Hephzibah offers country living south of Augusta
With a memorable name and quiet, semirural ambiance, Hephzibah offers a small-town feel with easy access to big-city amenities. Located 10 miles south of Augusta, it's a solid landing spot for homebuyers looking for a woodsy bedroom community. It's also popular with military personnel stationed at nearby Fort Eisenhower, which is about 10 miles from much of the community. "It's a very vibrant and growing area," says associate broker Abraham Garcia of Meybohm Real Estate, a local specialist in military relocation. "It's easy to get to base, it's easy to get downtown, and there's a real residential, community-oriented atmosphere."
A mix of midcentury and modern homes
Hephzibah's housing market is composed of a mix of historic farmhouses, mid-to-late 20th-century ranch-style homes and modern subdivisions. The median price for a single-family home in the city is around $230,000, though that number can vary significantly depending on the size of the parcel it's located on. "It's definitely a more affordable part of town, but not because people are leaving," says Garcia. "There's new construction going up all the time. It's a nice combination — people want to live here, and people can afford to live here."
A small retail area along Route 88
Hephzibah's shopping and dining options are relatively modest. There are a couple of small restaurants, a pharmacy and a Family Dollar along state Route 88, which runs through the heart of town. Locals can grab groceries at KJ's supermarket — also located on 88 — but the nearest major shopping centers are found 5 to 6 miles north of town, in the southern Augusta suburbs. Those shopping centers are also home to the nearest dining options, though KJ's is known for its popular prepared meals.
Lots of local parks and fishable creeks
There are a few local parks in town, and there are a number of large recreation areas around Hephzibah. City parks include Blythe Area Recreation Center and the Hephzibah Sports League ballfields host youth games. Those looking for more spacious green spaces can stop by Diamond Lakes Regional Park, which features walking trails, woods and athletic fields. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, which is a bit closer to Augusta, offers hiking trails, boardwalks and educational programs about local wildlife and ecosystems. The extensive networks of creeks that run throughout the area also offer ample opportunities for fishing.
Richmond County public schools
Hephzibah's public schools are overseen by the Richmond County Schools district, which has a C on Niche. Hephzibah Elementary School has a C rating; Hephzibah Middle School and Hephzibah High School both have C-minus ratings. Hephzibah High offers a dual enrollment program through partnerships with multiple area colleges, including nearby Augusta Technical and Georgia Military College.
Easy commuting to Augusta and Fort Eisenhower
Virtually everyone in Hephzibah relies on personal vehicles, as the city's public transportation options are limited. U.S. routes 1 and 25 run along the town's western and eastern borders, respectively, and both highways connect the community to Augusta; it's a roughly 15-mile drive from Hephzibah to downtown. Augusta Regional Airport is a little less than 10 miles away, in southeast Augusta, and offers regular direct flights to Dallas, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Charlotte.
Hephzibah Founder's Day
Hephzibah Founder's Day Festival, held every October, draws visitors from all over the Augusta region and offers live music, rides, games, and, of course, a wide variety of food vendors. Seasonal events, including holiday parades and Fourth of July fireworks in nearby Augusta, are popular among Hephzibah residents.
