Local guidesMarietta, Kennesaw & SmyrnaSmyrna
Smyrna
Smyrna is a city in Cobb County, Georgia, about 1 mile northwest of the Atlanta city limits, with a population of 55,663 at the 2020 census.
Where is Smyrna, and what is it like?
Smyrna lies about 1 mile northwest of the Atlanta city limits, and its downtown is roughly 16 miles (26 km) from downtown Atlanta. The city stands at an elevation of 1,060 feet (323 m) and covers 15.61 square miles (40.42 km2), almost all of it land.
The terrain is typical of Georgia's Piedmont region, with hills that have broad ridges, sloping uplands and relatively narrow valleys. The 2020 census counted 55,663 people, a density of 3,576 per square mile.
The city sits just west of the northern intersection of I-285 and I-75. The climate figures for the area show average annual precipitation of 49.87 inches (1,267 mm).
How did Smyrna begin?
The area was established in 1832 as a religious encampment called Smyrna Camp Ground. The name is Greek, for the biblical city of Smyrna, in modern İzmir, Turkey. The community was incorporated as Smyrna in 1872.
The Western and Atlantic Railroad was completed in 1842, and the area began to grow after that. Two Civil War battles took place here on July 4, 1864.
Pioneers began settling the area in 1832, and the Smyrna Camp Ground became a popular travel destination. Sherman's troops burned the area's businesses, homes and the 1849 covered bridge.
How did Smyrna grow?
Lockheed reopened the Bell Bomber plant in 1951, which was a catalyst for growth. The population rose from 2,005 in 1950 to almost 20,000 by 1970.
Starting in 1991 the city began a redevelopment project to create a well-defined downtown. It included a community center and a public library of 28,000 square feet (2,600 m2). The area is now known as Market Village.
Census counts show how the city grew. Smyrna had 1,178 people in 1930 and 2,005 in 1950. The count reached 10,157 in 1960, 19,157 in 1970, 30,981 in 1990, 40,999 in 2000 and 51,265 in 2010. A few annexations also added to the city's size.
What is Smyrna known for?
The city's official symbol is the jonquil, a flower, which is why Smyrna is nicknamed the Jonquil City.
Market Village in the city center often hosts open-air concerts and festivals. The ARTery is a community-driven public art initiative, mainly downtown, with installations around Jonquil Plaza and the Village Green.
What kinds of business are in Smyrna?
Smyrna's modern growth began with industry. The reopened Bell Bomber plant of 1951 drew workers to the city, and the population rose from 2,005 in 1950 to almost 20,000 by 1970.
How do you get around Smyrna?
Major roads include I-285, Cobb Parkway (U.S. Route 41), Atlanta Road (the old State Route 3) and South Cobb Drive (State Route 280). Public bus service is provided by CobbLinc.
What schools, parks and services are in Smyrna?
Public schools fall under the Cobb County School District. Campbell High School, Campbell Middle School and Nickajack Elementary School are among the schools that serve the city. Private schools inside the city limits include St. Benedict's Episcopal School, Covenant Christian School and Whitefield Academy.
The city has several parks and facilities, including Cobb Park, the Aline Wolfe Center, tennis courts, playgrounds and a linear park with a walking trail along Spring Road. The city operates the Smyrna Public Library.
The city's students are served by 12 schools in the Cobb County School District. The terminus of the Silver Comet Trail is in Smyrna.
Find a local business in Smyrna
Smyrna is covered by the Marietta, Kennesaw & Smyrna guide. Start with the businesses in Smyrna itself, or look across the whole guide by what they do.
Businesses in SmyrnaQuestions about Smyrna
- What county is Smyrna in?
- Smyrna is in Cobb County, Georgia.
- How many people live in Smyrna?
- The 2020 census counted 55,663 people in Smyrna.
- Why is Smyrna called the Jonquil City?
- The jonquil is the city's official symbol, so the city is nicknamed the Jonquil City.
- How far is Smyrna from downtown Atlanta?
- Smyrna's downtown is roughly 16 miles (26 km) from downtown Atlanta.
- Which buses serve Smyrna?
- CobbLinc provides public bus service.
- Is there a local business directory for Smyrna?
- Yes. Smyrna is covered by the Marietta, Kennesaw & Smyrna guide from Local Business America. It lists local businesses in Smyrna and the towns around it, and it is free to read.
- How do I list my business in Smyrna?
- Open the Marietta, Kennesaw & Smyrna guide and choose Claim your listing. If your business is not there yet, choose List your business. Claiming is free, and a person checks each claim.
- What does a business listing in Smyrna cost?
- Every business has a free listing with opening hours, a map and a link to your website. Essentials is $19 a month and adds a photo gallery, an enquiry form and your Google reviews. Premium is $39 a month and adds a boost to the top of your category and a do-follow link to your website.