Hapeville

History of Hapeville, Ga

The area now known as Hapeville originally belonged to the Creek Nation, but they turned it over to European settlers in 1821. By 1853, it was an unincorporated community in Fulton County, but in 1871, many local families began working to create a city. The families, including Dr. Samuel Hape, purchased 500 acres along the Macon and Western Central Georgia Railroad. In 1891, they drew up a charter for the city of Hapeville, and Dr. Hape became its first mayor.

After the turn of the century, an Atlanta businessman named Asa “Buddy” Candler, Jr., who just happened to be the eccentric son of Coca-Cola founder Asa Griggs Candler, built a racetrack in the area of Hapeville. He began allowing planes to land there, and in 1929, the city of Atlanta purchased the property and turned it into a municipal airport. Other companies like Ford and Hilton brought businesses to the area and helped turned Hapeville into one of the most important transportation hubs in the country.

Quick Facts

• Population: 7,000
• Hapeville is home to a branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, as well as St. John the Evangelist Catholic School.
• Hapeville is also home to the Dwarf House, the original restaurant opened by Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy.
• Porsche, Delta Airlines, and Korean Air Cargo all have headquarters in Hapeville.
• The hospitality industry also plays a major role in Hapeville’s economy. There are many restaurants and hotels located in and around the city, particularly along the outskirts of the airport.

Demographics

The median age for Hapeville residents is 33. The median household income is around $35,000. About one quarter of all homes in Hapeville have children under the age of 18 living in them.

Local Attractions

Locally-owned restaurants, small parks, and fascinating historic sites are a few ways to spend a day in Hapeville. However, the city is just 8 miles or less from Downtown Atlanta and all of its popular attractions.

Dining

• Buttersweet Bakery – You can grab a sandwich at Hapeville’s Buttersweet Bakery, but when you see the sweet treats like cookies, muffins, and cheesecakes, you won’t be able to stop yourself from having dessert, too. Both Bon Appetit and Atlanta magazines have called it one of the best boutique bakeries in the country.
• One Flew South – If you want to experience fine dining in Hapeville, One Flew South is the place to go. Once you visit, you won’t even mind that it is inside the airport. Just be sure you don’t miss your plane while sampling on the exquisite cuisine or checking out the extensive wine and cocktail menu.
• Landmark Café ­–When you get a craving for an omelet at dinnertime or a juicy steak at breakfast, you can order it at the Landmark Café. Base on a 24-hour New York-style diner, the restaurant has an extensive menu with so much to choose from.
• Pit Boss BBQ – Pit Boss BBQ is Hapeville’s favorite little barbecue joint. It’s a bit of a hidden treasure, but once you find it, you will make it your go-to place for pulled pork, smoked chicken, wings, ribs, and so much more. Best of all, the food is cheap and the service is fast.
• Grecian Gyro – Grecian Gyro is another place that exemplifies the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover.” The restaurant may be small on the outside, but the large portions of fresh, inexpensive food put it on the map. The place has been around for decades, and some call it the best gyro in Atlanta.

Transportation

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Hapeville is home to the busiest airport in the world. It handles over 2,500 flights each day.
• MARTA – Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA, provides Hapeville residents with both bus and rail options for commuting to and from Atlanta.
• Interstate 85 – Interstate 85 runs along Hapeville’s western border and serves as a quick route for commuters who work in Atlanta. The interstate runs from Virginia to Alabama.

Shopping

• Greenbriar Mall – One of Atlanta’s oldest enclosed shopping malls is just about 7 mile away from Hapeville. Greenbriar is home to Macy’s Burlington, Rainbow, Foot Locker, Jimmy Jazz, Encore, Anna’s Linens, and multiple restaurants.
• Camp Creek Marketplace – Hapeville is also just a few miles from Camp Creek Marketplace in East Point. It is home to several big box stores like Target, Lowe’s, Ross, BJ’s Wholesale, Marshalls, Party City, Old Navy, and more. Restaurants include Wendy’s, Moe’s Red Lobster, and Longhorn Steakhouse.
• Mall at West End – Hapeville shoppers can also head to the Mall at West End in South Atlanta. Stores and restaurants there include Jimmy Jazz, Citi Trends, MaxWay, Rainbow, Foot Locker, Journey’s, Payless, Lids, and more.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• Six Flags Over Georgia – Atlanta’s most popular theme park sits about 15 miles northwest of Hapeville, and during the spring, summer, and fall, it is a popular destination for family members of all ages. Thrill rides, kid-friendly rides, live shows, food, water rides, and games are just some of the things you can do here.
• Zoo Atlanta – Atlanta’s 40-acre zoo houses over 1,500 animals including rare Giant Pandas, multiple world-famous gorillas, lemurs, exotic birds, giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, and much more. It also has a playground, several dining options, a petting zoo, and dozens of other fun activities. Best of all, it is only about 7 miles from Hapeville.
• Hapeville Performing Arts Center – The Hapeville Performing Arts Theater is located on Central Avenue in town, and it hosts regular theater and musical performances. It is also available for rent.
• Georgia Aquarium – Opened in 2005, Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s newest and most popular destinations for families. It features over 100,000 animals, such as whale sharks, bottlenose dolphins, and beluga whales, and it is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.
• Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood – Just about 4 miles north of Hapeville sits one of Atlanta’s most popular concert venues. Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood is an outdoor facility that hosts some of the biggest names in music each year. It seats around 19,000 patrons.

Real Estate Information

Because Hapeville is so small, there are few neighborhoods in the city, but you will find a mix of both established and new homes here. In neighborhoods like Virginia Park and Happy Holmes, you might find newer large Southern-style homes along with smaller bungalows and ranch-style homes that have been restored to their original charm. New homes are popping up outside of neighborhoods, as well. You will also find an assortment of townhomes and condos here. Almost every home in the city is just a few blocks from a school, park, restaurant, or the airport.

Average Price of Homes

Condos in Hapeville range from $50,000 to $300,000. Homes range from $50,000 to $200,000 with a few in the $300,000 to $400,000 range. The median home value is around $78,000.