Historic Fort Hawkins is perched on a lookout over Macon in the Fort Hill Historic District.
More than 200 years of history in Fort Hill History District
The Fort Hill Historic District, which spans 140 acres east of the Ocmulgee River, has more than 200 years of history. The land was first sold for settlement in the 1820s, but its roots date back to 1806 when Fort Hawkins was constructed. The fort was established as a military supply point and trading post and served as the birthplace of Macon. Macon itself dates back more than 12,000 years as the ancestral homeland of the Muscogee Nation, who now resides in Oklahoma. Added to the National Register of Historic Places for its longstanding history and Black heritage, Fort Hill Historic District has struggled with crime and vacant properties. However, community groups, churches and nonprofit organizations are working together to improve safety and foster connections within the neighborhood.
With a gym that is available to all residents, the Rosa Jackson Community Center is a real hit.
Rosa Jackson Recreation Center is more than a gymnasium
The Rosa Jackson Recreation Center has long been a pillar of the community. The rec center received a nearly $4 million facelift in 2017 that greatly expanded the community center and added new basketball courts, a splash pad and an athletic field, among other improvements. In addition, the community center hosts workshops, after-school programs and open gym nights. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is the site of more than 12,000 years of history and is less than 1 mile away from the neighborhood. The prehistoric Native American site is set to become Georgia’s first National Park, and hopes are high for an economic boom in the east Macon area. The Muscogee Nation will co-manage the park with the National Park Service. Macon Coliseum is near the soon-to-be National Park and hosts concerts, live events and family shows like Disney on Ice.
Ocmulgee Mounds is set to be a National Park soon, and is next to Fort Hill Historic District.
Ocmulgee Mounds set to be Georgia's first National Park
In anticipation of the national park designation, Macon-Bibb County is prepping for a $350 million development on the east bank of the Ocmulgee River. The county's wish list includes residential areas, shops, restaurants and a hotel. Newtown Macon, an independent non-profit focused on revitalization and economic development in Macon, is working to expand the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. “We’re trying to also connect the surrounding neighborhoods to downtown through the trails. So connecting East Macon through better bike lanes and pedestrian areas,” says Emily Hopkins, vice president of external affairs for Newtown Macon. “The vision of the trail has always been to create an accessible way for every single Maconite to see, experience and play on the Ocmulgee River. And, of course, we’ve been trying to make the trail also be that connector of neighborhoods.”
Turn-key homes are always a great buy in the Fort Hill Historic District.
Modest single-story homes under $150,000
The neighborhood largely consists of modest single-story brick cottages, bungalows, shotgun and ranch-style homes. The narrow, winding streets were designed in a gridiron pattern, and the community was densely developed from 1870 through the 1940s. Renting is more common in the neighborhood, but there are homes for sale. Move-in ready cottages, ranch-style homes, bungalows and shotgun homes can cost between $50,000 and $150,000, increasing in price with more renovations and updates. Buyers unafraid of rehab projects can find small cottages and single-story homes between $10,000 and $40,000.
The Rosa Jackson Community Center is a hub of activity in the Fort Hill Historic District area.
Macon Violence Prevention Program funds non-profits
The neighborhood receives a CAP Index crime score of 8 out of 10, above the national average of 4. However, neighbors gather together at hubs like the Rosa Jackson Recreation Center and local houses of worship to build community, socialize and strengthen ties. There’s also the Macon Violence Prevention Program, a grant program to support nonprofit organizations to reduce and prevent violent crime. The program provides funding to groups like Grow Macon, a nonprofit started in 2022 by a Fort Hill native affected by neighborhood violence. The group aims to end food insecurity, decrease crime, build community and educate a new generation of gardeners in Fort Hill. Grow Macon recently received a $30,000 MVP grant to engage kids in gardening, community cleanups, educational workshops and distributing the harvest from the community garden.
Many fast food options are along Gray Highway by the Fort Hill Historic District.
Clusters of chains on Gray Highway
Groceries are available about 1 mile west at Kroger or 2 miles north at Walmart. Gray Highway is lined with clusters of fast-food chains, discount stores and auto part shops. However, there are some local eateries in the community. Small yet mighty Motleys Community Store is a no-frills carry-out restaurant with comfort classics like ribs, fried fish and fried okra. Fincher’s Barbecue, located at the western edge of the neighborhood on Gray Highway, is a fast-casual joint with barbecue classics like pulled pork, plus handhelds like burgers and sandwiches.
Toward the school, the Fort Hill Historic District is a swath of green with intermingled homes.
College credit through Hutchings College and Career Academy
Kids can attend Burdell-Hunt Elementary School, a magnet school for communicative arts, before heading to Appling Middle School. Teens can graduate from Northeast High School. All schools receive a C-minus from Niche. High schoolers can prep for college or their careers through the Hutchings College and Career Academy and earn up to 30 college credits while still in school.
With a view toward downtown, the Fort Hill Historic District is a close commute to Macon.
Two miles from Downtown Macon
Fort Hill Historic District is only 2 miles east of downtown Macon across the Ocmulgee River. The Macon Coliseum is 1 mile south, Piedmont Macon Hospital is 1 mile south, and the Macon Downtown Airport is 4 miles away. While Interstate 16 connects drivers to Savannah 165 miles southeast, it also separates the community from the rest of Macon and is currently undergoing construction. Atlanta is 92 miles north on I-75.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brittany Powers,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
High Street Park
East Macon Park
Macon Dog Park
The Bluff at Amerson Water Works Park
Rosa Parks Square
Ocmulgee Mounds
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Fort Hill Historic District
US
Homicide
10
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
8
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
8
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Fort Hill Historic District, Macon-Bibb sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Fort Hill Historic District, Macon-Bibb over the last 12 months is $74,300, up 28% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Must sell! Move in ready! Now you can buy this home with Zero Down! Up to $15,000 is available for the Down payment assistance program, or purchase at a lower rate. Must sell renovated 3 bedrooms 2 full baths home. The main floor features 2 bedrooms with 1 full bath. The upper level has 1 bedroom with 1 full bath. Featuring a lovely bricked fireplace in the family room. All beautiful new laminate
IDEAL INVESTMENT!!! Recently renovated RENT-READY DUPLEX. Features bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room each side, new appliances, granite countertops. TOTAL POTENTIAL INCOME $1200-1500 pm.
Welcome to 545 Cowan St – a beautifully renovated 3-bed, 2.5-bath brick home in the historic Woolfolk neighborhood. With 1,860 sq. ft. of single-level living, this home blends classic charm with modern updates, including new flooring, remodeled bathrooms, and a fully updated kitchen with brand-new appliances. Enjoy the bright open layout, spacious bedrooms, and a large primary suite with a
Renovated, end-unit, two bedroom, one and half bathroom, two story townhome. The unit has an interior washer and dryer hookup. Property comes with refrigerator and stove. Owner is willing to accept a Section 8 voucher.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brittany Powers,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,283
Median Age
43
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$40,700
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$56,809
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
72.4%
College Graduates
8.5%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.6%
% Population in Labor Force
37.4%
Significantly 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
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
30/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
47/ 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.
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.
