Learn More About Macon, Georgia
Macon, Georgia
Officially known as Macon-Bibb County, Macon is one of the largest communities in the state of Georgia. The city-county, which was established along the banks of the Ocmulgee River in 1823, is named for North Carolina statesmen Nathaniel Macon. The county seat of Bibb County is the principal city of the Macon Metropolitan Area and the biggest in the larger Macon-Warner Robins Combined Statistical Area. The merger of Macon and Bibb County, approved in a 2012 referendum, made the city Georgia’s fourth-largest.
Nicknamed the “Heart of Georgia,” Macon is situated close to the geographic center of Georgia, some 85 miles south of Atlanta. It is among the state’s Fall Line Cities alongside Augusta and Columbus. This means the terrain is characterized by rolling hills on the north and by flat plains in the southern section. The flat coastal plain intersects the hilly backdrop of the Piedmont plateau at the Fall Line, causing rapid flow of rivers toward the ocean. The city has a humid subtropical climate. Average annual rainfall is about 46 inches and snow is occasional, with around half of winters witnessing little or no snowfall.
Macon has experienced a massive jump in population in recent years. In 2010, the total number of residents was 91,351. The estimate of people in the city-county surged to more than 153,000 in 2014. Estimated population for the Macon Metropolitan Area was 231,259 in the same year. The level of education of residents is just about the national average for cities and towns, as regards number of adults with a college degree.
Manufacturing, medical, aeronautics and tourism are some of the major industries in Macon. Neighboring areas are actively involved in Agriculture and the State Farmers Market in the city offers opportunity to get some of the best fresh farm produce anywhere in Middle Georgia. Robins Air Force base, Georgia’s biggest single-site industrial complex, can be found south of the city. Many shopping centers can be seen in the downtown area.
Macon is located just over an hour drive from Atlanta by car. Major highways in the area include Interstates 16, 75 and 475. Numerous U.S. and state routes pass through the city, which operates a public transit system called the Macon Transit Authority (MTA). However, majority of commuters mainly make use their personal vehicles. In addition to several buses, the MTA also operates a trolley system offering tours of the downtown. The city, which grew as a rail transport center, is served by the Southern Railway and Central of Georgia Railway.
This is a city which so much values its past and places great premiums on arts and culture generally. It has neighborhoods with historic buildings constructed in Victorian and Greek revival styles of architecture. Places of interest include the Ocmulgee National Monument, Terminal Station, City Auditorium and the Grand Opera House. Macon is also the home of several festivals, including the International Cherry Blossom Festival, the Mulberry Street Festival and Ocmulgee Indian Celebration.
Macon has virtually everything a person can desire in a city, from awesome architecture to good schools and access to a great road network. Plus, there are so many things to while away time with when less busy. It’s never going to be a boring time around here.
