Smyrna is a city northwest of the neighborhoods of Atlanta. It is in the inner ring of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a population of 51,271. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population in 2013 to be 53,438. It is historically one of the fastest growing cities in the State of Georgia, and one of the most densely populated cities in the metro area.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.4 square miles (39.9 km2), of which 15.4 square miles (39.8 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km2), or 0.23%, is water. The general terrain of the area is characteristic of the Piedmont region of Georgia, characterized by hills with broad ridges, sloping uplands, and relatively narrow valleys. The center of Smyrna is about 1,060 feet (320 m) above sea level.
HISTORY
Pioneers began settling the area in 1832. By the late 1830s, a religious encampment called Smyrna Camp Ground had become a popular travel destination and was well known throughout Georgia. It was named by Greeks for the Biblical city of Smyrna, modern day Izmir in Turkey, the home of the famous Christian martyr Polycarp. After the completion of the Western and Atlantic Railroad in 1842 the area began to grow. It was known by several names until 1872 – Varner’s Station, Ruff’s Siding, Neal Dow and Ruff’s Station. The city was incorporated with the name Smyrna in 1872.
ECONOMY
In 1991, the city began a community redevelopment project known as “Market Village,” in order to create a well-defined downtown. Included were a community center and 28,000-square-foot (2,600 m2) public library. A mixed retail and residential district was modeled after an early 1900s city village, including a square with a fountain. This, and other expansions have revitalized the downtown area. Further redevelopment has occurred throughout the city—including thousands of new homes – mostly cluster homes, townhouse and condo communities replacing older neighborhoods. The population has risen as a result of redevelopment, a few annexations, and Smyrna’s location as a residential suburb in the Northwest center of metro Atlanta.
Less than .5 miles (0.80 km) down, the city intends to redevelop the Belmont Hills plaza, at the corner of Windy Hill and Atlanta Road in 2011. Both these villages, like “Market Village” in Smyrna, and “Market Square” in Vinings are designed to resemble a city village of yesteryear with fountains and antique street lamps.
EDUCATION
Public elementary schools include King Springs, Teasley, Nickajack, Smyrna, Norton Park, Green Acres, Argyle, Belmont Hills, and Russell Elementary School.
Public middle schools include Campbell and Griffin.
Public high schools include Campbell, South Cobb and Osborne.
Smyrna also has multiple private schools including Covenant Christian School, Whitefield Academy (Mableton), and a satellite campus of Buckhead Preparatory Academy. The Lovett School is also nearby.
To find out further information regarding all public and private schools, ratings and reviews we recommend www.schooldigger.com.
PARKS AND RECREATION
There are many outdoor activities to participate in throughout the Smyrna area.
“Market Village” in the city center often has open-air concerts and festivals as well as weekly food truck gatherings. There are also various parks throughout Smyrna such as Cobb Park, public pools such as Aline Wolfe Center for the elderly and Tolleson park pool for all ages which features tennis courts and playgrounds. There is also a linear park with walking trails along Spring Road and several dedicated dog parks. Jonquil Park is a 14 acre park scheduled to open in 2018 which will include 4 soccer fields, playgrounds and trails. Some extensions of the Silver Comet Trail have also been built further into Smyrna to expand access to the trail which travels all the way to Alabama.
REAL ESTATE
If you are interested in purchasing, selling, investing, or just getting more information about Smyrna real estate, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to serving you with all of your real estate needs.
Sincerely,
Tony Morris
The Meridian Group
678-631-1723
*Information and data compiled from various sources via Google Search