If you’ve never heard of Rome, Georgia, you’re not alone but those who know it tend to never stop talking about it. Tucked into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Northwest Georgia, Rome is one of those rare small cities that delivers big on just about everything: scenic beauty, a thriving arts and food scene, excellent schools, and a community spirit that’s genuinely hard to find. Whether you’re considering a move or just exploring your options, Rome has a compelling case to make.
Small-Town Charm, Big-City Amenities
Rome sits in that sweet spot that’s increasingly rare: small enough to feel like a community, large enough to have everything you actually need. With a population of around 40,000, it’s intimate without being isolated. You’ll recognize faces at the farmers market, know your neighbors by name, and still have access to great restaurants, specialty shops, a thriving arts scene, and quality healthcare.
The pace of life here is different in the best way. People hold doors open. Local business owners know their regulars. There’s a sense of civic pride that shows up in well-kept neighborhoods, community events, and a genuine investment in making Rome a better place to live.
Rome was founded in 1834 at the confluence of the Etowah and Oostanaula rivers named after Rome, Italy, in part because it sits on seven hills. That history is still visible downtown in the wide streets, the iconic clock tower on Broad Street, and architecture that has stood since the 1800s. Rome knows who it is, and it wears that identity well.
The River District: Rome’s Crown Jewel
If you want to understand what makes Rome special, head to the River District. Stretching along the banks where the Etowah and Oostanaula rivers meet, this vibrant corridor has transformed in recent years into the social and cultural hub of the city.
The River District is home to locally-owned restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, boutiques, and galleries. On any given evening, you might find live music spilling out of a bar patio, couples strolling along the riverfront, or a food truck event drawing crowds from across the county. The Riverwalk offers miles of scenic trail along the water, perfect for morning runs, evening walks, or lazy weekend afternoons. Kayakers and canoeists regularly take to the rivers, and the view from the walking bridges at sunset is something you don’t forget quickly.
Festivals and Community Events
Rome knows how to celebrate. Throughout the year, the calendar fills with events that bring the community together and draw visitors from across the region.
Rome International Film Festival draws filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world each November, with screenings and panels that give the city an electric creative energy.
GermanFest is a beloved fall tradition celebrating Rome’s heritage with food, music, and beer. Let the Good Times Roll brings a Cajun party atmosphere each spring. And Miracle on Broad Street transforms downtown into a holiday wonderland each December parade, tree lighting, and all the seasonal cheer you could ask for.
Throughout the summer, the River District hosts outdoor concerts, art walks, and farmers markets that make it easy to spend a full weekend in the heart of the city.
Schools That Deliver
For families, schools are always near the top of the priority list and Rome holds its own. The Rome City School District has a strong reputation for academics, athletics, and the arts. Rome High School consistently prepares students for strong college outcomes, with meaningful investment in STEM and extracurricular programming.
Floyd County Schools serves the broader area with well-regarded schools and deep community involvement. At the higher education level, Rome is home to Berry College, one of the most stunning campuses in the country, sitting on over 27,000 acres and Georgia Highlands College, offering affordable two- and four-year degree pathways.
Strong Employers, Even Stronger Location
Rome’s economy is more diverse than its size might suggest. Atrium Health Floyd is one of the region’s largest employers and a major regional healthcare system. Kimberly-Clark operates a significant manufacturing facility nearby, and Mohawk Industries, one of the world’s largest flooring manufacturers, is headquartered just 30 minutes away in Calhoun.
Rome’s location is a genuine advantage: Atlanta is approximately 70 miles south, making it accessible for work, travel, and entertainment. Chattanooga is about 65 miles north. For remote workers and professionals who want metro-area access without metro-area prices, Rome hits a sweet spot that’s hard to argue with.
Affordability That Actually Makes Sense
In a market where housing costs in major metros have become genuinely out of reach for many families, Rome is a breath of fresh air. Home prices remain well below national averages, and Georgia’s favorable tax environment keeps the overall cost of living manageable. The math is simple: more home, lower costs, better quality of life.
Which brings us to one of the most exciting new opportunities in the Rome area right now.
Introducing Three Rivers by UnionMain Homes
If you’re looking for a new home in Rome, Three Rivers is worth your full attention. This master-planned community by UnionMain Homes is thoughtfully designed for the way people actually want to live with resort-style amenities, attainable prices, and a sense of place that feels both fresh and rooted.
And right now is the perfect time to get in. Three homes are move-in ready today, and the new model home is open so you can walk through, get a feel for the finishes and floor plans, and picture your life here without waiting.
A Community Built Around Living Well
Three Rivers isn’t just a neighborhood, it’s a lifestyle. The community’s amenity plan is designed to bring people together and keep everyone active:
- Resort-style pool — the kind of pool that makes a Saturday feel like a vacation
- Pickleball courts — one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, right outside your door
- Soccer fields — perfect for kids, weekend leagues, and pickup games
- Hike and bike trails — connecting residents to the outdoors and to each other
These aren’t future promises buried in fine print. They’re part of a thoughtfully developed master plan designed to make Three Rivers a place where neighbors become friends and every season has something to look forward to.
Priced for Real Life
One of the most remarkable things about Three Rivers is what you get for the price. UnionMain Homes has built a reputation across North Texas and beyond for delivering well-crafted homes at prices that don’t require you to choose between a good home and a good life. That same commitment is on full display here, quality construction, thoughtful design, and a price point that makes homeownership genuinely achievable.
Rome Is the Right Place. Three Rivers Is the Right Home.
The combination of Rome’s livability ; the schools, the River District, the outdoor access, the employment base, and a master-planned community with resort amenities at accessible prices is rare. It’s the kind of thing people move across the state for when they find it.
Three homes are ready now. The model is open. Come see what’s possible.
The Outdoors Are Right There
Rome’s location at the edge of the Appalachian foothills means outdoor recreation is always within reach. The rivers provide year-round fishing, paddling, and water recreation. Berry College’s vast open campus offers stunning hiking and wildlife viewing. Within an hour, residents have access to the Cohutta Wilderness, Red Top Mountain State Park, Cloudland Canyon State Park, and the start of the Appalachian Trail.
Three Rivers’ own hike and bike trails connect seamlessly to that outdoor lifestyle making it easy to step outside and go.
Is Rome and Three Rivers Right for You?
Rome, Georgia isn’t trying to be Atlanta. It’s just trying to be Rome and in doing that, it’s quietly become one of the most livable small cities in the South. Add in a master-planned community like Three Rivers, with resort amenities, move-in ready homes, and prices that make sense, and the question isn’t really why Rome it’s why wait.
Visit the Three Rivers model home today and see what’s waiting for you.
Ready to learn more? Explore Three Rivers by UnionMain Homes and find your new home in Rome, Georgia. Three homes are available now schedule your visit today.
