Living in Macon

Living in Macon

History
Macon, Georgia traces its beginnings to early Native Americans who settled along the banks of the Ocmulgee River over 10,000 years ago.  Ancient mounds remain from this civilization whose inhabitants lived in villages, created a language and established laws.  In the 1700s and 1800s, Macon thrived as a major trading center between Native Americans and frontier traders. Macon continues to thrive today as a regional center for business, medical services, retail and education.

Cost of Living
Overall, Macon, GA cost of living is 77.53 meaning that compared to the rest of the country; Macon's cost of living is 22.47% lower than the U.S. average.
Source: Sperling’s Best Places

Education
The nine colleges and universities in the Macon area offer executive level training for the Macon workforce. They also provide the Macon community with unique cultural, artistic and sporting opportunities.  Over 30,000 students afford the business community an educated, diverse and flexible workforce.  Macon’s reputable colleges and universities play a vital economic role and enhance the aesthetic quality of life.

Macon – Bibb County’s public school system serves 24,345 pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade students and features magnet schools in fine arts, law, engineering, medical, math, science and language.  A vibrant independent school system offers students additional educational opportunities.

                             

Housing Costs & Availability
Macon’s housing market is one of the most diverse in the US.  Macon residents enjoy living downtown in historic homes and loft apartments; in established subdivisions as well as new communities with tree lined streets and sidewalks.  Macon residents can also choose the peace and quiet of suburban living with spacious homes and acreage and lakefront property.  USA Today ranked Macon’s housing as the third most affordable in the U.S.  According to figures from the 2000 census, the median house value for Macon and Bibb County is $84,400, which is much less than the state median value, $112,200.

Healthcare
Three major hospitals provide world class care with heart, cancer and transplant facilities and excellent healthcare options. The medical community in Macon numbers over 15,000.  Bibb County has 37 doctors per 10,000, which is considerably higher than the state average of 19 per 10,000.  Macon is home to the second largest hospital in Georgia serving 28 counties, Central Georgia’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and the region’s only dedicated Children’s Hospital.

Culture
The City of Macon is filled with cultural and entertainment opportunities.  Macon is the home of over 10 museums, 5 tours, 7 annual festivals, and a multitude of events including the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival, Ocmulgee Indian Festival, Tubman Pan African Festival, Mid-Summer Macon, Arrowhead Indian Festival, Georgia State Fair, and many others.

Georgia has a rich musical heritage, which is on display at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame located in downtown Macon.  Also located in Macon’s Museum District is Georgia’s largest African American Museum, the Tubman African American Museum, the Georgia Children's Museum, and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.  The Museum of Arts & Sciences in an additional attraction offering visitors extraordinary exhibits and educational opportunities.

Macon has two theater groups, the Macon Little Theatre and Theatre Macon. Three local colleges also offer regular season performances. The Macon Ballet and touring groups perform here regularly, with the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia each holiday season.  The Macon Symphony Orchestra performs with local and national musicians.

                               

 

Climate
Macon features a moderate climate year-round, with very little extreme.
Coolest months: January/February (lows around 20F / -7C, highs around 66F / 19C)
Warmest months: July/August (lows around 80F / 27C, highs around 100F / 38C)

Recreation
Macon is truly a “City in the Park” with over 35 parks for the community to enjoy.  Macon is home to numerous festivals, concerts and sporting events.  Residents can enjoy sports, fishing, hunting, canoeing, hiking and bicycling in and around the lakes and rivers in our area.  Leisure time activities may range from attending and watching an arena football game to skiing at Lake Tobesofkee to playing golf at one of our eight courses in Macon.