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Thursday, July 01, 2021

Moving to South Fulton – Your EZ Guide to Everything South Fulton, GA

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Moving to South Fulton – Your Guide to Living in South Fulton, GA

Collectively known as South Fulton, this area is located at the bottom-most part of Fulton County, and is the most populous county in the state of Georgia. Included in the South Fulton area are the cities of College Park, Chattahoochee Hills, Fairburn, East Point, Union City, Hapeville, Palmetto, and southwest Atlanta. With so many places under its coverage, South Fulton can be a great area to live in, as it offers many places to see and things to do. In this EZ Guide to Everything South Fulton, GA, we provide you with all you need to know before deciding on moving to this great part of Georgia. 

Cost of Living and Population Growth

South Fulton’s population has grown exponentially throughout the years, with 2010 estimates placing the number of residents at around 85,769. However, by 2019 the population count was closer to 99,155, making it the fifth-biggest city in Georgia. Furthermore, South Fulton is also part of the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell Metro area and is ranked 76 out of 273 cities in the country when it comes to the cost of living. 

While most expenses in this area are quite average, the housing costs in South Fulton are higher compared to the national average. Health costs, however, are relatively affordable and are lower compared to the rest of the county. To show you what this means, here’s a table that compares the cost of living between South Fulton, Georgia, and the rest of the country.

Cost of Living 

South Fulton    

Georgia     

USA

Overall

112.6

93.4

100

Grocery

99.8

95.5

100

Health

91.8

95.5

100

Housing

123.8

80.7

100

Median Home Cost          

$286,200           

$186,500        

$231,200

Utilities 

102.6

103.2

100

Transportation

124.5

105.1

100

Misc.

105.6

94.8

100

South Fulton has a total cost of living of 112.6, which is much higher than Georgia’s total of 93.4 and higher compared to the rest of the country at 100. 

Job Market

Fulton County as a whole has a median household income of $70,930, where males have an average income that’s 1.36 times higher than those of females. This area also employs a total of 545K people, which grew by 0.573% from 2017’s 542K employee count. The largest industries within the area are Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, and Retail Trade. 

Most Common

According to the number of employees, some of the most common jobs that residents of Fulton County have are the following: 

  • Management Occupations with 76,226 employees 
  • Sales and Related Occupations with 63,630 employees
  • Office and Administrative Support Occupations with 53,616 employees

Most Specialized

Some jobs in Fulton County have an unusually high number of residents working in the following fields: 

  • Legal Occupations
  • Computer and Mathematical Occupations
  • Business and Financial Operations Occupations

Highest Paid

Some of the highest paid jobs in the area according to median earnings are in these industries: 

  • Legal Occupations with annual earnings of $101,924 
  • Management Occupations with annual earnings of $95,359
  • Architecture and Engineering Occupations with annual earnings of $90,556

Things To Do in South Fulton

Because South Fulton covers many different cities, it has plenty of amazing places to see and various things to do. Here are just a few favorites from both locals and visitors to the area. 

Deer Lick Park

This 66-acre park can be found on Mack Road just north of Fairburn Road. It serves as the headquarters for Douglas County’s Recreation Division of Parks and Recreation. Deer Lick Park has a 3-acre lake with a pier for visitors who prefer participating in fishing and other water sports. Inside, you’ll find that this park includes both active and passive areas with various amenities for activities such as: 

  • Batting Cages
  • Basketball
  • Mini-Golf
  • Bocce
  • Disc golf
  • Volleyball
  • Softball
  • Tennis

Greedy’s 

Greedy’s restaurant is a newly renovated establishment that serves up the best American dining experience right at the heart of College Park. First opened in 2017, it became known for its Southern hospitality and offers the most delicious wings, burgers, breakfast plates, salads, hot dogs, and more. It has since become a staple in the community and throughout Atlanta, where diners have enjoyed simple, fresh, high-quality food again and again. 

Cochran Mill Brewing Company

Founders Ed and Jett Hattaway started home brewing as a pastime in 2014, which soon attracted the attention of people around the community. Not long after, the Cochran Mill Brewing Company was opened and has since provided craft beer that serves up the following creations: 

  • Professor Ted’s Irish Red – 4.5% 
  • Muller Hund Molasses Porter – 5% 
  • Hypnoduck Citra IPA – 6.5%
  • Bad Touch Panda Black IPA – 7.5%
  • Wampus Cat Strong Ale – 9.5%
  • And more!

Because of their love for craft beer, the company has brought passion along with their service to the community, making them a favorite choice when people are looking for a tall cold beer. 

Wolf Creek Amphitheater

If you’re looking for late-night performances to enjoy in South Fulton, be sure to head over to the Wolf Creek Amphitheater. This 435-acre establishment hosts festivals, concerts, plays, and other events all year long. No matter what kind of performance or music you’re after, Wolf Creek has something to offer everyone. Here, you’ll also see international stars perform their songs, or simply enjoy a casual night at a jazz or bluegrass event. 

Climate

South Fulton enjoys a relatively warmer climate compared to the rest of the country. Here, it’s common to get around 52 inches of rain on average, which is much more compared to the rest of the country’s 38 inches. However, it doesn’t snow much in this area at all, and only gets two inches every year, which isn’t much compared to the 28 inches from the national average. Furthermore, South Fulton enjoys 217 sunny days every year, which is also higher compared to the U.S average of 205 days. Here are a few weather highlights to keep in mind if you do wish to visit South Fulton: 

  • Summers in July can reach temperatures of around 88 degrees.
  • Winters during January can be as cold as 32 degrees.
  • There’s an average of 52 inches of rain every year.
  • However, it rarely snows in the area and only gets an average of two inches per year.

To make the most of your trip, the best times to visit South Fulton are during May, September, and October when temperatures are at their best, while the least comfortable months to visit are during January and July. 

Traffic

South Fulton’s Traffic Unit aims to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries. This can be accomplished through coordination with traffic engineering, proactive enforcement, and community education programs. Furthermore, the Traffic Unit also reviews citizen complaints and analyzes crash data routinely. They’re also responsible for the investigation of hit-and-run accidents. 

Should the Traffic Unit identify an area of concern, officers will aggressively address any traffic violations. In particular, they will target situations that contribute to traffic crashes or those that might result in damage or injuries to the city’s citizens. Traffic Unit officers are highly trained in accident reconstruction and advanced accident investigation to ensure safe roadways.

Public Transportation

Getting around South Fulton’s roads is easy, provided that you have a car. If you don’t, however, there are other forms of transportation available to commuters daily. MARTA provides both bus and heavy rail services in Fulton County, where the rail service includes 38 stations and four rail lines that cover 48 miles of track. Its bus services provide more than 91 routes which cover over 1,000 route miles. 

Moreover, MARTA also provides complementary paratransit services for persons with disabilities. The closest airport to South Fulton is the Fulton County Airport, a county-owned, public-use airport located just 7 miles from Atlanta’s central business district. It covers a total area of 985 acres and has 82 different kinds of aircraft as of 2017. 

Golf

South Fulton also boasts a great golf course where both visitors and locals can enjoy a game anytime they please. The Wolf Creek Golf Club is just 12 minutes away from South Fulton via Enon Road and has served golfers since 2001. Through the years, it has maintained its reputation as one of the hardest golf tracks to tackle in the Atlanta Metro area. 

Designed by Mike Young Designs, this course features great conditions, a convenient location, and unparalleled beauty. It also incorporates wetland areas, low-flatland holes, and holes with dramatic vistas. As such, Wolf Creek is often regarded as one of the best courses in the state and has been featured in big magazines such as Golf Digest. 

Water Sports

For those who aren’t into golf, South Fulton also offers a wide selection of water sports to participate in. Here are a few destinations to explore if you need to beat the summer heat. 

Welcome All Park Natatorium

This aquatic center offers two pools: one lap pool and a splash pool complete with a slide. No matter your needs, whether you’re looking for water aerobics, swimming lessons, or just to go for a dip in the water, the natatorium is available for everyone to enjoy. However, you will need to be aware of the various opening times: 

  • Monday & Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM and 12:30 PM to 4:45 PM
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM
  • Friday: CLOSED
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Sunday: CLOSED

Six Flags Over Georgia

This 290-acre theme park located just west of Atlanta opened in 1967 and has two sister parks in Texas and St. Louis. Founded by Angus G. Wynne, Six Flags Over Georgia hosts characters from Warner Bros. animation, including Justice League characters from DC Comics along with Looney Tunes characters. Like other amusement parks, Six Flags takes pride in its collection of rides, but it also has water attractions such as Calypso Bay, a gigantic 38,000 square foot wave pool, along with Log Jamboree and Paradise Island. 

Dog Friendly

Dog lovers will also have a lot of fun during their stay in South Fulton since there are many places here where dogs can accompany you during your adventures. 

Westin Atlanta Airport

This sophisticated airport hotel near Atlanta welcomes two dogs up to 50 lbs for an extra $150 per stay. Dogs can also be left unattended inside rooms, and you can also find dog beds at the front desk while a grassy area is available near the property for pet relief. Inside this hotel, you’ll find a stunning 10-story lobby atrium that displays a combination of glass, marble, and foliage. This contemporary-styled hotel is the perfect place to stay for owners who want to treat their pups to a life of luxury. 

Pet Paradise Resort

Pet Paradise provides pets with the ultimate pet boarding experience, where passionate pet professionals will care for your dog and give you the peace of mind you need while you’re away. Inside, your pet will enjoy private rooms complete with a TV and bed, a bone-shaped pool, as well as other state-of-the-art facilities. No matter what your travel or vacation plans, you don’t have to worry about what to do with your pet; simply give Pet Paradise a call, and they’ll take care of your pet for you. 

Attractions

Another attraction available in South Fulton is the Sweetwater Creek State Park, a peaceful and beautiful piece of wilderness that’s just 22 minutes away. Inside, you’ll find rocky bluffs where you can see the beautiful rapids below. There are also trails that wind through the forests, which showcase wild azaleas, magnolias, ferns, and hardwoods. However, there is an even more interesting attraction that lies inside this park.  

The New Manchester Manufacturing Company

This structure was originally known as the Sweetwater Mill and was built in 1849. A tall manufacturing building, it was made from materials created from natural sources, and it used the rushing waters from Sweetwater Creek to power a cotton mill. However, as the Civil War was nearing its end in 1864, the Confederate troops that protected the area were forced to retreat. As a result, Union forces took over the territory and set the factory on fire. The factory was all but forgotten, and over time, it transformed into a beautiful ruin, where it has been featured in films such as the “Hunger Games”. 

Shopping

South Fulton also offers plenty of shopping for those who just love to find sales and bargains. Greenbriar Mall is a great option for sneaker fans, and you won’t find a wider spread of selections anywhere else in the metro Atlanta area. This mall also offers ample parking space, an excellent assortment of stores, and plenty of restaurants to choose from. As such, it has become a staple for anyone who grew up in the south side or the Atlanta area. Here are just a few places you’re sure to enjoy inside this mall: 

  • Ashley Stewart
  • Diors Jewelers – PANDORA
  • Chick-fil-A
  • House of Hoops by Foot Locker
  • Wing N Burger Factory
  • Soho

Art and Culture

Fulton County’s Department of Arts & Culture provides both locals and tourists with three facilities: the West End Performing Arts Center, Abernathy Arts Center, and the Emma Darnell Museum and Conference Center. The Fulton County Arts & Culture provides residents with direct art services in disciplines including dance, visual art, music, theatre, creative writing, and more. This is possible through community-based centers, while Art Centers produce art and cultural events year-round. Some of these include plays, exhibitions, poetry readings, concerts, and more. 

Sports and Sports Teams

If you’re looking to stay in shape or participate in sports activities, South Fulton also has many options for both youth and adults. Here are just a few sporting events that you might be interested in: 

  • Adult Athletics: The city encourages a healthy and active lifestyle through sports and other activities. Both program and athletic opportunities give adults the chance to socialize, exercise, and interact with neighbors. 
  • Senior Activities: By embracing diversity, the city is committed to providing senior citizens with different programs to inspire, educate, and enhance their experience. Their programs are designed to keep the mind sharp and to open new ideas. 
  • Youth Athletics: Kids are encouraged to participate in organized sports, as it provides physical, psychological, and social benefits. The city offers youth sport-based development programs outside of school activities to promote skill and learning development. 

Education

The entirety of Fulton County, GA generally has a high standard when it comes to education and is a good choice for parents wanting to enroll their kids into an excellent school system. Fulton County awarded a total of 24,708 degrees in 2019, with the biggest contributors being Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, and Atlanta Technical College. Some of the most popular majors taken by students in the area according to the number of degrees awarded are: 

  • Liberal Arts & Sciences with 2,303 degrees
  • General Computer and Information Sciences with 2,151 degrees
  • General Business Administration and Management with 1,641 degrees

Should you want to take advantage of studying here, the median costs are as follows: 

  • Private four-year colleges will cost around $20,888 annually
  • Public four-year colleges will cost around $7,158 annually for in-state students
  • Public four-year colleges will cost around $22,389 annually for out-of-state students

Real Estate

As of 2018, the median property value in the whole of Fulton County, GA was $333,200, where the homeownership rate was 53.5%. However, this figure is actually an increase of 8.82% from its previous value of $306,200. This indicates that not only is Fulton County more expensive compared to the national average of $229,700, but it also has a lower homeownership rate compared to the U.S. average of 63.9%. 

Furthermore, a large share of households found in Fulton County has a value between $500K to $750K. Even so, people aren’t afraid to invest here, since it reflects the high-quality lifestyle of those that can afford to live here. On the bright side, people here still enjoy a relatively bearable commute time of 26.6 minutes on average, where employees usually take a car to work. 

Welcome to South Fulton!

This region not only has some of the best areas of the south Atlanta area, but it also provides appealing education options, alluring neighborhoods, and convenient access to Atlanta. As such, South Fulton is an excellent choice for individuals or families wanting to excel in their careers or purchase an extravagant home inside one of the most in-demand areas today. You’ll also get your fill of adventure; from outdoor activities, thrilling attractions, and various events to look forward to, South Fulton has everything you could need and more. So if you’re serious about making the move to an area with tons of character and potential, look no further than South Fulton.

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Preston Guyton

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