurants (13.8%)
• Construction (13.2%)
• Retail trade (12.3%)
• Healthcare and social assistance (11.0%)
• Administrative support and waste management (8.7%)
• Other services (8.0%)
• Transportation and warehousing (6.4%)

Austell, GA Neighborhoods

Austell features a variety of neighborhoods, with home prices ranging from affordable to moderately high. Properties in the most desirable areas can reach over $450,000.

• Southbrook / Goodland Acres: Located along the East-West Connector, this neighborhood has a median home price of $481,525, average rent of $2,322, and a vacancy rate of 12.9%.
• Anderson Ridge / Spicewood: Features two small lakes, a median home price of $462,362, average rent of $2,377, and a very low vacancy rate of 0.8%.
• South Cobb Heights / McDuffie Heights: Adjacent to South Cobb High School, this area has a median home price of $372,451, average rent of $2,161, and a vacancy rate of 0%.
• Oakhill / Chimney Hill: Situated north of I-20, this neighborhood’s median home price is $353,761, with an average rent of $2,237 and a vacancy rate of 11.8%.

Austell, GA School District

Public schools are administered by the Cobb County School District, which spends $14,611 per student annually and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.

Private schools in Austell include:

• Angels in Progress Christian Academy (PK–5)
• Connection Pointe Christian Academy (PK–8)
• Destiny Christian Academy (PK–5)

There are no colleges or universities within Austell, but nearby Marietta, 11 miles away, offers several higher education options. Within 50 miles, there are 46 colleges and universities, including:

• Georgia Institute of Technology (public, 4-year)
• Georgia State University (public, 4-year)
• Kennesaw State University (public, 4-year)

Moving to Austell, GA Resource Guide

The City of Austell operates under an elected mayor and seven-member City Council. Additional information is available on Austell’s official website.

The Austell Parks and Recreation Department maintains ten public parks and oversees the activities at the Collar Community Center, which hosts local events and recreational programs.

Austell, GA Housing

The median home price in Austell is $325,000, with prices holding steady year-over-year. The housing market is balanced, providing options for both buyers and renters. Housing costs are 4% lower than the national average, and the cost of living is 3% lower than in other Georgia cities and 4% lower than the U.S. average.

Military Bases Near Austell, GA

The following military installations are located within 50 miles of Austell:

• Dobbins Air Reserve Base
• Joint Forces Headquarters, Georgia