Fayetteville

History of Fayetteville, GA

Named for a French aristocrat, Marquis De Lafayette, who helped George Washington during the Revolutionary War, Fayetteville became an official place in 1823. It has been the county seat of Fayette County ever since. In 1831, a fire burned multiple buildings in town, but by 1849, the city had rebuilt itself and had a courthouse, jail, multiple churches, two schools, a print shop, a Masonic Lodge, and multiple stores and mechanic shops. Unfortunately, just like most of the rest of Metro Atlanta, the Civil War devastated much of the Fayetteville. Union soldiers looted homes and businesses, vandalized property, and took over the courthouse. It wasn’t until nearly two decades later, in 1888, that the city began to see growth again. It became incorporated that year and the railroad began coming through. Sadly, more bad luck hit when a tornado swept through in 1892, killing three and destroying a great deal of the town’s property. Again, the city rebuilt, and most of the buildings in town today still stand from that reconstruction period during the 1890s and early 1900s.

Quick Facts

• Population: 16,400
• The city is home to Piedmont Fayette Hospital which employs over 500 physicians and specializes in cancer care, sleep services, heart care, women’s care, and wound care. It is considered to be one of the top hospitals in the country.
• Private schools located in Fayette County include Landmark Christian School, Grace Christian Academy, Crossroads Christian School, The Heritage School, and Woodward Academy.
• Many artists, actors, authors, athletes, and musicians grew up in Fayetteville or call it home today, including Tyler Perry, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Zac Brown, and Christopher Massey.
• Fayetteville is home to Pinewood Atlanta Studios, one of the largest film studios in the United States outside of California.
• The state of Georgia has recognized Fayetteville as an “entrepreneur-friendly community.”

Demographics

The median income in Fayetteville is around $62,000. The average age of a resident is 40 years old, similar to the Georgia average, and around 40 percent of all homes have children under the age of 18.

Local Attractions

When it comes to family fun, Fayetteville has plenty of it to offer. Movies, skating, and a huge entertainment center are kid favorites. Mom and dad love the number of golf courses, shops, and restaurants in the area. The entire family can come together to enjoy some of the concerts and movies offered at the local amphitheater.

Dining

• Twisted Taco – From the chips and salsa to the margaritas, every aspect of your meal will delight you. There are so many taco choices, you won’t know which one to choose. The atmosphere is also exciting, and you can even dine outside on a pretty day. You can’t find better Tex-Mex in Fayetteville.
• Franks at the Old Mill – Franks at the Old Mill is, without a doubt, one of Fayetteville’s most popular places to eat. The food, the ambience, the service — it’s all absolutely perfect. You can enjoy pasta, soups, salads, seafood, veal, chicken, and beef dishes, but save room for some of the eatery’s delicious desserts, and don’t forget to check out the wine list.
• Broadway Diner – You may have to wait for a few minutes when you visit Broadway Diner during its busier times, but the wait is well worth it. Open 7 days a week for 3 meals a day, it serves wraps, burgers, sandwiches, melts, subs, croissants, steaks, seafood, Italian food, Greek food, breakfast, and so much more. Then there are the shakes, ice cream flavors, cakes, and pies. You definitely won’t leave hungry.
• City Café & Bakery – City Café & Bakery is the only authentic German bakery in the area, and it has quite the reputation for being a wonderful place to have coffee, lunch, and sweet treats. On nice days, you can dine on the café’s lovely patio, or you can run and grab a cake, pie, cookies, brownies, and bread to go.
• Khalifa Indian Restaurant – For authentic Indian food, people come from all around South Atlanta to dine at Khalifa. From tandoori chicken to lamb chops, there are so many amazing dishes on the menu. The wine list, beer, and champagne cocktails go perfectly with each meal.

Transportation

• Airport – Located just 15 miles south, Fayetteville is very convenient to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It handles around 2,500 flights each day and is the busiest airport in the world.
• Interstate – Fayetteville is one of the Metro Atlanta cities that does not have a major interstate that runs through it or around its boundaries. However, Intestates 75, 85, and 285 are all just minutes away.

Shopping

• Fayette Pavilion – Fayette Pavilion is one of the city’s top shopping destinations. It features dozens of stores like Walmart, Target, Publix, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Bed Bath & Beyond, PetSmart, Ulta, Old Navy, Hobby Lobby, Toys R Us, Joann Fabric and Craft Store, Kohl’s, Tuesday Morning, HH Gregg, Big Lots, and more. It also has its own theater and restaurants like Olive Garden and O’Charley’s.
• Banks Crossing and Station Shopping Centers – Banks Crossing shopping center has a Kroger, JCPenney, Planet Fitness, Taco Bell and Popeye’s Kitchen. Across the street at Banks Station, there is a Staples, Food Depot, Chick-fil-A, Stevi B’s Pizza, a movie theater, Tractor Supply Company, and more.
• Historic Downtown Fayetteville – Fayetteville works hard to maintain its historic downtown area, and it is currently home to several locally owned shops and restaurants. After taking a walking tour of the historic sites, including the old courthouse and cemetery, you can shop for collectibles, jewelry, antiques, and home décor.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• Movie Theaters – Fayetteville has two movie theaters. Cinemark Tinseltown 17 is the newer of the two, and it features stadium seating, RealD 3D, and an arcade. It shows the latest movies. Cinemark Movies 10 shows value films that have already been in theaters for a while, and it also has its own arcade.
• Southern Ground Amphitheater – Fayetteville has its own amphitheater with grass tiered seating. It can seat up to 1,500 people, has a 55-foot stage, and it is available for rent. Free concerts and family movie nights are offered seasonally.
• Fun Junction – Fun Junction is the largest family entertainment center in South Atlanta. Go karts, bumper boats, thrill rides, kiddie rides, and miniature golf are just a few of the fun things to do here.
• Golf Courses – There are multiple golf courses in the areas surrounding Fayetteville, including Flat Creek Country Club, Whitewater Creek Country Club, Panterra Ridge Golf Club, and The Gates.

Real Estate Information

Fayetteville is home to over 150 neighborhoods, and each one offers something a little different. You will find some new construction of beautiful Southern-style homes here in swim and tennis communities. Older, more established neighborhoods are home to ranch and split-level style homes with wooded lots. Brick, rocking chair front porches, masters on main, and side-entry garages are some of the more popular features in the area.

Average Price of Homes

Homes in Fayetteville are available for practically any budget. They tend to start around $100,000 and range up to $750,000, though there are some million-dollar estates. For spring 2015, the average listing price was around $354,000, while the median sales price is around $175,000.