Established in 1856, Lithonia, whose name is derived from the Greek word for stone (lithos), is a reflection of its surroundings. Granite found in the nearby Arabia Mountain and elsewhere in the region made stone quarrying a key economic driver in the city until the 1970s. Today, Lithonia has benefited from its proximity to Interstate 20. Residents can commute to major employers in Atlanta, 20 miles away, including Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines.
With a population of about 2,600, Lithonia has maintained its small-town appeal. "At least half of the people here grew up here. The whole community knows each other, creating a family environment," says RaShanna Lowery, a Lithonia native and employee at Lucious Sanders Recreation Center, a local gathering spot. Its downtown features local businesses, bars, restaurants and the Lithonia Farmers Market. "It's very historic, but in a good way," Lowery says.
Lithonia was named after stone, which pays tribute to the neighborhood's origins and history.
The terrain of Lithonia's Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is of distinctive granite.
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Community events including Halloween Trunk or Treat
Lithonia has several community centers, including the Lucious Sanders Recreation Center on the old site of Bruce Street School. "It was the only school African Americans were allowed to attend in Lithonia back in the day. It can't be destroyed," Lowery says. The center offers summer camps, after-school programs and youth sports and collaborates with the nearby senior center for events. "Every season, we do something like trunk-or-treat, fall festival plays for seniors, and rent out the Porter Sanford Arts Center." The site now includes the Bruce Street Senior Center, Union Missionary Baptist Church and DeKalb County Police Department.
Residents can also enjoy events and music at Lithonia Amphitheater, with summer concerts featuring local funk, soul and R&B musicians. The Lithonia Farmers Market runs every Saturday from June through August, celebrating Black businesses with live music, poetry, fresh juices and produce. Families gather in costume for October's annual Halloween Trunk or Treat at Lithonia City Hall.
Bruce Street Senior Center provides many activities and events to residents.
The center features a full-size gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, a kitchen, a meeting room, and a playground.
Lucious Sanders Recreation Center provides sports programs and community events throughout the year.
Union Missionary Baptist Church welcomes its parishioners each week.
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Shopping nearby at The Mall at Stonecrest
Lithonia’s compact historic downtown is lined with locally owned businesses. “There are a lot of family-owned restaurants here. You go back to the same places and see the owners’ kids grow up,” Lowery says. In the city is a small shopping center, Lithonia Plaza, with a grocery store, but most head 2 miles to The Mall at Stonecrest. The indoor mall with a movie theater is surrounded by shopping centers, car dealerships and restaurants. South of the mall, The New Black Wall Street Market opened in 2021 as a mixed-use retail and event space focused on minority- and women-owned businesses.
Green Love Kitchen is a local hotspot among the residents of Lithonia.
Stop by Green Love Kitchen and try one of their delicious tropical smoothies.
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Beverly Heights is an amenity-filled townhome community
Lithonia's homes were primarily built in the 20th century, starting from the early 1900s, and many older properties have been remodeled. New homes are also being built in places like Beverly Heights, an emerging community of townhomes with a neighborhood walking trail where three-bedroom units are priced around $300,000. As of October 2024, the median home price in Lithonia has risen slightly to around $280,000 but is lower than nearby cities like Conyers, where the median price is $315,000. "Lithonia is way more affordable than other parts of Atlanta," Lowery says.
Residents can enjoy Lithonia's history as well as the natural, unique landscape.
Lithonia's newer built homes have mixed wood styles that fit resident preferences.
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Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is 5 miles away
Lithonia Park features multiuse fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, trails and swimming pools to beat the Georgia summer heat. The city experiences all four seasons: long, hot, humid summers, crisp autumns and brisk winters. The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is 5 miles away, with 40,000 acres of loblolly pines and sweet gum forests and over 30 miles of multiuse trails. Hikers and bikers can view two massive granite outcrops, called monadnocks, and historic sites of Lithonia's granite mining past.
Bikers can enjoy a spanning, wooded path while immersed in the nature of Arabia Mountain.
Lithonia's Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area visitors can take a stroll on the boardwalk.
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DeKalb County Public Schools has a B-minus rating
Lithonia is part of DeKalb County Public Schools, Georgia's third-largest district, serving around 93,000 students and holding a B-minus rating on Niche. Specialized programs start in fourth grade, including the lottery-based High Achievers Magnet Program and the Special Interest Magnet, which emphasizes STEAM-focused career paths. Lithonia High School's "Lithonia Bulldog Band" is a source of community pride. "Marching bands and music are big here," Lowery says. "The high school has competitions, and people sell them out. I get tickets to the Battle of the Bands every year." Lithonia is also home to Strayer University and Luther Rice College & Seminary, a private Baptist school offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.
Lithonia High School welcomes Dekalb students and is located at 2440 Phillips Rd, Lithonia, GA.
Luther Rice College & Seminary is a popular higher level education for those pursuing faith.
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Easy access to I-20
Lithonia is 20 miles from Atlanta via Interstate 20. "It takes 25 minutes to get to Atlanta," Lowery says. "You can access everything without living in the middle of it." Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is 25 miles away. Emory Hillandale Hospital is in town. Though public transit is limited, residents can reach Downtown Atlanta via the bus from The Mall at Stonecrest, connecting with the MARTA Blue Line.
DeKalb County’s crime rate
The City of Lithonia does not provide yearly crime data, but the Lithonia Police Department manages public safety. According to the latest data from the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, DeKalb County has a crime rate of 4,674 per 100,000 people, compared to Georgia’s overall rate of 1,725 per 100,000.
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Photography Contributed By
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lithonia, GA sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Lithonia, GA over the last 12 months is $262,500, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
NEWLY Renovated Two-Story Home with Luxurious Primary Suite and Fenced Backyard! Nestled on a 0.5-acre lot in a quiet and friendly community, this residence radiates an abundance of charm with a cheerful exterior color scheme, covered entryway, and mature trees. Freshly painted to reflect modern desires, the reimagined interior dazzles with stunning NEW vinyl flooring, brilliant NEW lights, an
Njuguna NjorogeKeller Williams Realty Atl. Partners
Priced to Sell FAST in Rogers Crossing - $1,500 Appliance Credit + 1-Year Warranty Included! Step into this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home and picture your family making memories here! At 2,686 sq ft, this traditional gem offers formal living and dining rooms, a cozy fireplace in the family room, and an eat-in kitchen perfect for busy mornings and weekend gatherings. Upstairs you'll enjoy a
Experience refined living in this expansive 6-bedroom, 5-bath residence offering approximately 3,477 square feet of thoughtfully designed space. From its generous layout to its elegant functionality, this home is ideal for both everyday living and sophisticated entertaining. The fully finished basement presents a private retreat, complete with a full kitchen, laundry room, and full bath-perfectly
Welcome to this spacious, 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath home offering comfort, functionality, and convenience. The inviting floor plan seamlessly connects the family room to the main living areas, creating the perfect space for both everyday living and entertaining. Step outside to enjoy the large deck overlooking a fully fenced backyard--ideal for relaxing evenings, outdoor dining, or pets and play.
Investor Special – 3BR Condo with Strong Rental Demand Near I-20 Great opportunity for investors seeking a cash-flow rental in a high-demand location. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath second-floor condo in the established Fairington Ridge community offers a tenant-friendly layout and strong rental potential in a growing Lithonia corridor. The unit features a galley-style kitchen, separate dining area, and
This end unit townhome has all you need with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. You will love the covered entry, the open floorplan, the vaulted main living space, and the spacious bedrooms. The rear patio area is perfect for grilling and entertaining. Wellington Walk is conveniently close to MARTA, I-20 and easily accessible to shopping, restaurants and schools. Investor special. Cash only. Ground level
Nearly New 4BR Home with Daylight Basement on Cul-de-Sac | Built in 2020 Welcome to 7698 Hansel Lane, a beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home built in 2020 in the sought-after Masons Mill Estates community. Offering over 2,800 sq ft of finished living space plus a 1,406 sq ft unfinished daylight basement with private exterior entry, this home combines modern style, spacious living, and
Welcome to this spacious 3-bedroom, 3 full-bath, two-story home nestled in a quiet neighborhood in Lithonia, GA. This newly upgraded residence features brand-new flooring, fresh interior and exterior paint, and a refreshed deck... offering a move-in ready experience. Step into the foyer that opens to the main level, highlighted by high ceilings, abundant natural light, and an open-concept feel.
This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome offers comfort, convenience, and modern updates in a welcoming community. The remodeled kitchen features quartz countertops, updated finishes, and generous workspace, creating a stylish and functional space for both everyday living and entertaining. The main level flows comfortably into the living and dining areas and includes a convenient
Welcome to this charming two-level home in Lithonia offering three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, perfect for homeowners or investors alike! This property features an open-concept living area filled with natural light, highlighted by vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, and double-pane windows that enhance both comfort and efficiency. The living room is anchored by a cozy fireplace, creating a
This end unit townhome has all you need with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. You will love the covered entry, the open floorplan, the vaulted main living space, and the spacious bedrooms. The rear patio area is perfect for grilling and entertaining. Wellington Walk is conveniently close to MARTA, I-20 and easily accessible to shopping, restaurants and schools. Investor special. Cash only. Ground level
Beautiful Move-In Ready Split-Level Home in Lithonia! Welcome to 3274 Adelade Ct, Lithonia, GA 30038-a stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5- bathroom split-level home with a full finished basement, situated in a quiet roundabout for added privacy and minimal traffic. This spacious residence features an open-concept layout, perfect for modern living and entertaining. Enjoy peace of mind with a fairly new HVAC,
Move-in ready home with bonus space + outdoor living. Stop scrolling—this is the home you’ve been waiting for. Completely renovated and thoughtfully updated, 4922 Rock Springs Rd offers exceptional value with modern finishes and a fully finished basement that sets it apart. The exterior features durable fiber cement siding, new energy-efficient windows, updated doors, fresh paint, and a newly
move-in special of $200 off the second month's rent this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome offers a comfortable and functional layout with a stove and refrigerator included. Residents are responsible for electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, lawn care, and snow removal. Pets may be considered with applicable fees. Free online rent payments are available. To ensure consistent screening, all applicants
Second-floor condominium available for lease. This unit features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a functional layout that includes a living area, a kitchen with cabinet storage, and a dining space. The unit offers standard closet space within the bedrooms and access to two full bathrooms. A covered rear patio/balcony area is accessible from the unit. Tenants are responsible for all utilities,
Spacious 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bathroom townhome with an open floor plan and a 1-car garage. Main bedroom is large with en suite bathroom and walk-in closet. The property comes with a washer and dryer and 2 more bedrooms sharing a full bathroom upstairs. This property is near shopping, restaurants, MARTA and highways. Housing voucher welcomed.
Spacious 3BR Condo with Easy Commute, Security & Everyday Convenience Welcome to 13202 Fairington Ridge Circle in Lithonia, where comfort, convenience, and low-maintenance living come together. This second-floor 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers a spacious and functional layout perfect for everyday living. Inside, you’ll find a well-designed galley kitchen, a separate dining area, and a comfortable
Spacious 3BR Condo with Easy Commute, Security & Everyday Convenience Welcome to 13202 Fairington Ridge Circle in Lithonia, where comfort, convenience, and low-maintenance living come together. This second-floor 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers a spacious and functional layout perfect for everyday living. Inside, you'll find a well-designed galley kitchen, a separate dining area, and a comfortable
IN ORDER TO QUALIFY, YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: 600 CREDIT SCORE, 3X INCOME, NO CRIMINAL HISTORY, NO PRIOR EVICTIONS.Blending comfort, style, and a picturesque setting, Harvard Place offers a Great Apartment Value! Our Lithonia apartments have spacious floor plans, a rich list of amenities, and a location near Downtown Atlanta. Our one, two, and three bedroom layouts are well
Welcome to your dream home! This stunning 4BR/2.5BA, 2-car garage home, built in 2019, combines modern finishes with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Located just off Covington Hwy in a friendly neighborhood, this home is perfect for families and professionals alike. As you enter the main level, you'll find a versatile flex room that can serve as an office or playroom. The kitchen, which features
Cultivate a life of style and sophistication at Cavalier @ 100. Located in Lithonia, near Atlanta, our recently upgraded one, two, and three-bedroom apartments for rent are crafted around your lifestyle. Featuring a modern kitchen with a sleek subway tile backsplash, convenient dishwasher, and spacious breakfast bar, these homes scream sophistication. Upgrade your leisure time with swims in the
Beautiful single-family home featuring 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms in a quiet, well-maintained neighborhood. This spacious home offers a functional layout with a bedroom and full bath on the main level—ideal for guests or multi-generational living. Enjoy abundant natural light throughout with oversized windows on both levels. The open-concept kitchen overlooks the family room and features
Embrace the finer things in life at Belle Vista Apartment Homes. Our pet-friendly one-, two-, and three-bedroom Lithonia, Georgia, apartments set you up to flourish and thrive. Designed with spectacular and spacious floor plans, our upscale apartment homes bring a level of sophistication and comfort to your daily life. To elevate on-the-go lunches and dinners with friends, select contemporary
Private room and private bathroom available for weekly rate of 175 please call and schedule a time to tour. Access to kitchen, laundry on site and parking available. Qualifications must be employed and Background check. No pets and non smoking
Retreat at Stonecrest offers residents a modern apartment community in Lithonia, Georgia with a truly unique atmosphere. Retreat at Stonecrest is conveniently located near to I-20 for a quick commute and easy access to downtown Atlanta. Our apartment home community provides residents with the choice of one, two, or three bedroom apartment floor plans along with the option of long or short-term
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