Smyrna, Georgia

Smyrna is considered within the "inner ring" of Atlanta communities, situated only 10 miles from the downtown. It has a population of almost 57,000, so in many ways it is a city in its own right, with all the advantages of a diverse economy and a wealth of amenities. Not only is it one of the fastest-growing, but it is also one of the most densely-populated small cities in the state.

Varied neighborhoods in Smyrna offer kids the chance to play outside, ride their bikes and explore open spaces. There are also areas of mixed use development where you can live above the shop, walk to work and ride your bike to the market. However, you'll want to be able to get in your car to take part in Atlanta's nightlife and other big-city attractions. The metropolitan transit system doesn't venture into Cobb County, so your options for public transportation are limited. Maybe you'll want to consider carpooling?

Smyrna's residents tend to be younger and have higher per capita income that many other close-in communities, so there's never a dearth of things to do and places to go: Residents like getting out to eat, to shop, to participate. Village Green and Market Green, both within a mile of downtown, count 33 acres of green space. There is also a community center with exercise equipment and two gyms, and an outdoor Koi pond for whiling away leisure time. Known as the Jonquil city, Smyrna has 304 acres of park area punctuating its 15 square-mile area. Popular neighborhoods offer Craftsman, Victorian, mid-Century, traditional ranch-style, and contemporary homes. You'll also find sprawling homes on treed lots as well as modern townhomes with a distinctly urban flavor. Which would you prefer?

Smyrna is Biblical. In its early days, after the Cherokee Indians deeded all the land to the state of Georgia, the area around present-day Smyrna was used as a religious campground. It was here that the Methodist Church was founded in 1838. One of Apostle Paul's seven churches in Asia, mentioned in the Book of Revelations, was Smyrna. It seemed fitting.