Living close to the Marietta Square in the historic district is all about “location, location, location” for Phyllis and Bob Kiser. Twenty-eight years ago, the Kisers moved to Cobb County from Miami for Bob’s work at an accounting firm, Moore Colson, where he is a managing partner.

The Kisers lived in east Cobb for nine years and west Cobb for 10. Though they developed many close friends in both places, the couple was attracted to the central location of downtown Marietta.

“I always wanted to live in an old house,” Phyllis said. Her grandmother lived in an old Southern home in Springfield, S.C., near Aiken.

“I think that’s what drew me to Marietta. I would have done anything to move (my grandmother’s) house here but we couldn’t,” Phyllis said. However, the Kisers pass her grandmother’s home that still stands today when they visit family.

“I’ve always been drawn to old houses,” she said. “I can’t believe we got to do this.”

The Kisers initiated their search for a home in the city when they were close to being empty-nesters.

“We loved the Marietta Square,” said the mother of two grown children and two grandchildren.

The proximity of their home, built circa 1908, to the Marietta Square allows them the luxury of walking there

“We love ... supporting the local merchants on the Marietta Square. It’s great to go to the merchants, and they know who you are,” Phyllis said. “You see some of the same people shopping and see some of the same people dining.”

Her favorites also include the farmer’s market, Willie Rae’s, Simpatico and dk Gallery.”

After moving to the historic district, the Kisers also took advantage of the convenience of Kennesaw Mountain.

“I love to bike, run and hike at Kennesaw Mountain. We’re just so close and to get to do that on a regular basis is wonderful. I don’t think a lot of people realize the amenities we have here,” she said.

The neighborhood also provides a sense of community.: “Our street and everywhere around you have an eclectic group of people that come from all different walks of life. It’s just a nice close group of people. It was all about location, location, location. It was the first time Bob and I felt like we were in a community,” Phyllis said.