Small-Town Charm Meets Big-City Excitement in Cumming, Georgia

By Amanda Bailey
7 min read

Small-Town Charm Meets Big-City Excitement in Cumming, Georgia

Takeaways:

  1. Cumming is worth exploring, not only because it’s a reliable investment for your financial future but because it allows you to cultivate the kind of lifestyle you want. 
  2. Cumming is a hometown rich with community traditions.
  3. The city of Cumming has invested in gorgeous facilities, allowing residents access to a wealth of family-friendly activities and opportunities year-round. 
  4. Cumming’s beauty calls residents outside to relax and play, offering exciting options for an active lifestyle on the water or land, enjoying the mountain foothills.
  5. A highly-rated school system is one of homebuyers’ top concerns, and Cumming checks that all-important box.

If you hop into your car in Atlanta and head northeast, as the skyscrapers fade from view, lush trees and rolling hills gradually replace them. Forty miles outside Atlanta, nestled in the foothills of the north Georgia mountains, you’ll reach Cumming, Georgia. Cumming calls itself a community with a “small town heart and big city spirit.” Cumming truly offers the best of both worlds, marrying small-town charm with the kind of vibrant social life and outstanding community conveniences you’d find in a larger city. 

Whether you’re a first time home buyer looking to settle down in a place with a hometown feel or you’re an experienced buyer searching for excellent schools and high property values, the city of Cumming deserves a spot on your list. The best mortgage companies will tell you that up-and-coming towns like Cumming are worth exploring, not only because they’re a reliable investment for your financial future but because they allow you to cultivate the kind of lifestyle you want. 

What makes Cumming so charming and desirable? Cumming boasts a unique blend of rich community traditions, outstanding community amenities, and a location that isn’t just easy on the eyes. It’s good for the soul. 

Do you long to feel part of a tight-knit community with a rich culture of traditions and events? Check.

Do you enjoy hiking among lush trees in mountain foothills? Check.

Are you drawn to boating, swimming, fishing, and sun-soaked days at the lake? Check.

Do you love shopping and dining in charming, laid-back areas? Check, check.

Are you a foodie who loves exploring local breweries, food trucks, and unique restaurants? Check, check, check.

The town of Cumming, Georgia, fulfills all these desires and so much more. If you’re looking to buy a home in Georgia, let’s highlight a few of the reasons Cumming should top your list: 

A Hometown Rich With Community Traditions

Every season, Cumming residents enjoy family-friendly events that forge community connections and provide a rhythm to the year. Here are just a few events you can look forward to in Cumming: 

  • The Winter Market and Tree Lighting herald the start of the holiday season. 
  • The July Fourth celebration features games, music, food, fireworks, and a parade in which the town’s beloved steam engine makes its appearance.
  • The Fridays at the Fairgrounds series brings residents outdoors to enjoy food trucks and free, family-friendly fun.
  • The Cumming Country Fair and Festival is an annual highlight where thousands gather to enjoy a classic fall festival.
  • The Cumming Art Fest features the work of local artists.
  • The Cumming Rodeo comes to the fairground every spring and fall, showcasing thrilling events like bull riding, bronc riding, and barrel racing.
  • Cumming City Center offers a variety of free events like a Saturday farmer’s market and the “Movies Alfresco” and “Kidz Dayz” series.

A City Boasting Second-to-None Facilities 

The City of Cumming has invested in gorgeous facilities, allowing residents access to a wealth of family-friendly activities and opportunities year-round. 

The Cumming Aquatic Center and Water Park

The Cumming Aquatic Center and Water Park is one of the premier aquatic centers in northeast Georgia if not the entire state. Residents enjoy an Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool for training and competition. The outdoor water park, with its water slide, lazy river, and splash-play area, keeps kids splashing all spring and summer. The instructional pool is open year-round and offers swimming, water fitness, and CPR classes.

The Cumming Fairgrounds

Every October, Cumming’s extensive fairgrounds play host to the Cumming Country Fair and Festival. Thousands of visitors flock to the fairground for classic fair food before riding roller coasters and rides that may soon leave them questioning those food decisions. But the Cumming Fairgrounds doesn’t stand empty after the rides pack up—it hosts exciting events all year long. Fridays at the Fairgrounds is a weekly event that brings food trucks, games, and family fun to all. The fairground also holds rodeos, concerts, and antique car shows yearly.

School Street Playhouse

Music and theater are thriving at School Street Playhouse. The playhouse offers a packed year-round calendar featuring bands, plays, and concerts that appeal to various tastes. 

An Outdoor Lifestyle in Gorgeous Surroundings

Cumming’s beauty calls you outside to relax and play, offering exciting options for an active lifestyle. If you love the water, Cumming has you covered. If you’re a land-lubber seeking well-maintained trails to hike and explore, Cumming has what you’re looking for. The best mortgage companies will tell you that access to water activities and mountain views is a powerful combination. This desirable lifestyle draws residents and visitors to an area and keeps property values high.  

Lake Sidney Lanier 

Mayor Troy Brumbalow, who grew up in Cumming, says, “I like to think that the city of Cumming is where you want to wear your flip-flops everywhere–just hang out and relax.” He mentions flip-flops for a reason: One of Cumming’s most beloved features is Lake Lanier, a stunning lake where residents can swim, boat, kayak, fish, explore, and relax. You’ll find beaches, pavilions, and boat ramps to help you savor fun days in the sun. Cumming residents don’t have to drive hours to the ocean–they can enjoy a day on the water without ever leaving their hometown. 

Hiking Trails and Awesome Parks  

In Cumming, hikers and nature enthusiasts have their pick of beautiful options to explore. You can experience peaceful trails and gorgeous mountain views at Sawnee Mountain Preserve, enjoy hiking and water access from Little Ridge Park, or drink in the unspoiled beauty of Caney Creek Preserve. 

Exciting Options for Shopping and Dining

Forsyth County describes itself as the place where “small town charm meets big city buzz,” and the new Cumming City Center perfectly embodies that spirit. The best mortgage companies know modern buyers want access to great shopping and dining in a walkable area. The Cumming City Center is a hub of activity, a charming and laid-back space offering green space, shopping, services, and a variety of locally-owned restaurants and breweries. It is home to a putt-putt course and the Lou Sobh Amphitheater, where residents often gather to enjoy concerts, outdoor movies, and a Saturday farmer’s market. 

Top-Rated Schools

Homebuyers don’t just care about shopping, events, and facilities. If you are currently raising children or considering starting a family down the road, you want to buy a home in an area with great schools. The best mortgage companies will tell you that a highly-rated school system is one of home buyers’ top concerns–and Cumming checks that all-important box. Niche gives the Forsyth County school district a grade of A+ and ranks it #3 out of 180 school districts in Georgia. 

Forsyth County is the fifth-largest school district in Georgia, serving more than 55,000 students. The student body represents a diverse population from 129 countries and 69 languages. In 2023-2024, the rapidly growing county was home to 42 public schools: 23 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, eight high schools, and seven support facilities. 

The Best Mortgage Companies Recommend Homes in Cumming as a Solid Investment

Because Cumming is a desirable city in Forsyth County, the fastest-growing county in Georgia, homeowners who purchase in Cumming are making solid investments they can feel great about. In August 2024, the average sale price of homes in Forsyth County was $672,955. The best mortgage companies will tell you that the earlier you purchase in a coveted area, the better. Once the secret gets out about hidden gems like Cumming, prices tend to increase. 

If you’re considering buying a home in Georgia, reach out to the Moreira Team to start putting the pieces in place so you’re ready to make a competitive offer when the time comes. We pledge to make your home-buying experience positive from start to finish. We strive to stand out among the best mortgage companies by prioritizing transparency, excellence, efficiency, and relationships. Check your rate today to find out how you can take steps toward finding a forever home.