History of Tucker, Ga

Tucker’s history dates back to 1822 when the state of Georgia created DeKalb County. Its original name was the Brownings District, and it was quite a populated area compared to other Atlanta suburbs. As a matter of fact, today, there are dozens of graves in the town’s cemeteries that date back to the 1700s and 1800s, including several Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers. During the Civil War, Union soldiers took over and burned much of the Tucker area, but the community rebuilt afterwards. By 1892, it became a stop along the Georgia, Carolina, and Northern Railway.

While the origin of the community’s name is not clear, some say it came from Rufus S. Tucker, a major shareholder in the railroad. Despite the new railroad station, Tucker remained mostly farmland until after World War II when companies like General Motors and Kraft Foods began setting up offices in Decatur. Soon, homes and retail centers were popping up all throughout the area. By the 1960s, Tucker was considered “DeKalb’s Area of Golden Opportunity” for growing families, and many believe that still holds true today.

Quick Facts

• Population: 27,600
• Several notable businesses make their headquarters in Tucker. They include The Big Green Egg, the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, YP Holdings, Oglethorpe Power, and Emory University Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital.
• Tucker is home to the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.
• More than 91 percent of adults living in Tucker have a high school education and nearly half hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. This makes Tucker one of the most educated places in the state of Georgia.
• Over 230 acres of Tucker are dedicated to parks and green spaces with lakes, trails, creeks, sports fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, pools, and picnic areas.
• Tucker is home to two public libraries, both of which are part of the DeKalb County Public Library system.
• Since the 1950s, Tucker holds an annual festival called Tucker Day. It includes a parade, food, arts and crafts, and live music.

Demographics

The median household income in Tucker is around $65,000. Almost 71 percent of residents own their own homes. The median age of Tucker residents is 40 years old which is slightly older than many Atlanta suburbs. On the other hand, Tucker also has a large population of children under 18, making it a family-oriented community.

Local Attractions

Tucker is just a few miles away from several of Atlanta’s most notable attractions, including some really great golf courses. But you do not have to leave the community to have a good time. Restaurants are plentiful, and from pizza to Caribbean, you’ll find food from almost anywhere in the world. There are also many great shopping opportunities in Tucker and throughout other parts of DeKalb County.

Dining

• Taqueria Los Hermanos – The Tucker area is home to several great Mexican restaurants, but Taqueria Los Hermanos is a local favorite. Once you try its hearty portions of authentic cuisine, you will become a regular. Some people call it the best Mexican in the state of Georgia.
• Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill – Speaking of the best of the best, some people say Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill is the best Cuban restaurant in Metro Atlanta. The restaurant has a few locations scattered throughout the Atlanta area, including one in Cofer Crossing in Tucker. That staff is always friendly, but the food is what keeps customers coming back. From Mofongo to the assortment of Cuban sandwiches, you will feel like you are out on an island when you dine here.
• Matthews Cafeteria – Everyone needs some comfort food once in a while, which is probably why Matthews Cafeteria is such a popular location. It serves everything you can dream of when you crave Southern cooking, including fried chicken, mashed potatoes, turnip greens, and mac and cheese. The restaurant began serving the area in 1955, and it has been a staple ever since.
• Local No. 7 – Local No. 7 may look like your average bar and restaurant, but the food here is anything but average. The fried green beans are one of the most popular menu items, and the eatery manages to be both family-friendly and a great place to have drinks on a late Friday night.
• Shorty’s – Skip the generic pizza joints you find scattered throughout the suburbs and head straight to Shorty’s, Tucker’s favorite pie maker. All of the pizzas are named for musicians, and you’ll find toppings that you can’t get anywhere else. Don’t like pizza? Don’t worry. There are salads, sandwiches, and a few other dishes on the menu. If you ever get a chance to dine in at Shorty’s, make sure it’s a night when there is live music.

Transportation

• MARTA – Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA, offers six daily bus routes to and from the Tucker area.
• Interstates – Tucker sits near the northern intersection of Interstates 285 and 85, which is great news for commuters. Interstate 285 is best known as Atlanta’s Perimeter because it encircles the city. Interstate 85 can take you north to South Carolina and south towards Alabama.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Hartsfield-Jackson is the world’s busiest airport, and it is approximately 24 miles southwest of Tucker.

Shopping

• Northlake Mall ­­­­– Just across Interstate 285 from Tucker is Northlake Mall. It is home to stores like Macy’s, Sears, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Men’s Warehouse, and Victoria’s Secret. The surrounding area, which includes Briarcliff Village, is home to Michaels, Best Buy, Target, Kroger, PetSmart, and multiple other recognizable stores.
• Cofer Crossing – The area of Tucker where Lawrenceville Highway and Hugh Howell Road meet is home to several large shopping centers with big name stores and restaurants. In Cofer Crossing, you will find Kroger, Walmart, Applebees, Game Stop, HomeGoods, Dollar Tree, Taco Bell, Payless, and more. Other stores and restaurants in the surrounding shopping centers include Publix, Papa John’s Pizza, Zaxby’s, Staples, Longhorn Steakhouse, and Moe’s Southwest Grill.
• North Dekalb Mall – Located just up the road in Decatur is North DeKalb Mall, another popular shopping destination for Tucker residents. Stores include Burlington, Macy’s, Ross, Marshall’s, and Dollar Tree. It also has its own theater.

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• Stone Mountain Park – Stone Mountain Park is one of the Atlanta area’s most popular destinations for visitors and residents alike, and it is only about five miles south of Tucker. The park centers on a large rock mountain with a carving of three key men from the Civil War on the face of it. Visitors can walk or ride up the mountain, take in a laser show, enjoy live entertainment, view historical sites, play golf, enjoy a meal, shop, ride a boat, ride a train, conquer the rope bridges, and much more. It is definitely a great way to spend a day or even a weekend with your family.
• Atlanta Silverbacks Park – As soccer becomes more and more popular, Atlanta Silverbacks Park becomes a more and more popular destination for fans. Located just outside of Tucker, the multi-million dollar facility features four full-size soccer fields. It is home to the men’s professional soccer team, the Atlanta Silverbacks, as well as the women’s semi-pro team. Youth soccer teams, adult soccer leagues, and the Atlanta Renegades Rugby Club also practice and play there.
• Heritage Golf Links – The majority of the Heritage Golf Links golf course sits within the boundaries of Tucker. When it opened in 1996, Golf Digest named it one the “Best New Golf Courses in America.” It features a challenging layout, complete with a 20-acre lake, as well as clubhouse and driving range. Instructors are also available.
• Room Escape Adventures – If you love puzzles and problem-solving, Room Escape Adventures is an excellent place to visit. Up to 12 participants are stuck together in a room with a scenario that forces you to find a way out. It’s great for team-building with co-workers, but you can have a good time with friends and family, too, when you are in the mood for something a little more outside the box.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Tucker is just minutes away from all Atlanta has to offer. One of the closer attractions is the Atlanta Botanical Garden. There is always something in bloom, an exciting exhibit, or another event, such as a concert or chef demo going on. You can also dine at the Garden’s restaurant.

Real Estate Information

Diversity if key when it comes to homes in Tucker. Swim and tennis communities with newer modern homes are becoming more prevalent in the family-friendly community, but you will also find many established neighborhoods and single homes. Early to mid-19th century ranches, split-levels, and bungalows are plentiful. Many of these homes sit on larger lots with mature growth trees and landscaping and big backyards for young families. Many of the community’s neighborhoods were built around parks and schools. There are also many condos and townhomes here.

Average Price of Homes

Homes in Tucker are a little more affordable than they are in Atlanta and other parts of DeKalb County which is a big attraction for new residents. Most homes fall within the $100,000 to $400,000 range, with a median home value of around $174,000.