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Downtown Macon

Downtown Macon

Neighborhood in Macon-Bibb, Georgia

Bibb County

$256,400 Average Value
$194 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

Revitalization in Georgia’s Central City

Known for being the birthplace of Little Richard and a proving ground for musicians like The Allman Brothers Band and Otis Redding, Macon is undergoing a renaissance. For nearly 30 years, locals have spearheaded efforts to breathe life into the downtown area. “When we started our organization in 1996, only about 30% of our storefronts were occupied, and now 83% of our storefronts are occupied,” says Emily Hopkins, vice president of external affairs at Newtown Macon, an independent non-profit focused on downtown revitalization and economic development. “Our streets were empty and devoid of life … and over the past 28 years we’ve increased the number of residents, making sure our locals are empowered and have the resources to open businesses, purchase property and develop it so locals really control the future of downtown.”

In Downtown Macon, Victorian homes with intricate woodwork and vibrant colors are prominent.
In Downtown Macon, Victorian homes with intricate woodwork and vibrant colors are prominent.
Outdoor seating in the Downtown Macon area is increasing with new restaurants opening.
Outdoor seating in the Downtown Macon area is increasing with new restaurants opening.
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Nearly 100 shops and restaurants downtown

The downtown area is packed with more than 50 restaurants, 36 retailers and dozens of entertainment venues. “One of my personal favorites is Kinjo Kitchen & Cocktails,” Hopkins says. “It’s a southern fusion Asian restaurant so they have really great small plates, and it’s one of my favorite places to get a cocktail. They just recently opened a speakeasy called Black Cat on the bottom floor and it’s a true speakeasy. Like you have to have a code to get in.” Grant’s Lounge is the self-proclaimed home of Southern Rock where the Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton and Tom Petty got their start. On Wednesday nights, music lovers go to the lounge to hear Macon Music Revue perform hits by Macon legends like Otis Redding, Little Richard and The Allman Brothers Band, as well as deep cuts from the catalog of Capricorn Records. H & H is an iconic 1950s daytime café serving up Southern comfort food in a no-frills atmosphere. Residents can grab groceries at Kroger about 1 mile across the river.

Macon's T & Co. Hair Spa Salon provides expert stylists and a relaxing, modern environment.
Macon's T & Co. Hair Spa Salon provides expert stylists and a relaxing, modern environment.
Oliver's Macon menu features dishes that celebrate local ingredients and Southern traditions.
Oliver's Macon menu features dishes that celebrate local ingredients and Southern traditions.
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Georgia’s first National Park

People have lived continuously in Macon for over 12,000 years, a legacy that is proudly showcased at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. The prehistoric Native American site is poised to become Georgia’s first national park. “What’s really exciting about that is the park will be co-managed by the Muskogee Creek Nation in partnership with the National Park Service,” Hopkins says. “As we think about Maconites and being inclusive and telling our entire history and including everyone who’s been a part of that process, that’s another huge step in that direction.” The national park designation will also bring an economic boom to Macon. Macon-Bibb County is prepping for a $350 million development on the east bank of the Ocmulgee River with housing, a hotel, shops and restaurants. The Ocmulgee River is one of Macon’s greatest assets and the go-to place for kayaking, canoeing and floating. Amerson River Park is one of the most popular ways to access the river, as well as the landing on Spring Street. Macon’s rich musical heritage is also still alive and well today. “Our streets are alive with music on any given night of the week,” Hopkins says. “You can always find a show to go to in Downtown Macon.”

Ocmulgee National Historic Park in Macon, GA showcases 17,000 years of Native American culture.
Ocmulgee National Historic Park in Macon, GA showcases 17,000 years of Native American culture.
The Ocmulgee National Historic Park features earth lodges and ancient burial mounds.
The Ocmulgee National Historic Park features earth lodges and ancient burial mounds.
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City lofts and American Foursquares

A major goal for the city has been to increase the number of residents who live downtown. "We had a dozen apartments downtown and now there’s about 750 with 1,000 residents living downtown,” Hopkins says. “The majority of our businesses are locally owned and operated. I think that’s why people love to live downtown because they get to know business owners who are also their friends and neighbors.” Lofts make up the majority of available housing downtown, and most are rented. However, there are some units available for purchase as well as a small number of historic two-story American Foursquare homes. Two-bedroom lofts can range from $435,000 to nearly $900,000, increasing in price with increased square footage and designer touches. A fixer-upper American Foursquare built in the early 1900s can cost between $60,000 to $100,000. Turn-key homes can range from $130,000 to $370,000.

Downtown Macon is a lively area with historic sites, boutique shops, and diverse restaurants.
Downtown Macon is a lively area with historic sites, boutique shops, and diverse restaurants.
Macon's Lofts at Capricorn blend modern comforts with a tribute to Capricorn Studios' legacy.
Macon's Lofts at Capricorn blend modern comforts with a tribute to Capricorn Studios' legacy.
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Getting around town on the Heritage Trail

The Okmulgee Heritage Trail has evolved beyond a scenic recreational riverfront trail system; it’s a link between Downtown Macon, adjacent neighborhoods, community parks and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. The trail currently spans over 13 miles and travels along both sides of the Ocmulgee River. Officials are expanding the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail to connect downtown with the historic districts of Pleasant Hill and East Macon through pedestrian paths and bike lanes. The Macon-Bibb Country Transit Authority has limited bus stops downtown, and the closest stop is on Washington Avenue. Easy access to Interstate 75 and I-16 is both a blessing and a struggle. Residents can easily get to the two major thoroughfares, but the interstates have disconnected communities and made pedestrian travel difficult. Atrium Health is less than a mile away from downtown, and Piedmont Macon is about 1.5 miles east of the river. Macon Downtown Airport is 5 miles away.

Ocmulgee River’s basin in Macon, was home to the Mississippian culture.
Ocmulgee River’s basin in Macon, was home to the Mississippian culture.
The Ocmulgee River in Macon, has a diverse ecosystem with numerous native and invasive fish.
The Ocmulgee River in Macon, has a diverse ecosystem with numerous native and invasive fish.
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International Baccalaureate Program at Central High School

Kids can attend Williams Elementary School, graded C-minus by Niche, before heading to Miller Fine Arts Magnet Middle School, a C-graded school with extracurricular activities like art club, jazz band and the International Thespian Society. Central High School receives a C. The high school offers fine arts programming as well as the International Baccalaureate program, a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for higher education.

Central High School was established in 1870 and is one of the oldest schools in the area.
Central High School was established in 1870 and is one of the oldest schools in the area.
Central High School in Macon has a rich history, merging with Lanier and Miller High School.
Central High School in Macon has a rich history, merging with Lanier and Miller High School.
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Rockin’ out at Bragg Jam

“Downtown Macon is everyone’s neighborhood in Macon. It’s where all of our major events and festivals happen; it’s where our entire community gathers throughout the year,” Hopkins says. Bragg Jam is an annual concert crawl where local and regional musicians cut their teeth at Macon’s 40-plus entertainment venues. During the month-long Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza, residents park their cars downtown and gather on the grassy medians on Poplar, Third and Mulberry streets to watch more than a million lights twinkle in time to music arranged, produced and recorded by Macon Pops, a nonprofit musical group that blends classical instruments with pop music. In March, thousands visit Carolyn Crayton Park to see more than 180,000 blossoming Yoshino cherry trees during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. There are also regular events like First Fridays, which has live music, food and an art crawl every first Friday of the month except July and September.

Historic houses of worship

Macon’s diverse population and rich architectural history are both reflected in nearby houses of worship. “You can walk downtown and see many different houses of worship representing many different faiths, and they’re all historic and beautiful and very inviting and welcoming,” Hopkins says. St. Joseph Catholic Church, constructed between 1889 and 1903, features Gothic Revival architecture with more than 60 stained glass windows and cross-tipped spires that rise more than 200 feet in the air. Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, another Gothic Revival institution, dates back to 1826 and is believed to be the oldest Methodist church in Georgia. Temple Beth Israel's history dates back to 1859, but the Neoclassical synagogue was built in 1902.

Leslie Klosterman
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
David Robinson
Photography Contributed By
David Robinson
Victoria Sharpe
Video By
Victoria Sharpe

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

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Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Macon US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 8 4
Assault with Weapon 8 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 9 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 9 4
Larceny 10 4
Crime Score 9 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$432,500
Median Single Family Price
$289,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$435,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$194
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
12
Months of Supply
1.00
Median List Price
$402,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
19%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
45
Median Year Built
1910
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,667
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,528
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
2,304
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
724
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,326
Median Age
37
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
11.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$61,406
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$81,065

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
76.6%
College Graduates
45.4%
Advanced Degrees
26.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
45.4%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
94°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

50 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

66 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Macon
Marcus Northern
NORTHERN LIGHTS REAL ESTATE GROUP
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