Tyrone

History of Tyrone, GA

During the late 1800s, Irish immigrants moved to the South Atlanta area and set up a small residential area in present day Fayette County. They began building businesses and homes, some of which still stand today. As a matter of fact, some of the homes in the area still belong to the descendants of the original families who built them. By 1907, a railroad passed through town, and in 1911, Tyrone became incorporated. The immigrants named it Tyrone because the landscape reminded them of the County of Tyrone back home in Ireland.

Quick Facts

• Population: 7,100
• Many businesses are moving to Fayette County to set up headquarters and offices. Some of them in the Tyrone and nearby Peachtree City and Fayetteville areas are Avery Dennison, Cooper Lighting, Hoshizaki, Panasonic, Sany, TDK, World Airways, and NCR.
• Tyrone is just a few miles from Piedmont Fayette Hospital. The 172-bed facility has 1,100 employees and 500 doctors on staff. It specializes in cancer, heart, women’s, sleep, and wound care and is considered one of the best medical facilities in the country.
• Two large nonprofit organizations are based in Tyrone. They are Wellspring Living, an organization that helps domestic sex trafficking victims, and Operation Mobilisation, a Christian organization.
• Several sports stars are from or have lived in Tyrone, including NASCAR driver Joey Clanton, NBA star Chris Webber, and NFL stars Kedric Golston, Andrew Gardner, and Calvin Johnson.

Demographics

Tyrone is somewhat affluent compared to the rest of the state of Georgia. The median household income is around $85,000, nearly twice the state’s number. Residents are also older with a median age of 41 years old. The family-friendly town is home to many children. Nearly 42 percent of all household have children under the age of 18 living in them.

Local Attractions

Tyrone may be a small town, but it still provides the locals with some fun and excitement. There are several great restaurants in town, parks, community activities, and great antique and home furnishing shops that have attracted state and national attention. It even has a theater and golf center. For even more shopping and entertainment opportunities, residents can head next door to Peachtree City or drive up to Atlanta.

Dining

• Downtown Grill – Downtown Grill is a popular steakhouse in Tyrone, but there is much more on the menu than steak. Seafood dishes like fish tacos and firecracker shrimp with downhome Southern sides will make your mouth water. There is even an amazing fire-grilled burger for picky eaters.
• Shamrock Kitchen – If you are looking for old-fashioned country cooking like grandma used to make, you have come to right place with Shamrock Kitchen. Fried chicken, dressing, and vegetables are some of the locals’ favorite menu items, and you can even enjoy a hearty breakfast. The restaurant also has a reputation for low prices.
• Ohio Hog Company – The Ohio Hog Company is a great place to grab some wings, ribs, and barbecue in Tyrone. The owners are from Cleveland, but Georgians can’t hold that against them once they try the food. One bite and you’ll be hooked!
• Mimmo’s Gourmet Pizza – When you want pizza, you can go for one of the chains or you give Mimmo’s a try. Whether you dine in or opt for delivery, you can choose from a variety of items, like subs, wings, and salads, in addition to pizza. Don’t forget to grab some Italian donuts for dessert.
• Tyrone’s Box Car Café – Open for breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner, Tyrone’s Box Car Café is like a scene out of the 1950s. The husband and wife team who own it do much of their own work, making it a truly family-owned operation. So, what about the food? It is amazing and inexpensive. Whether you have a burger or a po boy, you must try the ice cream for dessert.

Transportation

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Tyrone is about 20 miles south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It is the busiest airport in the world and handles 2,500 arrivals and departures each day.
• Interstate 85 – Tyrone sits just minutes from Interstate 85, making for an easy commute into Atlanta. The entire interstate runs from Virginia to Alabama.

Shopping

• The Avenue Peachtree City – Tyrone doesn’t have its own mall, but nearby Peachtree City has an outdoor shopping center with many of your favorite mall stores like Ann Taylor, Books-A-Million, Banana Republic, Williams-Sonoma, Gymboree, Gap, and Bath & Body Works. It is about 5 miles from Tyrone.
• Southampton Village – When you need the basics, you can head to Southampton VIllage shopping center. Anchored by a Publix supermarket, it is also home to restaurants, a few smaller stores, a bank, and a CVS pharmacy across the street.
• Independent Shops – While Tyrone doesn’t have many shopping centers with chains and big box stores, it does have plenty of independent shops, particularly along Senoia Road. Some local favorites are Red Door Consignment Company, Déjà vu Home Furnishings Consignment, Circa Antiques, and Spoon Sisters, which was rated a favorite vintage shop by Flea Market

Entertainment, Nightlife & Things To Do

• The Legacy Theater – Tyrone may be small, but it still has its own theater. It puts on regular musicals and theatrical productions throughout the year. Dance and acting classes are also available.
• Wendell Coffee Golf and Event Center – The Wendell Coffee Golf and Event Center is a great way to spend a day in Tyrone. It has a 9-hole, par 3 golf course, as well as 9-hole putt putt course. It also offers PGA golf lessons and a two-ended lighted driving range which has been voted one of the top 50 in the United States. There is also a clubhouse and 3,500 square-foot event center with full catering services.
• Parks and Youth Sports – Tyrone is home to three parks — Handley, Shamrock, and Veterans —as well as several gazebos and picnic pavilions. These spaces are a great way to spend a warm spring or summer afternoon having a family picnic. The town offers summer camps for kids in a variety of subjects, and youth sports like baseball, softball, football, soccer, tennis, and softball are all available at these facilities.
• The Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater – Just a few minutes away in Peachtree City is Fayette County’s own outdoor concert venue. It seats 2,500 people and hosts live music and summer family movie nights.
• Southern Hollywood Film Tour – Some call Atlanta the “Hollywood of the South,” but few people know that Fayette County is actually a hotbed for filming movies and TV shows. It even has its own studio. In Peachtree City, visitors and residents can take group tours to the sets of whatever is filming around town.

Real Estate Information

While Tyrone has its fair share of historic homes, it also has a great deal of new construction. Two-story traditional brick and Southern-style homes with rocking chair front porches are common, as are large European-style estates. Because there is so much undeveloped countryside in Tyrone, many houses sit against wooded backdrops and on beautifully landscaped lots. Whatever style you choose, expect quality craftsmanship in Tyrone.

Average Price of Homes

Homes in Tyrone range from $100,000 up to the multi-millions, but the majority of them fall between $200,000 and $500,000. The median home value is around $224,000, and that number is on the rise making now a great time to buy.