In the middle of Georgia is Macon, home to about 156,000 people. With the Ocmulgee River dividing the city in two, Maconites have access to a blossoming city with an increasing number of employers, housing options and downtown events. “It’s a small town growing into a big town,” says Matthew Griffin, who grew up in Macon. He has been a Realtor since 2019 and works with Keller Williams Realty Intown Atlanta. “The last five years have been pretty popular.” With a slogan that Macon is “Where Soul Lives.” NewTown Macon is one of the groups that is helping to change Macon, focusing primarily on downtown. The city has also been the set for multiple movies, including upcoming ones like “Superman” set to be released in 2025. Macon’s biggest employers include GEICO, Navicent Health Medical Center and Mercer University. YKK, Inc., the world’s leading producer of zippers and other fastening products, has a manufacturing center on the outskirts of the city. Macon has mild weather throughout the year, with “an occasional snowfall every couple of years,” says Griffin. “There was the Flood of ’94 where all of downtown was covered in 3 feet of water.”
Macon's visitor center proudly showcases the city's slogan: "Where the Soul Lives."
The Ocmulgee River's serene waters and historical depth are a part of Macon's identity.
Navicent Atrium Health Medical Center, located in Macon, is the 2nd largest hospital in GA.
Macon is home to significant businesses like GEICO.
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Lower cost than Atlanta with new developments and lofts planned in downtown
Homebuyers are leaving nearby Atlanta in favor of smaller towns like Macon because of “affordability,” says Griffin. “Atlanta is about $300,000 more in pricing.” Meanwhile, the average home prices in Macon sit around $200,000. There are plenty of historical homes in Macon with smaller lot sizes, some of which are eligible for loans specifically meant of historical homes. In 2021, the mayor of Macon implemented Blight Fight, where residents can report suspicions of blighted buildings. The city will go in and investigate before giving property owners a chance to fix the building. Since the implementation of Blight Fight, over 700 buildings have been demolished. “Over the past five years [the amount of] new housing has increased,” says Griffin. “Eight new apartment complexes have been built.” Additionally, downtown Macon has built several new lofts. For the 2024 to 2027 strategic plan, NewTown Macon is aiming to build an additional 600 new lofts. “They’ve turned every vacant brick building downtown into these beautiful lofts,” Griffin says.
Pleasant Hill Historic District, Macon, features charming Craftsman bungalows from the 1920s.
Pleasant Hill Historic District is a historically Black community with roots in music.
Tudor Revival style homes in Macon’s North Highlands boast intricate brickwork and gables.
Cottage-style homes in Macon’s North Highlands offer quaint charm and distinctive features.
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Magnet high schools in Bibb County School District and multiple universities
Macon is covered by the Bibb County School District, which operates 21 elementary schools, six middle schools and six high schools. The district serves over 21,000 students within the city and is graded a C overall by Niche. Bibb County School District offers magnet schools and programs that students can apply to, regardless of where they may live in the city. There are five private Christian schools within Macon as well as two state-run public charter schools. Mercer University was founded in 1833 and is the oldest university in Georgia. There are three other post-secondary institutions within the city. Wesleyan College is a private women’s college that was home to the first sororities. Macon is also home to the Georgia Academy for the Blind, run by the state of Georgia.
Williams Elementary School has an overall C grade on Niche.
Central High School serves in the Bibb County School District.
Miller Fine Arts Magnet School is located in Macon, Ga.
Tindall Heights is only a few minutes from Mercer University.
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Carolyn Crayton Park and Amerson River Park
Macon has 26 parks, trails and green space throughout the city. Caroline Crayton Park was renamed from Central Park in 2020 and was built as the city’s first public park. For its name change, the city looked to the founder of the Georgia International Cherry Blossom Festival, which first started in 1982. Amerson River Park covers 180 acres. The park has a handicap-usable playground for children of all ages. It also offers access to the Ocmulgee River. “The Amerson water park and Carolyn Crayton Park are the two biggest outdoor options,” Griffin says. Outside the city is Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, officially designated as a national historical park in 2019. The park is currently trying to become Georgia’s first national park. There are also several lakes, including Lake Tobesofkee with three public parks along its 35-mile shoreline.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon includes significant archaeological sites.
Caroline Crayton Park was built in 2020 as Macon's first city park.
Amerson River Park is one of Macon's most beautiful parks with walking paths and scenic views.
Amerson River Park boasts a stone crafts welcome arch.
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Downtown Macon wins the Main Street America award
Macon’s shopping centers tend to be on the outside of the city, with more local boutiques and businesses lining downtown. “The mayor is pushing revitalization and offering incentives,” says Griffin. “Downtown has really changed.” According to NewTown Macon, about 82% of storefronts in downtown are now occupied. “This past year, it was one of the nationally ranked main street award winners,” says Griffin. Main Street America awarded NewTown Macon the 2024 award alongside two other cities around the country. Additionally, five farmers markets and flea markets run year-round. Macon has both indoor and outdoor shopping malls as well as other strip malls for national and regional stores.
Macon Mall features a popular line-up of retail stores.
Macon features over 5 farmer's and flea markets that run year-round.
Macon residents can explore fresh produce and locally made products every Wednesday.
The Shoppes at River Crossing is a premier shopping & entertainment in Macon.
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Cherry Blossoms and downtown events
As Carolyn Crayton Park turns pink with cherry blossoms, the International Cherry Blossom Festival occurs. First started in 1982 by Carolyn Crayton, the festival has grown from a three-day festival to a month-long celebration that includes free concerts, carnival rides and the Cherry Blossom Trail. The Cherry Blossom Trail showcases the trees throughout the city, as well as some of the historic districts and buildings within Macon. There are more than 350,000 Yoshino Cherry trees throughout Macon. Downtown hosts several different events, including a Macon Burger Week, the newest event from the city. “Essentially all the restaurants downtown create a[n original] burger,” says Griffin. “One year they had a fried green pimento burger.” Macon doesn’t have national sports but does have a hockey team, the Macon Mayhems, part of the minor league SPHL. The Macon Bacon is a baseball team that primarily helps college students who are aiming to get signed to a professional team. Downtown is also home to several museums.
Recent revitalization projects have transformed downtown Macon into a hub for entertainment.
Carolyn Crayton Park in Macon hosts the annual International Cherry Blossom Festival.
Macon Bacon is a collegiate summer baseball team based in Macon, Georgia.
The Macon Mayhem plays at the city's largest indoor venue, the Macon Colliseum.
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Interstates leading to Atlanta and smaller airports within Macon
Two interstates pass through the city itself, I-16 and I-75. I-475 is an auxiliary interstate that bypasses Macon itself before rejoining I-75. I-16 starts in Macon before ending east in Savannah. Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority operates buses through Macon. While primarily a commercial airport, Middle Georgia Regional Airport does offer 12 passenger flights a week to the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Macon Downtown Airport is for private planes only, while also acting as a training location for Middle Georgia State University students interested in aviation.
Crime in Macon
The FBI Crime Data Explorer reports that in October of 2023 there were 215 violent crimes per 100,000 people, higher than both the state and national average. Property values sit at 289 property crimes per 100,000 people, again higher than both state and national average. According to Macon’s news station 13WMAZ, they compared the crime from April 2024 to April of 2023 and found that crime had decreased over the last year.
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On average, homes in Macon, GA sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Macon, GA over the last 12 months is $205,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
NEW CONSTRUCTION | MOVE-IN READY | LIVE THE LIFESTYLE YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR - GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY LUXURY ON OVER HALF AN ACRE! Welcome to the highly desirable beautifully designed 1.5-story home nestled within a peaceful golf course community of charming 4-side brick homes on expansive .65 acre homesites, set on a desirable level lot, offering a voluntary HOA and surrounded by serene wooded
NEW CONSTRUCTION | MOVE-IN READY | NO HOA | 1+ ACRE LOT | MODERN RANCH LIVING WITH TIMELESS STYLE! Welcome to this beautifully crafted ranch-style home offering the perfect blend of comfort, space, and modern elegance-situated on a private 1+ acre lot with NO HOA and convenient access to major highways, Mercer University, U.S. Army National Guard, and Middle Georgia Regional Airport. From the
NEW CONSTRUCTION | MOVE-IN READY | NO HOA | RANCH ON 1+ ACRE! Stop the search-this is the one you've been waiting for! Conveniently located minutes from major highway, Mercer University, U.S. Army National Guard, and Middle Georgia Regional Airport. This stunning ranch floor plan delivers the perfect combination of space, style, and modern comfort, all set on a rare 1+ acre homesite with no HOA
This house has it all! The private, fenced backyard is absolutely made for entertaining! The open concept layout includes a gourmet kitchen that has tons of storage with custom cabinets and a large walk in pantry! The kitchen also includes upgraded appliances including ZLINE gas stove/oven and built in microwave. Eat at the island or use the separate dining area as the options are endless. The
Mornings on the screened porch, the 18th green just beyond the tree line — this is what life at 259 Greenview Terrace looks like. Set at the highest point of a nearly full-acre wooded lot in Barrington Hall, this all-brick 4BR/4BA home delivers the kind of privacy and setting that rarely comes available in an established golf community. Inside, the open floor plan connects the kitchen and living
Must see! 150 years of Macon history, restored and ready for its next owner. A true 1870 Victorian in the heart of Macon's InTown historic neighborhood, lovingly restored and genuinely move-in ready. From the moment you step into the grand foyer with its inlaid wood and marble, you can tell this home has been cared for the right way. Every bit of the recent work was approved through the historic
Move-in ready 3BR/3BA cul-de-sac home in North Macon! This fully updated property features a cozy great room with a gas fireplace, brand new windows, and a flexible basement bonus room. Enjoy outdoor living on the screened back porch within your fenced yard. Complete with a 2-car garage in the Springdale school district. A true must-see!
Last sold in 2023 for $350,000. Seller's loss is your gain! This prime redevelopment opportunity features the historic Duresville Elementary campus, consisting of three separate brick buildings totaling approximately 22,810 square feet on a spacious 4.07-acre lot. Zoned R-1A, the property is uniquely positioned for transformation into a senior living facility, religious center, school, daycare,
Welcome home to this beautifully, completely, rebuilt-from-the-ground up, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, offering modern finishes and an unbeatable location! Step inside to find durable luxury vinyl LVP flooring throughout, creating a seamless and stylish look. The spacious eat-in kitchen features updated countertops, a beautiful backsplash, and plenty of room for gathering with family and friends.
Single-level living at its best in one of Macon's most established and well-maintained subdivisions. The family room is warm and inviting with a wood-burning fireplace, custom built-ins, and a beamed ceiling, opening directly to the back patio and fully fenced yard. The formal living and dining rooms offer the flexibility to serve as a home office, playroom, or secondary sitting area. The private
Excellent investment opportunity in the heart of Macon! This income-producing triplex offers three well-designed units with strong rental appeal and immediate cash flow potential. Unit A features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, Unit B offers 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, and Unit C is a charming 1-bedroom, 1-bath studio-style apartment situated above the garage. Two of the three units are currently
Step into luxury with this custom-built, four-sided brick masterpiece designed with comfort, elegance, and entertaining in mind. This exceptional 3-bedroom home features private en-suite bathrooms for every bedroom, plus an additional half bath for guests, offering both convenience and privacy throughout.From the moment you enter, you'll notice the extensive high-end finishes, detailed
Welcome to an opportunity-rich location in the heart of Macon! Situated just west of downtown near the vibrant Mercer University campus and the charming Vineville Historic District, this multi-family quadruplex at 322 Rogers Place, with four(4) 2bd/1ba units, offers both convenience and long-term appeal for investors and first-time buyers alike. Also for sale is 328 Rogers Place, another
Welcome home to this super cute 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in Lake Wildwood! Enjoy a bright and inviting kitchen, a welcoming living room with a cozy fireplace, a breakfast area, and a screened porch overlooking the fenced backyard with added privacy from the wooded lot next door. This home offers peace of mind with a 2-year-old roof and is located in a community full of amenities, including
Welcome to 333 Bass Road, where modern design, quality craftsmanship, and an unbeatable North Macon location come together to create a truly move-in-ready home. Situated on over an acre in one of the area's most desirable locations, you'll enjoy being just minutes from shopping, dining, schools, and everything North Macon has to offer while still having plenty of space to call your own.
Welcome home to 170 Rogers Avenue, a beautifully refreshed rental in the heart of Midtown Macon. This move-in ready gem has just been updated with new light fixtures throughout, a fresh coat of paint inside and out, and brand-new toilets in both bathrooms. Step outside onto the spacious new deck overlooking a serene, private yard, perfect for morning coffee, evening relaxing, or entertaining
Pointe Grand Macon proudly presents two-bedroom apartments offering 1,170 square feet of open living space. These apartments feature upscale interior amenities, including wood-inspired flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, oversized kitchen islands, LED lighting, and keyless entry. Residents also enjoy community amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, a resort-style pool
Located in the heart of the Vineville/Ingleside area, this all-brick home offers hardwood floors throughout and large, comfortable living spaces. With 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, there's plenty of room to spread out. The huge screened-in back porch is perfect for entertaining, and the quaint back yard adds a peaceful spot to unwind. Use of the 2 car garage is included. Please submit a
Private, convenient, and luxurious, The Grove at River Place is located a short distance off I-75, near The Shoppes at River Crossing and Riverside Drive. Our superior amenities, such as a 24-hour fitness center, a resort inspired swimming pool with grilling stations, sand volleyball court, a full-size laundry facility, "tot lot", and an awesome bark park for our four-legged friends, will leave
Pointe Grand Thomaston proudly presents brand-new two-bedroom apartments offering 1,170 square feet of open living space. These apartments feature upscale interior amenities, including wood-inspired flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, oversized kitchen islands, LED lighting, and keyless entry. Residents also enjoy community amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, a
Lullwater at Bass is located at 1644 Bass Rd Macon, GA and is managed by Fickling Management Services, LLC., a reputable property management company with verified listings on RENTCafe. Lullwater at Bass offers 1 to 3 bedroom apartments of size 969 sq.ft. Amenities include Efficient Appliances, Laundry Facilities, Package Receiving, Playground and more. This rental community is pet friendly,
Embrace the welcoming ambiance of The Ansley Apartment Homes! Our pet-friendly, gated community offers a selection of exquisite 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments meticulously crafted with your comfort in mind. Revel in our expansive floor plans boasting impeccable interiors with nine-foot ceilings, modern kitchens featuring sleek black appliances, and generously-sized closets. Discover the allure of
Timber Pointe Apartments at Macon GA. Our community conveniently located close to shopping, dining, and major highway. Enjoy coming home to a beautifully designed pet-friendly apartment community that features affordable one and two bedroom apartment homes. Call today to schedule your appointment and discover the life you only dreamed of!
Prepare to FALL IN LOVE with our LARGE floorplans.Our SPACIOUS apartment homes are designed to IMPRESS!Your all New Management team is extremely excited to feature this lovely community nestled along the bank of Walnut Creek. Green space will welcome you in this quaint community. Truly spacious living with easy access to shopping and dining.Value abounds. Clean, spacious
Life feels more connected at The Otis. Whether you're beginning a new career, growing your family, or simply looking for a place to relax and recharge, you'll find the comfort, convenience, and welcoming atmosphere you've been searching for. Our thoughtfully designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes feature spacious layouts and modern finishes that make everyday living effortless.
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