Wrightsville is a small, rural town between Atlanta and Savannah
For Wrightsville residents like Jason Outlaw, community ties date back as early as the town's 1866 incorporation. "My family was one of the first few out here," says Outlaw, a Realtor with Premier Properties of Dublin. Outlaw was born and raised in Wrightsville, and his wife serves the rural community as mayor. The fewer than 3,600 people who live in Wrightsville tend to know each other. "I know just about everybody here," Outlaw says. He says it's common to see a familiar face at Friday night football games, weekend dinners at local restaurants or on grocery runs to Piggly Wiggly. "There's a great sense of community here," Outlaw says. "It's a very beautiful little town."
Historic homes downtown and sizable lots
The median sale price for a home in Wrightsville is about $110,000, lower than the national median. The community's oldest homes, including bungalows and Victorians near the heart of town, date back to the 19th century. "There are definitely a lot of older homes that people have redone," Outlaw says. "On my street, a lot of people have remodeled their homes." Many of the town's homes, including ranch-style houses, were built in the 20th century. Much of the draw to Wrightsville is in the land, and many residents own several acres or more. "In town, it's common to have an acre," Outlaw says. "On the outside of town, it's common to have large ownership of land. At least 50 acres." A nearly 50-acre tract recently sold for $205,000, while six acres went for $57,000.
Johnson County High School offers a Work-Based Learning Program
Johnson County Schools scores an overall C-plus on Niche and serves just over 1,000 students. Johnson County Elementary School, located just west of the town's center, receives a B-minus. Johnson County Middle and Johnson County High share a building, but the middle school has a B-minus on Niche while the high school has a B-plus. The high school partners with local businesses for its Work-Based Learning Program, including Washington County Internal Medicine, Sumner's Pharmacy and Classy Cuts. Plus, Wrightsville residents get together every Friday during the fall to cheer on the high school football team, the Trojans. "Football is huge here," Outlaw says. "It's very loud and energetic at the stadium, which we call the blue monster."
Johnson County is a popular area for hunting and fishing
The Johnson County Recreation Department operates several sports facilities on the town's south side. Local recreational sports teams use the department's baseball fields, tennis courts and basketball court. Johnson County Park features a small playground, a sizable field and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables. Johnson County is also a popular area for hunting and fishing. While many residents own plenty of land to hunt and fish, Wrightsville is about 25 miles from the Beaverdam Wildlife Management Area. Beaverdam sprawls across 5,500 acres of hardwood forests, with small game, turkey and deer. It's also a popular sport for camping, canoeing and river fishing. Wrightsville is near a couple of state parks. George L. Smith State Park is about 40 miles east, anchored by a 412-acre lake often busy with kayakers. Magnolia Springs State Park is about 58 miles away.
The Fourth of July Celebration in Wrightsville
Residents across Wrightsville gather annually for the Fourth of July Celebration, arguably the town's biggest event. "We probably draw 3,000 to 5,000 people every year," Outlaw says. "It's a nearly 50-year tradition of ours." The event includes a Firecracker 5K, a parade and a turtle race. Residents can shop for arts and crafts and enjoy a barbecue lunch. The town also hosts the Wiggle and Twist Fall Festival, named for the Wrightsville/Tennille railway. The event features live music, a children's play area and arts and crafts.
Dining downtown and shopping at Piggly Wiggly
Wrightsville's walkable downtown features historic buildings and some locally owned businesses. Outlaw says Felicia's Hot Wings and More is a popular spot. "Felicia's has some of the best hot wings," he says. "It has rave reviews from people all over the state." The Pizza Place offers sizable slices and pies, and Outlaw says that Cattle Bay has a "really great steak." True to Cattle Bay's motto, "where you steakout and seafood," the restaurant offers ribeye, shrimp and fried fish. Plus, Outlaw says it gets busy on Friday nights. Most residents grab groceries at Piggly Wiggly, which sits next to a Family Dollar and across the street from Dollar General. Locals can also grab produce at the monthly Wrightsville Farmers Market.
Navigating Johnson County
Three important regional roads run through this car-dependent town: U.S. Route 319, State Route 57 and State Route 15. Dublin is about 20 miles away, home to Fairview Park Hospital, one of the nearest medical facilities to Wrightsville. Middle Georgia Regional Airport is one of the closest commercial airports, about 71 miles away.
Written By
Brennen Martin
