North Georgia is home to an increasing number of communities that merit “superlatives” – or in everyday language, special recognition. One we’ll discuss here is Forsyth County in north central Georgia, 45 miles north of downtown Atlanta.
With no offense intended to long time residents, when this author was a kid he knew Forsyth County best as home to Hee Haw celebrity Junior Samples. Forsyth was obviously far more than that then, and it certainly is now. But how times have changed.
In fairness, there was & is much about Forsyth that escapes the attention of any typical kid. Its estimated 2016 population is 221,000, and the county seat is Cumming. It is one of 5 counties surrounding Lake Lanier. Of approximately 59,000 homes, an impressive 86% are owner-occupied, only 14% rental.
In terms of special recognition, Forbes ranks Forsyth as the 7th fastest growing county in the US from 2010 to 2012. This is a 2017 report, and we kinda wish they’d bring it current, but it’s the latest data they offer.
Forsyth County is also ranked as Georgia’s:
- Wealthiest county
- Healthiest county
- 4th Best School District (1st among large districts)
- 2nd Best County to Live
Financial news provider 247WALLst ranks Forsyth as Georgia’s wealthiest county. Percentage of home ownership and the $86,500 median household income are among the highest in the US.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation & County Health Rankings & Roadmaps rate Forsyth County as Georgia’s healthiest. Forsyth earns top or 2nd rank in health outcomes, length & quality of life, health behaviors and social & economic factors.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution summarizes these growth, wealth & health statistics.
SchoolDigger places Forsyth County as the 4th best school district in the state, with higher ratings earned only by districts with far fewer schools. It earns top rating among districts of over ten total schools.
According to Niche, Forsyth is Georgia’s 2017 2nd best county in which to live, led only by Oconee to the southeast. Forsyth earns A & B grades for schools, housing, family life, safety, nightlife & diversity.
Forsyth County enjoys many attributes that defy rating. Certainly Lake Lanier recreational opportunities top the list. Commercially, from Georgia 400 exits 13 thru 15 one can find a diversity of shopping, dining & entertainment options that rival any metro Atlanta community. These combined with Forsyth’s close proximity to Atlanta and mountains & rivers to the north make it an outstanding place to call home.
Sources:
US Census Bureau
Forbes
247WALLst.com
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
County Health Rankings & Roadmaps
Atlanta Journal Constitution
SchoolDigger
Niche
stoddard.media
