The rural hideaway of Kensington started as a resort town
In the late 19th century, a group of out-of-state investors built a resort town between two Appalachian ridges in northwest Georgia. The community in McLemore Cove was anchored by a hotel they named Kensington, after a Philadelphia suburb. The resort failed — by 1915, the hotel had closed and been renovated into a private home — but the area name remains. Today, the former hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places, and Kensington residents appreciate the rural community for its quiet charm and natural beauty 20 miles outside of Chattanooga.
Kensington, a neighborhood of LaFayette, Georgia is highly rural and is primarily comprised of farm land.
Most of the homes in the neighborhood of Kensington are on large plots of land and are used for farming and livestock.
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Private homes and exurban developments
Country roads run through McLemore Cove between Lookout Mountain and Pigeon Mountain. While most of the area’s homes sit off the main routes on long driveways with large lots, some are in exurban-style communities such as Kensington Village. The area’s homes are generally ranch-style, though some split-level and Craftsman-style houses are available. Homes sell typically between the mid-$100,000s and $400,000. Land also hits the market, with plots available for roughly $10,000 per acre.
The ranch style home is the most common in Kensington, a LaFayette, Georgia, neighborhood.
Many of the homes in the neighborhood of Kensington are inexpensive and small. Many of the newer homes are manufactured.
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School choice in Walker County district
Students in Kensington can attend Walker County Schools. Though the community is split between two pipelines, the district offers a school-choice program. “Walker County is pretty unique because you can go to any school,” says Robyn Talbot, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Pryor Realty. “If you’re willing to drive your kid, they can go to any of the Walker County schools.” Most of the area is zoned to Gilbert Elementary, which receives a C-plus grade from Niche, followed by LaFayette Middle, which receives a B-minus, and LaFayette High, rated B.
Gilbert Elementary School is located at 87 S Burnt Mill Rd, La Fayette, GA 30728.
Lafayette High School is a highly-rated, public school with over 1,100 students.
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Trails and golf along Pigeon Mountain and Lookout Mountain
Kensington sits between two forested ridges with plenty of nearby recreation. To the east, several hiking trails traverse Pigeon Mountain, including the Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail and the Pocket Loop Trail, each roughly 4 miles away. For golfers, the McLemore Resort is approximately 10 miles away on Lookout Mountain, offering two 18-hole courses overlooking the McLemore Cove valley. Fifteen miles north, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is a regional attraction with outdoor activities like running or biking as well as plenty of history. “Chickamauga Battlefield is a big area for outdoor recreation,” Talbot says.
The visitors center for the Chickamauga Battlefield.
The Mclemore Gold Course is where residents of Kensington would go for the nearest golf course.
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Chattanooga 20 miles north from the community
Kensington is roughly 20 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, the region’s largest city. Georgia Highway 193 is a straight shot through the Chattanooga Valley to the city. It also leads in the opposite direction to Kensington’s nearest town, LaFayette. The community's rural character means cars are necessary to get around, though residents can schedule pick-ups and drop-offs via the Walker Transit system.
Highway 193 is the main road connecting the neighborhood of Kensington with the surrounding area.
Highway 193 is one of the main roads in Kensington, but does not have a high volume of traffic.
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Cross Roads Restaurant and Petunia's Silver Jalapeno in the area
While much of Kensington is rural and residential, a few businesses sit along Highway 193. Markets include Dollar General and Yank’s Quick Stop, a convenience store with a gas station. Across the intersection is the Cross Roads Restaurant, which serves breakfast and burgers from an unassuming window. Further down the highway is Petunia’s Silver Jalapeno, an eatery in a repurposed house. The restaurant serves dishes including pulled pork and fish tacos. LaFayette, roughly 7 miles away, offers a Food City for groceries and a Walmart for other essentials.
Cross Roads restaurant is one of the other restaurants near Kensington.
Petunia's Silver Jalapeno, is one of two restaurants near Kensington.
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Tours at historic properties within Kensington
Many Kensington properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the namesake hotel — now preserved as it existed during its use as a farmhouse — and the Martin Davis House, a 19th-century home open for tours.
The Martin Davis House is a historic farm in Kensington.
The Martin Davis House is a historic farm in Kensington that is still active.
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,103
Median Age
45
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
22.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$43,408
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$70,969
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81.2%
College Graduates
10.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
57''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
5''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
28/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
