Just north of Atlanta, is a city rich in history, Woodstock. Founded more than 100 years ago, the city was once home to the railroad, gristmills, mining and cotton production. Now, Woodstock is the fastest growing city in Cherokee County. The current population of 54,409 is double the size of the city’s population 10 years ago, and with Interstate 575 and Highway 92 run through it, workers and residents have unlimited opportunities.

Sperling’s Best Places states that job growth is positive in Woodstock, which is good news for those wishing to work locally. Also, with an average time of 35 minutes, those wanting to work in Atlanta or another nearby city have an easy commute.

Along with a good commute, Woodstock’s cost of living is 20 percent lower than the U.S. average, making it an even more desirable place to live.

Woodstock has a wide array of real estate options. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Homefinder, the city’s median home sale price is $177,500. For those wanting to buy a new home, Trulia has 604 homes currently available with prices ranging from $35,000 to $1,700,000.

Want to rent instead? Trulia has 158 rentals listed from $575 to $4,800 per month.

On average, residents are between the ages of 35 to 54, and 37.8 percent of the population has children. These children attend highly ranked schools, including Bascomb Elementary, Arnold Mill Elementary, Boston Elementary, Woodstock Elementary, Carmel Elementary, Chapman Intermediate, Woodstock Middle, Mill Creek Middle, E.T. Booth Middle, River Ridge High, Etowah High and Woodstock High. The graduating class of 2012 even posted the district’s highest ever ACT and SAT scores.

In addition to great jobs and living, Woodstock has an abundance of great attractions.

Shopping and Dining
•    Century House Tavern. Located in downtown Woodstock in a century old house, this restaurant has a modern feel but stays true to its historical roots. Menu items include oysters, wild mushroom soup, pan roasted flounder, risotto, roasted beet salad, penne pasta, rice pudding and chocolate layer cake.
•    Dress Up Boutique. Shoppers can keep up with the latest styles at Dress Up Boutique. Located at 425 Chamber St., the store offers an exceptional selection of fashion, including dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear, basics and accessories.
•    Tea Leaves & Thyme. A traditional English tearoom, Tea Leaves & Thyme serves a full lunch menu and afternoon tea. Food is prepared fresh daily and hand crafted in house from the finest ingredients. With more than 70 varieties of loose leaf tea, tons of accessories to choose from and delicious food, have a tea party today!
•    The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta. Coming soon, this new construction project will bring 80 plus outlet stores to Woodstock. Retailers include Saks Fifth Avenue, Nike, OFF 5th, Guess, Brooks Brothers, White House | Black Market, Puma, Vans, Converse, Under Armour, Cole Haan, Michael Kors, Talbots, Levis, Le Creuset, Carters and more. The center will be located off of I-575 at Ridgewalk Parkway.
•    PURE Taqueria. With live music and cocktails, this is the perfect spot to relax and have a good time. The restaurant offers delicious margaritas, tacos, tamales, churros and the best guacamole in Woodstock.
•    Freight Kitchen & Tap. Located in downtown Woodstock’s historic train depot, the restaurant serves classic libations and southern fare. The menu offers tomato and mozzarella salad, butternut squash soup, deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, fried mac and cheese balls, burgers, sandwiches, cheese grits, pork sliders, roasted chicken, banana fosters, wine and cocktails.

Entertainment and Recreation
•    Dixie Speedway. Home of the champions, Dixie Speedway is a 3/8 mile dirt track that hosts weekly dirt track racing, monster trucks and demo derbies in Woodstock. Opened from April to October, fans can even buy pit passes to see over 200 custom built racing machines up close and to talk with the drivers. Remember, bring a checkered flag to get the winner’s autograph after the race.
•    Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Formerly known as The Towne Lake Arts Center, the complex is now located at 8534 Main St. in downtown Woodstock. Elm Street Cultural Arts Village is an arts and recreation destination for Cherokee County. It offers arts events, festivals, performances, historical workshops and preservation efforts. Tickets are available by calling 678-494-4251.
•    Towne Lake Equestrian Club. Promoting a safe and fun relationship between people and horses, the Towne Lake Equestrian Club offers programs for aspiring riders and horse lovers of all ages and experience levels. Boarding and training are also offered. Visit the barns, riding arenas and club house by calling 770-778-1146.
•    Olde Rope Mill Park. Located at 690 Rope Mill Road in Woodstock, the park features, a rock pavilion, decks overlooking Little River, a paved walking trail, a mountain bike trail, picnic areas, fishing and canoeing. Trails are maintained by dedicated volunteers and provide the perfect weekend activity for visitors.
•    Towne Lake Hills Golf Club. Whether here for a day or for a lifetime of membership privileges, this beautiful course is the “best golf in towne.” The course offers rolling green hills, Bermuda fairways, wooded countryside and a distinct challenge. Book your tee time at 770-592-9969.

Historical Attractions
•    Main Street Woodstock. Walk through downtown, and you will get a glimpse into life in another century. The railroad tracks have defined the town since 1879. Downtown Woodstock offers historic homes, new condos, unique dining and one of a kind shopping. With a world of southern charm, visit Main Street today!
•    Woodstock Memorial. Built in 2009, the memorial is 10 tons of polished granite dedicated to Woodstock Veterans. It reads, “In memorium, lest we forget the ultimate cost of freedom. We salute all, especially our Woodstock veterans who gave their lives defending America’s God-given freedom so that we continue to live free.”
•    Woodstock Historical Train Depot. After the railroad arrived in Woodstock in 1879, the train depot was built. Today, the depot is home to the Downtown Development Association. Visit to get a peek into Woodstock’s past. Next to the depot is a caboose, donated by Norfolk Southern Railroad in 1992.

Whether you want to visit Cherokee County’s oldest city or if you are looking for a new home, put Woodstock on the top of your destination list for metro Atlanta.