Mcdonough

McDonough combines small-town charm with city conveniences. This rapidly growing Atlanta suburb has a historic downtown that regularly hosts community events as well as modern shopping centers teeming with familiar chains. The 30,000 residents here enjoy proximity to downtown Atlanta, comparably lower home prices and larger lots. “McDonough is almost like a unicorn: It’s rural on one side, and you go on the other side and feel like you’re in a little city. You get the best of both worlds in one area,” says Raymond Riley, local Realtor and founder of Magnetic Realty. “It’s a city that's on the move with regards to the intention of being bigger, better and becoming a great alternative to Atlanta.” The housing inventory in McDonough largely consists of newly constructed houses and townhomes in traditional styles. Older ranch houses and Victorian-style homes can be found closer to downtown. The average sales price hovers around $400,000. Homebuyers could find a cozy three-bedroom for around $300,000, while a five-bedroom neo-traditional might fetch $525,000. “Buyers see their money going further in an area like McDonough. Overall cost per square foot is hard to beat, feature for feature,” Riley says. "One of the draws to McDonough is the estate-style lots and larger home sites. It’s great for someone who wants a larger home site and a little more space between their neighbors.” Downtown’s town square is the site of several anticipated annual events. Locals ring in the New Year at the Geranium Drop, which features a glowing ball covered in geraniums, the city’s signature flower. The Geranium Festival, an arts and crafts festival, takes place in May and there’s a concert series in the summer months. “The McDonough town square has become more vibrant over the last couple of years as we’re getting new businesses,” says Nakia Warner, local Realtor and founder of Pink Sands Group. In addition, the Stockbridge Amphitheater is 9 miles north. The venue seats over 3,000 people and has hosted artists like Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle. McDonough has no shortage of locally owned restaurants along Jonesboro Road. Warner recommends Two Eggs! Breakfast & Lunch. “That’s my number one breakfast spot,” she says. “The best thing on their menu is the fish and grits.” Fatboiz Premium Gourmet is the go-to spot for soul food. “Their ox tails are amazing,” Warner says. “They do a deep-fried crab leg that I love too.” PÜR Zen Mimosa Wine Bar serves fine wines and experimental cocktails with their weekend brunch or charcuterie boards. Along Highway 20 residents can stock up on groceries at Publix and hit the shops at South Point Shopping Center. It has Market by Macy’s, T.J. Maxx, and several chain restaurants like Texas Roadhouse and Dave and Buster’s. "McDonough has adequate commercial spaces, and residents of surrounding suburbs do their shopping in McDonough,” Riley says. McDonough schools are part of the Henry County Schools system. Students may start off at East Lake Elementary before moving on to Union Grove Middle, both of which earn B-plus grades from Niche. Union Grove High School, which earns an A-minus, offers over 20 athletic teams and 40 clubs. “The school system in McDonough is pretty decent. People are more attracted to schools here than in the neighboring town of Clayton,” Warner says. “They also have private schools in the area that are popular, like Eagles Landing Christian Academy.” Outdoor options abound in McDonough, with a half-dozen parks to choose from. One popular spot is North Mt. Carmel Park on North Mt. Carmel Road, which has soccer fields, a dog park and the largest playground in Henry County. It’s also part of The Bushy Tail Art Trail, a collection of decorative squirrel-sized tables painted by local artists. Big Springs Park on Veterans Drive offers a paved walking trail that loops around a lake with a shooting fountain at its center. “The parks in McDonough are a huge deal,” Warner says. “You see a lot of families.” McDonough is about 30 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta and traffic is often heavy. Commuters can purchase a Peach Pass to access toll lanes and bypass some traffic in and out of the city. “They are trying to improve the infrastructure in McDonough to help congestion,” Riley says. “They revamped exit 218 on Highway 20 into a reverse lane to help with getting traffic off the interstate and crossing over the bridge. It’s allowed Highway 20 to flow a lot freer.”