Jenkinsburg is a rural community with large lots and open space
Jenkinsburg is all about trains. A railroad runs through the city's heart, and trains have used it since the early 1880s. It was once a tradition for children to watch the railcars pass through town on Sunday afternoons. The community depicts a locomotive in its city seal.
Today, the area remains small, with few businesses and restaurants, but residents can find homes on lots of an acre or more. People often head to Jackson and Locust Grove for shopping and recreation; both communities are just over 5 miles away. The biggest inconvenience? Drivers traveling north and south occasionally have to wait for a train to pass — the railroad still sees plenty of action. “It’s a real country lifestyle, even right outside the city center,” says Kim Freshwater, an associate broker with Century 21 Crowe Realty. “It’s peaceful. That’s probably the biggest draw.”
Traditional homes and large parcels of land for below the national median
The area is filled with traditional homes primarily built in the late 1990s and early 2000s, though some date back to the 1970s. Most sit between County Line Road to the southwest and Wolf Creek Road to the northeast. The median sale price is around $350,000, below the U.S. median. Lots and large parcels of land are also available for development, usually between $3,000 and $16,000 per acre. The car-centric community's main streets are well-paved, but smaller roads can be gravel or dirt. Sidewalks are rare, even in the center of town.
Play areas for kids and event spaces for adults, plus a historic church
Memorial Park, behind the city hall, has swings, a jungle gym, walking paths, a pavilion and a small train car for children to climb. There is a community clubhouse that residents can rent for special events. The Rivers Ranch, a working cattle farm, hosts weddings and parties next to a lake, and Tussahaw Island is where anglers can catch bass and crappie. In Locust Grove, Warren Holder Park has baseball and softball diamonds, multi-use fields and tennis courts, all with lights, while Tanger Station Park has a picnic area and athletic facilities. The County Line Baptist Church was built in 1886.
Downhome eats and access to the Locust Grove Tanger Outlets
Lady & The Beast BBQ has a Southern-inspired menu. In Jackson, The Brickery specializes in pizza, while Mesquite Mexican Grill serves authentic entrees. Locust Grove is home to Tanger Outlets, with retail stores like Coach, Old Navy and Banana Republic. Locust Grove and Jackson have Ingles Markets, and Jenkinsburg has a Dollar General.
The Butts County School System has an award-winning principal
Students are served by the Butts County School System. They can attend Hampton L. Daughtry Elementary School, which has a B Niche grade. Henderson Middle School’s Dr. Suzan Harris was named the 2023 Georgia Middle School Principal of the Year. The school earns a B-minus score, as does Jackson High School.
After-school traffic and a chance of tornadoes
Georgia State Route 42 runs through the middle of town, connecting it to Locust Grove and Jackson. “It’s convenient to get to shopping centers, dining or parks,” Freshwater says. “There can be traffic when schools let out, but it’s not a big deal.” Downtown Atlanta is around 40 miles away, while Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about a 35-mile drive. Jenkinsburg can be affected by tornadoes. One that hit in 2023 caused injuries and heavy damage to trees and power lines.
Christmas at the Ranch brings family fun to town
The Rivers Ranch throws an annual holiday celebration called Christmas at the Ranch. It mixes food vendors with live music and activities for kids, and pets are welcome. The venue also offers weekly yoga and fitness classes.
