Downtown Royston draws locals, students and parkgoers
In the quiet town of Royston, downtown shops and restaurants are drawing people to the countryside. "I grew up there," says Realtor Charlene Fields, owner of Charlene Lee Realty. "It's where everyone knows everyone, and there are small, quaint shops and restaurants downtown." The community is close to Franklin Springs and Emmanuel University. "A lot of students come over here to eat and shop," Fields adds. The rural farm community, located north of Athens, provides access to city amenities and outdoor recreation. "We're close to Victoria Bryant State Park, so people coming or going from there will often pass by." With Interstate 85 less than 15 minutes away, commuters can hop on the highway and get to cities like Atlanta within an hour.
Classic home styles and farmland living near Emmanuel University
Royston is surrounded by rolling crop fields and Georgia pine forests and has a classic rural town feel. There are early-to-mid 20th-century cottages, Craftsman-style, shotgun-style and ranch-style homes at a median sale price of $245,000. There is limited new construction, but Fields notes developers are taking advantage of nearby Emmanuel University and building multi-family student rentals. As the town spreads into the countryside, New Traditional homes and spacious acreages for farming and homesteading are present. Crop fields with ponds surround some homes, while others have acres of wood, giving homes privacy.
Royston schools earn B ratings
Franklin County Schools serves over 3,500 students and earns an overall B rating from Niche. South Franklin Elementary scores a B and began serving Royston students in 2025. Franklin County Middle has a B-minus, and Franklin County High earns a B-plus. High schoolers may apply to the Franklin County Career Academy, which offers agriculture, business and architecture options.
Royston is close to lakes, rivers and outdoor recreation
The town is home to Royston Wellness and Community Park. This encompasses over 44 acres of land, offering walking trails, exercise stations, picnic areas and a playground. The park also features a disc golf course and an amphitheater for events. Royston is also only miles from Victoria Bryant State Park. The recreation space has trails, a playground, picnic areas and an archery range. Visitors to the park can also go fishing at the pond or Rice Creek, swim in the pool or book a tee time at the Highland Walk Golf Course. Water activities are popular, according to Fields. "The Broad River runs through the area, and it brings a lot of tubers, rafters and kayakers," she says. Lake Hartwell is 12 miles from Royston, offering boating, fishing, kayaking and other water activities. Several park areas surround the lake on the Georgia and South Carolina sides, providing various campgrounds, trails and sports courts.
Local eateries and the Ty Cobb Museum anchor the town center
The community's downtown is Royston's hub, offering restaurants, churches, supply shops, boutiques and municipal offices. There are a few grocery stores, including Dill's Food City and Dollar Tree. Some of the area's attractions include the Royston Public Library and the Ty Cobb Museum. The museum celebrates the life and achievements of "the Georgia Peach," a famous Major League Baseball player who grew up in Royston. Royston has a few chain restaurants, but local eateries reign supreme. Popular spots are Bar H Barbecue, which offers classic ribs and brisket, and Booty's Fish House, a "fish camp" buffet popular for its Brunswick stew. Royston is only 30 miles from Athens, one of the closest larger cities. Athens has a mall, big box stores, and more dining and entertainment.
Seasonal festivals and live music bring the community together
Royston offers several events throughout the year, including public concerts, car shows, easter egg hunts and trick-or-treating. Each October, The Royston Fall Festival offers live music, games, food vendors and craft vendors. The town kicks off the winter holiday season with Christmas in Royston, which features late-night shopping and dining, a holiday market and a tree lighting. It's followed up with a Christmas Parade a week later. Holiday cheer starts again in the summer with Christmas in July, with dining and retail specials downtown and Christmas movies at the Royce Theater.
Highways connect Royston to Athens, Atlanta and Greenville
U.S. Highway 29 passes through Royston, connecting to nearby towns like Athens, 30 miles away. 29 intersects with Georgia State Route 17 (Royston Bypass) on the eastern side of town. The bypass leads north to Lavonia and Interstate 85, about 13 miles away. Lavonia also offers one of the closest hospitals, St. Mary's Sacred Heart. Interstate 85 provides access to the nearest cities, including Atlanta, 95 miles away, and Greenville, 65 miles away. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport is about 115 miles from Royston, and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is about 75 miles.
