Just ten miles east of Downtown Atlanta, Clarkston is a vibrant, tight-knit community celebrated for its global spirit and small-town charm. Though only 1.4 square miles in size, it’s one of Georgia’s most culturally rich neighborhoods, shaped by a large international population that has infused the area with diverse traditions, cuisine, and connections. Offering affordable housing, abundant green space, and convenient access to I-285 and MARTA, Clarkston is an appealing choice for first-time homebuyers, families, and anyone seeking a welcoming, inclusive place to call home.
A Brief History
Clarkston was incorporated in 1882 and originally served as a railroad town on the Georgia Railroad line. Its early growth was tied to the rail system and agriculture. In the 1980s and 90s, Clarkston became a designated refugee resettlement area, welcoming newcomers from countries such as Somalia, Vietnam, Nepal, Syria, and more. Today, over half of Clarkston’s population was born outside the United States, creating a dynamic, multicultural community that continues to evolve and thrive.
Housing Styles in Clarkston
Whether you're looking for a starter home, a fixer-upper with potential, or a move-in-ready modern build, Clarkston offers a variety of options at more accessible price points than many neighboring areas.
Home shoppers will find a mix of mid-century ranch homes, brick cottages, bungalows, and newly constructed townhomes. Many homes have large yards, mature trees, and charming original details.
Clarkston is also home to Georgia’s first tiny home village, the Cottages on Vaughan. This pocket neighborhood includes eight eco-friendly micro-cottages centered around shared green space, offering a sustainable, community-focused lifestyle just steps from downtown.
Clarkston remains a highly affordable area in metro Atlanta. The median home price is around $295K, and new construction is around $500K, significantly lower than the Atlanta metro average. This affordability, combined with the city’s welcoming atmosphere, makes Clarkston a popular choice for new homeowners, investors, and those priced out of more competitive markets.
Schools in Clarkston
Clarkston is served by the DeKalb County School District. Local public schools include Indian Creek Elementary, Freedom Middle School, and Clarkston High School. The schools have mixed reviews and some poor ratings according to GreatSchools. However, families have access to several private and charter school options nearby, as well as early learning centers that cater to the city’s multilingual community.
For higher education, check out Georgia Piedmont Technical College, which offers workforce development and continuing education programs, and Georgia State University Perimeter College Clarkston Campus, a two-year college. Plus, Emory University is just eight miles from Clarkston.
Parks, Amenities & Lifestyle
Clarkston takes pride in its parks and recreational spaces, offering residents and visitors a variety of ways to enjoy leisure and community activities. Highlights include Milam Park, updated playgrounds, modern tennis courts, six rentable covered pavilions, a shaded dog park, and a seasonal swimming pool. The city also features unique spots like 40 Oaks, the historic Clarkston Woman’s Club (built in 1913), and the scenic Friendship Forest Nature Preserve with peaceful walking trails.
Clarkston is home to an incredible variety of international grocery stores, family-owned restaurants, and local markets. From Ethiopian injera to Nepali momos and Middle Eastern shawarma, the food scene reflects the city’s global identity and rich cultural mix.
Community involvement is also a central feature of life in Clarkston. Nonprofits like Friends of Refugees, Ethne Health, and Global Growers Network provide essential support and foster meaningful connections among neighbors. The city regularly hosts events such as World Refugee Day celebrations, the Clarkston Culture Fest, multicultural potlucks, story nights, outdoor movie screenings, and free community yoga and fitness classes in local parks. These gatherings bring residents together to celebrate diverse cultures, build relationships, and support local causes, strengthening the city's vibrant sense of community.
Thinking of buying in Clarkston? Golley Realty is here to help you find the perfect home in one of Atlanta’s most welcoming neighborhoods. Reach out today to explore what makes Clarkston such a special place to live.
