Though Forsyth County is located close to the city, it has retained its small-town feeling. Forsyth County is in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and extends along most of the west side of Lake Lanier. Many residents enjoy fishing, sailing, swimming, and skiing on Lake Lanier, a beautiful multipurpose lake.
Forsyth County has been in the top ten fastest-growing counties in the United States for several years. Forsyth and Fayette are suburban counties in the second-fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States. Only Los Angeles is growing faster than Atlanta. The 2005 Census Estimate placed the population at 140,393.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 247 square miles. Its county seat is Cumming. Cumming is 35 miles north of downtown Atlanta. The heart of Cumming is located on the southwest side of Lake Lanier. For recreation here, enjoy lake life with the many public-access beaches and boat ramps, as well as a trip to the north Georgia mountains to see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state.
Forsyth County has a reputation for being one of the most affluent commuter communities in the state. The county ranks 19th in the nation in median income. The median household income for a family of four in Forsyth County is $72,945, second in Georgia only to similarly suburban Fayette County at $74,320.
Forsyth County was created in 1832 from a partition of the Cherokee County territory.
Homes
Many new subdivisions with beautiful homes have been constructed, several around world-class golf courses. Because Forsyth is close to Atlanta and the Blue Ridge mountains, it has attracted many new residents.
As of February 2007, Cumming and Forsyth County homes are in high demand, and there is a lot of new construction in the area that will continue to increase property values. In general, homes in Cumming sell in about 80 days and bring 98% of the asking price, depending on the price, the location, and the condition of the property.
Forsyth offers plenty of new subdivisions in all price ranges to those that hope to move here. There is something for everyone.
Forsyth County's population grew 123 percent between 1990 and 2000, and most of the population growth was from newcomers. Affluent people are choosing to move here because of the quality of life. As the upscale subdivisions and mini-mansions continue to sprout up around Forsyth, more and more people move here. The affluent growth attracts more affluent growth.
The housing options in Forsyth tend to exclude those who can’t keep up with the prices. The median value of an existing home in Forsyth County is now about $250,000, up from $184,600 just five years ago. The housing costs just keep going up.
Forsyth and Fayette have proven to be among the most attractive places to live for the well-paid white-collar workers who have flocked to Atlanta in the past 30 years.
A variety of shopping is available inside the county or just 10 miles to major shopping malls.
Education
Forsyth County School System is the largest employer in the county and serves over 28,000 students. It is home to sixteen elementary schools, six middle, three high schools, one alternative school for middle and high school students, and a charter high school. More schools are scheduled to open by the end of 2007, bringing enrollment to over 50,000 students. The schools are growing fast, with many students ranking high test scores.
The Forsyth County school system is one of the first successful free public school systems in Georgia. The student/teacher ratio is low and more than half of the county's teachers hold advanced degrees.
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