An unincorporated town with two names
About 20 miles south of Atlanta, Rex is an unincorporated community of around 17,500 people in Clayton County. While most know it as Rex, some people refer to the area as Hollinsworth. I.L. Hollingsworth mostly like built and owned the area’s grit mill that is now on the National Register for Historic Places. Local legend states that Hollingsworth named the area after his dog, Rex. With either name, the region has convenient access to Interstate 75 and 675, multiple parks and is a quick drive into the city or Hartsfield Jackson Airport. “People who move to Rex tend to end up staying there,” says Celine Higgins Evans, a Simply List broker born and raised in Atlanta. “It is close to Atlanta, and the movie production studios are out this way, and most of the homes are for families.”
Midcentury architecture styles scattered across small subdivisions
Rex features tight neighborhood streets, and properties are shaded and divided by towering trees. While the area dates to the 1800s, most single-family home inventory consists of ranch homes, split-levels, and Colonial Revivals perched on long rectangular lots. More recently, new construction contemporary homes has become a draw. Prices range from $189,000 to $436,000. “The market is balanced in Rex right now. From the looks at the recent sales, buyers who are aggressive with their offers are getting the homes they want,” Higgins Evans says.
STEM magnet program at Morrow High School
Rex is part of Clayton County Public Schools, which scores a C on Niche and has more than 52,000 students. One potential path is Smith Elementary, advancing to Rex Mill Middle and finishing at Morrow High School. The elementary school ranks as a C-plus on Niche, while the middle and high schools rate as a C. Morrow originally opened in 1969; the school moved into a brand-new building for the 2022-23 school year and offers the STEM magnet program.
MARTA bus service and nearby interstates
The Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) recently extended its bus services into Clayton County, and more routes are scheduled to come online in 2025. Commuters can use MARTA Route 193 to get around Morrow and Jonesboro. For those who prefer to drive, Rex is along Interstate 75, one of three cross-country interstates connecting around Atlanta and Interstate 675, an auxiliary highway that serves the southeastern part of the Atlanta Metro. It is about 10 miles north of Piedmont Henry, a 259-bed acute care hospital and about 20 miles south of the Hartsfield Jackson Airport.
Rec sports at Rex Park
Rex Park offers a playground but is home to rec football and cheerleading in the fall and baseball in the spring—the teams at Rex Park square off against teams from other parks throughout Clayton County. The park is home to the Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center, which offers a variety of programs to residents, including after-school care and a pool. Clayton County locals can purchase daily, monthly and three-month passes, while non-residents can, but it will be an additional cost
Convenient grocery options or a trip to Stockbridge
A shopping center on U.S. Route 42 offers a Food Depot and Family Dollar for grocery needs close to home, but a short 5-mile drive to Stockbridge will lead to a Kroger and Big Lots. Stockbridge is also a place for a meal at BBQ Masters, known for its ribs, or locals can drive the 20 miles to Atlanta for a night on the town.
Concerts in Stockbridge or a night at the drive-in
The Bridge Amphitheater in Stockbridge is a 3,500-seat venue that hosts a concert series featuring national touring acts. About 12 miles north, Starlight Drive-In has multiple screens and is one of the five remaining drive-ins in Georgia. The complex also hosts a Flea Market every Saturday.
Unique tie to Michelle Obama
First Lady Michelle Obama’s great-great-great-grandmother, Melvina Shields, was born into slavery in Rex but first experienced her freedom here as well. Today, a monument shows the family's five-generation journey to the White House.
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Written By
Andrew Phillips
