Thinking about moving to Clayton County but not sure which city fits you best? You are not alone. With close-in access to Atlanta, a major airport next door, and a mix of historic and suburban areas, each part of the county offers something different. In this guide, you will learn what sets each city apart, how commutes and transit work, and which practical steps to take before you buy or sell. Let’s dive in.
Clayton County at a glance
Clayton County sits just south of Atlanta and includes most of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a global travel hub and a major local employer. That airport access makes travel and job opportunities convenient while bringing more activity to nearby corridors. You will find a diverse, growing community and a tight footprint of cities and neighborhoods that feel connected to the region.
Clayton’s economy leans into aviation, logistics, manufacturing, and education. The airport is a core anchor, and Clayton State University contributes to local life and jobs. You will also see redevelopment in former military and industrial areas that are creating new employment centers.
- Learn more about the airport’s regional role at the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport page.
City-by-city guide
Jonesboro
Jonesboro is the county seat with a walkable historic downtown and courthouse square. It appeals if you like a smaller-city feel and local events. Housing options include older homes and renovated properties on varied lot sizes.
- Snapshot: Historic core, local services, smaller-city vibe.
- Good fit for: Buyers who value a classic downtown and central county location.
Forest Park
Forest Park is the county’s largest city and sits close to the airport and the Fort Gillem area. The city’s location and highway access make it a draw for commuters and logistics employers. You will see both established neighborhoods and ongoing redevelopment nearby.
- Snapshot: Largest city footprint, strong commuter access, industrial redevelopment influence.
- Nearby focus: Read about the Fort Gillem redevelopment context.
Morrow
Morrow blends campus energy with green space. It is home to Clayton State University and the popular Reynolds Nature Preserve, which offers trails and a sizable natural area. Expect a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments.
- Snapshot: University presence, preserved nature, central county access.
- Good fit for: Buyers who want trails and a campus nearby.
Riverdale
Riverdale is a suburban community with retail corridors and parks. Its location just south of the airport supports many commuting households. You will find a range of housing options and steady access to major roads.
- Snapshot: Suburban residential, retail access, commuter friendly.
- Good fit for: Households seeking practical access to jobs and services.
Lake City
Lake City is one of the county’s smaller municipalities. Inventory is often lighter, with a quieter residential feel. Prices can vary based on age, size, and updates.
- Snapshot: Small-city footprint, limited listings at any given time.
- Good fit for: Buyers who prefer a low-key neighborhood setting.
Lovejoy
Lovejoy offers a more suburban, spread-out feel with residential growth. Watch how future transit or roadway improvements may shape its next phase. You will see traditional subdivisions and room for new development.
- Snapshot: Suburban town character with growth potential.
- Good fit for: Buyers looking for space and evolving corridors.
College Park (partly in Clayton)
Only a portion of College Park lies in Clayton County. It is closest to the Georgia International Convention Center and Gateway Center Arena, with fast connections to the airport via MARTA’s Airport Station and the ATL SkyTrain. If you want quick terminal access, this area is worth a look.
- Snapshot: Airport-adjacent convenience and event venues nearby.
- Good fit for: Frequent travelers and airport employees.
Unincorporated highlights
Some areas are unincorporated or legacy communities. Mountain View near the airport saw significant change due to noise impacts and is now a redevelopment focus. If you are considering airport-adjacent neighborhoods, research noise contours and long-term plans for the area.
- Learn about Mountain View’s history in Mountain View, Georgia.
Housing market basics
Countywide prices are often lower than the Atlanta metro average, but each city and subdivision tells its own story. You will see older single-family homes, townhomes, apartments, and modest infill. Industrial and airport corridors support strong workforce housing demand.
Redevelopment around sites like Fort Gillem and airport-adjacent parcels may influence future land use. For an accurate picture, focus on recent comparable sales in your specific neighborhood or subdivision. If you are close to flight paths, weigh price against potential airport noise and traffic.
Getting around
Clayton County offers direct access to I-75, I-85, I-285, and I-675, which makes driving the primary commute mode for many. MARTA bus service operates in Clayton after a voter-approved sales tax, and planners have studied higher-capacity options over the years. For context on service returning to the county, see coverage in the AJC on MARTA’s Clayton expansion.
Living near the airport is a tradeoff. You gain unmatched travel convenience and job access, but you may experience more noise or ground traffic. Review routes and noise maps when evaluating homes near corridors that serve Hartsfield–Jackson.
Schools and learning
Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) serves many tens of thousands of students with traditional, magnet, career and technical, and alternative programs. Performance and offerings vary by attendance zone, so always verify the school boundary and program options for a specific address. Start with the district’s overview to understand programs and structure on the CCPS about page.
Private and charter choices exist within the county and across the wider Atlanta area. Compare options using state report cards and official school resources. Your final decision should be based on the specific address you choose.
Parks and amenities
If you love the outdoors, the Reynolds Nature Preserve in Morrow offers trails, wildlife, and a peaceful setting. Clayton County International Park in Jonesboro hosts sports, events, and the Lakeview complex. Closer to the airport, the Georgia International Convention Center and Gateway Center Arena bring events and entertainment.
Healthcare access
The county and nearby cities are served by regional hospitals, urgent care centers, and clinics. Southern Regional Medical Center is a key hospital in the south metro. For a local snapshot of services and business anchors, see the Clayton County Chamber’s guide in the Chamber resource.
Taxes and budgeting
Property tax bills combine county, city, and school millage rates. Homestead exemptions can lower your bill if you occupy the home as a primary residence. Before you finalize a budget, confirm current millage and payment details with the Clayton County Tax Commissioner.
Clayton also participates in a 1 percent MARTA sales tax that supports transit service. Local SPLOST and improvement projects vary by year, so check the latest county updates when planning long-term.
Safety and research tips
Crime patterns vary by neighborhood and by type of offense. To make an informed decision, look at local police or district crime maps and compare multiple sources. For county-level context, review summaries at CrimeExplorer.
Your next steps
Here is a simple checklist to help you narrow your search:
- Pull recent comparable sales for your specific subdivision or street.
- Verify the school attendance zone and review programs on the CCPS site.
- Map your daily commute against MARTA routes and major interstates using the AJC MARTA overview.
- Check floodplain and airport noise exposure near Hartsfield–Jackson.
- Confirm current millage and exemptions with the Tax Commissioner.
If you want a patient, education-first approach to your move, we are here to help. Whether you are buying, selling, or planning pre-sale improvements, The Kinnebrew Group brings neighborhood expertise, transparent guidance, and premium marketing tools to your next step in Clayton County.
FAQs
Is Clayton County a good fit if I work at the airport?
- Many residents choose Clayton for its proximity to Hartsfield–Jackson, which shortens commutes and simplifies travel, though you should weigh convenience against potential airport noise near certain corridors.
How do Clayton County’s cities differ for day-to-day life?
- Jonesboro offers a historic downtown, Forest Park is the largest and close to redevelopment areas, Morrow blends a university and nature preserve, and Riverdale, Lake City, Lovejoy, and parts of College Park offer varied suburban options and commute access.
What is the commute like from Clayton County to Atlanta?
- Most residents drive using I-75, I-85, I-285, or I-675, and MARTA buses operate countywide; see the AJC’s overview of MARTA’s Clayton expansion for transit context.
How are schools organized in Clayton County?
- Clayton County Public Schools serves the area with traditional, magnet, career and technical, and alternative programs; confirm your address’s zone and program options on the CCPS about page.
What should first-time buyers know about pricing in Clayton?
- Countywide medians can hide big neighborhood differences, so focus on recent comps for your specific subdivision and weigh proximity to commutes, schools, and airport noise when comparing value.
Are there areas affected by airport noise I should research?
- Yes; study noise contours near Hartsfield–Jackson and review the history of places like Mountain View to understand long-term land-use impacts.
What taxes should I plan for when buying in Clayton County?
- Expect combined county, city, and school millage plus a 1 percent MARTA sales tax, and verify current rates and exemptions with the Tax Commissioner.
