East Cobb, Georgia, is a rich tapestry of community, arts, outdoor living, and restaurants. With so much to do in this small but welcoming little suburb of Atlanta, you’ll never run out of senior-friendly activities. And don’t worry. You’ll find plenty for your kids and grandkids to enjoy, too. Here are our top choices for making the most of your East Cobb retirement.
Marietta Square Farmers Market is one of the South’s most beloved outdoor markets. It appears year-round on Saturdays taking over the square and serving up ice cream, treats, and fresh produce. Twice a month, artisans and crafters also come out to sell their wares as part of the co-occurring Marietta Square Artisan Market.
In East Cobb, you can shop til you drop — then shop some more. The Avenue East Cobb offers high-end fashion, kids’ clothing and toys, boutique home goods, and more. If the mall is more your scene, head north to Town Center, or enjoy Cumberland Mall — one of Atlanta’s oldest and most loved malls. Need a break from brand names and chains? Drive down to Marietta Square, where you’ll find boutique clothing, a toy store, used books, records, and more.
East Cobb is the heart of Atlanta’s suburban dining scene, which means just about every chain imaginable is here. Over the past two decades, dozens of amazing independent restaurants have opened their doors, too. Health-conscious fine diners will love the seasonal fare at Seed. Liberty Pizza offers some of the best pizza in Georgia, as well as a kid-friendly setting your grandkids will love. Or indulge in a Marietta tradition: the Marietta Diner, which makes out-of-this-world pies in-house. Check out the dozen-page-long menu.
You don’t have to fight traffic on the I-75 and go to Atlanta to enjoy performing arts. Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square is a remodeled version of a historic theatre. Enjoy year-round plays, live music, and more. The Atlanta Ballet and Atlanta Opera both perform down the street, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
Six Flags White Water is on everyone’s must-do list for summer fun. So grab the grandkids and go slip-sliding away. The park features exceptional food and drinks, a giant treehouse (complete with water guns), family-style rides everyone can go on together, a lazy river, daredevil-inspired slides, and a giant wave pool.
Senior activities don’t have to involve knitting and rocking chairs. Whether you’re a retired athlete or just want to be a bit more athletic, the Cobb County Senior Games is a community tradition. Join a team, then prepare for an Olympic-style event, complete with medals, cheering fans, and the glory of achievement.
Atlanta consistently ranks among the nation’s most rapidly graying cities. The region has had to quickly adapt with new resources for seniors. That’s great news for retirees who need something to do. Cobb County boasts several exceptional senior centers where you can learn about elder law, master a new craft, meet friends, and even embark on new romances. Cobb’s senior centers also offer daily nourishing meals via their congregate meal program.
A trip to see the Atlanta Braves once meant fighting Atlanta traffic, finding transportation, and walking a mile or more because of the dearth of parking. No more. The Braves’ move outside of the perimeter means that Cobb County residents can easily enjoy a game, then savor a bite to eat at Cumberland Mall or one of the many enticing restaurants around the Cobb Galleria Centre.
East Cobb is the perfect place to spend the best chapter of your life. Filled with perfectly manicured neighborhoods, beautiful homes, and a senior-friendly infrastructure, there’s truly something here for everyone. For more tips for a leisurely and meaningful retirement, check out our free guide, “The Busy Person’s Guide to Recreation in Retirement.”