The City of Roswell is proud to be consistently recognized for excellence in government, community initiatives, and quality of life. These awards reflect the dedication of our Mayor, Council, and staff, as well as the commitment of our residents, partners, and organizations that make Roswell such a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

2025

• U.S. News & World Report — Best Places to Live (2025–2026) — Roswell listed #3 in Georgia and #52 nationally.
• Named among Livability.com’s Top 100 Best Places to Live (2025 listing)
• Niche: A+ overall rating — Current Niche profile rankings (as of late 2024/2025):
  • #6 — Best Suburbs to Live in Georgia.
  • #6 — Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Georgia.
  • #12 — Places with the Best Public Schools in Georgia.  
• Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) — Water Treatment Plant of the Year (Roswell Water Treatment Plant)
• Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) — Education Program of Excellence Award (Gold Award for Environmental/Public Works)
• Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award — Roswell Fire Department selected as a 2025 recipient.
• International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Awards (Roswell Inc.):
  • Economic Development Organization of the Year (Bronze)
  • Gold — Annual Impact Report
  • Gold — Reuse and Redevelopment Project (Southern Post)
• Travel + Leisure – 10 Best Places to Live in Georgia (2025)

  The city was featured for its blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and family-friendly amenities.

2024

• Named in Livability.com’s Top 100 Best Places to Live (2024 listing) 
• International Economic Development Council (IEDC) — Excellence in Economic Development (Bronze/IEDC award reporting).
• Niche: A+ overall rating maintained; state rankings: Top 10 Best Suburbs to Live/Raise a Family in GA; Top 15 Places with the Best Public Schools in GA. 
• Georgia Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award — City has received this award consistently over many years.

2023

• Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) Platinum Award — Water Distribution System Excellence — Awarded for achieving five consecutive years (2018–2022) of the Gold Award
• Niche: A+ overall rating maintained; state ranking: Top 10 Best Suburbs to Live/Raise a Family in GA; Top 15 Places with the Best Public Schools in GA. 
• Georgia Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award — City has received this award consistently over many years.
• Yahoo News – Best Places to Live in the Southeast (2023): Roswell ranked #3 in the Southeast, praised for its entertainment options, low crime rates, and overall livability. 

2022

• Platinum Certified Green Community (Atlanta Regional Commission)
• Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) Water Distribution Gold Award — Final year in the 5-year gold streak, leading to the 2023 Platinum Award
• Niche: A+ overall rating maintained; Top 10 / Top 20 standings.
• Georgia Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award — City has received this award consistently over many years.

2021

• Bicycle Friendly Community Designation (League of American Bicyclists)
• Niche: A+ overall rating maintained; Top 10 / Top 20 standings.
• Georgia Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award — City has received this award consistently over many years.

Recurring, Historical, and Ongoing Achievements (Pre-2021)

• 2018–2020 — Water Distribution Gold Award (GAWP) — Three initial years of the 5-year Gold streak (2018-2022).
• 2017 — National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks & Recreation Management (NRPA).
• 2017 — Georgia Recreation & Parks Agency of the Year (9th time winning). 
• 2017 — Georgia Municipal Association Live, Work, Play Award
• 2015 — Police Department Gold Standard Assessment (CALEA Accreditation status)
• 2014 — Water Distribution Award (GAWP). (See Historical: Initial Award 2006)
• 2011 — Georgia Recreation & Parks Agency of the Year (8th time winning)
• 2009 — Water Distribution Award (GAWP). (See Historical: Initial Award 2006)
• Ongoing: Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (GFOA) — Consistently earned for decades.
• Ongoing: Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (GFOA) — Consistently earned for the annual budget. (Since 2006)
• Ongoing: Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award (NIGP) — City recognized 17 times since 2004
• Ongoing: Tree City USA Designation (Arbor Day Foundation) — City recognized for more than 30 consecutive years.(Since 1994)
• Since 1995: CALEA Accreditation (Police Department) — Nationally accredited since 1995
• Since 2002: CAPRA Accreditation (Recreation & Parks) — Nationally accredited since 2002
• 2006 — Georgia Trendsetter Award (GMA) — For the Big Creek Wetlands demonstration project
• 2006—Top 3 Cities in the Nation to Raise Your Family (Frommer’s)
• 2006 — Water Distribution Award (GAWP) (Initial win, repeated in 2009, 2014, and Gold 2018–2023)
• 2005 — Create Community Award (Atlanta Regional Commission) — Most prestigious ARC award, for environmental sustainability.
• 2004 — Preserve America Community Designation (ACHP) — For historic and cultural preservation
• Multiple — Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) Agency of the Year — Multi-time winner (1974, 1979, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1998, 2000, 2004, 2011, 2017)
• Georgia Municipal Association “City of Excellence” Designation