Business View Civil Municipal - July 2023

95 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 7 CHEROKEE COUNT Y, GEORGIA In more recent years, Cherokee County has experienced exceptional growth, now home to nearly 280,000 people and a sought-after community for those desiring close proximity to Atlanta while also enjoying a more suburban lifestyle. Located just 30 miles north of downtown Atlanta, Cherokee County is part of the 11-county Atlanta Regional Commission and is one of the fastest growing counties in the state of Georgia. Neldner added it boasts awarding-winning parks and recreational facilities, an exceptional public school system, and it’s a destination for the corporate headquarters of many companies. “When you think of Cherokee County, it’s probably one of the most sought- after communities in the Atlanta metro area,” Morton said. “We’re known for our strong quality of life, low taxes and our excellent educational opportunities. We have that small-town feel, but we’re still in close proximity to Atlanta.” Morton cited the County’s strong municipalities––Canton, Woodstock, Holly Springs, Ball Ground, Waleska, Mountain Park and Nelson––and their retail influences, including music venues, restaurants and breweries. Downtown Woodstock has become an economic hub over the last two decades, drawing in 3 million event-goers and shoppers each year. Canton, dubbed “The Coolest Small Town in America,” brings downtown to life with vibrant shopping opportunities, great dining options, and history education at the Cherokee County History Center. Smaller incorporated towns like Holly Springs, Ball Ground and Waleska have their own unique features. Holly Springs, centrally located, honors its history with the one of the County’s remaining train depots repurposed into a community center. The city also is embarking on a multi- million-dollar, mixed-use Town Center Misti Martin Geoff Morton