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Rome, GA

Frequently asked questions

Rome, GA

Rome is the largest city in and the county seat of Floyd County, Georgia, United States. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, it is the principal city of the Rome, Georgia, metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses all of Floyd County. At the 2020 census, the city had a population of 37,713. It is the largest city in Northwest Georgia and the 26th-largest city in the state.

Rome was founded in 1834 after Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, and the federal government committed to removing the Cherokee and other Native Americans from the Southeast. It developed on former indigenous territory at the confluence of the Etowah and the Oostanaula rivers, which together form the Coosa River. Because of its strategic advantages, this area was long occupied by the historic Creek. Later the Cherokee people expanded into this area from their traditional homelands to the east and northeast. National leaders such as Major Ridge and John Ross resided here before Indian Removal in 1838.

The city has developed on seven hills with rivers running between them, a feature that inspired the early European-American settlers to name it after Rome, the longtime capital of Italy that was also built on seven hills. The American Rome developed in the antebellum period as a market and trading city due to its advantageous location on the rivers. It shipped the rich regional cotton commodity crop downriver to markets on the Gulf Coast and exported overseas.

In the late 1920s, a United States company built a rayon plant in a joint project with an Italian company. This project and the American city of Rome were honored by Italy in 1929 when its duce Benito Mussolini sent a replica of the statue of Romulus and Remus nursing from a mother wolf, a symbol of the founding myth of the original Rome.

It is the largest city near the center of the triangular area defined by the Interstate highways between Atlanta, Birmingham, and Chattanooga. It has developed as a regional center for the fields of medical care and education. In addition to its public school system, it has several private schools. Higher-level institutions include private Berry College and Shorter University, and the public Georgia Northwestern Technical College and Georgia Highlands College.

Rome is located at the confluence of the Etowah and the Oostanaula rivers, which form the Coosa River. This gave the city access to the waterways, the major transportation routes of the era. Because of this water feature, Rome developed as a regional trade center, based originally on King Cotton. As cotton plantations were developed in the area, Rome was an increasingly important market town, shipping the commodity downriver to other markets. It was designated as the county seat of Floyd County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 31.6 square miles (81.9 km²), of which 30.9 square miles (80.1 km²) are land and 0.73 square miles (1.9 km²), or 2.29%, are covered by water.

The seven hills that inspired the name of Rome are known as Blossom, Jackson, Lumpkin, Mount Aventine, Myrtle, Old Shorter, and Neely Hills (the latter is also known as Tower or Clock Tower Hill). Some of the hills have been partially graded since Rome was founded.

Rome places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The healthcare sector is well-represented with institutions like Floyd Medical Center and AdventHealth Redmond, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services. Start your wellness journey at SpringStone Yoga, offering a serene environment for yoga practitioners. For fitness buffs, Velocity Rome and CrossFit Rome provide high-intensity training sessions. Enhance your flexibility and core strength at Pilates on First. Nature lovers can enjoy the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center, which combines physical activity with education on local ecosystems.

Top sites in Rome, GA are Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home, Oak Hill & Martha Berry Museum, and Rome Area History Center.

Population: 38,111 (2023). ZIP codes: 30149, 30161, 30165. Area code(s): 706, 762. Elevation: 605 ft (184 m). Area: 32.45 sq mi (84.05 km²). 

FAQs

Why is Rome, GA famous?

Throughout the decades, this classic city has grown in sophistication to become a unique portrait of Southern heritage and hospitality. Rome has a strong arts community, a passion for history, and a respect for the three gentle rivers - the Etowah, Oostanaula, and Coosa - winding through the heart of the city. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the rivers for their scenery, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing. While you're in town, don't miss the chance to see picturesque Berry College, founded in 1902 and boasting historic buildings and homes, miles of trails, and the world's largest wooden overshot waterwheel. 

What are the demographics of Rome, GA?

In 2022, Rome, GA had a population of 37.6k people with a median age of 36.9 and a median household income of $48,512. Between 2021 and 2022 the population of Rome, GA grew from 37,509 to 37,621, a 0.299% increase and its median household income grew from $40,000 to $48,512, a 21.3% increase. The 5 largest ethnic groups in Rome, GA are White (Non-Hispanic) (48.4%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (24.4%), White (Hispanic) (7.97%), Two+ (Hispanic) (6.48%), and Other (Hispanic) (4.78%).

Is Rome, GA a good place to live?

Rome is in Floyd County. Living in Rome offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Rome, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Rome and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Rome are above average.

Sources

City of Rome

Wikipedia

Explore Georgia

Data USA

Niche

Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home

Oak Hill & Martha Berry Museum

Rome Area History Center

Floyd Medical Center

AdventHealth Redmond

SpringStone Yoga

Velocity Rome

CrossFit Rome

Pilates on First

Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center

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