Netflix series was filmed in Stockbridge
Whether they know it or not, fans of the Netflix series "Stranger Things" are already familiar with Stockbridge, Georgia. Hawkins High School, the fictional high school from the show, is located next to City Hall. While its link to Hollywood draws some tourists, locals describe the overall vibe of the city as slow-paced and family oriented. “It’s a town that’s full of Southern hospitality. There are a lot of local groups that help out people in need,” says Erick Salazar-Gallegos, a Realtor with LD Realty Group, who grew up in Stockbridge. “The town focuses on having community events. There’s a free movie night at City Hall on Fridays.” This southern suburb of Atlanta is loaded with parks and offers a quick drive to downtown and the airport. “It’s very calm and quiet — it always has been. You don’t hear police sirens often at all,” Salazar-Gallegos says. “Thirty years back, it would close at 12 o’clock at night. They had these huge gates, and after midnight, no one could go in or out of Stockbridge.”
North Henry Boulevard serves as a hub for shopping
Along North Henry Boulevard, there’s a slew of nationally recognized chains, including Walmart Supercenter, CVS and Dunkin'. The Stockbridge Lakes shopping center on East Atlanta Road has a Publix for stocking up on groceries. Residents also have plenty of independent eateries to choose from, including local favorites Olympia Pizza and El Granero for Mexican fare.
Stockbridge has plenty of established neighborhoods
Stockbridge offers a wealth of ranch homes built in the 1990s, as well as larger neotraditional houses. The older homes typically rest along narrow streets and feature wide paved driveways that lead to two-car garages or carports. Many subdivisions feature newer homes on sidewalk-lined streets. Homebuyers can expect to find roomy yards adorned with mature trees. “It’s not hard to find lots with more than an acre, and compared to Atlanta, the prices are much more affordable,” Salazar-Gallegos says. The average sales price hovers around $325,000. A vintage three-bedroom home in Stockbridge typically sells for around $300,000, while a spacious four-bedroom overlooking the Eagle’s Landing Country Club golf course may exceed $550,000. “We are seeing multiple offers, and they are coming in over the listing price,” says Shelby Rawlings, a Realtor with Watkins Real Estate Associates, who’s been selling homes in the area for five years. “If the homes are priced right, they can go in a few days.”
Eagle’s Landing High School preps students for the future
Public school students attend Henry County Schools, which scores an overall B-minus Niche grade. Kids may start off at Hickory Flat Elementary School, which scores an A, then go to C-plus-graded Eagle’s Landing Middle and B-minus-rated Eagle’s Landing High School. Eagle’s Landing offers a dual enrollment program where students can earn college credits while still in high school.
Residents can take their kids and dogs to play at Clark Community Park
Stockbridge has a great park system with multiple green spaces. Located in the middle of the city, 12-acre Clark Community Park offers a playground, a dog park and nearly a mile of paved walking trails. The 3,600-seat Stockbridge Amphitheater is located a few blocks away. Known as The Bridge to locals, the venue brings acts across all music genres to the city. “A lot of well-known artists play there, especially from Atlanta,” Salazar-Gallegos says. “Fantasia has come.” At Memorial Park on Jennings Way, residents can shoot hoops or bike the Reeves Creek Trail, which spans 3 miles and winds along Reeves Creek. Garden Park, on East Atlanta Road, is the go-to spot for a game of tennis.
Convenient access to downtown Atlanta on Interstate 75
Interstate 75 cuts through Stockbridge, providing residents with quick access to the interstate. It's a 22-mile drive to downtown Atlanta and a 19-mile trip to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Piedmont Henry Hospital, a 215-bed facility, is located on Eagle’s Landing Parkway in Stockbridge.
