Covington

Covington

Nicknamed the “Hollywood of the South,” Covington is a charming East Metro Atlanta town best known for its historic square, tree-lined streets, and frequent appearances in film and television. Just 35 miles from downtown Atlanta, it offers a walkable downtown, strong community vibe, and Southern hospitality.

A Bit of History

Established in 1822 and named after U.S. Army General Leonard Covington, the town served as a prominent railroad and trade hub. Unlike many Georgia towns, Covington preserved much of its antebellum architecture, making it an attractive setting for film productions and historical tourism.

What Attracts People to Covington

• Covington Historic Square: The heart of the town, this picturesque square is lined with boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. It frequently hosts art walks, festivals, and holiday parades.
  
• Mystic Falls Tour: Fans of The Vampire Diaries can take guided or self-paced walking tours of filming locations featured in the show, including the famous clocktower and Mystic Grill.
  
• Turner Lake Park: A popular recreation area with walking trails, ball fields, playgrounds, and a serene lake surrounded by forest—great for picnics and jogging.
  
• Oxford College of Emory University: Just minutes from the square, this historic campus adds academic prestige and is open to visitors for art shows and lectures.

Places to Eat

• Mystic Grill: A must-visit for Vampire Diaries fans and food lovers alike. Serves upscale Southern cuisine like shrimp & grits and bourbon-glazed pork chops in a stylish upstairs setting.
  
• Bread and Butter Bakery: A cozy, family-run café with house-made pastries, quiches, sandwiches, and the best cinnamon rolls in town. Great for brunch or a sweet treat.
  
• Amici Covington: A lively Italian-American bistro offering hand-tossed pizzas, pasta, wings, and a wide selection of local craft beer.
  
• Your Pie Covington: A fast-casual, build-your-own pizza spot with gluten-free crusts, vegan cheese, and fresh salads for health-conscious diners.
  
• WildArt Café: A hidden gem focused on vegetarian and organic meals, smoothies, and herbal teas—perfect for plant-based eaters or a mindful lunch date.
     

Things to Do

• Explore the Historic Downtown Square for shopping and dining.
• Tour famous filming locations from movies and TV series.
• Relax outdoors at scenic Turner Lake Park.
• Experience Covington’s history on entertaining Ghost Tours.

What Attracts People to Covington

Known affectionately as the "Hollywood of the South," Covington offers the perfect blend of small-town charm, historic character, and modern conveniences. People adore Covington for its vibrant community spirit, picturesque town square, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. With its blend of Southern hospitality, beautiful homes, and plenty of entertainment options, it's easy to see why both residents and visitors love spending time here.

Buying a Home in Covington: What to Know

Covington, known as the “Hollywood of the South,” blends Southern charm, historic appeal, and small-town warmth with an increasing wave of suburban development. Located about 35 miles east of Atlanta, it offers a diverse housing market and a community rich in culture, history, and outdoor experiences.

 Property Types & Neighborhood Styles

• Historic Homes: The Downtown Covington Square area features restored Victorian and Craftsman-style homes dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. These properties are often within walking distance to local shops and restaurants.
• New Developments: Planned communities and modern subdivisions are expanding throughout Covington, offering homes with contemporary layouts, HOA amenities, and access to nearby parks and schools.
• Acreage & Rural Living: Buyers looking for privacy or land for small farming, horses, or outbuildings can find larger parcels on the outskirts of town with minimal restrictions.

Utilities & Land Use

• Covington is the county seat of Newton County, and the city itself is incorporated with its own government, public safety departments, and utility services.
• Utility services (water, sewer, electricity) are typically city-managed in central Covington, with well and septic systems more common in rural or unincorporated areas.

 Inspection Considerations

• Older homes may come with original plumbing, knob-and-tube wiring, or aging HVAC systems—budget for possible updates.
• For properties on acreage or with outbuildings, verify well and septic condition, property boundaries, and any land use restrictions.
• In some parts of Covington, check for proximity to floodplains or creeks and review FEMA maps if needed.

Pricing, Demand & HOA Notes

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• Covington offers a relatively affordable price point compared to many parts of Metro Atlanta, attracting both primary homeowners and investors.
• Homes near the square or in scenic or historic areas tend to retain strong value and rental demand.
• Many of the newer communities include HOAs—review the covenants for rules on leasing, exterior modifications, and community amenities.

Transportation & Commute

• Covington is located along I-20, offering direct access to Atlanta, Conyers, and beyond.
• While there is no MARTA rail, residents often commute by car, and several park-and-ride and express shuttle services may serve the area.
• The Covington Airport and access to highways make it convenient for regional travel.

Zoning & Growth Awareness

• With continued development, some areas may undergo zoning changes or infrastructure improvements—check with the City of Covington Planning & Zoning Department for the latest updates.
• Areas designated for commercial expansion or mixed-use development may impact future traffic patterns or property use.

Final Tips

• Consider walkability to the Covington Square if you value community events, dining, and local shops.
• If you're interested in a historic home, consult with an agent familiar with preservation guidelines and renovation best practices.
• Due to Covington’s rising popularity as a film location, some properties may offer short-term rental potential—confirm city ordinances and HOA rules first.