If you seek a slice of southern hospitality, the Peach State is one of the hottest destinations in the country. While Atlanta gets all the attention, Georgia’s other towns and cities are just as appealing and even more affordable, Macon, being one of them.
Macon, Georgia, might be a small town, but it makes up for its size with rich history and culture, which we’ll explore in this article. Keep reading to discover why Macon is a great place to call home!
Living in Macon, GA: Why It's a Great Place to Call Home
Is Macon a good place to live? The short answer is yes, but there are a few reasons why it makes sense to call Macon home. First, it's one of the most historic cities in Georgia, with its roots dating back centuries to the time when Native Americans settled on the banks of the Ocmulgee River. Second, it's much cheaper to live here than in some other parts of Georgia. Finally, it has a burgeoning food and culture scene that grows as more people move to the city.
Rich Cultural (and Musical) Heritage and Entertainment
Visiting, or even better, living in Macon is like stepping back in time. Incorporated as a city in 1823, Macon was technically already settled by Native Americans long before that. In fact, you can explore a part of their history at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park. Many of the buildings from the initial growth of the town still stand, and Macon currently has 14 historic districts, with a combined total of 6,000 homes and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Although industry and manufacturing were crucial in the town's development, after the Civil War, Macon started developing more musical history. Some of the biggest names in music either got their start in Macon or developed their talent here. Notable names include Otis Redding, James Brown, Little Richard, and the Allman Brothers.
The history is preserved with historical sites and markers, so exploring downtown Macon allows you to experience its culture and heritage, no matter where you go.
Good Economic Opportunities
While Macon's heyday as a manufacturing hub has passed, the city is still experiencing growth and development. As of June 2024, the unemployment rate is 4.7 percent, which is on par with the national average.
The main industries in Macon are manufacturing, education, and healthcare. In fact, both the education and healthcare fields have experienced the highest growth rates in the last year.
Quality Educational Institutions
Education is a big part of Macon's economy, so it makes sense that the city is home to some of the best schools in the state. In addition to top-tier elementary, middle, and high schools, there are multiple colleges and universities within the city limits. Some notable examples include Macon State College, Strayer University, Central Georgia Technical College, and Mercer University.
Even if you're not interested in working in the education field, Macon is an excellent place to learn new skills. For instance, you can obtain degrees in engineering, psychology, medical sciences, and more.
Top-Notch Healthcare Facilities
Mercer University has its own school of medicine, which serves as a teaching hospital for new doctors, nurses, and physician assistants. Best of all, there are two primary healthcare providers, Piedmont and Navicent, in Macon. Both providers have state-of-the-art facilities, providing access to some of the best medical care possible.
What to Do in Macon, GA
Compared to most big cities, Macon is considered a small town. According to the US Census, the town's population was over 156,512 as of 2023, making it the fourth-largest city in Georgia.
Because of its moderate size, there are plenty of attractions and entertainment options of all kinds. As we mentioned, there's tons of history you can explore, but if you're looking for something more contemporary, you can partake in various events like:
- International Cherry Blossom Festival - Did you know that there are over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees in and around Macon? After World War II, the Fickling family distributed cherry tree seeds throughout the city, and over time, the number of trees grew. Every March, the city becomes a cherry blossom paradise. This festival hosts various activities over 10 days, so there's tons to do when the blossoms bloom.
- Macon Film Festival - As Atlanta's film industry continues to grow, Macon supports the industry by hosting one of the best film festivals in Georgia. It happens every year at the end of summer, and it's an incredible opportunity to see the best talent in Georgia and beyond.
- Museum of Arts and Sciences - MAS has something to entertain guests of all ages and backgrounds. One of the main highlights is the state-of-the-art planetarium, which they play movies on during the Full Dome Film Festival. The Discovery House is another highlight, as it showcases three floors of interactive exhibits.
- The Hay House - Living in Macon means there's no shortage of historic buildings, but one of the most opulent and stunning places is the Hay House. Built in 1855, this house captures the majesty and beauty of the Italian Renaissance revival in perfect detail. With over 18,000 square feet of space, the house is breathtaking, particularly as they dress it up for the holiday season.
- The Grand Opera House - Refurbished in 1904, the Grand Opera House has been the heart and soul of entertainment in Georgia. For a time, it was retrofitted to become a movie theater, but after its restoration in 1970, the Opera House has become the best place to experience concerts and live events. The historic building is mesmerizing in itself, but nothing compares to watching your favorite band or artist take the stage.
Embrace the Best of Macon
So, is Macon a good place to live? We believe it is, and we're sure you'll agree. Thanks to its growing job market, extensive historical significance, and access to various amenities, it's a city on the rise.
But why is this area one of the best places to buy a new home in Georgia? The increasing availability of new construction homes in Macon is a key factor. At Century Communities, our newly built homes combine modern luxury with the historical backdrop that Macon is known for. So, if you’re considering a move to the Peach State, browse our selection of homes in Bibb County, and discover the possibilities.