Overview
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McDonough is a suburb 30 miles south of Atlanta and 56 miles north of Macon. It's the county of seat of Henry County. About 20,000 people iive there, but if you count unincorporated areas it's more like 30,000. The median household income is $48,000. Founded in 1823, it was named after naval officer Commodore Thomas MacDonough, a hero from the war of 1812. Prior to 1821 the Creeks and a few trappers and traders were the only residents of this area. The Creek Indians left their mark through place names, a few small Indian Mounds scattered around the County, and through the arrowheads and broken pottery which can be found throughout Henry County. This area has grown tremendously in the last 10 years and is attractive to folks wanting to raise a family. The city is admired for the town square. The original buildings of it are all intact.
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McDonough is one of those town that had no one and nothing going on 15 years ago. It grew seemingly overnight. However, the handling of that boom has not necessarily resulted in smart growth. Traffic is awful because city planners don't plan. But keeping up the historic downtown is one thing they've gotten right. There are unique locally owned restaurants and shops. It's a great place for a night out. Apartments are plentiful and you can stretch your money further than Atlanta. But don't come here if you're looking for some unique floor plan. This city grew fast, and the architecture reflects the speed. Overall, it's a good place for a family or if you want a fairly quiet lifestyle. However, with the rate of growth, it won't be quiet for long.
McDonough, like most of metro Atlanta, is a beautiful mix of enthnicities, income brackets and available housing. With a 260% population increase since 1990, all of the southern crescent is feeling the pains of fast regional growth. Henry County, however has done an admirable job keeping up with the boom. The median age is 32 and the median household income is around $65,000 annually.
Social scene? In McDonough?
While downtown hosts several bistro-style or almost fine dining restaurants, the bar scene is limited at best. Locally owned bars seem to cater to a biker-ish clientelle leaving the nationally franchised restaurants to serve the non-leather clad drinkers. Your best bet, hit a rooftop bar at one of the downtown restaurants. Pricier than the "Top Shelf Frozen Mojo-Rito-Quari served in a soveigner punchbowl" at some of the chains. But hey- TGI Local!
Pasta Max features dishes prepared by a CIA trained chef. Trumans is nice, as is PJs. Restaurants are plentiful.
One watering hole of note- $3 Cafe serves up awsome burgers and cold beer. And lots of giant TV monitors show you what you are missing at the Atlanta Motor Speedway just down the road.
South McDonough has several large, gated apartment complexes. Rent typically runs from around $600 for a one bedroom to $800 and higher for a three bedroom.
By regional standards, McDonough is CHEAP!
Location, location, location! And by location, I mean, "How far am I from Interstate 75?" Or as I like to think of 75, "the lifeline to all things not suburban." McDonough is not wrapped around the interstate like some towns in the Southen Crescent. 20 minutes driving to get to the interstate suddenly makes a quick trip into Atlanta anything but quick.
Public Transportation? Yeah...not so much yet.
If you work at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, McDonough is great. If you work in Smyrma, it's not. The cost of living is low here, so if you aren't hung up on living ITP (In The Perimeter), you can save a lot by living in Henry County
McDonough hosts festivals and holiday celebratons around the square. A little driving will get you to Panola Mountain State Park for an awesome hike. South of town, in Griffin, is Noah's Ark, home of Evidence, a baby zebra recently found injured on the side of Interstate 75.
Yes, yes, and yes. McDonough is home to several gyms, both 24 hour and traditional, many banks and of course Publix and Krogers, as well as the usual big boxes.
While many choose private schools, it's not a neccesity. Henry County Public Schools are good- really good considering the population explosion the county has endured.
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