Dalton Apartments and Rentals

A historic town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dalton is known as the "Carpet Capitol of the World" due to its profitable carpet-making industry. With its Southern charm and authentic small town feel, many families are looking for Dalton apartments for rent because it is a wonderful place to raise a family. As of 2010, there were 11,313 households in 13,378 housing units, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, indicating that Dalton is a city of families that live, work and play together.

Dalton was inhabited by Cherokee Native Americans until European settlers came into the area in the early 19th century. The forced removal of the Cherokee in the Southern states is known as the Trail of Tears, and this tragic event began in an area that was called Cross Plains in 1838 to 1839. After this tragic event occurred, John D. Gray came into the area and built the Western and Atlantic Railroad to connect Atlanta to Chattanooga and the small village of Dalton was formed.

The Civil War took a toll on the then-fledgling community. Thirteen battles and skirmishes took place, including Union General Sherman's famous march across Georgia to capture Atlanta. After the war, Dalton residents began moving away from the agrarian economy of the South and started building textile mills. As bedspreads, and later toilet covers, bath mats, robes and throw rugs became popular with housewives in the early 20th century, Dalton began to emerge as production hub for all things carpeted, and the community was able to come out of the Great Depression unscathed. Ever since, Dalton has been a successful manufacturing hub for carpet, drawing many Georgians to the area.

Many students looking for Dalton rentals get their education at Dalton State University, a four-year college that has been a town fixture since 1963. Now, Dalton State offers baccalaureate degrees in a variety of fields. Those studying here enjoy the close proximity to Chattanooga and Atlanta as well as all the advantages of a small school setting.

Sales representatives and wholesale manufacturing in the carpet industry account for the largest percentage of the workforce in Dalton. However, there are also job opportunities in computer analytics, accounting and nursing in the area as well. The largest employers in the area are Shaw Industries and Aladdin Mills, which are both carpet manufacturers.

Dalton is a very affordable community to live in because of its low cost of living which is 10 points below the national average, according to. Dalton is a young city, with an average age of 31. The median gross rent in 2009 was $615 per month.     

Since Dalton is near the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are several trails and lakes that are popular with locals, including Snake Creek Gap Mountain, Farmers Lake and Pinhoti Trail. Some of these locations are part of the Appalachian Trail, making Dalton a popular destination for serious hikers.

Since the history of the Civil War is so enriched into the mind of the community, the military cemetery and battlegrounds in Dalton are among the most historically significant in the South. There are several reenactments that take place throughout the year, but if you want to explore the grounds for yourself, there are Civil War marker dedications at Mill Creek Gap, Crow Valley and Fort Hill.

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