We believe that every move is a new journey in your life and should be treated that way. The home you saved up for, and the memories you’re about to create, should be greeted with great enthusiasm and expectation. It’s about the next chapter in your life that will be looked back on in the years to come.
What’s It Like Living in McDonough GA? 🤩 | ULTIMATE [2025] Moving to McDonough Guide
Living in McDonough GA brings you to a beautiful and eventful city located in northwestern Georgia. McDonough, also referred to as the “National Main Street City”, the “City of Character”, and even the "Geranium City”, is known for its variety of attractions and charming downtown that’s bustling with local activities, endless food choices, and live entertainment.
McDonough, founded in 1823, is abundant in history and charm. The city’s name honors Commodore Thomas Macdonough, a distinguished naval officer, and its traditional town square reflects the classic Southern style of its early days.
Mcdonough Georgia is also famously recognized for being home to one of the worst train crashes in American history, which occurred in 1900. This event later earned an episode on the paranormal TV series Haunted Towns in 2017.
It’s no surprise that McDonough goes down as a very historical city. In fact, the city has several buildings and two historic districts that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the past several decades, Mcdonough GA has been a filming location for several popular films such as A Madea Christmas (2013) and Glory (1989) – an Oscar-winning Civil War epic.
Is Mcdonough GA a good place to live? Well, living in McDonough GA is especially attractive for those who crave a lively yet family-friendly community that’s close to Atlanta’s big city amenities.
The friendly city of Mcdonough is home to a family-centered community that can enjoy the city’s sports tournaments, great schools, quiet lifestyle, outstanding parks, and yearly festivals such as the popular Geranium Festival and Mcdonough Rock Festival.
With a cost of living below the national average and a welcoming atmosphere, living in McDonough GA combines small-town charm with modern conveniences. Its sunny weather and abundance of recreational opportunities make moving to Mcdonough GA an ideal choice for families and professionals alike!
Where Is McDonough Georgia Located?
You have an idea of where those living in Atlanta GA are located, but where is McDonough GA, and what county is McDonough GA in?
Located in central Henry County, McDonough sits southeast of the Chattahoochee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, something that those living in McDonough enjoy!
A few of McDonough’s nearby unincorporated communities include Ola to the east, Lovejoy to the far west, Flippen to the north, and Blacksville to the south.
Regarding McDonough GA public transportation, the city’s local bus service is served by Xpress GA. Additionally, residents living in McDonough GA are served by several highways, including Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 23. There are several exits passing through MCDonough’s downtown, making it an easy city to come and leave.
As the best McDonough movers and locals to the area, we know a thing or two about getting around! So call your McDonough moving company anytime at 404-635-6683 to request a free quote and make living in McDonough GA a reality.
Is McDonough Considered Metro Atlanta?
Yes, living in McDonough GA is one of the affordable Atlanta suburbs within the Atlanta metropolitan area. Its close proximity to the city provides residents with easy access to Atlanta's job market, entertainment, live music, and cultural amenities, while still offering a quieter, suburban lifestyle.
What Is the Population of McDonough GA
According to the latest 2020 Census Bureau, the fast-growing city of McDonough GA has a population of 29,051, which has increased by 31.5% in the last decade, showcasing that moving to McDonough GA is an increasingly popular choice.
The population density is 2,260.4 people per square mile, so you can expect a suburban landscape that offers the perfect amount of breathing room.
The median age of those living in Mcdonough GA is 31 years, and 10.4% of residents are foreign-born, adding to the diverse nature of the city.
93% of the McDonough population have earned a high school diploma or higher, and 27.8% have attained a bachelor's degree or higher. The McDonough median household income is $77,804, and there are typically 2.92 people per household, so families are common in this community.
McDonough GA Demographics by Race
The racial demographics in McDonough are very diverse and a big part of what makes living in McDonough GA so special, broken down by:
16.0% White alone (14.4% White, non-Hispanic), 72.5% Black/African American, 0.1% American Indian/Alaska Native, 1.9% Asian, 6.7% Hispanic/Latino, 8.0% Two or More Races.
How safe is Mcdonough GA? According to the FBI, the total McDonough GA crime rate is 2,713 per 100k people living in McDonough GA. This is 31.8% higher than the state and 16.7% higher than the country, and it’s far less than the crime rate in Atlanta.
However, the majority of this crime is property crime in certain areas– so locking your doors and settling in a safe part of McDonough should do the trick.
Those living in McDonough GA are proudly protected by the McDonough Police Department with its 47 sworn officers.
What Is the Cost of Living in McDonough GA?
Is living in McDonough GA affordable? The cost of living in McDonough is estimated to be around 4% below the national average, similar to the cost of living in Atlanta which is 1.7% below the national average, making one of the allures to living in McDonough GA its low cost.
Based on this, McDonough GA is a very affordable city to raise a family.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Henry County should be making about $110,469 to live most comfortably.
According to Redfin, McDonough has a median house price of $314,900, equating to about $150 per square foot. If you want to buy, try searching online for homes for sale in McDonough Georgia.
If McDonough apartments are more up your alley, the average apartment rent in McDonough is $1,615 on RentCafe, less than the national average and a great way to make living in McDonough GA accessible.
McDonough GA Typical Living Expenses
Here are Payscale’s typical expenses you’ll face when living in McDonough GA:
McDonough, GA average energy bill per month: $166.46
Doctor’s visit: $139.90
Gallon of gas: $3.14
Gallon of milk: $4.70
One dozen eggs: $3.49
What Is the Tax Rate for McDonough GA?
As of November 2024, the sales tax rate in McDonough, Georgia, is 8%. Here's the breakdown:
State sales tax: 4%
Henry County sales tax: 4%
City sales tax: 0%
This combined rate applies uniformly across McDonough, including ZIP codes 30252 and 30253.
McDonough GA Neighborhoods | Where Should I Live in McDonough GA?
Living in McDonough GA brings you to numerous lovely and safe neighborhoods with big trees and lots of green grass between homes. The eastern parts of McDonough tend to be the most desired, while the southern regions are the most affordable.
The south side will also give you close access to the Cotton Fields Golf Club. Here are a few of the top neighborhoods in McDonough:
Lakehaven
This beautiful neighborhood in McDonough is located in the north part of the city and is home to several pristine homes and peaceful streets. Houses here sell for a median of $459,000.
Downtown
Downtown McDonough is the home to the city’s town square, which is full of places to eat, shop, and visit. It’s busy with fun activities and annual events like the Christmas Parade, the Geranium Festival, and the popular New Year’s Eve Geranium Drop. Living in McDonough GA downtown means living in the heart of the city!
Oak Park
Nestled near Hope Park and Big Springs Park, Oak Park offers a family-friendly atmosphere with easy access to green spaces and community amenities. This quiet neighborhood is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities, with nearby walking trails, a playground, and scenic views. Its proximity to Veterans Drive and Decatur Road also provides convenient access to local shops and restaurants, bringing out the best of living in McDonough GA.
What's the McDonough Weather & Climate Like?
With a humid subtropical climate, living in McDonough GA means you’ll experience hot and humid summers with highs of 90°F and short, cold winters with lows of 31°F.
You can utilize your shades during the 214 days of sunshine in McDonough, and your raincoat will be put to use throughout the 49 inches of annual rainfall. McDonough is a city that’s enjoyable all seasons of the year.
Nonetheless, the best months to visit McDonough GA are April, May, and October.
What to Do in McDonough GA? | Exploring Things to Do in McDonough Georgia
Living in McDonough GA is a great city to explore the region’s history and enjoy a number of outdoor recreational activities suited to all residents and visitors.
McDonough is also packed with popular events such as the McDonough GA flea market, the iconic Miss Georgia USA pageants, and sports events like the National Premier Soccer League that plays in the city’s Warhawk Stadium.
If you’re looking for somewhere to spend cash, Shoppes at Lake Dow, South Point Shopping Center, and Dollar Tree are all great shopping centers that cater to those living in McDonough GA.
Check out some more places to go and things to do in McDonough GA below!
This excellent park in McDonough is a great place to take the kids! It features a kid's playground, walking trails, an event center, and even fun activities such as carnival rides for kids and a military monument & museum, adding to the allure of living in McDonough GA.
A must-visit destination for racing enthusiasts, the Atlanta Motor Speedway hosts thrilling NASCAR events, car shows, and seasonal attractions like the Christmas Lights Spectacular. This iconic venue also offers year-round events, making it a hub for entertainment to those living in McDonough GA.
The parks and recreational facilities in McDonough are maintained by the McDonough Parks & Recreation Department. Curious about McDonough GA news? The Henry County Times and The Henry Herald are the local county newspaper media outlets serving the community living in McDonough GA.
What Are the Best McDonough GA Restaurants?
The McDonough GA restaurants are sprawling with diversity and an abundance of options to choose from. Whether you’re craving authentic Italian, champion burgers, or southern cooking, McDonough has it all!
Check out a few of the restaurants in McDonough GA below:
What's the Economy in McDonough Like? | Jobs in McDonough GA
If you’re thinking about making a living here, McDonough had an almost 5% job increase in 2022. The job growth in the next 10 years is 46.7%, which is 13.2% higher than the U.S. average.
The average base salary in McDonough GA is $37,750, whereas the average hourly rate is $18.00.
A few of the most popular job positions in McDonough are Customer Service Representatives and Certified Nurse Assistants, whereas the most popular employers are Kroger Company and Ken's Foods. The median commute time to work for those living in McDonough GA is 30.8 minutes, so often residents drive to other Atlanta cities and towns for work.
If you’re moving to McDonough GA and interested in McDonough GA jobs, Indeed Jobs McDonough GA is an excellent resource, and be sure to explore the City of McDonough GA jobs for government positions!
What School District Is McDonough? | McDonough GA Schools
Families living in McDonough GA are served by theHenry County School District of over 40,000 students, 47 schools, and a student-teacher ratio of 19:1. The city is also home to Mercer University’s Regional Academic Center and Gordon State College at McDonough.
Explore more things to do in McDonough and get a feel for what it's like living in McDonough GA with this map below!
Thinking about moving to McDonough GA? Allow our reliable McDonough GA moving services to give you a smooth relocation!
Give the McDonough GA movers at Wirks Moving a call today at 404-635-6683 for a free quote!
Eric Wirks
Eric Wirks started out in the moving industry over 16 years ago and after gaining in depth expertise in all industry related areas, went on to found Wirks Moving & Storage in 2009. Under Eric’s expert tutelage Wirks Moving & Storage has since serviced over 10,000 moves and kept their customers very happy, proven by a 98% customer referral rate.
