Living in Roswell Georgia: Historic Downtown, Fulton County Schools, and What $500K-$1M Buys in North Atlanta's Family Suburb
Roswell isn't trying to be intown Atlanta. It's not Brookhaven's newer construction or Morningside-Lenox Park's traditional character. Roswell is North Atlanta's established family suburb—historic downtown, strong school reputation, tree-lined neighborhoods, and a feel that's unmistakably suburban while maintaining its own identity separate from cookie-cutter developments.
Nearly 10 years helping Atlanta buyers means I've shown hundreds of homes in Roswell. It attracts a specific buyer: families researching Fulton County Schools, professionals relocating from other states who want accessible suburban living with historic character, empty nesters downsizing from larger North Fulton homes, and people who value established neighborhoods over emerging areas.
If you're considering Roswell, here's what you need to know about prices, schools, lifestyle, and whether this North Atlanta suburb matches who you actually are.
Current Real Estate Market: What Homes Cost in 2026
Median Prices and Market Speed
Roswell's real estate market reflects its desirable North Atlanta location with strong schools and historic character:
Median sale price: $607,000-$682,000 (depending on data source and specific neighborhood within Roswell) Average price: $680,000-$806,000 (varies by source) Days on market: 35-48 days average (very competitive) Market competitiveness: Very competitive, scoring 72 out of 100—homes receive approximately 3 offers on average Sale price to list price: Approximately 99% (homes selling 1% below asking on average, hot homes sell 1% above asking) Price per square foot: $242-$248 average
For context, Roswell prices sit:
Comparable to Brookhaven ($615K-$705K median)
Above Candler Park ($663K-$750K median)
Below Morningside-Lenox Park ($977K-$1.3M median)
Comparable to Sandy Springs area
The market moves competitively. Well-priced homes in good condition sell within 2-5 weeks, often with multiple offers. This is a stronger seller's market than many Atlanta neighborhoods.
Price Ranges and What You Get
Entry Level (for Roswell): $400,000-$550,000
At this price point, you're getting:
Smaller homes or townhomes: 1,600-2,200 sq ft
3 bedrooms, 2-2.5 bathrooms typical
Older homes (1960s-1980s) needing updates OR townhomes/condos
Lots: 0.20-0.30 acres for single-family
May need kitchen/bathroom updates, cosmetic work
Townhome/condo options in better condition
These are entry points to Roswell for buyers who want the location and school district but can't afford the $600K+ market. You're either buying an older home requiring renovation or a smaller attached home.
Example: 1970s ranch, 1,900 sq ft, 3 bed/2 bath, original kitchen and bathrooms, hardwood floors under carpet, HVAC 15 years old, needs cosmetic updates throughout. Quarter-acre lot. Listed $475,000, sold $470,000 in 52 days.
Mid-Range: $550,000-$800,000
This is the sweet spot for Roswell. You're getting:
2,400-3,500 sq ft
4-5 bedrooms, 3-4 bathrooms
Mix of renovated older homes (1980s-1990s) and newer construction (2000s-2010s)
Modern kitchens, updated bathrooms, quality finishes
Lots: 0.30-0.50 acres typical
Two-car garages standard
Move-in ready or needing only minor updates
This range represents Roswell's typical family home—established neighborhoods with mature trees, quality construction, and suburban character.
Example: 2005 traditional, 3,000 sq ft, 4 bed/3.5 bath, open kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances, primary on main, hardwood floors, finished basement, two-car garage, fenced backyard. Third-acre lot. Listed $685,000, sold $695,000 in 28 days with 3 offers.
High-End: $800,000-$2,500,000+
These are Roswell's premium properties:
4,000-6,000+ sq ft
5-6 bedrooms, 4-6 bathrooms
Custom builds or extensively renovated estates
Larger lots: 0.50-2.0+ acres (some estate lots exist)
High-end finishes: hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, premium appliances, luxury bathrooms
Additional features: finished basements, outdoor living spaces, pools, three-car garages, guest suites
Golf community options available
At this level, you're getting homes that compete with North Fulton's best (Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton) while maintaining Roswell's historic character and proximity to Atlanta.
Example: 2018 custom build, 5,200 sq ft, 6 bed/5.5 bath, chef's kitchen with professional appliances, primary suite with sitting room and spa bath, three bedrooms upstairs, two bedrooms in finished terrace level, home theater, wine cellar, screened porch, outdoor kitchen, saltwater pool, three-car garage. Acre lot in golf community. Listed $1,850,000.
Condos and Townhomes
Roswell has moderate attached housing inventory:
Condos: $200,000-$500,000
Mix of older (1980s-1990s) and newer construction
900-1,500 sq ft typical
1-2 bedrooms, 1-2 bathrooms
HOA fees $200-$400+ monthly
Good option for singles, young professionals, investors
Townhomes: $400,000-$750,000
Mix of vintages
1,800-2,800 sq ft
2-4 bedrooms, 2.5-3.5 bathrooms
Attached garages typical
HOA fees $150-$350 monthly
Lower maintenance than single-family
Roswell's housing stock is predominantly single-family detached homes. If you specifically want condos or townhomes, you'll have options but less variety than Brookhaven.
Location and Boundaries: Where Roswell Actually Is
Roswell sits approximately 20 miles north of Downtown Atlanta in North Fulton County.
Boundaries (approximate): North: Extends toward Canton/Woodstock South: Near Sandy Springs East: Borders Johns Creek and Alpharetta West: Extends toward Marietta/East Cobb
Zip codes: 30075, 30076, 30077 (Roswell spans multiple)
Neighboring cities:
Alpharetta (north/northeast)
Johns Creek (east)
Sandy Springs (south)
Marietta/East Cobb (west)
Milton (north)
Commute Times
To Midtown: 25-35 minutes via GA-400 southbound To Downtown: 30-40 minutes via GA-400 to I-85 To Buckhead: 20-25 minutes via GA-400 or Roswell Road To Airport: 45-60 minutes via GA-400 to I-85 to I-285 (longer during rush hour) To Perimeter/Dunwoody: 15-20 minutes via GA-400 To Alpharetta/North Point: 10-15 minutes via GA-400 northbound
MARTA Access: Roswell has MARTA bus service but no MARTA rail. The nearest rail stations are North Springs (Red Line, about 10-15 minutes south) and Sandy Springs (Red Line). Roswell is less MARTA-accessible than Brookhaven or intown neighborhoods. This is a car-dependent suburb.
Schools: Fulton County Schools
Roswell is served by Fulton County Schools. Unlike Brookhaven's complex split between two districts, Roswell has unified district coverage, though multiple elementary/middle/high school zones exist within the city.
Fulton County Schools Overview
Fulton County Schools is ranked #19 in Georgia school districts (Niche A rating). The district serves 89,935+ students across 109 schools. Fulton County has a reputation for strong academics, particularly in North Fulton areas like Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Milton.
Public Schools (Examples - Verify Your Specific Address)
Roswell contains multiple elementary, middle, and high schools. School zoning varies by address. Always verify exact school assignments for any property you're considering.
Elementary Schools (Examples):
Roswell North Elementary (PK-5)
Ranked #152 in Georgia elementary schools
Niche rating: A
Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Enrollment: ~885 students
Project-based learning school
Parents report strong community, involved families, wonderful teachers
International School of the Americas - Roswell (K-8)
Charter school option
Ranked #2 in Best Public K-8 Schools in Georgia
Niche rating: A
Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Enrollment: ~837 students
Bilingual immersion programs
Vickery Mill Elementary (PK-5)
Ranked #496 in Georgia elementary schools
Niche rating: B+
Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Enrollment: ~404 students
Title I school with ethnic/racial diversity
Multiple other elementary schools serve Roswell including Fulton Academy of Science & Technology (FAST), various traditional public schools, and charter options.
Middle Schools (Examples):
Elkins Pointe Middle (6-8)
Ranked #61 in Georgia middle schools
Niche rating: A
Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Enrollment: ~623 students
Multiple middle schools serve Roswell depending on address.
High Schools:
Roswell High School (9-12)
Ranked #2,247 nationally, #54 in Georgia high schools
Student-teacher ratio: varies
Enrollment: large comprehensive high school
55% AP participation rate
46% minority enrollment, 29% economically disadvantaged
Offers Advanced Placement coursework
Additional high schools may serve parts of Roswell depending on address.
School Zoning Complexity
While Roswell is entirely within Fulton County Schools (simpler than Brookhaven's two-district split), the city contains multiple elementary, middle, and high school zones. Two homes in different Roswell neighborhoods may be zoned to completely different schools.
Before making an offer on any Roswell home:
Verify exact school zoning with Fulton County Schools
Research test scores, ratings, parent reviews for your specific zoned schools
Visit the schools
Understand elementary zoning doesn't guarantee specific middle/high school path
Don't assume "Roswell" equals specific schools
Roswell's reputation for schools is based on Fulton County Schools overall and specific high-performing schools within the city. Research your specific address zoning thoroughly—school quality and character vary across Roswell's multiple schools.
Charter School Options
Roswell has several charter school options including:
International School of the Americas (ISCAtlanta) - K-8
Fulton Academy of Science & Technology (FAST) - K-8
And others
Charter schools may have different enrollment requirements and lottery systems. Research options if interested.
Private School Options
Roswell families also have access to excellent private schools:
Nearby private schools:
Fellowship Christian School (Pre-K through 12): Located in Roswell, ~$15,000-$20,000+ tuition
Mount Pisgah Christian School: Located near Roswell, ~$15,000-$20,000+ tuition
The Westminster Schools (Pre-K through 12): Buckhead, ~$35,000-$40,000+ tuition
The Lovett School (Pre-K through 12): North Buckhead, ~$30,000-$35,000+ tuition
Pace Academy (Pre-K through 12): Buckhead, ~$35,000-$40,000+ tuition
Atlanta Academy: Roswell area, highly rated
If you're considering private school, budget accordingly. For a family with two children, you're looking at $30,000-$80,000+ annually in after-tax dollars for tuition depending on school choice.
Historic Roswell: The Downtown Experience
What Makes Historic Roswell Special
Historic Roswell (also called Downtown Roswell) is the city's signature asset—a charming, walkable historic district centered on Canton Street that feels like a small Southern town despite being in Metro Atlanta.
Canton Street - The Main Corridor:
Historic commercial district with:
Independent restaurants (no chains)
Boutique shopping
Art galleries
Coffee shops and cafes
Bars and nightlife spots
Historic architecture preserved
Dining Highlights:
Salt Factory Pub: Upscale pub fare, craft cocktails
Table & Main: Farm-to-table Southern
Osteria Mattone: Italian, wood-fired pizzas
Provisions: Southern comfort, brunch destination
Little Alley Steak: Steakhouse
Numerous other options spanning casual to upscale
Shopping:
Boutique clothing stores
Home decor shops
Gift shops
Art galleries
Specialty retail
Events:
Alive After 5 (summer concert series, Thursday evenings)
Farmers market
Seasonal festivals
Art walks
Holiday celebrations
Character: Historic Roswell feels authentic, not manufactured. Buildings date to 1800s-early 1900s. Brick sidewalks, gas lamp-style streetlights, mature trees. It's genuinely charming without feeling touristy or fake.
Proximity Matters
Not all Roswell homes are walkable to Historic Downtown. Roswell covers substantial geographic area—some neighborhoods are 5-10+ miles from Canton Street.
If walkability to Historic Roswell is a priority, focus your search on neighborhoods within 1-2 miles of downtown. Don't assume "Roswell address" means walking distance to Canton Street—it doesn't.
However, even non-walkable neighborhoods benefit from Historic Roswell's proximity—it's a short drive for dinner, weekend activities, or community events.
The Roswell Character: Established Suburban with Identity
City History
Roswell was incorporated in 1854, making it one of Georgia's older cities (unlike Brookhaven's 2012 incorporation). The city has deep roots, historic sites, and established identity.
Historic sites include:
Bulloch Hall (1840s mansion, childhood home of Theodore Roosevelt's mother)
Barrington Hall (1840s plantation home)
Smith Plantation (1840s homestead)
Historic mill sites
Old Roswell Cemetery
Roswell's history as an antebellum cotton mill town gives it character and preservation ethic. The city values its historic identity while accommodating modern growth.
Community Culture
Roswell feels established and family-oriented:
Family-focused: Parks, excellent schools, youth sports, family events. Strollers, minivans, kids on bikes. This is a place designed around families with children.
Traditional suburban: Roswell is unapologetically suburban. Neighborhoods with cul-de-sacs, two-car garages, HOAs, swim/tennis communities. If you want bohemian culture or urban edge, this isn't it.
Outdoor lifestyle: Extensive parks, trails along Chattahoochee River, greenspace. Residents bike, run, hike, use parks regularly. Active community.
Historic preservation: Unlike newer suburbs, Roswell takes historic preservation seriously. Downtown's character is protected. Residents value history and character.
Politically engaged: Roswell residents are involved in city government, attend council meetings, advocate on development and preservation issues.
Established stability: Many families have lived in Roswell for 10-20+ years. Multi-generational ownership common. This creates deep community roots and stability.
Who Actually Lives Here
Demographics:
Median household income: High (varies by neighborhood, generally $100,000-$200,000+ range)
Education: Majority college-educated, many professionals
Homeownership: Predominantly owner-occupied single-family
Age: Mix of young families (30s-40s with children), established families (40s-50s), empty nesters
Buyer profiles:
Families with school-age children: Parents researching Fulton County Schools who want Roswell's school options. Often relocating from other states/cities or upgrading from smaller Atlanta homes.
Corporate relocations: Professionals moving to Atlanta for jobs who want accessible suburban living with good schools and established neighborhoods. Roswell's reputation and amenities make it easy sell for corporate relocation packages.
Empty nesters from farther North Metro: Couples whose kids are grown, selling larger homes in Alpharetta/Johns Creek/Milton, downsizing to Roswell while staying in familiar North Fulton area and gaining closer proximity to Atlanta/Buckhead.
Young professionals wanting suburban entry point: Singles or couples in late 20s-early 30s buying townhomes/condos as starter homes in good school district for future family planning.
Multi-generational Atlanta families: People who grew up in North Atlanta, maybe attended Roswell schools themselves, want to raise their own kids in same area. Deep Atlanta roots.
Parks and Recreation
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Roswell's western border is the Chattahoochee River, providing access to federal parkland:
Vickery Creek Trail (3+ miles, waterfalls, historic mill ruins)
Island Ford Trail
Azalea Trail
Kayaking and tubing on the river
Fishing
Picnicking
Major recreational asset providing natural beauty and outdoor activities without leaving the city.
Roswell Area Park
185+ acre park with:
Playgrounds
Tennis courts
Baseball/softball fields
Soccer fields
Walking trails
Picnic areas
Community center
Waller Park
Athletic complex with:
Multiple sports fields
Tennis courts
Basketball courts
Playground
Big Creek Greenway
Multi-use paved trail system:
Connects Roswell to Alpharetta and beyond
Bike commuting option for some
Running and walking trail
8+ miles in Roswell area, connects to larger trail network
Additional Parks
Roswell has invested heavily in parks and greenspace. Numerous neighborhood parks throughout the city provide playgrounds, green space, and community gathering spots.
Comparing Roswell to Other Neighborhoods
Roswell vs. Brookhaven
Brookhaven wins on:
Closer to Atlanta (10 miles vs 20 miles from Downtown)
MARTA rail station in city (vs bus service only)
Town Brookhaven walkable district
Newer homes on average
Roswell wins on:
Historic downtown character (Canton Street vs Town Brookhaven)
Chattahoochee River access and natural recreation
Established city identity (incorporated 1854 vs 2012)
Unified school district (all Fulton County vs Brookhaven's split)
Property taxes comparable
School zoning varies by specific address in both cities - research thoroughly. Both are family-oriented suburbs with different characters.
Bottom line: Brookhaven feels newer and more urban-adjacent; Roswell feels more established and traditionally suburban with historic character.
Roswell vs. Alpharetta
Alpharetta wins on:
Larger commercial base and job centers
Avalon mixed-use development
More retail and dining variety citywide
Tech company presence
Roswell wins on:
Historic downtown character (Canton Street vs Downtown Alpharetta)
Chattahoochee River recreation
Closer to Atlanta/Buckhead (20 miles vs 25+ miles)
More established historic identity
School zoning varies - both have Fulton County Schools with multiple high-performing schools.
Bottom line: Both are strong North Fulton suburbs; Alpharetta is more commercial/corporate, Roswell is more historic/residential.
Roswell vs. Johns Creek
Johns Creek wins on:
Newer construction predominates
Some areas have lower property taxes
More master-planned communities
Roswell wins on:
Historic downtown (Canton Street - Johns Creek lacks walkable downtown)
Closer to Atlanta/Buckhead
Chattahoochee River access
More architectural variety and character
School zoning varies - both have Fulton County Schools reputation.
Bottom line: Johns Creek is newer and more master-planned; Roswell is more established with historic character.
Roswell vs. Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs wins on:
Closer to Atlanta (15 miles vs 20 miles)
Larger commercial base
More employment centers within city
Perimeter proximity
Roswell wins on:
Historic downtown character
Chattahoochee River recreation
More traditional suburban feel
School zoning varies - research both
Bottom line: Sandy Springs is more urban and commercial; Roswell is more residential and historic.
Challenges and Considerations
Property Taxes
Roswell property taxes (Fulton County):
Effective rate approximately 0.89% of assessed value (competitive with Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek)
On a $650,000 home: ~$5,785 annually
On a $800,000 home: ~$7,120 annually
On a $1,000,000 home: ~$8,900 annually
Roswell's property tax rate is lower than City of Atlanta (Fulton County) addresses and DeKalb County. This is one advantage of North Fulton suburbs.
Commute Reality
Roswell is 20 miles from Downtown Atlanta. During rush hour, this translates to:
35-50 minutes to Midtown via GA-400 southbound
40-60 minutes to Downtown
GA-400 can be heavily congested during peak times
If you're commuting daily to Midtown or Downtown, be realistic about drive times. MARTA isn't a practical option from Roswell (bus service exists but most residents drive).
Some Roswell residents work in Alpharetta, Perimeter, or North Fulton job centers, making commutes shorter. Others work remotely or have flexible schedules. Daily long commutes to Downtown are challenging.
No MARTA Rail
Unlike Brookhaven or intown neighborhoods, Roswell has no MARTA rail. This is a car-dependent suburb. If you value MARTA access or car-free living, Roswell won't work.
MARTA bus service exists but isn't practical for most residents. Nearest rail stations (North Springs, Sandy Springs) are 10-15 minutes away by car.
Historic Home Maintenance
If you buy in or near Historic Roswell, homes may be 100+ years old (though many have been extensively renovated). This requires:
Foundation monitoring
Roof replacements every 15-20 years
HVAC and system updates
Plumbing and electrical modernization
Ongoing maintenance higher than new construction
Budget $5,000-$10,000+ annually for maintenance and repairs beyond routine upkeep.
HOA Prevalence
Many Roswell neighborhoods have homeowners associations with:
Monthly or annual HOA fees ($200-$1,000+ annually depending on amenities)
Architectural review boards (approval needed for exterior changes)
Rules about landscaping, parking, etc.
Swim/tennis amenities in many communities
If you dislike HOAs, your options in Roswell are more limited. Research HOA rules and fees for any neighborhood you're considering.
School Zoning Research Essential
Don't assume "Roswell" equals specific schools. The city contains multiple elementary, middle, and high schools with different zoning. Research thoroughly and verify exact assignments for any property.
School quality and character vary across Roswell's schools. Some are highly rated, others are average. Don't buy based on city reputation alone—research your specific zoned schools.
Is Roswell Right for You?
Nearly 10 years helping Atlanta buyers means I can usually tell whether Roswell matches someone's priorities.
You Should Consider Roswell If:
You've researched the school district: Roswell is served by Fulton County Schools (ranked #19 in Georgia). Specific school zoning varies by address—examples include Roswell North Elementary (#152 in Georgia, A rating), Roswell High (#54 in Georgia), and multiple other options. Research your specific address zoning, review test scores and programs, visit schools, and determine if they meet your family's needs.
You want established suburban living: You value traditional neighborhoods, mature trees, established communities over newer construction or emerging areas. You want proven stability.
You appreciate historic character: Historic Roswell's Canton Street appeals to you. You want access to walkable downtown district with restaurants, shopping, and community events without living in dense urban environment.
You value outdoor recreation: Chattahoochee River access, extensive parks, trails, greenspace matter to you. You'll actually use these amenities regularly.
You can afford $550,000-$850,000 comfortably: You can handle the purchase price AND the $5,000-$8,000+ annual property taxes, potential HOA fees, home maintenance, and potentially private school tuition if that's your plan.
You're okay with car dependency: You accept that Roswell requires driving. No MARTA rail, limited walkability outside Historic Downtown core. You have reliable transportation and don't mind driving daily.
You want North Fulton location: You work in Alpharetta, North Point, Perimeter, or North Fulton job centers. Or you work remotely and want suburban lifestyle. Long Downtown commutes don't apply to you.
You Probably Shouldn't Buy in Roswell If:
You want intown urban living: If you want to walk daily to coffee shops, restaurants, bars without getting in your car, if you value nightlife and urban energy, Roswell won't satisfy. Even Historic Downtown is small-scale. Look at Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Midtown, Decatur.
You need MARTA access: If MARTA rail matters for your commute or lifestyle, if you want car-free or car-light living, Roswell has no rail stations. Look at neighborhoods on MARTA lines.
You're commuting to Downtown daily: If you work Downtown and commute 5 days weekly, 40-60 minute drives each way will wear you down. Look closer to Atlanta or on MARTA lines.
You're researching multiple school districts: Roswell school zoning varies by address across multiple elementary, middle, and high schools. Research your specific address zoning thoroughly. Compare Roswell's school options to other cities you're considering. Different families have different educational priorities.
You want cutting-edge or bohemian culture: Roswell is traditional, family-oriented, suburban. If you want diversity of thought, artistic communities, edge, or progressive culture, look elsewhere (Little Five Points, East Atlanta, Decatur, intown neighborhoods).
You're budget-conscious: If $600,000+ is stretching your finances, if property taxes and HOA fees concern you, there are more affordable options (Smyrna, Marietta, farther suburbs, some intown neighborhoods).
You dislike HOAs: Many Roswell neighborhoods have active HOAs with fees and restrictions. If you value complete property autonomy, your options are limited.
Final Thoughts: Roswell's Value Proposition
Nearly 10 years helping Atlanta buyers taught me that the "best" neighborhood is the one that matches your actual lifestyle and priorities, not the one with the best reputation or that everyone recommends.
Roswell's value proposition is clear:
What you're paying for:
Fulton County Schools (ranked #19 in Georgia - research your specific address zoning)
Historic downtown Roswell with Canton Street restaurants, shopping, events
Established city (incorporated 1854) with identity and character
Chattahoochee River access and extensive parks/trails/greenspace
Traditional suburban neighborhoods with mature trees
Lower property taxes than City of Atlanta ($5,000-$9,000 annually on $650K-$1M homes)
Proximity to North Fulton job centers (Alpharetta, Perimeter)
Family-oriented community with stability
20 miles from Downtown Atlanta, 20-25 minutes to Buckhead
What you're accepting:
Car dependency (no MARTA rail, limited walkability outside Historic Downtown)
Commute to Downtown Atlanta (35-60 minutes depending on time/traffic)
Traditional suburban character (not urban, not bohemian, not edgy)
School zoning complexity (multiple schools in Roswell, must verify specific address)
HOA prevalence (many neighborhoods have fees and rules)
Higher prices than farther suburbs ($550K-$850K typical vs $400K-$600K in some areas)
Competitive market (homes receive ~3 offers average, sell at ~99% of asking)
If the trade-offs make sense for your lifestyle and priorities, Roswell delivers tremendous value. You get North Atlanta suburban living with historic character, strong school reputation (research your specific zoning), extensive outdoor recreation, and established community without moving to the far northern suburbs.
If the trade-offs don't work—if you need urban living, MARTA access, shorter Downtown commutes, more affordable pricing, or different school options—there are better neighborhoods for you.
The key is being honest about who you are and how you actually want to live. If you value established suburban character, historic downtown charm, outdoor recreation, and family-oriented community over urban density and car-free living, Roswell is one of North Atlanta's best options for families and professionals.

