Chauncey is a small, rural community in Dodge County
Chauncey, Georgia, has had a population of under 350 for decades. Its community is small, and its commercial infrastructure is limited, but that’s how its residents like it – quintessentially rural. “It’s a quiet, sleepy little town where you know your neighbors, and there’s a strong sense of community,” says local broker Becky Mullis with Good Thing Realty. She’s sold homes across the region for seven years and was born and raised in Dodge County. “It’s like a common day Mayberry.” The community offers sizable lots where residents often farm or hunt. “You can get land with low taxes, low restrictions and good wildlife that’s great for hunting.”
A limited housing market and large lots
Homes rarely go on the market in Chauncey. Two homes sold in 2024, with prices ranging from $98,000 for just over 2,000 square feet to $129,000 for a 1,200-square-foot home. “There are very limited spots in town,” Mullis says. Most of the community’s active listings are undeveloped properties, measuring anywhere from three to 50 acres; a 96-acre tract sold for $350,000 in early 2025. According to Mullis, the community’s few homes vary in style. “There are old, traditional wood-frame houses and some brick, ranch-style homes,” she says. There are also several farmhouses. Most homes were built across the 20th century.
Dodge County High School offers various apprenticeships
Dodge County Schools scores an overall B on Niche, with just over 2,700 attending students. Dodge County Primary School serves pre-kindergarten through second-grade students, and Dodge County Elementary School serves third through fifth graders. Dodge County Middle has a C-plus on Niche, and Dodge County High scores a B. The high school offers several career and technical education programs with specialized pathways, including firefighting, automobile technology and emergency medical responder pathways. Students can also participate in apprenticeship programs through the Heart of Georgia Technical College, from the teacher cadet program to the aircraft sheet metal program.
Hunting and fishing in nearby lakes and wildlife management areas
Locals enjoy hunting in Chauncey, and Mullis says many people hunt on their privately owned lots. “There are also some wildlife management areas within a 30-mile radius,” she says. The 15,000-acre Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area permits turkey, deer and small game hunting. Steve Bell Lake covers just over 100 acres, just west of Chauncey. It has a fishing pier and concrete boat ramps, and folks often reel in catfish, redear sunfish and largemouth bass. Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge is a massive, nearly 1,400-acre public space with a championship golf course, campgrounds and picnic shelters. The park is anchored by a 265-acre lake with a small beach area for swimming. Visitors also enjoy fishing, mini-golf and hiking. The state park is about 13 miles from Chauncey.
Heading into Eastman for shopping
Chauncey is almost entirely residential, with a few businesses along U.S. Route 341; Wahl to Wahl Grocery and Dollar General have snacks and a few essentials. “There is a little convenience store where people can go and gas up and get staples if they need them, but most people are going to Eastman,” Mullis says. Eastman has a Walmart Supercenter, about 10 miles from Chauncey, and a few additional retail stores like Hibbett Sports and Tractor Supply. At the heart of Eastman are several restaurants, including I Heart Tacos and Pittman Sidetrack. Locals head to McRae-Helena for additional shopping and dining options. Waylon’s Family Restaurant is a popular spot in McRae-Helena, where breakfast platters, burgers and sausage biscuits and gravy are served.
Peaches to the Beaches
While minimally commercial, people flock to Chauncey every March to check out a stop on Georgia’s longest yard sale. The Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale stretches from Barnesville in Lamar County to Brunswick in Glynn County, including over a dozen stops at many towns along U.S. Route 341 in between. Chauncey vendors set up shop at the Chauncey Municipal Center, offering food, antiques and traditional yard-sale finds. Locals can check out the yard sale.
Navigating Dodge County
Chauncey is a car-dependent community bisected by U.S. Route 341. McRae-Helena is about 10 miles east, and Dublin is about 38 miles north. Dodge County Hospital in Eastman is one of the nearest medical facilities, and Middle Georgia Regional Airport offers domestic flights about 62 miles away.
Written By
Brennen Martin
