If you're considering relocating to Woodstock or Canton, Georgia, you're probably wondering which city is the better fit for your lifestyle. Both offer unique advantages, and in this guide, we’ll compare them across key factors like population density, downtown atmosphere, location, home prices, healthcare, schools, safety, and things to do.

Population Density

Woodstock was once a quiet, suburban extension of Marietta, but today, it has grown into a bustling city. Many locals even feel that Woodstock is reaching capacity, with little land left for new construction. If you’re looking for new homes in Woodstock, opportunities are becoming scarce.

Canton, on the other hand, offers more space. While its population of 36,000 is similar to Woodstock’s 38,000, Canton is three times the geographic size, making for a lower population density. If you prefer more open land and larger lots, Canton might be the better option.

Downtown Atmosphere

Downtown Woodstock is vibrant and highly developed, with a mix of restaurants, breweries, shops, event spaces, an amphitheater, and even a parking deck to accommodate the high foot traffic. Its central location makes it easily accessible from surrounding areas like Marietta, Acworth, Alpharetta, and Roswell.

Canton’s downtown has historically been quieter, but it's rapidly evolving. New restaurants, bars, and entertainment options are revitalizing the area. The Mill on Etowah, a repurposed industrial complex, has become a community favorite with shops, restaurants, and frequent events. While Woodstock's downtown remains the livelier option, Canton is catching up.

Location

Both Woodstock and Canton are located off I-575, approximately 45 minutes north of Atlanta. However, Woodstock's central positioning makes it more convenient for reaching other Metro Atlanta suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, and Roswell, all of which offer additional amenities and entertainment options.

Canton is further removed from the metro area, bordering smaller towns like Waleska and Ball Ground. However, it's closer to the North Georgia mountains, offering access to scenic hikes, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Your choice will depend on whether you prefer proximity to the metro area or a more rural setting.

Home Prices

Traditionally, home prices decrease as you move farther from Atlanta, but Canton defies this trend. The median home price in Canton has been higher than in Woodstock for over a decade.

For attached homes (townhomes and condos), Woodstock tends to be pricier and offers more options. As of November 2024, the median price for an attached home in Woodstock is $485,000, compared to $360,000 in Canton. However, for detached single-family homes, Canton has a larger inventory with a median price of $545,000, slightly above Woodstock’s $515,000.

Newer construction homes (built after 2010) tend to be more expensive in Woodstock, but for homes built between 2000 and 2009, Canton has historically been 10-30% more expensive. Overall, Woodstock offers more affordability in some segments, but Canton remains highly desirable.

Healthcare

One of Canton’s biggest advantages is its access to Northside Cherokee Hospital, a highly rated medical facility conveniently located off I-575 between exits 16 and 19. For those prioritizing healthcare access, Canton is a strong choice.

While Woodstock has numerous medical centers, it lacks a hospital of the same scale. If easy access to top-tier medical care is important, Canton has the edge.

Schools

Both Woodstock and Canton are part of the Cherokee County School District, with three high schools in each city:

Woodstock: Woodstock High, River Ridge, and Etowah
Canton: Sequoyah, Creekview, and Cherokee

Based on ratings from Niche.com and GreatSchools.org, Creekview and Etowah rank highest, with Sequoyah and River Ridge following closely behind. Woodstock High and Cherokee High rank slightly lower. However, Cherokee High is undergoing a major renovation, set to open in 2026, which could improve its standing.

Overall, the schools in both cities are strong, but Woodstock gets a slight edge based on current ratings.

Safety

According to Safewise.com, both Woodstock and Canton rank among Georgia’s safest cities, with Woodstock at #14. Canton benefits from its association with nearby Holly Springs, which was named the safest city in the state. Crime rates per 1,000 residents are slightly lower in Canton, making it statistically the safer option.

Things to Do

Both cities offer plenty of recreational options, from parks and trails to entertainment venues and community events. Woodstock has a more established entertainment scene, with regular events at the amphitheater, a bustling downtown, and easy access to activities in surrounding suburbs.

Canton is growing rapidly in this regard, particularly with the rise of The Mill on Etowah. Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate its proximity to the North Georgia mountains, offering hiking, apple orchards, and scenic wineries.

Conclusion

Choosing between Woodstock and Canton depends on your priorities:

Choose Woodstock if: You want a more walkable, vibrant downtown, easy access to Metro Atlanta suburbs, and slightly lower prices for attached homes.
Choose Canton if: You prefer more space, access to Northside Cherokee Hospital, slightly lower crime rates, and proximity to North Georgia’s outdoor recreation.

Both cities are excellent choices for those moving to Cherokee County. Whether you're relocating to Woodstock or Canton, you’ll find great communities, excellent schools, and plenty of amenities to enjoy.

If you’re considering moving to either city, reach out for personalized guidance to help find the perfect home for your needs.

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