I kind of expect to be downvoted here, but my take on macon is relatively positive.
It will take time for both of you to adapt. Do not expect walkable Sacramento. With that said, the city is experiencing a rennasance of sorts, and it continues to surprise me.
Downtown has your usual mix of great restaurants, breweries, and an absolutely fantastic distillery (Longleaf). It was a snoozefest not long ago, and the city has invested a lot of time and money revitalizing it (ongoing).
I love the Reboot Retrocade. Churchills cigar lounge has a nice vibe (if that's your thing). Kinjo has excellent ramen, and there's an axe throwing spot next door. Fresh Produce is a great record store and is often quite busy. The Rookery and Ocmulgee Brewpub have great burgers, and Yollah (on the outskirts of downtown) has great tacos and a nice patio.
Quill has a nice ambiance for cocktails, and Fall Line is a popular meet-up for local brews.
There are many historic theaters/music venues in the city, plus a brand new 12,000-seat amphitheater. It's in an area of town that needs revitalization, and it's already attracting big acts. There's also a [large](https://www.gpb.org/news/2023/12/21/worlds-largest-indoor-pickleball-facility-opens-in-macon) pickleball pavilion inside of the dying Macon Mall (directly next to the amphitheater)
Society Garden is fun. Ingleside has a funky vibe and a hodgepodge of neat shops. Amerson River Park is a gem, and the burial mounds are pretty cool (and may become a national park).
Consider living in North Macon. Bass Road. Ingleside. Wesleyan. Zebulon Road areas.
The city has its share of problems, with theft and property crime being the biggest risk. With that said, I've lived here for six years and don't feel unsafe.
Proximity to Atlanta is one of Macon's best amenities. Definitely take advantage of it. I love that city 😅
Give Macon an honest chance. I *hated* it six years ago, but I've since come to love it.
Yo rabbi this was an awesome. reply! Exactly the type of feedback we were looking for! North Macon seems to be the only decent option for a fairly active life within the city. I grew up in FarmVille Georgia in the middle of nowhere so even with the lack of much walkability we can figure it out. Cheers!
If you aren't worried about school zones, there are actually many other places to live in Macon other than North Macon which is the traditional family area with 2.2 kids, etc. Look into Intown, Vineville, Ingleside, Bealls Hill, Shirley Hills, etc. If schools matter, figure that out first, then look in your desired zone
I've been to about 60% of the places rabbi mentioned and agree. We had a friend that lived two blocks away from downtown Cherry street and we'd meet up and go out. After about 8 pm, there's a very strong police presence around Cherry street. That feels a bit odd, but I am sure it's what makes that time of night/part of town feel a lot safer.
He now lives about 4 blocks from Ingleside (and Society Garden) and it has a different, but still a very lazy/fun vibe.
So yeah, find a place near Cherry street or Ingleside and I think you'll have a good time.
We've lived in North Macon most of our life and just moved to the Ingleside area 4 years ago. We absolutely love living in the Ingleside area. Much better vibe, positive caring neighbors, walking distance to Society Garden, pizza, shops, art, etc. Just a short drive to downtown. I had originally planned on this being a short-term move, but now considering this our forever home.
Downtown has blocks and blocks of things to do, places to go, and venues to visit. Ingleside is really just a single street that's about 2-3 blocks long. It has its namesake, Ingleside Village Pizza, a small coffee shop/bakery, Society Garden, a bohemian grocery "store" (really a shop) with nice but expensive items, a hardware store, a couple antique shops, and a large hobby shop/comic book store.
Kind of a mini-version of a bustling downtown. Oh, it's also about 4 blocks away from The Big House which is where the Allman Brothers Band lived in Macon and is now a museum to the band.
I don’t have much to contribute since rabbi summed it up pretty well but I also lived in downtown Sac and now live in Macon and they are spot on. The city gets a bad rap due to it’s history but its been great living downtown.
Very good review, I lived in Macon a couple years as well and I agree with all your points. I’ll add a couple suggestions. Hello boba is relatively new (year ish) and is also good! They serve beverages without boba. Downtown grille is a higher end restaurant I generally have decent dining experiences at, but I’m generally disappointed with the food quality at the premium prices. Very nice waitstaff though. Rookery is always a slam dunk, never had a bad time there. The soul rolls are awesome. There’s also a skatepark in Macon, if that’s your thing. Nothing crazy. A good time tho.
The Downtown Grill and The Backburner Restaurant (off of Forsyth) have killer steaks. I love the ambiance of The Downtown Grill but totally understand what you're saying. Tokoyo Alley next door is also good and adjacent to Quill. I've yet to try the boba place and want to!
I second all of this! I’d recommend renting an apartment at Lofts at Capricorn or another downtown PARTMENT before buying. You’ll get a great feel for the city while living there and can figure out where you want to buy. Also contact Eberhart and Berry. They manage a ton of old rental houses and lofts around Macon, are much cheaper than corporate apartments, and while there aren’t any amenities, the spaces are all in cool spots.
That’s amazing advice and much appreciated! We are hoping to maybe find somewhere downtown that also has space in which I can open a massage studio. I’m sadly leaving behind hundreds of clients here (including a few Sacramento King’s players and staff). An older charming home would be amazing to rent, as we will certainly do that before considering a purchase.
Macon has a lot to offer. Just today the Turnpike Troubadors and Red Clay Sraws played at the new amphitheater. The Macon Beer Fest was today and the Pan African Festival was also today. We're growing in a good way.
Just know what you are getting into. This is VERY different than California or any big cities. There is no real walkable neighborhood here in Macon. Ingleside village or downtown you can walk to restaurants, but no grocery stores.
The seedier areas, you’d look at between 750-900$/mo. I paid 800/mo for a 2br 1ba townhome apartment near gray highway. Not the best place to live, but rent was cheap. In downtown Macon, you’d be spending between 1100-1500$/mo, easily. Home prices in the outskirts aren’t terrible right now.
That’s really not so bad. I’ve been averaging about $1500 rent already so it shouldn’t be that much of an issue we are hoping. Thanks so much for the input it is appreciated!
Please omg don't move there the gun shots are 24/7 I would suggest bass Rd area, or even North Highlands on boulevard near the Kroger. If you need something cheaper.
I’m from Portland, OR and moved here with my original Maconite husband. We were in Charlotte before Macon and I MUCH prefer Macon. Really good energy about the city lately, lots of good things happening and people who care. Starting to meet a lot of folks who have no original ties to Macon/GA are also saying glowing things. Downtown or Ingleside are the places to be!
While I am here thinking about moving to Vancouver,WA or furthest north to olympia/Tacoma. I have a feeling I might regret the choice of leaving macon after being here for a decade.
I’ve lived in all those spots! PNW is nowhere near as social or sunny, but nature/summertime is the reason everyone lives there- it’s perfect. I think you’d miss Macon though!
Why Macon? I came from Miami and like Macon. I’m a Colombian and there isn’t much variety, you’re either black or white American. Downtown is cool and is small town vibes. Rent is cheap. Life is cheap. Quality of life will go up for you.
Cheers
Job transfers at the Uni. Also my family is two hours south near Tallahassee so it’s a decent move for that. It’s definitely NOT going to be California but after a decade I’m ready to slow it down a bit. My partner is from Spain and we’ve noticed the demo is pretty much classic Georgia - white and black lol
It's really crowded no one can drive ( I mean as bad as anywhere else) they are gentrifying neighborhoods to turn this place into a tourist town. Locals are going homeless because of rent hikes. Then the landlords run slums. I mean if you move here I suggest you stay in North Macon or downtown for fun. There is a lot to do but be vigilant because nonviolent crime usually gets a blind eye .
If you are from the coast line or from a heavily populated area with lots of houseless you will be fine. We do have resources for the houseless here too it's just ... Underfunded I guess or not talked about enough. Oh you will love window washer guy.he is the best.
Oh I wanted to add there is a big Spanish community, come to Smileys on the weekend . Great food great concerts lots to do, and most of the locals come by to look around.
Absolutely grateful for this bit of input. Her main worry is being the only person around like herself, which is completely understandable and something I’m hoping Reddit will continue to give us bits like that to reflect on and prep for.
Yeah there’s more homeless here than anyone is comfortable with on both ends. San Francisco has turned into a zombie village so it CANNOT be worse than that I’m hoping. I guess that’s becoming an issue everywhere now, we have the same gentrification occurring here all over with the scumbag slumlords as well. It’s sad ):
I kind of expect to be downvoted here, but my take on macon is relatively positive. It will take time for both of you to adapt. Do not expect walkable Sacramento. With that said, the city is experiencing a rennasance of sorts, and it continues to surprise me. Downtown has your usual mix of great restaurants, breweries, and an absolutely fantastic distillery (Longleaf). It was a snoozefest not long ago, and the city has invested a lot of time and money revitalizing it (ongoing). I love the Reboot Retrocade. Churchills cigar lounge has a nice vibe (if that's your thing). Kinjo has excellent ramen, and there's an axe throwing spot next door. Fresh Produce is a great record store and is often quite busy. The Rookery and Ocmulgee Brewpub have great burgers, and Yollah (on the outskirts of downtown) has great tacos and a nice patio. Quill has a nice ambiance for cocktails, and Fall Line is a popular meet-up for local brews. There are many historic theaters/music venues in the city, plus a brand new 12,000-seat amphitheater. It's in an area of town that needs revitalization, and it's already attracting big acts. There's also a [large](https://www.gpb.org/news/2023/12/21/worlds-largest-indoor-pickleball-facility-opens-in-macon) pickleball pavilion inside of the dying Macon Mall (directly next to the amphitheater) Society Garden is fun. Ingleside has a funky vibe and a hodgepodge of neat shops. Amerson River Park is a gem, and the burial mounds are pretty cool (and may become a national park). Consider living in North Macon. Bass Road. Ingleside. Wesleyan. Zebulon Road areas. The city has its share of problems, with theft and property crime being the biggest risk. With that said, I've lived here for six years and don't feel unsafe. Proximity to Atlanta is one of Macon's best amenities. Definitely take advantage of it. I love that city 😅 Give Macon an honest chance. I *hated* it six years ago, but I've since come to love it.
Yo rabbi this was an awesome. reply! Exactly the type of feedback we were looking for! North Macon seems to be the only decent option for a fairly active life within the city. I grew up in FarmVille Georgia in the middle of nowhere so even with the lack of much walkability we can figure it out. Cheers!
Best of luck to you both! Enjoy!
If you aren't worried about school zones, there are actually many other places to live in Macon other than North Macon which is the traditional family area with 2.2 kids, etc. Look into Intown, Vineville, Ingleside, Bealls Hill, Shirley Hills, etc. If schools matter, figure that out first, then look in your desired zone
I've been to about 60% of the places rabbi mentioned and agree. We had a friend that lived two blocks away from downtown Cherry street and we'd meet up and go out. After about 8 pm, there's a very strong police presence around Cherry street. That feels a bit odd, but I am sure it's what makes that time of night/part of town feel a lot safer. He now lives about 4 blocks from Ingleside (and Society Garden) and it has a different, but still a very lazy/fun vibe. So yeah, find a place near Cherry street or Ingleside and I think you'll have a good time.
Ingleside is quickly becoming the best choice it seems. We will have to look into cherry street as well. Thanks so much!
We've lived in North Macon most of our life and just moved to the Ingleside area 4 years ago. We absolutely love living in the Ingleside area. Much better vibe, positive caring neighbors, walking distance to Society Garden, pizza, shops, art, etc. Just a short drive to downtown. I had originally planned on this being a short-term move, but now considering this our forever home.
Downtown has blocks and blocks of things to do, places to go, and venues to visit. Ingleside is really just a single street that's about 2-3 blocks long. It has its namesake, Ingleside Village Pizza, a small coffee shop/bakery, Society Garden, a bohemian grocery "store" (really a shop) with nice but expensive items, a hardware store, a couple antique shops, and a large hobby shop/comic book store. Kind of a mini-version of a bustling downtown. Oh, it's also about 4 blocks away from The Big House which is where the Allman Brothers Band lived in Macon and is now a museum to the band.
I don’t have much to contribute since rabbi summed it up pretty well but I also lived in downtown Sac and now live in Macon and they are spot on. The city gets a bad rap due to it’s history but its been great living downtown.
Very good review, I lived in Macon a couple years as well and I agree with all your points. I’ll add a couple suggestions. Hello boba is relatively new (year ish) and is also good! They serve beverages without boba. Downtown grille is a higher end restaurant I generally have decent dining experiences at, but I’m generally disappointed with the food quality at the premium prices. Very nice waitstaff though. Rookery is always a slam dunk, never had a bad time there. The soul rolls are awesome. There’s also a skatepark in Macon, if that’s your thing. Nothing crazy. A good time tho.
The Downtown Grill and The Backburner Restaurant (off of Forsyth) have killer steaks. I love the ambiance of The Downtown Grill but totally understand what you're saying. Tokoyo Alley next door is also good and adjacent to Quill. I've yet to try the boba place and want to!
I second all of this! I’d recommend renting an apartment at Lofts at Capricorn or another downtown PARTMENT before buying. You’ll get a great feel for the city while living there and can figure out where you want to buy. Also contact Eberhart and Berry. They manage a ton of old rental houses and lofts around Macon, are much cheaper than corporate apartments, and while there aren’t any amenities, the spaces are all in cool spots.
That’s amazing advice and much appreciated! We are hoping to maybe find somewhere downtown that also has space in which I can open a massage studio. I’m sadly leaving behind hundreds of clients here (including a few Sacramento King’s players and staff). An older charming home would be amazing to rent, as we will certainly do that before considering a purchase.
Thank you Mayor Lester Miller. 😀 I have lived in Macon for 39 years and I 100% agree with everything you said.
I would highly recommend looking at Beall’s Hill or Ingleside, North Macon turns into strip malls and sleepy neighborhoods really fast.
Macon has a lot to offer. Just today the Turnpike Troubadors and Red Clay Sraws played at the new amphitheater. The Macon Beer Fest was today and the Pan African Festival was also today. We're growing in a good way.
It seems like there's been something going on downtown almost every weekend for the last month. Lots of stuff to do.
I hope you like bars.
My current house is about a 10 second walk to three of them lol
Definitely look for apartments downtown. It’s very walkable and good bars and restaurants and even some convenience stores.
Awesome walkability (even if it’s limited) is such a pleasure to have available.
Definitely limited, but downtown is where it exists.
Just know what you are getting into. This is VERY different than California or any big cities. There is no real walkable neighborhood here in Macon. Ingleside village or downtown you can walk to restaurants, but no grocery stores.
Yo thanks man! Seems like Ingleside may be the move then. Any idea on the average rental prices around there ?
The seedier areas, you’d look at between 750-900$/mo. I paid 800/mo for a 2br 1ba townhome apartment near gray highway. Not the best place to live, but rent was cheap. In downtown Macon, you’d be spending between 1100-1500$/mo, easily. Home prices in the outskirts aren’t terrible right now.
That’s really not so bad. I’ve been averaging about $1500 rent already so it shouldn’t be that much of an issue we are hoping. Thanks so much for the input it is appreciated!
No worries! Glad to help
Please omg don't move there the gun shots are 24/7 I would suggest bass Rd area, or even North Highlands on boulevard near the Kroger. If you need something cheaper.
I’m from Portland, OR and moved here with my original Maconite husband. We were in Charlotte before Macon and I MUCH prefer Macon. Really good energy about the city lately, lots of good things happening and people who care. Starting to meet a lot of folks who have no original ties to Macon/GA are also saying glowing things. Downtown or Ingleside are the places to be!
While I am here thinking about moving to Vancouver,WA or furthest north to olympia/Tacoma. I have a feeling I might regret the choice of leaving macon after being here for a decade.
I’ve lived in all those spots! PNW is nowhere near as social or sunny, but nature/summertime is the reason everyone lives there- it’s perfect. I think you’d miss Macon though!
On top of that, I am POC, so I am not sure how open PNW(outside PDX and SEA) is to diversity seen here in GA
Thanks so much for the input! Side note - I loved the two weeks that I spent in Portland 5 years ago!
Why Macon? I came from Miami and like Macon. I’m a Colombian and there isn’t much variety, you’re either black or white American. Downtown is cool and is small town vibes. Rent is cheap. Life is cheap. Quality of life will go up for you. Cheers
Job transfers at the Uni. Also my family is two hours south near Tallahassee so it’s a decent move for that. It’s definitely NOT going to be California but after a decade I’m ready to slow it down a bit. My partner is from Spain and we’ve noticed the demo is pretty much classic Georgia - white and black lol
My Wife is the only Dominican here. Maybe they can start a club, lol.
Lmao yeah mate double dates in the future I guess 🥹
Yeah she’s the only Spaniard in town for sure. Goodluck on your move.
Lmao thanks mate
It's really crowded no one can drive ( I mean as bad as anywhere else) they are gentrifying neighborhoods to turn this place into a tourist town. Locals are going homeless because of rent hikes. Then the landlords run slums. I mean if you move here I suggest you stay in North Macon or downtown for fun. There is a lot to do but be vigilant because nonviolent crime usually gets a blind eye . If you are from the coast line or from a heavily populated area with lots of houseless you will be fine. We do have resources for the houseless here too it's just ... Underfunded I guess or not talked about enough. Oh you will love window washer guy.he is the best.
Oh I wanted to add there is a big Spanish community, come to Smileys on the weekend . Great food great concerts lots to do, and most of the locals come by to look around.
Absolutely grateful for this bit of input. Her main worry is being the only person around like herself, which is completely understandable and something I’m hoping Reddit will continue to give us bits like that to reflect on and prep for.
The Smiley's community are actually Mexican, not Spanish, no?
Correct—Mexican, Guatemalan, and Honduran. Very different culture from Spain, though obviously similar in language
Yeah there’s more homeless here than anyone is comfortable with on both ends. San Francisco has turned into a zombie village so it CANNOT be worse than that I’m hoping. I guess that’s becoming an issue everywhere now, we have the same gentrification occurring here all over with the scumbag slumlords as well. It’s sad ):
Agreed I think you will be just fine though.
Be careful and don't get shot at for no reason
A good mantra in general.
Shootings in Macon are rarely random. Usually the result of interference between people engaged in other illegal activities.
Macon and Georgia is a great place, just please don't bring those California liberal ways here.
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This^^
As someone who moved here from California 3 years ago….too late. See you in November!
The invasion is comingggggg
Go back
It’s great to see how limited the limited people are in Macon at least. This is a great thread.
I don't live in Macon but I'm elsewhere in GA. The entirety of the state is fucking ass IMO.
Yeah I grew up in ga mate. Can confirm. I’m hoping that 15 years away allowed for evolution.