Welcome to College Park
When you want to enjoy city life but don’t want to live in Atlanta, the south Atlanta suburb of College Park might be the perfect place for you to call home. It is just minutes from Downtown, surrounded by interstates, and it is home to portions of the busiest airport in the world. For this reason, many people who work in the aviation business choose to move to the area. The lower cost of living is also a reason why College Park welcomes new residents each year. College Park is partially located in both Fulton and Clayton Counties.
History of College Park
College Park was originally called Atlantic City, and it was founded in 1890 around the
Atlanta and West Point Railroad. A year later, the locals incorporated it into a city called
Manchester. The name College Park didn’t come about until 1896 when the city decided to establish itself as an educational center because it was the home of
Cox College, a private women’s college, as well as the Georgia Military Academy, which is now
Woodward Academy. Today, over 850 properties in College Park are on the
National Register of Historic Places.
Quick Facts
- Population: 14,600
- Some major companies have headquarters in College Park, including Chick-fil-A, and ExpressJet Airlines.
- Because of its location near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, many of the jobs in College Park are in the aviation field. Some of the top employers include the Federal Aviation Administration, Lockheed Martin, Sysco, and AirTran Airways.
- Many notable people are from College Park, including several athletes and musicians. Some of them include Georgia State football coach Bill Curry, rapper Ludacris, Houston Rockets basketball star Josh Smith, and music mogul Jermaine Dupri.
- College Park is home to Atlanta’s prestigious Woodward Academy. The private school serves grades pre-K through 12.
- The city is also home to Georgia’s second-largest convention center: Georgia International Convention Center.
Demographics
The median age for a College Park resident is around 32 years old, and approximately 31 percent of residents are married. 32 percent have children under the age of 18 in their homes. The median household income is $27,152.
Local Attractions
One of the appeals of living in College Park is that you are just minutes away from the
world-class destinations that attract tourists to Atlanta each year. That means access to Atlanta’s top malls and shopping centers, as well. However, when it comes to dining on delicious barbecue and classic Southern soul food, you don’t have to go very far from home. They city also has its own golf course, as well as multiple parks and recreation centers.
Dining
- Barbecue Kitchen of College Park – People come to Barbecue Kitchen of College Park from all around Atlanta to eat the barbecue, but the amazing side dishes are an added bonus. Try pulled pork or brisket with a side of pinto beans, cole slaw, or sweet potato soufflé. You’ll also love the speedy service.
- The Corner Grille – For a taste of Louisiana in the heart of Metro Atlanta, you can’t go wrong with the Corner Grille. The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable, but the menu is the real appeal. Dishes like a catfish poboy, shrimp and grits, and Cajun pasta with seafood, along with some traditional American favorites, keep residents coming back for more.
- Manchester Arms – Manchester Arms is College Park’s favorite British pub. It sits in a beautiful historic home with both indoor and outdoor seating. Don’t expect skimpy portions or a lack of diversity on the menu. There is something for every appetite.
- The Pecan – For fine dining in College Park you must go to The Pecan. Here you will find an elegant seating arrangement with white tablecloths and the works, but a 1917-era “Drink Coca-Cola” advertisement on the wall makes it a truly Southern Atlanta establishment. The restaurant’s chef calls his cuisine “Southern Fusion.”
- Simon’s Steak & Seafood – Sometimes you just need a big juicy steak, and when you’re in college park, you go to Simon’s for that. If you prefer something lighter, the restaurant also serves many seafood dishes, such as crab cakes, blackened tilapia, and shrimp. Don’t forget to choose from the assortment of cheesecakes and pies for dessert.
Transportation
- MARTA – Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA, serves College Park by both bus and rail.
- Interstates – College Park is located at one of Atlanta’s busiest intersections where Interstates 85 and 285 meet. Interstate 285 serves as Atlanta’s Perimeter, while Interstate 85 takes drivers towards northeast Georgia and South Carolina and southwest towards parts of Middle Georgia and Alabama.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – A hefty portion of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport sits within the College Park city limits. The airport is the busiest in the world and handles 2,500 flights each day.
Shopping
- Greenbriar Mall – The closest shopping mall to College Park is Greenbriar, located a little over four miles north of the city in Southwest Atlanta. Since 1965, the mall has made many changes throughout the decades, but recently, it has undergone something of a transformation. Burlington and Macy’s anchor the mall, and it includes multiple boutiques and stores like Ashley Stewart, Jimmy Jazz, Foot Locker, Payless, Lids, and more.
- Downtown College Park – In Historic Downtown College Park, you will find plenty of shopping opportunities. Shop for your pets at Urban Pet Supply, look for ladies’ clothing at Blush Couture, find something for your feet at College Park Shoes, and grab some unique ingredients for your next meal at the International Supermarket.
- Underground Atlanta – The building where Underground Atlanta is housed dates back to Atlanta’s post-Civil War Reconstruction, and today it is a mix of historic Southern charm and modern shopping, dining, and entertainment. You can shop for clothing, candy, beauty products, accessories, cosmetics, and more at this Downtown Atlanta destination.
Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do
- Zoo Atlanta – Located just north of College Park is one of Atlanta families’ favorite ways to spend a summer day. Zoo Atlanta houses over 1,500 animals, including giant pandas, gorillas, elephants, reptiles, birds, giraffes, monkeys, and much more. You can also grab a meal or snack or watch a show while you are there.
- Georgia Aquarium – If you prefer aquatic animals, head a little north into Downtown Atlanta to visit the Georgia Aquarium. Over 100,000 animals call the aquarium home, including beluga whales, bottlenose dolphins, whale sharks, and manta rays. There is even a “4D” movie. It is the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere.
- Turner Field – The current home of the Atlanta Braves, Turner Field, is just a few miles north of College Park. Yes, the Braves plan to move to Cobb County in 2017, but plans for Tuner Field range from turning it into a football stadium for nearby Georgia State University to turning it into a mixed-use shopping, dining, and entertainment facility. Either way, it will still have something to offer local residents once the Braves go to their new home.
- College Park Municipal Golf Course – For a quick round of golf, you can visit College Park’s very own course. The Par 36 College Park Municipal Golf Course and driving range is just a few blocks from the airport, making it a great place for travelers to blow off steam. Built in 1929, visitors consider the course a great value compared to other courses in the area.
- Parks and Recreation Centers – College Park is home to three recreation centers and four parks. The Brady Center is used for basketball and is considered to house one of the top programs in the state. The various parks and centers feature swimming pools, summer day camps, picnic pavilions, exercise facilities, youth sports, and more.
Real Estate Information
Because the city has preserved so much of its history, you will find both established homes from the last century, as well as modern construction in newly-built neighborhoods. Traditional two-story, split-level, ranches, and split-foyer homes are plentiful, and they come with features like patios, fireplaces, tray ceilings, spacious living areas, and arched doorways. Townhomes and condos are also available.
Average Price of Homes
Homes in College Park generally fall into the $90,000 to $300,000 range, though you may find a fixer upper for even less or a beautiful estate home for much more. Homes here tend to cost less than they do in nearby Atlanta. The median sales price for a four-bedroom home in College Park in spring 2015 was $142,000.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Union Crossing
- Magnolia Walk
- Virginia Manor
- Walden Park
- Smoke Ridge
- Highland Lake
- South Fork
- Melanie Woods
- Morning Creek
Schools
Students who live in College Park will attend Fulton County Schools, though some may attend Clayton County Schools. The schools include:
Elementary School
Middle School
- Woodland Middle School
- Paul D. West Middle School
High School
- Benjamin Banneker High School
- Tri-Cities High School
