Your complete guide to moving to Macon, Georgia

Macon offers a mix of cultural richness, natural beauty, a welcoming community, and an affordable cost of living. Whether you’re interested in arts and music, outdoor adventures, or simply want to live in a place with a strong sense of community, Macon provides a compelling reason to make it your home.

If you’re considering moving to Macon, Georgia, there are plenty of reasons why it’s a great place to live. From its rich history to its vibrant cultural scene and beautiful surroundings, Macon offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences that make it an enticing city to call home.

One of the highlights of living in Macon is the abundance of fun things to do. The city boasts a thriving arts and music scene, with numerous theaters, galleries, and live music venues showcasing local talent and attracting renowned performers. Macon is also home to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Tubman Museum, offering fascinating insights into the region’s sports legacy and African American history.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Macon’s natural beauty. The city is nestled alongside the Ocmulgee River, providing opportunities for kayaking, boating, and fishing. The Ocmulgee National Monument is a must-visit, with its ancient Native American mounds and picturesque trails. Additionally, Macon offers several parks and gardens, such as Amerson River Park and the Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival, where you can enjoy outdoor activities and take in the stunning cherry blossom display each spring.

Macon Area Communities

Downtown Macon

The heart of the city, Downtown Macon offers a mix of historic buildings, trendy shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The area is undergoing revitalization efforts, making it an exciting place to live with a vibrant urban atmosphere.

Ingleside

Located near Mercer University, Ingleside is a charming neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and historic homes. It has a strong sense of community and is within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and parks.

Vineville

Vineville is a picturesque neighborhood characterized by its beautiful homes and grand mansions. It features a mix of architectural styles, including Victorian and Colonial Revival, and is known for its vibrant cultural scene and arts community.

Historic Districts

Macon is home to several historic districts, such as the College Hill Corridor and the Huguenin Heights Historic District. These areas feature well-preserved homes with architectural significance, offering a glimpse into Macon’s rich history.

North Macon

North Macon is a popular residential area that offers a range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. It is known for its excellent schools, shopping centers, and proximity to recreational areas like Lake Tobesofkee.

Top Savannah Macon Districts

Finding the right school district for your children has a major impact on their quality of life and path to success. These are the top rated school districts in the Macon Area; if you want to delve deeper into school records and standards for the State of Georgia, NewHomeSource has a guide to all the resources you need to find the right school for your child.

​Best Private K-12 school in M​acon: ​Stratford Academy

​Stratford Academy has an A+ rating on Niche.com, and ranks highly for academics, teachers, college prep, and clubs and activities. It has ​742 students in grades K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of ​7 to 1. According to public data 90% of students of ​Stratford Academy go to a four year university.​

​Best public ​K-12 school in Macon: ​Academy for Classical Education

​Academy for Classical Education has an A​ rating on Niche.com, and ranks highly for academics, teachers, and college prep. It has ​1,817 students in grades ​K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. According to state test scores, ​62% of students are at least proficient in math and ​65% in reading.​

Top Employers in Macon

Healthcare and government services are two of the largest employers in Macon.

Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent is the largest employer in the Macon Area, and the largest hospital system operating in Bibb County.

Piedmont Healthcare

The Piedmont Healthcare system is the second largest employer in Macon providing a wide range of jobs in all aspects of the healthcare sector.

GEICO

GEICO has a major employment footprint in the Macon Area. Unfortunately the adorable gecko has yet to call Macon his home.

Macon-Bibb County

The government of Macon-Bibb County also employs a wide range of local government workers that provide services to the people of the area.

The Bibb County School District

The Bibb County School District is the fifth largest employer in the Macon Area employing a vast range of bureaucrats and teachers.

Macon Area Museums

The Tubman Museum

Located in Downtown Macon, the Tubman Museum is one of the largest African American museums in the Southeast. It showcases a diverse range of exhibits highlighting the art, history, and culture of African Americans, with a focus on the contributions of African Americans in Georgia and the United States.

The Museum of Arts and Sciences

Situated in the heart of Macon, the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MAS) features a wide range of exhibits and collections. The museum houses art galleries, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a children’s discovery center. MAS offers a variety of educational programs and hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

The Hay House

Known as “The Palace of the South,” the Hay House is an impressive Italian Renaissance Revival mansion that dates back to the mid-19th century. It offers guided tours that provide insights into the history, architecture, and lifestyle of the affluent Johnston family who once resided there.

The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House

Macon has a rich musical heritage, and this museum pays tribute to the iconic Allman Brothers Band. Located in the band’s former residence, The Big House, it features memorabilia, photographs, instruments, and personal belongings of the band members.

Great Parks in the Macon Area

Amerson River Park

Located along the banks of the Ocmulgee River, Amerson River Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features scenic walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and river access for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. It’s a great spot to enjoy nature and relax.

Ocmulgee Heritage Trail

The Ocmulgee Heritage Trail is a paved trail system that spans approximately 11 miles along the Ocmulgee River. It offers beautiful views, opportunities for walking, jogging, and cycling, and access to various parks, historic sites, and recreational areas along the way.

Tattnall Square Park

Located in the heart of Macon’s historic district, Tattnall Square Park is a charming neighborhood park. It features a playground, picnic areas, tennis courts, and walking paths. The park is also home to the Wesleyan College Arboretum, which showcases a variety of trees and plants.

Living in Macon

Macon’s warm and welcoming community contributes to its appeal. The city exudes southern hospitality and a strong sense of community pride. Residents often engage in neighborhood events, festivals, and volunteer activities, fostering a close-knit atmosphere that makes it easy to build connections and form lasting friendships.

Macon Housing Trends

Another advantage of living in Macon is its affordability. The cost of living is lower compared to many other cities in the region, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Housing options are plentiful and range from historic homes with character to modern apartments and condominiums.

Housing costs are rising over time, but there are still a variety of options depending on your pricepoint, as there are many suburbs and cities surrounding MAcon.

Median Home Price: $175,000

The median home price in MAconis lower than the national median home price, making it a wonderful place to settle down, if you’re a first time homebuyer, or an experienced home shopper looknig for the perfect retirement destination.

Amazing Macon Restaurants

Good eats are easily found in Macon. Southern fusion and comfort food are all on the menu in Macon.

The Rookery

Located in Downtown Macon, The Rookery is a beloved local institution famous for its delicious burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes. It has a laid-back atmosphere and a menu featuring creative twists on classic American comfort food.

Dovetail

Dovetail is an upscale Southern-inspired restaurant known for its farm-to-table approach and innovative dishes. The menu features seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and the restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a relaxed ambiance.

H&H Soul Food

H&H Soul Food is a Macon institution that has been serving up delicious Southern comfort food for decades. It gained fame as a favorite of the Allman Brothers Band. Don’t miss their fried chicken, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese.

Natalia’s

Nestled in the historic district, Natalia’s is an elegant restaurant that offers a fine dining experience with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, prime steaks, and extensive wine list.

Great Attractions for Macon Stay-cations

Cherry Blossom Festival

Macon is known as the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.” Each spring, the city comes alive with vibrant pink blossoms, and the Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates this natural spectacle with parades, concerts, art exhibits, and other events.

The Cox Capitol Theater

This historic venue in Downtown Macon hosts a variety of live performances, including concerts, comedy shows, and film screenings. It’s a fantastic spot to experience the vibrant music scene that Macon is famous for.

Rose Hill Cemetery

The Rose Hill Cemetery is a beautiful 19th century historic cemetery where you can explore a spookier side of Macon’s history and let your inner goth kid out to live their best life.

Shopping

Macon has a great mix of unique local shops and big-name stores, often found side by side in shopping areas. There’s plenty of opportunity to shop ‘til you drop in this city.

Downtown Macon

Explore the charming streets of Downtown Macon, lined with historic buildings, unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Be sure to check out the Macon Walk of Fame, which honors famous musicians and celebrities from the area.

Macon Mall

The Macon Mall is a massive, two story shopping center that has all of your favorite stores. You can head over to the Macon Mall for some much needed retail therapy.

The Shoppes at River Crossing

The Shoppes at River Crossing is a luxurious outdoor shopping complex. This super clean shopping space has everything you could possibly want- fun stores, daily staples, and great dining.

Places of Worship

Macon has numerous places of worship that represent a wide range of faiths and religions.

St Joseph Catholic Church

St Joseph Catholic Church is a stunning historic Cathedral that is the spiritual home to a vibrant community of believers.

Congregation Sha’arey Israel

Congregation Sha’arey Israel is a small but close knit community in a family friendly, conservative Jewish setting.

Islamic Center of Macon

The Islamic Center of Macon is a welcoming Muslim community that serves the people of Macon with worship and community services.

Shree Umiya Mataji Mandir

Shree Umiya Mataji Mandir serves the Hindu community in the Macon Area. A wide range of worship services and festivals are hosted at Shree Umiya Mataji Mandir.