McDonough

History of McDonough, GA

Named for naval officer Thomas MacDonough, who fought in the War of 1812, McDonough was founded in 1823. The city formed around a town square, some of which still stands today. Up until the Civil War, McDonough and the rest of Henry County were some of the more exciting places for Georgians to live. It even served as a stop on the New York to New Orleans stagecoach line.

Masons, cotton gins, saw mills, blacksmiths, and buggy shops were thriving when William Sherman and his troops marched through Atlanta and burned much of the community to the ground. Rhett Butler even mentions McDonough in the book Gone with the Wind. Thankfully, the “Geranium City” picked itself up and dusted off the ashes to build the beautiful place that it is today.

Quick Facts

• Population: 23,000
• Henry County is thriving when it comes to business. Snapper Inc.is based in McDonough. Other top employers in Henry County include Piedmont Hospital; Southern States, LLLC; PVH Corp; Ken’s Food, Inc.; Home Depot Distribution and Direct Fulfillment Centers, Georgia Power, Carter’s Inc., and the Federal Aviation Administration.
• Several movies and TV shows have filmed in McDonough, including Smokey and the Bandit, A Madea Christmas, Glory, We are Marshall, and Resurrection. Some scenes from The Walking Dead were also filmed in the area.
• Some of Georgia’s most notable residents either live in McDonough or were born here. They include presidential candidate and radio host Herman Cain, the band Casting Crowns, and former NBA star Darrell Armstrong.
• McDonough is home to the radio station Classic Country 1410 WKKP and the cable channel SCB-TV Channel 15.
• Each year since 1977, McDonough hosts the Geranium Festival during the spring. It showcases and celebrates locally grown flowers and art with a craft fair and live music.

Demographics

The median age of McDonough residents is 32, about 8 years younger than the rest of Georgia. The cost of living, low crime rates, and idyllic way of life are a few of the things that attract young people to the city each year to start a family or establish a career. The median household income is around $48,000. Nearly 40 percent of homes in McDonough have children under the age of 18.

Local Attractions

From golf and racecars to antique shopping and good Southern food, there is something for everyone in McDonough.

Dining

• Baby Jane’s Southern Home Cooking – You can’t get Southern cooking like what they serve at Baby Jane’s anywhere else in Henry County. Best of all, the staff serves with the hospitality that the South is known for. Just be prepared to fill up, as you serve yourself buffet-style, and you can’t help but to go back for seconds and maybe even thirds.
• OB’s BBQ – You cannot experience life in Metro Atlanta without finding a favorite barbecue joint, and for McDonough residents, that choice is often OB’s. Ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and seafood are on the menu, along with sides like fried green tomatoes.
• Pasta Max Cafe – When McDonough wants Italian, it heads to Pasta Max Café for fresh pasta that is as authentic as it gets. The chef is a graduate of New York’s Culinary Institute of America and specializes in Northern Italy-style cuisine.
• Seasons Bistro – For fine dining, give Seasons Bistro a try. Once featured in Hmagazine, Chef Sam learned to cook as a child, but his eight years in the United States Navy took him around the world where he learned the culinary customs of many other countries. He combines it all with a comfortable, cozy dining space that is great for either a business meeting or a date night.
• Bliss – You can’t go home without dessert, and Bliss, a cupcake boutique and bakery, knows how to make it. The award-winning eatery also teaches baking classes and can make custom cakes for your next party.

Transportation

• Interstate 75 – Interstate 75 runs through western portions of McDonough, providing commuters with a quick drive into Atlanta. For those going out of town, it runs south through Florida and north through Michigan.
• Xpress GA Bus – The Georgia Regional Transportation Authority runs a bus network called Xpress GA which takes commuters from McDonough and other Metro Atlanta cities to Midtown and Downtown Atlanta.
• Airport – McDonough is about 28 miles southeast of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport which sees over 2,500 flights each day.

Shopping

• South Point – The outdoor shopping center known as South Point opened in 2008, and it continues to grow with over 700,000 square feet of retail and dining options today. As a matter of fact, it is one of the South Metro Atlanta area’s top shopping destinations. Stores there include Hobby Lobby, Haverty’s, Kohl’s, Ulta, Party City, TJ Maxx, JCPenney, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Rooms to Go and more.
• McDonough Marketplace– McDonough is home to several large shopping centers where you can pick up groceries, grab dinner, and do a little shopping for your home. McDonough Marketplace features a Walmart Supercenter, Lowe’s, Dollar Tree, Office Depot, and multiple fast food restaurants. You will also find Kroger, Publix, Target, Food Depot, and other stores scattered throughout the city.
• Downtown McDonough – If you prefer shopping for antiques and handmade items, you may want to skip the big box stores and head for historic Downtown McDonough. Planter’s Walk Antique Mall, Secret Garden, Gritz, Moye’s Pharmacy, Thompson Market, and Gerhardt’s World are a few local favorites.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• Southern Belle Farm – McDonough residents, especially those with kids, love Southern Belle Farm. Head to the 200-acre working farm to pick strawberries during summer and pumpkins during the fall. It also hosts several family-friendly events and seasonal activities such as a corn maze and pig races.
• Fun Bowl & Fun Town of Henry County – Bowling is always a great way to spend a night out, but Fun Bowl & Fun Town of Henry County offers much more than that. Go-karts, miniature golf, laser tag, an arcade, and wall climbing are also available.
• Atlanta Motor Speedway – Located on 887 acres in nearby Hampton (also in Henry County) you’ll find Atlanta’s home for NASCAR, Atlanta Motor Speedway. Of course, you don’t have to wait for the big event to have some fun there. Something is always happening at one of the country’s top sports facilities.
• Noah’s Ark Animal Rehabilitation Center – You may not think there are lions, tigers, and bears in Henry County, but you would be wrong. Noah’s Ark Animal Rehabilitation Center is located just outside McDonough in Locust Grove. The wildlife sanctuary is home to over 1,000 animals, including Leo the lion, Baloo the black bear, and Shere Khan the tiger who all live together in one enclosure. It’s a great place to spend the day with kids.
• Georgia National Golf Club – McDonough is home to the Georgia National Golf Club and its Par 71, 6,875-yard course. The club is semi-private and opened in 1984. Members can also dine at the clubhouse and enjoy family-friendly events throughout the year.

Real Estate Information

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Henry County is one of the fastest-growing in the nation. That means you will find plenty of new construction here, but expect top quality in nearly 100 neighborhoods where the newer homes are located. These communities typically feature two-story homes on beautifully landscaped lots with features like brick, fireplaces, large master suites, and granite countertops. Many of the new neighborhoods feature swimming pools and playgrounds, as well. If you prefer something more established, you will find mid-century ranch homes, split levels, and more, usually on larger wooded lots.

Average Price of Homes

Most homes in McDonough fall within the $100,000 to $400,000 range, but you can find homes for up to and over $1 million. As the community grows, so do home values. The median sales price is around $145,000.