Stockbridge

History of Stockbridge, GA

There are two theories as to how Stockbridge got its name. Some say a professor named Levi Stockbridge used to pass through the area and was a much respected man in the community. In 1992, his great-great grandson, a South Carolina native, wrote to the mayor of Stockbridge and claimed his ancestor was the city’s namesake. Another theory is that the city gets its name from Thomas Stock, the President of the Georgia State Senate during the early 1800s.

Either way, the city’s roots date back to 1821. More settlers moved to area to form Concord Methodist Church in 1829, and by 1847, it had its own post office. By 1881, the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia Railroad passed through the city and even set up a depot here. Stockbridge officially incorporated as a city in 1895.

Quick Facts

• Population: 27,300
• Several big companies have offices and headquarters in Henry County, which means Stockbridge residents who do not want to commute into Atlanta have plenty of options. Some of them include Georgia Power, Home Depot, Carter’s, Behr, Ken’s Foods, Summit Racing Equipment, and Whirlpool.
• Stockbridge is home to Piedmont Henry Hospital. With 215 beds, 400 doctors, and 500 nurses, it is considered one of the finest medical facilities in Metro Atlanta.
• Private schools in Stockbridge include Community Christian School and Mount Vernon Christian Academy.
• Several notable people were either born in Stockbridge or live there today. They include Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr.; the band Collective Soul; NFL star Bruce Irvin; and baseball player Kyle Davies.

Demographics

Compared to other cities in Henry County, Stockbridge residents tend to be slightly older and have less children. The median age for a resident is 35 years old, while about 28 percent of homes have children under the age of 18. The median household income is round $56,000 per year.

Local Attractions

Life in Stockbridge tends to be a little quieter than it is in the surrounding areas, and the attractions reflect that. Parks, golf courses, community-oriented events, and locally owned restaurants make up the majority of the list of things to do in the city.

Dining

• Tony’s at Brentwood – Stockbridge has several options when it comes to Italian cuisine, but Tony’s at Brentwood is always a favorite. The family-owned eatery serves authentic New York-style pizza with fresh ingredients, as well as pasta made from scratch. The chef, Antonio “Tony” Bortone, grew up in Italy.
• Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill – Continue your tour around the world by visiting Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill. With six locations around Metro Atlanta, the restaurant serves some of the best Caribbean food in the state of Georgia. Empanadas, mofongo, fish tacos, jerk chicken, and ropa vieja are just of the few of the dishes you will find on the menu.
• Hamburger Mike’s – When you are in the mood for a quick burger, skip the fast food joints in town and head straight for Hamburger Mike’s in Stockbridge or nearby Locust Grove. The burgers come in different sizes with as many toppings as you could ever want, and vegetarian options are also available.
• Frontera Mex-Mex Grill – Stockbridge has many choices when it comes to Mexican food, but there is just something about Frontera Mex-Mex Grill. Authentic food, delicious margaritas, live music, and friendly service — what more could you want?
• Broadway Diner – Conveniently located just off Interstate 75 and near several hotels, many travelers on their way to Florida stop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Broadway Diner, but it is just as popular with the locals. This no-frills restaurant has a menu packed with traditional diner dishes, and you will find something to appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. Just don’t skip dessert. Every sweet treat on the menu is amazing.

Transportation

• Airports – Stockbridge is just 15 miles southeast of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The busiest airport in the world sees over 2,500 arrivals and departures each day. The smaller private use Berry Hill Airport is located in Stockbridge.
• Public Transportation – Stockbridge commuters who work in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta can take advantage of the Xpress GA bus system. It transports people from 12 Metro Atlanta counties into the city every weekday.
• Interstates – Interstate 75, which is one of the longest interstates in the country, runs straight through Stockbridge and makes getting to Atlanta easier than ever. The much smaller Interstate 675 connects Interstates 285 and 75 and has two Stockbridge exits.

Shopping

• Southlake Mall – Stockbridge is about 10 minutes away from Southlake Mall in nearby Morrow, Georgia. It underwent a major renovation in 1999 and is now a top shopping destination for South Atlanta. The mall, which has its own carousel and food court, is home to stores like Macy’s, Sears, American eagle, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Food Locker, and Aeropostale.
• Shopping Centers and Grocery Stores – When you need to buy groceries, clothing, home supplies, and other everyday items, you will find no shortage of big name stores in Stockbridge. Stockbridge Village Shopping Center near the intersection of Interstates 75 and 675 is home to Kroger, Lowe’s, Office Depot, and multiple restaurants. The Stockbridge Lakes shopping center is home to Publix, and there is an Aldi and Food Depot nearby. There are also many shopping centers along Mount Zion as you head into nearby Morrow with stores like Home Depot, Kohl’s, Costco, and Best Buy.
• South Point – Head a few minutes south to McDonough, and you will find one Henry County’s top shopping destinations, South Point. The outdoor mall features stores like JCPenney, Sephora, Kohl’s, Hobby Lobby, Ulta, Toys R Us, Party City, TJ Maxx, and Rooms to Go.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• Eagle’s Landing Country Club – Eagle’s Landing is one of Stockbridge’s most popular neighborhoods, but the real draw is the 27-hole, Tom Fazio-designed golf course. It was once used for the LPGA tour and has been described as one of the top 10 courses in Atlanta.
• Atlanta Festival Ballet – If you enjoy cultural outings, like a night out at the ballet, you do not have to drive into Atlanta to enjoy them. The Atlanta Festival Ballet performs shows regularly in Stockbridge, all of which are family-friendly.
• Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge is home to the 100-acre Panola Mountain State Park, a park that centers on a granite outcrop. It’s a great place for hiking, fishing, picnicking, biking, and geocaching. Boat rental, archery, and nature programs for the entire family are available, too.
• City Parks – Stockbridge has a few smaller city parks, as well. Clark Community Park has its own walking track, picnic pavilions, playground, and grill. Gardner Park has tennis courts, and Memorial Park has a new 3-mile bike trail and basketball court.
• Pin Strikes – For a day of family fun, head to Pin Strikes. It offers cosmic bowling, plasma screens, a restaurant, and much more. It’s a great place for everyone from preschoolers to grandparents to have a good time.

Real Estate Information

The homes in Stockbridge are a mixture of new construction and established styles from the last century. Ranch, split foyer, and two-story traditional are some of the most common. No matter what you choose, you will find features like hardwood floors, masters on the main level, granite countertops, finished basements, and side entry garages.

Average Price of Homes

Most of the homes in Stockbridge fall between $130,000 and $350,000, though you will find more and less expensive homes in select neighborhoods, but you can always find a great deal, no matter what type of home you choose. The median sales price is around $120,000.