CNN has called the city of Roswell, Georgia one of the best places to live in the United States, but things weren't always so pleasant for the Atlanta suburb. Like many of the towns located in America's south, Roswell was impacted heavily by the Civil War. Many of the homes and mills that were key to the town's initial development and economic success were destroyed during the war.

Fortunately, Roswell's residents returned home after the war and rebuilt. Many of these historic mills and homes still stand, and are an integral part of life in Roswell even today. These antebellum mansions and mills are open to the public and make visiting and living in Roswell a unique experience compared to some of the area's larger, more well-known cities, such as Atlanta.

While its past is a large part of life in Roswell today, there's so much more to see and explore in the city. These days, Roswell has a thriving arts community. It also has miles of scenic rivers and parks located on and near the Cherokee River. In addition, some of the best barbecue cooking you'll find in the South can be found right in Roswell, Georgia.

All of these aspects blend perfectly to create one of the most beautiful places in the state to reside. Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward certainly know this, as they call Roswell home during their Hollywood downtime. Situated close to Atlanta, Roswell encapsulates the small-town living that many people desire without distancing themselves completely from the big-city attractions they love and depend on.