Dalton, GA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Dalton, GA: What You Need to Know

Dalton, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwest Georgia, has a rich legacy in manufacturing. It’s known as the Carpet Capital of the World.

Local History

Dalton was originally called Cross Plains. In 1847, its citizens changed the name to Dalton in honor of Edward Dalton White, a New York merchant who bought land in Cross Plains and laid out his vision for the town. The completion of the Western and Atlantic Railroad spurred Dalton’s growth. The city’s manufacturing heritage began at the start of the 20th century with Catherine Evans Whitener’s successful business making bedspreads using candlewick embroidery. Whitener and her family established the Evans Manufacturing Company in 1917, which eventually shifted to carpet making. The popularity of wall-to-wall carpeting in American homes drove the success of Dalton’s manufacturing industry further.

Local Job Opportunities

Dalton dominates carpet production, with about 90% of the functional carpet manufactured throughout the world is made within a 25-mile radius of the city. The effort to diversify the local economic base has resulted in the presence of more than 30 international companies in the city. The top manufacturing employers include Mohawk Industries, SwissTex America, and Engineered Floors. Outside of manufacturing, the city’s biggest employers are Hamilton Medical Center, Whitfield County Schools, and Dalton Public Schools.

The Cost of Living in Dalton

Dalton (population: 33,665) can attest to the philosophy that “small is beautiful.” Its cost of living, food, and housing costs are 6.3%, 23.2%, and 21.2% lower than the national average, respectively. The city’s median gross rent is $699. Georgia collects 1% to 5.75% in income tax and 4% to 9% in statewide sales tax. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

Residents are proud of the Burr Performance Arts Park in historic downtown, the center of social activities year-round. They love their city’s relaxed atmosphere, scenic environment, and great amenities. Over half of Dalton residents rent. Suburbanites should feel at home in Dalton since it’s considered a suburb of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Other nearby suburbs include Tunnel Hill and Varnell, both of which have a rural feel and above-average public schools.

Things to Do in Dalton

Dug Gap Mountain offers picturesque hiking and biking trails. For the serious hikers and bikers, the 335-mile Pinhoti National Recreation Trail goes through the mountain, into Dalton, and all the way to the start of the Appalachian Trail at Amicalola Falls. History buffs are drawn to Dug Gap Battle Park atop the mountain. It was where the Battle for Dug Gap Mountain took place in 1864, the first engagement in Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign during the Civil War.