Commerce's location near the railroad earned the city its name as a center for the textile industry, and its location at the edge of Atlanta's northeast sprawl helps draw new residents today. "It's a smaller town, a huge plus to many people. The housing market is much more budget-friendly, and we have a lot of starter homes and good new construction," says 10-year Realtor Joseph Eterno with Keller Williams Greater Athens. "Commerce is very accessible because I-85 is so close, so as people are moving out of the Atlanta Metro Area, they can still get into the city." Commerce has a commuter vibe, but it's more than just a bedroom community. The city is expanding its downtown and recreational areas, and an excellent school system draws families from all over the region.
Downtown Commerce exudes a charming small-town atmosphere, with quaint storefronts, friendly faces, and a warm sense of community that invites you to linger.
Downtown Commerce is a vibrant area brimming with locally owned businesses, each nestled within the charming, historic buildings that gracefully line Main Street.
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Plenty of employment options in Commerce
True to its name, Commerce is close to a large commercial corridor, anchored by a Tanger Outlet mall, along Interstate 85. I-85 also brings commuters to work in the quickly growing industries that fan out from Atlanta. Other major employment sectors include healthcare, education and retail. Local businesses are becoming increasingly important to the local economy, as shops, restaurants and breweries open in downtown Commerce. "We have a lot of employment opportunities here, with the big manufacturers around us," Eterno says. "Also, the city has invested so much in downtown to breathe some new life into the downtown area."
The Tanger Outlets, a sprawling shopping destination, is one of the most popular attractions in the Commerce area, offering a diverse range of brand-name stores, delightful dining options, and an inviting atmosphere for shoppers and visitors alike.
Visit 1818 Brewery, where you can savor an exquisite selection of some of the finest craft beers in Commerce, each carefully brewed to perfection.
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New construction on Commerce's outskirts
The median sale price of homes in Commerce is $350,000, just under the national figure. The city's oldest homes are clustered around its historic downtown, while traditional and contemporary subdivisions spread out toward the city limits. On Commerce's outskirts, considerable new, modern construction is available, as are large acreages on occasion.
A row of charming, newly constructed homes adorned with fresh paint and modern designs line the inviting streets leading to Downtown Commerce, exuding a sense of community and vibrancy.
Nestled amid the charming streets of Downtown Commerce, several exquisite Antebellum-style homes still stand proudly, showcasing their timeless architectural elegance and rich historical significance.
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Commerce has Title I Distinguished schools
Students can attend Commerce City Schools, which Niche gives an overall A rating and rates as the third-best district in the Athens area. The district is known for its high-quality education and community support. In 2025, Commerce Elementary and Commerce Primary were distinguished as a Title I Distinguished School, and Commerce Primary was distinguished as a Title I Reward School. "It's an excellent school district, with good athletic opportunities and smaller classroom sizes — it's desirable for families and teachers working there." Commerce is also just 25 miles from the University of Georgia in Athens.
Commerce High School, a bustling educational institution located in the heart of Downtown Commerce, proudly serves a vibrant community of over 1,200 diverse students, each bringing unique backgrounds and perspectives to enrich the school's dynamic environment.
Commerce Elementary School is a vibrant and diverse educational institution nestled in the heart of Downtown Commerce, offering a rich array of learning opportunities that celebrate the unique backgrounds and cultures of its students.
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Parks on the North Oconee River
Commerce offers six parks across the city, ranging from mountain biking trails to athletic complexes to community gathering spaces. Hurricane Shoals Park is on the grounds of a former corn mill on the banks of the North Oconee River. It's a popular green space for the community that offers lush green disc golf courses, playgrounds, picnic areas and a swimming area on the river. Willoughby Park is another popular destination, offering a large, shaded, fenced-in dog park with a sitting area for pet parents.
Willoughby Park is a charming, intimate dog park nestled in the heart of Commerce, offering a welcoming haven for small breeds and their owners.
Experience the expansive green space at Hurricane Shoals Park, where you can relax amidst vibrant nature or have a delightful picnic surrounded by the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.
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City investment in Commerce's downtown
The railroad still runs through historic downtown Commerce. It's lined with brick buildings that date to the city's time as a textile hub in the early 20th century. Along South Broad Street, local restaurants and small businesses are popping up in the original storefronts. Weekly and seasonal events, like Monday food trucks and summer concerts, also bring people downtown. There are grocery stores on South Elm Street, but many locals head south to Athens for more dining and shopping options. Chain restaurants and retailers are clustered around the I-85 and U.S. Route 441 interchange.
Downtown Commerce is a vibrant area, characterized by its original train track that weaves through the heart of the district, flanked by charming historic brick buildings that echo the rich heritage of the past.
The vibrant trucks and powerful tractors at the Commerce Touch a Truck event create fantastic photo opportunities, allowing attendees to capture the excitement and rugged charm of these impressive vehicles up close.
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Easy access to Interstate 85
Elm Street is the community's main thoroughfare. It leads to Interstate 85 and Highway 441, making it easy for residents to get to Atlanta or Athens. Jackson County Transit offers on-demand ride-share services to help provide transportation for county residents. Commerce has urgent care centers and specialty clinics, but the closest hospital is Piedmont Athens Regional, 20 miles away. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the closest major airport, 75 miles from Commerce.
Weather and crime in Commerce
In Commerce, summers are hot, humid and stormy. The winters are short and mild, with frequent rain, but temperatures rarely below freezing.
Commerce's CAP Index Crime Score is 4 out of 10, on par with the national score.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
