Stone Mountain sits about 20 miles from downtown Atlanta between DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties. In the 1800s, granite quarrying was the backbone of the local economy, and the stone from these quarries was used in some of the earliest buildings still found downtown. Nowadays, tourism plays a significant role in the economy, largely thanks to Stone Mountain State Park, the state's most visited tourist attraction, drawing over 4 million visitors annually. Aside from outdoor recreation, Stone Mountain offers a steadily growing downtown, an A-rated school district and new construction.
Stone Mountain has a small-town feel with a population of less than 8,000. Residents enjoy the convenience of driving golf carts around town, making it easy to hop over to the park. About 42% of residents own their homes, while 58% rent, creating a mix of long-time locals and newcomers drawn to the area.
Locals enjoy shopping locally in downtown Stone Mountain.
A scenic lake surrounding most of the local park is just outside of Stone Mountain.
Beautiful landscaping encircles the original granite buildings throughout Stone Mountain.
Enjoy the breath taking views of Atlanta from the top of Stone Mountain.
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Hiking trails and annual festivals at Stone Mountain Park
The 3,200-acre Stone Mountain Park features a 600-foot-tall granite mountain just east of the city limits. On the north side, attractions include the Geyser Towers Water Park and a scenic train ride. The west side has Stone Mountain Golf Club beside Stone Mountain Lake, where visitors can enjoy duck boat rides. Hikers can explore 15 miles of trails through oak and hickory forests, and the one-mile Walk-up Trail leads to the summit. Within city limits, several parks experience less tourist traffic than Stone Mountain Park. Ralph Medlock Park has sports facilities, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The 19-mile Stone Mountain Trail runs through downtown, connecting west to Olympic Centennial Park and east to Stone Mountain Park. The city experiences hot and humid summers that hover over 100 degrees. Fall is one of the most popular times for outdoor recreation, while the leaves turn color, and winter is chilly and brisk.
Tunes by the Tracks in Stone Mountain Village draws locals with lawn chairs for a Friday night concert series featuring soul, blues, and country in May and June. Stone Mountain Park hosts events year-round, from New Year's Eve fireworks to Southern ghost tours and cultural festivals. In October, the Stone Mountain Highland Games celebrate Scottish heritage with traditional food and Celtic music. The Native American Festival and Pow Wow, a four-day event, attracted over 100,000 visitors in 2023 for handmade artisan wares and ceremonies.
Enjoy a hike along the paved walking trails found throughout the Stone Mountain area.
Regional pipe bands come to show off their skills at Stone Mountain Highland Games.
Geyser Towers Water Park is one of the top attractions in Stone Mountain.
Stone Mountain State Park brings millions of visitors on an annual basis.
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Local shopping in Stone Mountain Village
Small-town businesses feature original quarry-stone facades. Locally owned cafes, BBQ spots and long-standing bars thrive in the area. Local business owners benefit from grants through BOOST Stone Mountain, while the Façade Improvement Grant Program helps them update their storefronts. Stone Mountain Village offers local businesses and cultural experiences centered around a now-defunct stagecoach line. Established favorites like the Village Corner German Restaurant and Bakery have served the community for over 50 years, while newcomers like Gilly Brew and the Vibrary Wine and Book Bar bring fresh energy to the area. For groceries, Walmart and Kroger are just outside the city limits.
Gilly Brew Bar has a fun and funky interior in the Stone Mountain neighborhood.
The Village Corner German Restaurant has been in Stone Mountain for 50 years.
Local businesses in Stone Mountain feature original quarry-stone facades.
Several big box shopping options are availible in Stone Mountain.
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Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology is the top-ranked
Gwinnett County Schools ranks No. 9 in the Atlanta area on Niche, earning an A. It is the state's largest district, with over 183,000 students. The district offers gifted programs tailored to each grade level, starting with Focus in elementary school, Probe in middle school, which introduces STEM learning, and Quest in high school. Quest students can apply for The Quest Gifted Internship program, which provides mentorship in career fields of interest. Students can apply to the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, the state's top-rated public high school. DeKalb County Schools has a B-minus grade and offers a Special Interest Magnet Program at select schools, including horticulture, engineering and culinary arts pathways.
Garden at Dekalb Academy of Technology and Environment in Stone Mountain, GA.
Main building at Stone Mountain High School in Atlanta.
Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology is a rich and diverse environment.
Goats and chickens are just a few of the animals residing on the Academe of the Oaks campus.
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Estate living in Smoke Rise
Stone Mountain's tree-filled pockets surround turn-of-the-century homes, condos and townhouses. South of Stone Mountain Village, neighborhoods feature homes from the 1970s to '90s, while sprawling suburbs in the southern half offer views of the 600-foot-tall Stone Mountain. To the north, in unincorporated Stone Mountain, Smoke Rise is a popular subdivision with custom estates over 6,000 square feet. Stone Mountain is significantly more affordable than neighboring cities in DeKalb County. As of June 2024, the median home price of $285,000 is lower than Decatur's $331,900 and Atlanta's median of $425,000.
Ranch homes are very popular in the Stone Mountain neighborhood.
Split-level homes with a large yards are found throughout the Stone Mountain neighborhood.
Large millennial homes line the streets of the Smoke Rise area.
Modern farmhouses are in demand in the Smoke Rise area.
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Stone Mountain's new developments
The Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) trail study for Stone Mountain aims to create a safer, more connected, and vibrant community. "We want residents to access downtown easily, the existing PATH network, and neighborhood parks without relying on cars," says Maggie Dimov, Director of Economic Development and DDA for the City of Stone Mountain. The Stone Mountain 2021 Comprehensive Plan outlines methods to improve community parks, including requiring new developments to include green spaces. In 2023, Leila Mason Park received a new playground, and residents voted on new equipment for McCurdy Park.
Locals utilize the PATH network to enjoy the main streets of Stone Mountain without cars.
Enjoy the scenic views of the historic downtown Stone Mountain.
MCCurdy Park is a small pocket park in the Stone Mountain community.
Leila Mason Park recently received a new playground in the Stone Mountain area.
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20 miles from Atlanta and I-25 access
Stone Mountain is 20 miles from downtown Atlanta via I-25, which connects to major interstates 5 miles west. Alternatively, locals can take a MARTA bus from Stone Mountain Park to the Indian Creek station. They can then continue to Atlanta on the Blue Line train. Without a local hospital, residents travel 7 miles to Emory Decatur Hospital for medical care. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is 27 miles away.
Stone Mountain’s crime rate is lower than Atlanta’s
According to Stone Mountain's 2024 Crime Statistics, the city reports a violent crime rate of 3.87 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 25.64. This marks a 23% rise in overall crime and a 15% increase in property crimes from last year. Still, the rate remains lower than Atlanta's 47.91 per 1,000 residents.
Written By
Pao Cordero
Photography Contributed By
Bradley Parrish
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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 Stone Mountain, GA sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Stone Mountain, GA over the last 12 months is $282,500, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to modern comfort and timeless appeal in the heart of Stone Mountain!This beautifully renovated residence offers 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 stunning bathrooms, thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and entertaining. A long private driveway provides ample parking and a grand sense of arrival, while ceiling fans throughout add comfort and efficiency year-round. The heart of
Welcome home! This beautifully updated and truly move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Step inside to a welcoming foyer that sets the tone for the bright, open layout ahead. The expansive living room is bathed in natural light, creating an inviting space for movie nights, gatherings, or just relaxing after a long day. The
Nikki ElmoreAtlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International
Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to this beautifully maintained property, boasting a neutral color paint scheme that complements the fresh interior paint. The living room is adorned with a cozy fireplace, perfect for those chilly evenings. The kitchen is a chef's dream with an accent backsplash and all stainless steel appliances, including new appliances that add
Welcome to this exceptional opportunity to own a magnificent and thoughtfully appointed property that promises to be a wonderful haven for anyone seeking both comfort and style. Upon stepping through the front door, you are greeted by a spacious foyer that sets a tone of elegance and warmth. Natural light cascades through large windows, illuminating the space and creating an inviting atmosphere.
Freshly updated and truly move-in ready—this Stone Mountain home offers space, style, and outdoor living just minutes from Atlanta. Located in an established neighborhood, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath split-level home combines modern finishes with a flexible layout ideal for today’s lifestyle. Recent improvements include a new roof, new interior and exterior paint, new flooring, updated kitchen and
Great location, well maintained home ready for you to move into. Family room, dining room and a formal living/flex room. The spacious kitchen has a eat in area. There is a stone fireplace in the family room that leads to the exerior of the home with a large backyard. The home is located minutes from Stone Mountain Park, public parks and shopping as well as multiple restaurants. 4 bedrooms large -
Brand-new and ready for immediate move-in, this never-lived-in home offers a rare opportunity to lease new construction without the usual build wait. Designed for modern living, the property includes quality upgrades such as a smart thermostat and granite countertops throughout.Step inside to a light-filled interior where durable LVP flooring creates a seamless flow from the living space into
Brand-new and ready for immediate move-in, this never-lived-in home offers a rare opportunity to lease new construction without the usual build wait. Designed for modern living, the property includes quality upgrades such as a smart thermostat and granite countertops throughout. Step inside to a light-filled interior where durable LVP flooring creates a seamless flow from the living space into
This beautifully maintained 5-bedroom, 3-bath residence offers the ideal blend of space, comfort, and functionality for a household seeking room to live, work, and relax with ease. Step into generous living areas designed for connection and everyday convenience, complemented by a thoughtfully designed layout that supports both privacy and togetherness. The well-appointed kitchen provides
Located in the picturesque, wooded countryside just 20 miles Northeast of Atlanta, Smoke Rise is an upscale community developed in the 1960s. Today, this small community between Tucker and Stone Mountain has started to see more growth. "Smoke Rise is kind of a hidden gem," says Zachary Maxey, Realtor with Keller Williams Atlanta Perimeter. "It has timeless, classic subdivisions on the east side of Atlanta. Of late, a lot of commercial real estate has been being developed, which tells me developers think it is a growing residential area."
Residential streets of Smoke Rise wind under old-growth trees in the rolling hills of Georgia's countryside. Brick-front ranch styles and split levels reflect the neighborhood’s original development in the 1960s. Modern farmhouses and Millennium Mansions are popular style choices for newly constructed homes. Buyers can expect a three-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch to sell for under $400,000, while a new construction, four-bedroom modern farmhouse costs up to $725,000. Prices rise into the million-dollar range for larger millennium mansions. “It is a healthy market that is moving fast, thanks to the new commercial developments,” says Maxey.
Children in Smoke Rise will likely attend either DeKalb County School District or Gwinnett County Public Schools. Younger students attending DeKalb County Schools will go to Smoke Rise Elementary, which earned a B-minus from Niche. In 2021, Smoke Rise Elementary School opened its brand-new building on Hugh Howell Road, which more than doubled its student capacity. Older students in Smoke Rise may attend Tucker Middle School and Tucker High School, which earned C and C-plus grades from Niche, respectively.
Probst Park in Smoke Rise offers multiple forested walking trails through the community’s natural environment. Just outside the neighborhood, Stone Mountain Park spans 3,200 acres and is Georgia’s most trafficked tourist destination. Stone Mountain, which is technically a stone monadnock, stands over 800 feet tall and has a 90-foot-tall carving of Confederate leaders Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson and Jefferson Davis on it. Local groups, like the Stone Mountain Action Coalition, have voiced opposition to the monument and called for the removal of Confederate names, flags and symbols around the park. As of early 2024, no changes have been made to existing legislation protecting the monument.
For more outdoor activities, residents can join the Smoke Rise Country Club. The club offers a junior Olympic swimming pool, tennis courts, a weight room and an 18-hole championship golf course. Nearby Tucker also offers dining and entertainment options for Smoke Rise residents. Main Street is home to more shops and restaurants and hosts the monthly Tucker Cruise-In, an old-fashioned town meet-and-greet and car show.
The brand-new Hugh Howell Village shopping center recently completed its first phase, with more development on the way. The shopping center is anchored by a Publix, where locals can pick up groceries, and features chain restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings, Jersey Mike’s Subs and Bruster’s Ice Cream. Walmart and Sam’s Club are also less than 2 miles away in Tucker. Locals can grab a bite at the First Watch for breakfast or lunch or have a slice from Antico Pizza, which has three other Atlanta-area locations.
Smoke Rise is 20 minutes outside of Atlanta, between Tucker and Stone Mountain. There is little to no public transportation in Smoke Rise, so most residents get around by car. Locals drive to Downtown Atlanta via US-78.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Stone Mountain Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
6,796
Median Age
37
Population Density
35 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$44,007
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$58,789
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.7%
College Graduates
22.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.7%
% Population in Labor Force
68.8%
On par with the national average
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
42/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®®
75/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
