If you're a fan of fairy tales, then you'll love Eatonton. It is the American home of Br'er Rabbit and his numerous misadventures, and has a statue dedicated to him in the Briarpatch.
Eatonton is perhaps best known as the home of the Georgia 4-H organization's main camp, Rock Eagle. Each year, hundreds of eager youngsters flood the camp grounds in an effort to better themselves, their cows, and their communities. Aside from that, Eatonton boasts 20.7 square miles of land and a moderate population, making it a nice, relaxed place to call home.
Moving to Eatonton
Whether you want to live on the outskirts, right alongside Milledgeville Road, or further into the city around E. Sumter Street, Eatonton has a lot to offer its residents. Only about 50 miles from Atlanta, Eatonton is the perfect place for those who want access to the big city without actually living inside the city limits. It's got the small town feel many people crave, and between the hospitality of the South and the affordable housing costs, Eatonton is the place for rental houses, rental apartments, or townhouses for rent.
What are housing costs like?
Aside from the obvious benefits, there is one advantage to living in Eatonton that is often overlooked: extremely affordable housing costs. They've been on the rise since 2000 but are still well within affordable limits; in fact, the average cost of a house is around what many people make in a year's time. This makes owning a home or luxury apartment in Eatonton a very smart investment. If purchasing doesn't appeal to you, you'll be glad to know that the average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment is quite affordable.
Is there anything I should be aware of before I move?
Eatonton is the central location for most of Georgia's 4-H activity, which means the city is flooded with sunburned, farm-working youths during the summer months. The city is very education-friendly, with several schools that fall within the Putnam County School District. Eatonton's weather can be a bit volatile at times, but Eatonton is a great place to live, with a number of luxury apartments to fit any lifestyle.
What do I need before I start searching?
Eatonton is a friendly town, much like anywhere else in the South, but don't let your guard down; the landlords can be absolutely fierce negotiators. When you begin your search, make sure you have a copy of your credit history, proof of income, rental history and possibly a letter of recommendation. These are the base items you'll need to prove yourself to most mortgage companies; when it comes to independent landlords, a smile and a firm handshake can be proof enough. Begin searching a month or two in advance of your move to ensure you have time to evaluate all possible locations and pick an area that appeals to you.
Eatonton Neighborhoods
Since Eatonton isn't a major metropolitan area, there aren't really any specific neighborhoods. Folks around these parts refer to their neighborhoods by the street they live on. You're far more likely to hear someone say, "Oh, I live on Thompkins Street," than to mention any specific area in particular. However, there are a few apartment complexes that stand out, including Pine Knoll, Magnolia Park and the Crossroads at Lake Oconee. These modern apartments have all the amenities you would expect at an apartment complex. They're also in a central location, making it easy to get anywhere within the city that you need to go.
Living in Eatonton
Folks around Eatonton prefer a more laid back sort of lifestyle than you'd find in Atlanta. They're just as content to spend an afternoon on the back porch with a glass of sweet tea and a good friend as they are to go out and do something more stimulating. However, there are quite a few things to do when the pace of life starts to slow down.
One of the main things is the Uncle Remus Museum. If you're at all a fan of Joel Chandler Harris, you'll enjoy exploring the locations dedicated to his work. The Headhunters Motor Club is also an option, catering to the interests of motorheads and car enthusiasts everywhere. For more outdoor-oriented activities, pay a visit to Oconee Springs Park or the Cedar Creek Wildlife Management area. Both are great chances to get out of the house and reconnect with nature.
There's not much in the way of public transport. Eatonton has a few buses and maybe a taxi or two, but most people in this area get around under their own steam (or gasoline). It's rare for someone to rely on public transportation; they're more likely to call a friend or family member to drive them somewhere. If you don't have a car, make some friends, quick!