Small-town living in the "Antiques Capital of Georgia"
Monroe has 15,000 residents and is known for its historic downtown, highly rated schools and numerous antique stores, earning it the title "Antiques Capital of Georgia". Its downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “History is a big part of our identity. We have two old mills converted into multiuse recreational spaces that host events and antique booths,” says lifelong resident Winston White, a principal broker at Winston White Realty and an agent for over five years.
The town's slower pace and proximity to major employers is a major draw for homebuyers. “Many people are moving away from the bigger cities in Gwinnett County and coming here for more of that small-town, country feel,” says Ashley Kimble, a Realtor with Kimble Real Estate, Keller Williams Atlanta Partners, who has sold homes in Monroe for eight years. Kimble says many new residents are young families working at nearby manufacturers and distribution centers, such as Walmart and Hitachi, or commuting to Athens and Atlanta.
Tree lined streets offers shade to those in Monroe enjoying the downtown area.
Beautiful string-lit trees line the streets of downtown Monroe as cars pass by.
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Monroe's walkable and historic downtown
Downtown Monroe centers around Broad and Spring streets, where antique shops like The Cotton Depot are huge attractions. “People spend the whole day walking around and visiting antique shops. There are eight or more venues," White says. The Monroe Commercial Historic District surrounds the Walton County Courthouse, a Second Empire-style landmark set among 19th-century antique stores and local restaurants. "We have a golf cart ordinance downtown, so you can get a permit to ride around town and take advantage of convenient golf-cart-only parking. People enjoy that," White says. The Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts offers classes and On Stage Playhouse, just east of downtown, presents plays and musicals.
Downtown Monroe is host to many night time events throughout the year for all.
Locals enjoy the newest park built in downtown Monroe with a fountain and amphitheater.
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Live concerts downtown at Town Green
Monroe has about a dozen parks, but Childers Park tends to be the one people go to the most. It’s 17 acres with a dog park and a mile-long walking trail. “Childers Park downtown is a favorite," White says. "They decorate it with lights at Christmas, and there are festive events around the neighborhood." South of town, the Monroe Golf and Country Club has a par-72 course designed by Donald Ross, while Hard Labor Creek State Park, just southeast, is the spot for hiking, swimming and fishing.
The city's newest addition is Town Green, a 3-acre park that hosts a summer concert series and sees action during annual events like the Memories in Monroe Car Show in March and Fall Fest in October.
Local bands performed throughout the day at the Monroe Fall Fest.
Local residents come out in huge numbers for the First Friday Concert Series in Monroe.
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Historic neighborhoods near downtown Monroe
Historic neighborhoods, dating back to the mid-to-late 1800s and early 1900s, extend from South Broad Street. Over the years, Neoclassical, Queen Anne, bungalow and farmhouse styles have been remodeled, adhering to specific guidelines and regulations. These neighborhoods are within walking distance of downtown restaurants and parks, and the age of the area is reflected in the mature trees that line the yards.
The city’s median home price is $415,000, with new homes selling for 455,000 to over $1 million. Farther from downtown, new construction stretches across open land. Lots from quarter-acre to 125 acres range from $40,000 and reach $4 million. Early 21st-century suburban developments are becoming more common on the outskirts.
Rows of historic and unique homes are found all over the town of Monroe.
Own a piece of history in this southern mansion for sale in Monroe.
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A-minus-rated Walton County Public Schools
Walton County Public Schools earns an overall A-minus from Niche and has over 14,000 students. George Walton Academy is an A-rated private school for kindergarten through 12th grades. Also in the area are Athens Technical College’s Walton County Campus and the University of Georgia, near Athens.
Carver Middle School also has a large statue located in the front of the campus.
Monroe Elementary School Public Pre-K & Elementary School serving the Monroe area.
Monroe Area High School serves students 9-12th grade.
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Less than 50 miles from Atlanta
Highway 78 is Monroe’s main artery, connecting to Athens, 26 miles northeast, and Atlanta, 46 miles west. "Traffic is light, and everything feels close by," White says. Interstate 20 is also nearby. Walton County’s Project Road Share is a bike trail linking Monroe to other cities on low-traffic roads. Monroe is home to Clearview Regional Medical Center, and the Monroe-Walton County Airport is a popular skydiving spot. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is 53 miles away.
Weather and crime rates in Monroe
Monroe has hot summers, mild winters and the risk of tropical storms and flooding.
According to FBI data, Monroe reports lower violent crime rates than state and national averages over the last two years. However, property crime rates have increased slightly, exceeding national averages.
Monroe owns and operates the local utilities
Monroe’s utilities department owns and operates all of the city’s utilities, including power, water and cable and internet. The city utilizes a Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax to pay for capital improvement projects, including replacing outdated stormwater infrastructure and adding new pedestrian infrastructure.
Written By
Pao Cordero
Photography Contributed By
Bradley Parrish
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tara Sachs,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Monroe, GA sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Monroe, GA over the last 12 months is $410,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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RENT-TO-OWN OPPORTUNITY: CHARMING 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM MOBILE HOME. This is a 5-year rental lease before ownership. Open kitchen with views to the family room. Walk-in closet with spacious bedroom. Recently renovated with new vinyl plank flooring throughout and fresh paint. Unit will have a split unit installed prior to move-in for heating and cooling. Pets allowed with pet deposit of
RENT-TO-OWN OPPORTUNITY: CHARMING 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM MOBILE HOME. This is a 5-year rental lease before ownership. Open kitchen with views to the family room, walk in closet with spacious bedroom. Recently renovated with new vinyl plank flooring throughout and fresh paint. Unit will have a split unit installed prior to move-in for heating and cooling. Pets allowed with pet deposit of $300
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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.
