McRae-Helena is a recently merged small town home to a popular Georgia state park
In January 2015, the late 19th-century cities of McRae and Helena officially merged. Today, McRae-Helena is aptly called “Crossroads City,” not for its merger, but for its intersection of five highways. These major roadways connect the town of about 4,800 residents to the peach-growing counties in the west and the beaches in the east, far enough away to retain its small-town feel. “It’s a quaint little town with lots of southern hospitality,” says broker Susan Evans, owner of Susan Evans Realty. She was born and raised in McRae-Helena and has served area homebuyers since 2006. “If anybody has trouble, we pull together. We really have a community to fall back on.” Residents support the town's many small businesses that spread across its town center and have access to a popular Georgia state park.
Historic homes and new-builds across town
McRae-Helena features a couple of homes built toward the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries that rarely come on the market; this includes the Talmadge Home, a historic mansion that was the home of two Georgia governors. The community also features several mid and late 20th-century ranch-style homes and bungalows that typically feature three bedrooms. Many recently sold homes include newly constructed contemporary colonials and townhomes. Lots closer to the heart of town measure around a quarter to a third of an acre, but homes sit on at least an acre outside of downtown. The median sale price for a home is around $280,000, which is lower than the national median. Much of the community’s newer, single-family homes sell closer to the $500,000.
Telfair County Schools sit close to town
Telfair County Schools scores an overall B-minus on Niche and serves just over 1,500 students. Telfair County Elementary, Middle and High School all score a B-minus, and each school is located within 3 miles of the town’s center. The high school offers various sports options, including baseball, track, golf and tennis.
Recreation at Little Ocmulgee State Park
McRae-Helena is home to Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge, arguably one of the town’s biggest attractions. The park sprawls across 1,360 acres and has served the community since the 1930s. It’s anchored by a 256-acre lake, which features a beach area, fishing docks and boat ramps. The park has several additional amenities. “There are all kinds of stuff at the state park,” Evans says. “Of course, they have nature trails, tennis courts, playgrounds and golf.” The Oak Ridge Trail stretches nearly 3 miles, offering swamp views and the chance to see the gopher tortoise. Tent camping is common, but “they just put in new cabins,” Evans says. Pavilions and an event center help make it a hub of social events. Telfair County Recreation Complex is a center of recreational athletics, home to tennis courts, baseball fields and multi-use fields. The county operates several youth sports programs.
A small town center with various small businesses
Several locally owned restaurants, shops and service businesses are available in and around downtown McRae-Helena. Joy’s Florist and Gift Shop and Ryal’s Outfitters offer clothing, jewelry and flowers along West Oak Street. Telfair Plaza features a Harvey’s Supermarket, one of the two grocery stores in town, and Needful Things Antiques and Flea Market. Rusty Rooster Vintiques and Flea Market offers additional options for vintage finds.
Evans says that McRae-Helena has several restaurants. “We’ve got Southern Star, and they’ve got the blue plate special every day for lunch,” Evans says. Blue plate specials change daily, offering fried pork chops or fried cube steak, and always come with cornbread, tea and a dessert. Evans also says that Mulligan’s Grill at Little Ocmulgee State Park is a popular spot. Other dining options in Chicken Box Café and El Aguila Mexican Restaurant.
Navigating Telfair County
Nicknamed the “Crossroads City,” McRae-Helena offers access to U.S. Routes 280, 341, 441, 23 and 319. The town is car-dependent. Dublin is about 35 miles north, and Macon is around 54 miles northwest. Dodge County Hospital is one of the nearest medical facilities, located about 20 miles away in Eastman. Middle Georgia Regional Airport is around 72 miles away.
Written By
Brennen Martin
