A welcoming and diverse community east of Atlanta
A suburban escape just east of urban Atlanta, Clarkston is a hub of diversity. Since the 1970s, Clarkston has welcomed more than 60,000 refugees worldwide. Roughly half the area’s population hails from nearly 50 countries across five continents. “If you were to chart a map of the world over the last fifty years, you’d find a lot of it would lead to Clarkston,” said Ted Terry, DeKalb County Commissioner and former mayor of Clarkston, about the area's diversity. A diverse array of shopping and dining options comprise the area's shopping plazas, and a nature preserve reserve provides plenty of natural trails and community garden plots. A public library and community center offer social hubs for residents to learn, host parties, and gather daily. Homes from the 1960s stand in good condition and offer more modern housing options like condos. Only 10 miles from Atlanta, the MARTA and Interstate 285 offer a quick commute.
Affordable living outside of Atlanta
Most homes in the area were primarily built in the 1960s, including brick bungalows and ranch-style homes found on lots that are typically less than an acre. A relatively more affordable area when compared to the upscale and high-prices of Atlanta, Clarkston offers options for split-levels, bungalows, townhouses, and even condos for around $100,000 – 450,000. For those willing to make a project into a home, older houses needing renovation can be purchased for under $100,000. Cottages on Vaughan provides a lot at the first Tiny Home neighborhood, with eight tiny home cottages made in the first steps towards more modest and minimalist style housing.
South Asian grocers at Clarkston Plaza Shopping Center
“The food was probably one of the best parts. You have people from all over sharing meals and company,” said Ted Terry. The Clarkston Plaza Shopping Center hosts four different grocery markets including Balagru Food Mart, Miteri Bazaar, Fatma Halal Meat and Grocery, and several diverse dining options across the street. Lambadina Cafe and Kathmandu Kitchen and Grill offer cheap and convenient coffee and dining experiences featuring Ethiopian and Nepalese dishes. Refuge Coffee is a central hub for people to come together and a popular spot with residents.
Technology-focused education at DeKaib County Public Schools
DeKalb County public schools reflect the area's diversity within their classrooms and provide many advanced educational programs throughout the district. Indian Creek Elementary School offers a digital education program, which teaches tech literacy and provides computers to students. The school earned a grade of C on Niche.com. Stone Mountain Middle School is the closest middle school to the area with a grade of C minus. Clarkston High School earned a C and offers AP Courses and well-rated sports programs in baseball, wrestling, and football. The area also hosts the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf.
A social community focused on learning
Clarkston Community Center serves as a hub for social events and community building. It is a venue for local events, including weddings, prom parties and community classes like kids karate and ESL courses. Just across the street is the Clarkston Library, where locals can meet throughout the week, and enjoy the small but varied book, cassette and game selection. A diverse community also means diverse beliefs and the area has several mosques, like Masjid Al-Momineen, and churches, like Clarkston International Bible Church.
Community gardens and a peaceful oasis
The Forty Oaks Nature Preserve offers a quiet place away from the suburban atmosphere, with secluded walking trails through the woods. It houses the Clarkston International Community Garden plots, where residents can grow plenty of vegetables and socialize with neighbors in a peaceful environment. Just down the road is the Milam Park Pool Center where families can enjoy a public pool and playground in the summer heat or take their dogs down the walking trail to the fishing pond.
MARTA access on Indian Creek
The area is relatively car-dependent, with neighborhood streets connecting to main streets. Developments were made across the city to improve walkability and bus stops are available on most corners, making it an easy commute. Downtown Atlanta is around 10 miles away and a straightforward drive from Clarkston since the neighborhood sits at the crossroads of Interstate 285 and Memorial Drive. Just south, the Kensington and Indian Creek MARTA stations allow easy access to the city without driving.
Photography Contributed By
Arthur Brown
