Nobody knows for sure how Stockbridge, Georgia, got its name. Some people think it was named after a traveling professor named Levi Stockbridge, who traveled through the area many times and was respected by the locals. Others think Stockbridge was named after Thomas Stock, who was State Surveyor and President of the Georgia State Senate in the 1820s, around the time the town was settled. Then, it was just a midway point between Atlanta and Macon, but today it’s a suburb of Atlanta in its own right.
A combination of low cost of living, positive job growth and decent crime rates brings people flocking to Stockbridge like birds seeking warmer winter temperatures
Nobody knows for sure how Stockbridge, Georgia, got its name. Some people think it was named after a traveling professor named Levi Stockbridge, who traveled through the area many times and was respected by the locals. Others think Stockbridge was named after Thomas Stock, who was State Surveyor and President of the Georgia State Senate in the 1820s, around the time the town was settled. Then, it was just a midway point between Atlanta and Macon, but today it’s a suburb of Atlanta in its own right.
A combination of low cost of living, positive job growth and decent crime rates brings people flocking to Stockbridge like birds seeking warmer winter temperatures. The cost of living in Stockbridge is 11 percent lower than the national average, and the crime rate is exactly the same as the country's average. What does that mean? Basically, Stockbridge isn’t quite the Mayberry where nothing ever happens, but the crime rate doesn't reach big-city levels. Stockbridge is definitely a safer alternative. Based on voting records, Stockbridge leans conservative, which isn’t too surprising since the city has a small-town feel.
Moving to Stockbridge
So you've never heard of this place? Don't worry, you're not in for broken-down homes and bargain-priced shacks. Most of the houses for rent are newer and in good condition. Stockbridge is also more affordable than many other Atlanta suburbs, which explains why it’s so popular. Yeah, the people who move here are kind of picky. They want a home and enough money to buy food. This town has a variety of houses and apartments for rent, so you have choices.
As in most cities, landlords generally want you to have an income equal to two to three times your monthly rent. It also really helps if you have a stable job history and solid rental references. But even if you’re lacking in any of these areas, you may still find a landlord willing to rent to you. Just lay on the charm, offer plenty of compliments, and cough up a larger deposit.
Options like all bills paid apartments may be hard to come by, but you may have better luck if you see an apartment locator for help. Many apartment complexes also offer move-in specials, like discounted security deposits or free gifts (Yay!). These specials are most often offered for rental categories that have more vacancies, such as 1 bedroom apartments.
Neighborhoods
Moving into a Stockbridge neighborhood means surrendering to suburbia. Depending on the community you choose, you'll find diversity, friendly neighbors, and housing options that range from apartment rentals to 3 bedroom homes for rent. If you have a huge brood to house, you can even find a few larger rentals in some parts of town. Here are a few neighborhoods to consider:
Swan Lake: This area features a lot of houses to rent and some mobile homes, but much of the area is owner occupied. Vacancy rates are less than 10 percent. $$$$
Flippen: Funny name aside, this part of town offers relatively low rents, though you'll find more single-family homes and townhouses than apartment complexes here. Vacancy rates hover around 5 percent, so start looking early. $$
Cobblestone Blvd / Rock Quarry Road: This is a good place to look for apartment homes and houses for rent. The area boasts a mixture of renters and owner occupants as well as rents below the Stockbridge median. The 16-percent vacancy rate is the cherry on top for this neighborhood.$$$
Life in Stockbridge
Stockbridge is more of a bedroom community than a place with a lot of exciting things to do. If you get bored easily, look elsewhere. Still, it does offer the usual restaurants and retail outlets for shopping. Buck up! Who needs fancy parties and all-night dancing when you have a warm year-round climate and plenty of outdoorsy activities? You can go hiking at the Panola Mountain Conservation State Park. In fact, you can make a whole day of it at Panola Mountain since there are trails for biking and rollerblading, a lake for fishing, and playground equipment for the kids. Golfers will enjoy the Southerness Golf Club, which is one of the most challenging public golf courses in Georgia. And of course, all of the excitement of Atlanta is just 18 miles away, though it may take you a little while to get there in bad traffic. After all of this, who has energy for nightlife anyway?
