Jefferson has served as the seat of Jackson County for a couple of hundred years, and a few tokens that nod to the city's early 19th-century founding still stand. The Crawford W. Long Museum, arguably the city's most notable historical marker, spotlights the work of previous Jefferson resident Dr. Long – the first doctor to use ether as a general anesthetic. Striking Victorians, stone churches and a historic downtown district beckon to the 19th century. The city retained its historical charm as its relatively small population started to spike in the early 2000s. "Jefferson is fast-growing but still has a small-town feel with a nice and kind community," says library associate Michala Henderson at the Jefferson Public Library. "Lots of new subdivisions and developments have started to pop up."
The population grew from under 4,000 in 2000 to nearly 16,000 in 2023. The Atlanta market started to spread northeast, bringing more people and industrial parks to Jefferson. The city's largest industries include manufacturing, retail trade and health care/social assistance.
The Crawford W. Long Museum, located downtown, is a captivating tribute to the rich history and legacy of the notable Jefferson resident, Dr. Crawford W. Long, who is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to anesthesia.
Jefferson, a vibrant town in the heart of Jackson County, proudly serves as the county seat, where local government meets community spirit and history intertwining with modern life.
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Historic downtown Jefferson features popular restaurants and shops
Downtown Jefferson is small but full of independent restaurants and businesses. On one side of Sycamore Street, Dragon’s Lair Bookshop neighbors the 50-year-old Crawford W. Long Pharmacy. Friends Jefferson Grill and Revival Hall Taproom offer food and drinks on the other side of the busy thoroughfare. “Downtown is a great place to walk around on the weekends,” Henderson says. “Friends is always booming, and people are always hanging out around Swirlee’s when it’s warm.” Bell’s Food Market is one of the closest big-box grocery stores to downtown. Aldi and Kroger sit along the Jefferson Bypass, 2 miles from downtown.
The Jefferson Community Theatre is a local arts group that hosts various theater productions, from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to A Charlie Brown Christmas. Several productions are held at the Jefferson Presbyterian Church. Other popular community events include Summer Sunday Concerts and the downtown Farmers Market.
Engage in lively conversation with the farmer as you explore the vibrant stalls of the weekly Jefferson Farmers Market, where fresh produce and local goods await your discovery.
Indulge in a delightful and refreshing sweet treat from Swirlee's as you soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the annual Jefferson Porch Fest, a festive celebration filled with music, laughter, and community spirit.
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Established Victorians and 21st-century subdivisions
The median housing price in Jefferson is $430,000, which is higher than the American median. Houses here sell after 50 days on average, just above the national average. The city’s oldest homes are downtown, including historic Victorian and traditional homes. Independent builders constructed cottages, bungalows and ranch-style homes in and around downtown throughout the 20th century. The housing market boomed in the 21st century; subdivisions like Mallard’s Landing and Jefferson Place were built throughout the city. Large plots of land sit on the city’s outskirts.
Vast, rolling expanses of pristine wilderness and vibrant greenery can still be uncovered just beyond the city limits of Jefferson, where nature thrives in serene beauty.
Mallard's Landing is a spacious, thoughtfully designed subdivision located on the serene outskirts of Jefferson, where lush greenery meets modern living, offering peaceful retreats and vibrant community spaces.
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Feeding the ducks at Jefferson City Lake and sports at Jim Joiner
According to the Trust for Public Land, 18% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. Jefferson has five parks, and one percent of its land is used for parks and recreation. Jefferson City Park is home to the local adult coed softball team, and the Jim Joiner Recreation Complex features several athletic programs. Jefferson City Lake and Crows Lake are popular spots for local anglers. “People love to see the ducks at Jefferson City Lake,” Henderson says. Crows Lake is also home to city events, like triathlons, 5Ks, 10Ks and water ski tournaments.
Visitors flock to Jefferson City Park to admire the lively ducks gliding gracefully across the shimmering pond while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of lush greenery and vibrant flowerbeds that surround the park.
Located on the edge of downtown Jefferson, Crows Lake features a lively atmosphere, hosting annual sporting events that draw both participants and spectators.
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Jefferson City Schools earn high remarks on Niche
Jefferson City Schools scores an A on Niche, ranking it the best school district in Jackson County. The Jackson County School System also serves the city, scoring an A-minus on Niche. Jefferson Middle and Jefferson High are some of the city’s highest-performing schools, scoring As on Niche. Faith-based, private school options include Jackson Trail Christian School, which has seasonal plays, a Parent Teacher Fellowship and an after-school. The University of Georgia, known for its championship-winning football team, is 18 miles away in Athens.
The Jackson County School System is one of the two leading educational institutions serving the diverse needs of students in the vibrant Jefferson area, providing a wide array of academic programs and extracurricular activities.
Jefferson High School is conveniently located just outside the charming and historic town of Jefferson, where rich history meets vibrant community life.
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Navigating Jefferson
Jefferson doesn’t offer public transportation, and the city is car-dependent. Jackson County operates three 10-passenger vans that shuttle across the county. U.S. Route 129 runs along the city’s western edge, leading to Athens, 21 miles away. Interstate 85 is accessible 5 miles north of the town center. The nearest hospitals are in neighboring cities; Piedmont Athens Regional is 17 miles away, and the Northeast Georgia Medical Center Barrow is 12 miles away. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers commercial flights 70 miles away.
Hot summers in the city
According to First Street, Jefferson has a major risk from heat. Temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees for several weeks. Summers are hot in Jefferson, but residents still enjoy four seasons.
Crime
Crime statistics for Jefferson are not readily available.
Written By
Brennen Martin
Photography Contributed By
Bradley Parrish
Video By
Alexander Wong
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