Jonesboro's downtown has charm
Best known as the real-life setting for Margaret Mitchell’s novel “Gone With the Wind,” Jonesboro lures plenty of visitors with its ties to the epic drama. Those who choose to stay are drawn to the Georgia city’s small-town feel, marked by a quaint downtown with historic buildings adorned by murals, as well as its proximity to downtown Atlanta and the airport. “Jonesboro has that downtown Southern city charm with the old storefronts and the courthouse right there,” says Angela Aull, a Realtor with HomeSmart, who grew up in Jonesboro. “It’s city living in the suburbs. You have the boutique shops and the walkability, but you also have quiet residential streets and big-box stores. It doesn’t have all the hustle and bustle, but there are plenty of things to do.”
Main Street is where it's at in downtown Jonesboro
While residents are only 18 miles from downtown Atlanta, there’s a lot to explore in Jonesboro’s downtown district. Along Main Street, residents can make the rounds at a variety of indie shops or view the work of Georgia artists at Arts Clayton Gallery. The Road to Tara Museum is a must-see for movie buffs. Housed in an 1867 train depot, the museum features original and replica movie costumes, as well as a collection of “Gone With the Wind” manuscripts.
Jonesboro features nationally recognized chains and independent eateries
U.S. Highway 41, which runs from Michigan to Florida, cuts through Jonesboro and serves as a retail hub. Along the stretch of road, residents will find a slew of familiar names, including Kroger, Planet Fitness, Starbucks and Chick-fil-A. For a taste of something local, there's Nouveau on West Mill Street for a wide variety of offerings, ranging from chicken and waffles to lobster tail. Lewis’s Little This Little That on North Main Street is the popular spot for soul food favorites. “There are plenty of mom-and-pop places in addition to the chains,” Aull says.
Jonesboro’s got curb appeal
Jonesboro offers homes built from the 1800s to the modern day. They come in a wide variety of styles ranging from Greek Revivals and 1950s ranch homes to contemporary houses with two-car garages. “If you’re downtown, you’re going to get smaller lots because it’s multi-use. There are churches, restaurants and shops mixed in with the housing. You can walk to everything,” Aull says. “Outside of downtown, there are suburban areas with more land and greenery, but you have to drive to get to shopping.” The average sale price hovers around $250,000. A vintage three-bedroom home goes for around $200,000, while a newer five-bedroom might fetch more than $350,000. Homes typically sell in about a month. “Some sell quicker than others,” Aull says. “A lot of it depends on the condition of the home.”
Residents work out and play at Lee Street Park
Lee Street Park in Jonesboro’s downtown district features a playground, walking track and an amphitheater that hosts a free summer concert series. The park is also home to the Jonesboro Farmers and Artisans Market, which takes place every second Saturday from May through September. Rum Creek Park, on Government Circle, is where community members gather to cheer on Little League soccer, football, softball and baseball teams.
Locals hop on Interstate 75 North to get to downtown Atlanta
Jonesboro residents have easy access to Interstate 75 North, allowing for a straight 15-mile trip to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and an 18-mile drive to downtown Atlanta. There are also MARTA bus stops along major roads, such as Tara Boulevard, to help residents get around the city.
Jonesboro is zoned to Clayton County Schools
Students attend Clayton County Schools, Georgia’s sixth-largest school district, with more than 50,000 students. Depending on location, children may go to Suder Elementary, Mundy's Mill Middle and Jonesboro High School. The elementary and middle schools score C-minus Niche grades, while the high school gets a C. Home of the Cardinals, famous alumni of Jonesboro High include 1984 Olympic gold medalist swimmer, Steve Lundquist.
