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Canton, GA

Frequently asked questions

Canton, GA

Canton is a city in and the county seat of Cherokee County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 22,958, up from 7,709 in 2000.

Canton is located near the center of Cherokee County at 34°13′38″N 84°29′41″W (34.227307, −84.494727). The city lies just north of Holly Springs and south of Ball Ground. Interstate 575 passes through the eastern side of the city, with access from exits 14 through 20. Canton is 40 miles (64 km) north of downtown Atlanta via I-575 and I-75.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.7 square miles (48.5 km²), of which 18.6 square miles (48.2 km²) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.4 km²), or 0.76%, is water. The Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River, flows from east to west through the center of the city.

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the site where Canton would be founded lies in the heart of the original Cherokee Nation. During the first 100 years of Georgia's history, Northwest Georgia was generally considered "Indian Country" and was bypassed by settlers going West. Georgia reached an agreement with the federal government in 1802 shortly after the Revolutionary War to relinquish its Western Territory (it claimed the Pacific Ocean as its western boundary) in exchange for the removal of all Indians within its boundaries. Although other tribes had been removed, the Cherokee remained. Since this was the heartland of the Cherokee Nation, the state and nation were reluctant to disturb them. But following the Georgia Gold Rush in 1829, European-American settlers ignored the Indian problems and began to move into the area north of Carrollton and west of the Chattahoochee River and named it Cherokee.

Many members of the Cherokee Nation moved west in 1829, but the majority stayed until removed by federal troops sent into the area during the summer of 1838. The remaining Cherokee were gathered and held in forts until the removal could be completed. Present-day Cherokee County had the largest and most southerly of these forts, Fort Buffington, which stood 6 miles (10 km) east of Canton. Today nothing stands to identify its timber structure, but the area is marked by a large piece of green Cherokee marble quarried near Holly Springs. By the autumn of 1838, the federal troops had accomplished their mission, and the Cherokee at Fort Buffington were marched off to join other groups on the infamous "Trail of Tears," a lengthy march in worsening winter weather to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River.

Canton places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Canton is home to Northside Hospital Cherokee, providing quality healthcare services to residents and contributing to the overall well-being of the community. Start your wellness journey at Many Paths Wellness, a highly-rated health retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Engage in outdoor fitness at Etowah River Park, known for its scenic trails and active life offerings. Join a Yoga at The Buzz session offered by Cherokee Recreation & Parks for a tranquil yoga experience. For a unique experience, try Farm Animal Yoga on the Green at Halcyon, blending yoga with the charm of farm animals. Explore Little River Marina for water-based activities and boating adventures. Workout Anytime features extensive fitness facilities and wellness programs.

Top sites in Canton, GA are Cherokee County History Center, Hickory Log Creek Reservoir, and Gibbs Gardens.

Population: 36,857 (2023). Elevation: 1,152 feet (351 m). Area: 19.03 sq mi (49.29 km²). ZIP code: 30114. Area code: 770, 678, 470.

FAQs

Is Canton, GA in the mountains?

In Canton, you’ll find exciting and new possibilities for growth within an authentic, inviting community that deeply cares about the City’s future and unrivaled quality of life. Conveniently between Atlanta and the Blue Ridge Mountains, we offer scenic views of the foothills and the Etowah River, flowing through our City. We have great shopping, dining, events, arts, and exceptional parks. We believe Canton holds something for everyone.

Is Canton, GA a good place to live?

Canton is in Cherokee County and is one of the best places to live in Georgia. Living in Canton offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Canton, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Canton and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Canton are highly rated.

Is it expensive to live in Canton, GA?

Canton is part of the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta Metro metro area, which is ranked 131 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. According to C2ER (the Council for Community and Economic Research), the cost of living in Canton is estimated to be 94.6% of the national average making it an average US city. The total monthly expenditure you can expect to incur depends on the cost of housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and other miscellaneous goods and services. Note that your household composition (single or married, number of kids) and home ownership status (renting vs. owning) might affect your monthly expenses.

Sources

City of Canton

Wikipedia

Niche

Fly Homes

Cherokee County History Center

Hickory Log Creek Reservoir

Gibbs Gardens

Northside Hospital Cherokee

Many Paths Wellness

Etowah River Park

Cherokee Recreation & Parks

Farm Animal Yoga on the Green at Halcyon

Little River Marina

Workout Anytime

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.