Living in Canton, GA vs Roswell, GA: A Clear Comparison of Lifestyle and Amenities

Key Takeaways

• Canton offers more affordable housing compared to Roswell.
• Roswell provides better access to parks and outdoor recreation.
• Commute and entertainment options vary significantly between the two cities.

Overview of Canton, GA and Roswell, GA

Canton and Roswell are two growing suburbs located north of Atlanta, Georgia. Each offers distinct living environments, with differences in housing costs, commute times, and community features.

Canton has a lower cost of living, particularly in housing. Housing costs in Canton are about 20.3% less expensive than in Roswell. This makes Canton attractive for families and individuals seeking more affordable homeownership or rental options. Commute times from Canton tend to be slightly longer compared to Roswell.

Roswell is known for its established neighborhoods and outdoor amenities. It has access to numerous parks and recreational activities, including tubing on the Chattahoochee River. The city also boasts strong school systems that many families find appealing.

Both cities offer suburban lifestyles within reasonable travel distance to Atlanta. Canton is often chosen for its affordability, while Roswell is favored for established amenities and quality of life features.

Learn more details on comparing Canton’s and Roswell’s cost of living and amenities.

Cost of Living Comparison Canton vs Roswell, GA

Canton, GA, offers lower housing costs and slightly different expenses in utilities and groceries compared to Roswell, GA. These factors create distinct financial environments for residents in each city.

Housing Market Differences

Housing in Canton is notably more affordable than in Roswell. Canton’s average home prices are about 20% lower, making it more accessible to buyers and renters. This lower cost is reflected in both purchase prices and rental rates.

Roswell’s housing market is more competitive, with higher demand pushing prices up. This affects not only single-family homes but also apartments and townhouses. The difference in housing costs is often the biggest factor when choosing between these two cities.

Utilities and Services

Utility costs in Canton and Roswell tend to be similar, with minor variations based on providers and usage. Residents in both cities pay standard rates for electricity, water, and natural gas, but Canton may have slightly lower municipal fees.

Services like internet and waste management follow regional pricing without large differences. Homeowners and renters should expect to budget similarly for monthly utilities regardless of which city they choose.

Grocery and Retail Prices

Groceries in Canton and Roswell vary but generally fall within a close price range. Basic food items like milk, bread, and fresh produce cost about the same in each city, though Canton occasionally offers better deals due to a lower cost environment.

Retail prices in stores and for everyday goods do not diverge widely. Shoppers in either city will find national chains and local stores with comparable pricing, but Canton’s slightly lower cost of living may translate into marginal savings.

Compare Cities Overview: Roswell, GA vs Canton, GA

Neighborhoods and Community Atmosphere

Canton and Roswell offer distinct living environments shaped by their neighborhoods and local culture. Canton leans toward a close-knit, small-town feel, while Roswell provides diverse, vibrant neighborhoods with more urban conveniences.

Downtown Experiences

Roswell’s downtown is centered around the historic Canton Street District, a bustling area with shops, restaurants, and frequent community events. It fosters a lively atmosphere where residents often socialize and attend festivals. The area blends historic charm with modern amenities, making it a popular gathering place.

Canton’s downtown is quieter but growing. It offers a traditional Southern hospitality vibe with small local businesses and family-run shops. The area encourages neighborly interactions and has community events like farmer’s markets and seasonal celebrations. It is less commercialized, appealing to those seeking a slower pace.

Family-Friendly Features

Roswell emphasizes accessibility to highly rated schools, numerous childcare options, and parks. Neighborhoods like East Cobb provide centralized locations, easing commutes and improving work-life balance. Many parks and recreational centers support active lifestyles for families.

Canton highlights a strong community spirit with neighborhoods where neighbors typically know each other. Schools are improving, and outdoor activities revolve around lakes and trails. Housing is more affordable here, appealing to families looking for value without sacrificing safety or community connections.

For more information, see neighborhood details for Roswell, GA and Canton, GA.

Employment and Economic Opportunities

Canton and Roswell offer distinct economic environments shaped by their local industries and access to broader job markets. Housing costs and commute times influence employment choices in both cities.

Major Industries and Employers

Roswell’s economy is diverse, featuring strong presence in retail, hospitality, and growing science-related sectors. Companies in healthcare and technology provide steady employment opportunities. The city benefits from a well-developed commercial infrastructure supporting a range of small businesses and regional offices.

Canton’s employment landscape is more focused on manufacturing, construction, and service industries. It has seen growth in local businesses and job creation tied to its expanding residential market. Key employers include manufacturers and businesses supporting the region’s outdoor recreation and tourism.

Both cities host a mix of corporate and small enterprises but differ in industry focus, with Roswell leaning towards tech and services while Canton offers manufacturing and local business opportunities.

Commuting and Job Market Accessibility

Roswell residents enjoy shorter commute times on average, thanks to proximity to Atlanta and well-established transportation routes. This access allows workers in Roswell to tap directly into the Atlanta metro job market, including high-tech and corporate roles.

Canton has longer average commutes. Many residents travel to nearby cities or Atlanta for work, which may increase daily travel time but can offer access to a wider variety of jobs. Despite this, Canton’s more affordable housing costs attract workers who balance commute duration with cost savings.

Both cities benefit from access to Atlanta’s extensive job market, but commute length and housing prices are important factors shaping employment decisions for people living in each area. For more detailed comparisons, see the 2025 Compare Cities Overview: Roswell, GA vs Canton, GA.

Education and Schools

Canton and Roswell offer strong educational opportunities, with public schools recognized for academic performance and the availability of private school options to fit different family needs. Both cities provide access to schools with solid graduation rates and extracurricular programs.

Public School Quality

Canton is served by the Cherokee County School District, which has a graduation rate exceeding 90%. The schools emphasize academic achievement and offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, supporting a well-rounded education. Test scores and teacher quality in Cherokee County rank well within Georgia, making Canton a reliable choice for public education.

Roswell falls under the Fulton County School District, known for high-performing schools like those in Milton and Roswell itself. These schools consistently perform well on state tests and have competitive SAT/ACT scores. Roswell schools also emphasize college readiness, supported by experienced faculty and strong athletic and arts programs.

Private School Options

Both Canton and Roswell provide private school choices, attracting families seeking alternative curricula or smaller class sizes. Roswell includes several private institutions with strong reputations, offering religious and secular education, often praised for rigorous academics and extracurricular diversity.

Canton’s private schools tend to focus on personalized education and faith-based instruction. While fewer in number compared to Roswell, these schools maintain solid academic standards and often emphasize community involvement and values-based education.

Parks, Recreation, and Outdoor Activities

Both Canton and Roswell offer strong outdoor recreation options, including well-kept parks and accessible trail systems. Their community activities provide residents with year-round opportunities to engage in nature and local culture.

Local Parks and Trails

Canton features several green spaces with amenities that support family outings and casual sports. Cherokee Lake Recreation Area is popular for fishing and picnics. The city also maintains well-marked walking trails that connect neighborhoods to parks.

Roswell has a more extensive trail network, including segments along the Chattahoochee River. The Roswell Area Park offers a variety of sports fields, playgrounds, and a splash pad. For nature lovers, the Big Creek Greenway provides over 8 miles of paved trails ideal for biking and jogging.

Both towns prioritize accessibility, but Roswell’s integration of riverfront paths elevates its outdoor appeal. Canton emphasizes a smaller town feel with convenient park access for residents.

Community Events and Festivals

Canton hosts seasonal events focused on community and nature, such as outdoor concerts and farmers markets. These gatherings often take place in local parks, encouraging family participation and supporting local vendors.

Roswell’s outdoor festivals tend to be larger, drawing visitors for cultural celebrations and recreational activities. Examples include the Roswell Wine Festival and the Chattahoochee Film Festival, which integrate outdoor spaces into their event layouts.

Both cities encourage residents to connect through outdoor community events, though Roswell’s calendar features more variety and scale. Canton’s offerings cater to close-knit community engagement.

For more on Canton’s outdoor lifestyle, see the pros and cons of living in Canton, GA. For detailed information on Roswell’s outdoor amenities, check why Roswell is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment

Canton and Roswell offer distinct experiences in food, retail, and leisure. Canton leans toward local, small-town options with growing amenities, while Roswell provides a broader variety of establishments and cultural venues. Both cities cater to different lifestyles and preferences.

Restaurants and Cafes

Canton has several popular eateries focused on Southern cuisine and barbecue, such as Queenie’s in downtown Canton. The dining scene is growing but remains more limited compared to Roswell. There are fewer chain restaurants and mainly locally owned spots.

Roswell features a larger range of restaurants, especially in its downtown area. Options include fine dining, international cuisine, and casual cafes. Roswell’s food variety exceeds Canton’s, making it appealing for those seeking diverse meal choices.

Shopping Centers and Boutiques

Shopping in Canton centers on a mix of local boutiques and junior anchor stores within shopping centers. Cherokee County’s growth has prompted expansion of retail outlets, but options are fewer than in Roswell.

Roswell offers more extensive shopping opportunities, including specialty boutiques, larger malls, and well-known retail chains. The city’s historic downtown also supports a variety of shops, focusing on arts, crafts, and unique goods.

Nightlife and Cultural Attractions

Canton’s nightlife is limited, with some bars and casual meeting spots but little in the way of clubs or late-night venues. Entertainment often revolves around events at places like The Mill on Etowah.

Roswell supports a more vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. It has theaters, live music venues, and festivals. Downtown Roswell is known for its active nightlife, making it attractive to residents who seek evening entertainment options. For more on Canton’s dining and nightlife, visit movingtocantongeorgia.com.

Transportation and Accessibility

Canton and Roswell differ significantly in how residents experience traffic and transport options. Travel times and infrastructure shape daily routines and overall convenience in both cities.

Traffic and Road Infrastructure

Canton experiences longer average commute times, approximately 4.4 minutes more than Roswell. The city’s road network centers heavily on car travel, with fewer alternatives for avoiding traffic congestion. Key highways and local roads can become busy during peak hours, impacting travel speed.

Roswell has a more developed road system, with better connections to nearby employment centers and amenities. Its layout supports smoother traffic flow in residential and commercial areas. Both cities have ongoing development projects aimed at improving road conditions, but Roswell currently offers better access for drivers.

Public Transit Availability

Public transportation in Canton is limited. The city relies almost entirely on private vehicles, which can be challenging for residents without cars. There are no major bus routes or rail connections within the city, reducing options for non-drivers.

Roswell provides more transit options, including better bus services and proximity to metro Atlanta’s mass transit system. The city supports more walkable neighborhoods and bike paths, enhancing accessibility for those who prefer alternatives to driving. This infrastructure contributes to a more connected community and easier access to local amenities. More on Canton’s transit challenges can be found at the Pros and Cons of Living in Canton, GA page.

Healthcare and Wellness

Canton, GA offers a variety of healthcare and wellness options, including specialized clinics and senior living communities. Facilities like Hartley Health & Wellness provide services such as body shaping, anti-aging treatments, and primary care, catering to diverse health needs.

The city supports mental health through several treatment centers, ensuring access to necessary care. Canton also features 55+ communities that emphasize comprehensive wellness programs beyond traditional exercise facilities, promoting an active lifestyle for older adults.

Roswell, GA boasts reputable healthcare services and ranks as a desirable place to live partly due to its healthcare access. Employment opportunities and community resources support residents seeking wellness and medical care.

Both cities provide accessible healthcare focusing on wellness, allowing residents to maintain a good quality of life.

Demographics and Population Trends

Canton, GA has a population of approximately 34,600 residents. About 90.6% of the population are U.S. citizens. Around 13.5% of Canton’s residents were born outside the country, indicating a moderate level of diversity.

Roswell, GA generally has an older population compared to Canton. The median age in Canton is 6.1 years younger than in Roswell, suggesting Canton attracts younger families or individuals.

The gender ratio in Roswell is nearly balanced, with 51% male and 49% female. Its racial composition is 71.0% White, including 61.9% non-Hispanic White, and 12.5% Black residents.

Population growth trends reflect the greater Atlanta metro area’s expansion. The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell Metropolitan Statistical Area increased by over 12% from 2010 to 2018, reinforcing the region’s appeal for newcomers.

For more detailed information, see the Canton, GA profile and Roswell vs Canton comparison.

Safety and Crime Rates

Canton and Roswell have different safety profiles that residents often consider when choosing between the two. Canton generally reports lower housing costs but has varying crime levels in certain neighborhoods.

Roswell has areas with higher crime, especially around some complexes near Holcomb Bridge Road and GA 400, which are considered less safe. Other parts of Roswell maintain lower crime rates and tend to be safer for families and individuals.

In Georgia, the overall violent crime rate is about 3.26 per 1,000 people. Both cities fall within the middle range of crime rates for the state. Georgia’s average crime score for large cities is 64, with a range from 12 to 138. Canton’s score is closer to the lower end, while Roswell’s varies more depending on the neighborhood.

Residents are advised to check local crime statistics closely when selecting neighborhoods. This helps identify safer parts in both cities for informed decision-making on safety.

For more detailed comparisons, see the 2025 Compare Cities Rankings for Canton vs. Roswell.

Which city best fits your needs?

Canton and Roswell offer distinct living experiences suited to different preferences and budgets. Canton is more affordable, with housing costs about 20% lower than Roswell. This can appeal to those seeking cost savings without sacrificing access to a growing community.

Roswell provides a more established suburban environment closer to Atlanta, featuring higher-rated schools and a variety of amenities. It offers shorter commutes for those working in the city, with areas that cater to diverse lifestyles.

Both cities have their pros and cons:

• Canton: More affordable, expanding infrastructure, a mix of new developments, but potentially longer commutes.
• Roswell: Higher housing costs, more centralized location, well-developed schools and childcare options, with higher demand.

Deciding between them depends largely on priorities such as budget, commute time, and community atmosphere. For families prioritizing schools and proximity to Atlanta, Roswell may be preferable. For those valuing affordability and growth potential, Canton presents a solid option.

For further insights, exploring the detailed comparisons and local perspectives on living in Canton, GA and Roswell, GA can provide valuable context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Canton and Roswell differ in taxes, living costs, and community characteristics. Both offer distinct advantages in lifestyle, amenities, and demographics, shaping their appeal for different residents.

What are the tax differences between living in Canton, GA and Roswell, GA?

Canton generally has a slightly lower property tax rate compared to Roswell. Both cities follow Georgia’s state income tax, but local tax rates and assessments on homes can create noticeable differences in total tax bills.

What are some pros and cons of residing in Canton, GA compared to Roswell, GA?

Canton offers more affordable housing and a small-town feel with modern amenities. Roswell provides more centralized access to Atlanta, high-rated schools, and a stronger childcare network but comes with higher housing costs.

How does the cost of living in Canton, GA compare to Roswell, GA?

Housing in Canton is about 20% less expensive than Roswell’s. Overall living expenses, including groceries and utilities, are also generally lower in Canton, making it more budget-friendly for families and retirees.

Can you provide insights on the quality of life in Roswell, GA?

Roswell is known for its sought-after neighborhoods and good schools. It has diverse districts offering different lifestyles, with a focus on amenities, community events, and proximity to Atlanta’s job market.

What is the community ethnicity breakdown in Canton, GA?

Canton has a predominantly White population with growing diversity including Hispanic and African American communities. The city’s demographics reflect a suburban mix influenced by its expanding housing developments.

Are there any notable public figures residing in Roswell, GA?

Roswell has attracted some notable professionals and local leaders due to its proximity to Atlanta, quality schools, and lifestyle offerings. However, specific public figures residing there are not widely publicized.