Strong schools and accessibility in Bleckley County
Cochran, the seat of Bleckley County, provides education opportunities and community gatherings in rural Georgia. “People move and stay in Cochran for the excellent schools. And it’s not a far commute from Robins Airforce Base,” says Jillinda Falen, a Realtor with Landmark Realty who has served the region for 18 years. “Bleckley County is more affordable than Houston County, which has the Warner Robins Air Force Base that drives our economy.” Falen also says that agriculture and manufacturing support the region. Beyond the small city center are country lanes leading past farmlands and remote homes. Cochran also has local shops, casual eateries and community events like the annual Christmas parade.
The market has ranch styles, bungalows and New Traditional homes
Buyers can find various housing options, from historic homes to constructions built in 2024. Ranch-style houses are the most prevalent, but the area also includes New Traditional residences. Older homes include stately Classical Revivals, cottages and cozy Craftsman bungalows. Within the city limits are properties under half an acre. Farther out are larger lots ranging from a half-acre to 5 acres. There are also a handful of residential parcels of land that span over 30 acres. Most homes built during the 20th century range in price from $100,000 to $280,000, depending on the renovations. Newer, 21st-century homes cost around $200,000 to $475,000.
The area has a history of tornadoes and hurricanes, which can cause damaging winds that may affect properties. The region is also at risk of flooding and wildfires.
Bleckley County Schools and Middle Georgia State University
Bleckley County Primary has a B-plus rating on Niche. The school accepts prekindergarten to second grade. Bleckley County Elementary has an A-minus and Bleckley County Middle receives an A. Bleckley County High provides career, technology and agriculture pathways for teens; the school has an A-minus. Many high schoolers enroll in Middle Georgia State University after graduation. The four-year institution has a campus in Cochran that offers nursing, business administration and information technology programs.
Green spaces in and around the community
The city has athletic fields and an indoor gym off West Dykes Street, also known as Highway 129. Young residents and their families venture here throughout the year to participate in community sporting leagues. Ocmulgee Wildlife Management Area reaches across three Georgia counties. Visitors launch boats from Dykes Landing to access the Ocmulgee River. The Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area has a pier and boat ramp leading into a 106-acre lake. The waterways are home to largemouth bass, catfish and crappie. Visitors hunt for deer and catch a small game in the management area. Uchee Trail Country Club offers an 18-hole course next to Bleckley County Middle.
Visits to Food Depot, Sugarberrys and DGR's Clubhouse
Most commercial properties line down major thoroughfares Route 26, U.S. Highway 23 and Business Highway U.S. 23. The area includes a Walmart Supercenter and Ace Hardware. Locals shop for groceries at Food Depot. The community has multiple local eateries, such as The Mule Barn, a casual café with iced coffees and outdoor seating. "There is a place, Sugarberrys, that everyone likes to go to that serves country food," Falen says. The establishment offers buffet-style dining and items like fried chicken and frog legs. DGR's Clubhouse is a neighborhood sports pub where locals order beer, pizza and wings.
Biking Bleckley Metric 100 and Our Country Fest
Biking Bleckley Metric 100 is a one-day event inviting locals to cruise the county's rural roadways. Our Country Fest, held in October, is another family-friendly gathering that features arts and crafts, inflatables and food vendors. In the evening, residents dance in the street to live music.
Commuting along Highways 23, 129 and State Route 26
Bleckley Memorial Hospital is open all day. Georgia State Route 26 intersects with Highway 23 inside the community. The state route connects the city to Interstate 16 in roughly 15 miles. Highway 129 leads to Hawkinsville in less than 10 miles.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
