Kennesaw: Growing rapidly in metro Atlanta
Kennesaw, located in the northern portion of Cobb County 20 miles
northwest of Atlanta, has a unique and colorful history. Initially known as Big
Shanty, this area grew quickly due to the railroad system and an abundance
of water.
Camp McDonald, a civil war training camp, fell during General
Sherman’s march across Atlanta and the city lay in ruins. In 1887, the city
of Kennesaw incorporated and began to grow due to the cotton industry. By
the 1980’s, Kennesaw had grown to a major suburban market with major
thoroughfares of I-75, I-575, Barrett Parkway and Hwy 41.
Kennesaw is a desirable residential area with a population of 31,613, an
increase of over 43% since 2000. Kennesaw State University, the third
largest university in the University of Georgia system, has nearly 20,000
students combined in its undergraduate and graduate schools. Family Circle
magazine named Kennesaw as one of the top 10 towns for families in their
August 2007 issue.
Economy
Kennesaw, the fastest growing municipality in Cobb County, primary
employers are through its education programs. Kennesaw State University
employs over 3,700 people and Kennesaw is a member of the Cobb County
Public school system that has over 15,000 employees. In addition, the large
retail market led by Town Center at Cobb Mall is a major economic driver for
the city of Kennesaw and neighboring suburbs.
Retail Activity
Kennesaw’s primary retail activity is Town Center at Cobb Mall, located on
Barrett Parkway between I-75 and I-575. Opened in 1986, Town Center
at Cobb currently is owned by Simon Malls with Macy’s, Belk, JC Penney,
Sears, and H&M as anchors.
On the west side of I-75 on Barrett Parkway, national big box retailers such
as Target, AMC Theatres, Costco have locations in Kennesaw. Wal-Mart,
Barnes & Noble and others are located on Barrett Parkway east of I-575.
The downtown Kennesaw district is home to numerous unique and local
retailers with a long history of business in the city. |
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| Cobb County’s Largest Employers |
| Cobb County Public Schools |
15,229 |
| WellStar Health System Inc. |
9,276 |
| Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company |
6,611 |
| The Home Depot Inc. |
6,400 |
| Cobb County Government |
5,874 |
| Kennesaw State University |
3,734 |
| Six Flags over Georgia |
3,307 |
| Publix |
3,071 |
| Wal-Mart |
2,840 |
| Kroger |
2,055 |
| Source: Cobb County Chamber of Commerce |
Image: The General at The Southern Museum in downtown,
Kennesaw, GA
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