A revitalizing city between Atlanta, Columbus and Macon
Thomaston, Georgia, has been the seat of Upson County since 1825, but it did not experience its economic and population boom until the 20th century. While many manufacturing jobs left in the early 2000s, the city has been on the upswing as investments in downtown and a relatively modest cost of living have attracted new residents.
“We do have a lot of amenities that bigger cities may have, but it's just a slower pace, and it's almost like going back in time,” says Jeri-Lee Vermeer, a Realtor at Century 21 Adams-Harvey & Associates and a Thomaston native. “It’s a place where everyone knows everyone. If you walk into the bank, people will come out to shake your hand.”
In downtown Thomaston, you can spend the evening at The Ritz theater.
Big box stores can be found just north of downtown Thomaston.
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Industrial roots, healthcare in modern day
The textile industry dominated the city's industrial past, with companies such as Thomaston Mills maintaining factories in town. The B.F. Goodrich Company also had a large tire cord mill, but it closed in the mid-2000s. The closure of most textile factories had a considerable effect, says Taylor Smith, the city's first economic development officer. Thomaston ended up losing over 4,000 jobs in a town of 10,000 people. “When the mills closed, it was a place of no hope, and if you wanted to find success, you had to leave,” Taylor says. Today, Thomaston Mills, which makes linen for the hospitality industry, maintains a smaller factory in the city. Manufacturing is still prevalent as Green Georgia, a maker of sustainable building materials, established its headquarters in the city in 2024. Plots of land are also available for industrial development at the Central Georgia Business & Technology Park northeast of downtown.
However, Smith says sparks of economic revitalization have come in the past few years. Healthcare is now a significant force, with Upson Regional Medical Center employing over 700 people. The hospital continues to expand as it commits to a $40 million upgrade of its ICU and mother-and-baby unit.
Taylor added that the city's geography — 50 miles south of Atlanta and 40 miles west of Macon — and housing affordability have also attracted more residents and given it a second wind.
Factories like Thomaston Mills and a growing healthcare sector have revived Thomaston’s job market.
Many of the jobs in Thomaston are in factories.
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Affordable single-family homes and mansions
The median price for homes in Thomaston is $198,000, below the state median. The city's home styles vary from one-floor ranch, bungalow and craftsman styles to split levels and new traditional homes. Tutor and Gothic revival estates once belonging to mill executives dot the landscape.
Split-level homes are a charming feature of Thomaston, adding unique character to the neighborhood with their distinct architectural style.
Thomaston is home to charming bungalow houses that exude character and warmth.
Thomaston is dotted with charming ranch homes that add a unique character to the neighborhood.
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A revitalizing downtown with events, shops and restaurants
Downtown Thomaston has undergone a revitalization effort over the past two years, opening a 10-block entertainment district. Taylor, who has spearheaded the efforts, noted that the city changed its alcohol ordinance in 2021, allowing public consumption in approved containers. Several restaurants are in the area, including Sabrosos Mexican Restaurant and Slices Pizzeria, which makes hand-tossed New York-style pizza. Boutique shops, including French Kiss Boutique and Co. & Company Boutique, also occupy long-abandoned downtown spaces. Retail options such as Walmart and Ingles supermarket are on Church Street.
This area hosts many annual celebrations, including an Emancipation Day parade, celebrated in Thomaston since 1866, and the Art and Soul Fest, which started in 2022.
Historic Upson County Courthouse Square sits in the heart of downtown Thomaston.
In Thomaston square, French Kiss Boutique features men's and women's apparel.
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Thomaston’s schools and parks
Thomaston-Upson County Schools serve the city with a C-plus grade on Niche. Southern Crescent Technical College has a campus south of downtown. Greatest Generation Memorial Park north of downtown has pickleball and tennis courts, disc golf and a playground.
To the west of Thomaston is Sprewell Bluff Park, which has over 12 miles of trails, a campground and paddling in the Flint River.
Thomaston-Upson County Schools get a C-plus grade on Niche.
Further your education at Southern Crescent Technical College just south of downton Thomaston.
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Access to Georgia’s cities
Three Rivers Regional Commission offers on-demand bus service throughout Upson and surrounding counties. The main roads through Thomaston are US Highway 19 and state routes 74 and 36, which have connections to interstates 85 and 75. The city’s closest international airport is Atlanta-Hartsfield Jackson Airport, about 60 miles north.
Highway 74 can lead you from Thomastson to Macon.
Highway 19 can lead you out of Thomaston up to Jonesboro or Atlanta.
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Crime in Upson County
According to the latest data from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, violent crime rates have decreased, but property crime increased slightly in Upson County.
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