How is this part of town ? (Marietta: hotel, taxi, restaurants)

[BRMan]

I'm attending a conference in Marietta next month. The hotel and conference center are both near the I-285/75 junction (near Cumberland Mall). How safe is this part of Marietta (around the Cumberland Mall/Galleria) if I want to walk around and not have to depend on a car/taxi ?

[spacelord75]

Fortunately, they have just totally over-hauled Cumberland Mall, and it actually is pretty decent now. Typical chain restaurants and stores, but at least they've moved out of the 80's finally! The mall is right across the street from the Galleria and can be accessed via a breezeway over Cobb Pkwy, which is one of the most congested roads in town. Unfortunately, you won't want to be walking up and down Cobb Pkwy....not because of safety from people, but more just b/c there is so much traffic and congestion there. I think your dining and shopping options will be sufficient at Cumberland now to hold you over through your conference, though. In general, this mall area is not as safe as say Perimeter or North Point, but I go to it all the time and never feel nervous - you do get some riffraff due to it being on Cobb Pkwy, but it's definitely not unsafe.