Macon, GA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Macon, GA: What You Need to Know

Everyone knows Macon as the Heart of Georgia because of its location. But not many people know it’s the world’s Cherry Blossom Capital, thanks to the 350,000 Yoshino trees in the area.

Things to Do in Macon

March is one of the best months to visit Macon when it turns pink, and the city celebrates the International Cherry Blossom Festival. Experience an incredible display of Yoshino blossoms, which is rare in the South. The festival includes air shows, parades, and fireworks. Music fans are drawn to the Allman Brothers Band Museum, the house where the band worked in their early years. The museum features musical instruments, clothes, photos, posters, and gold records. Legendary guitarist Duane Allman formed the band in 1969. The following year, band member Berry Oakley rented a house in Macon. The band called it "the Big House," which became the center of the band's activities. 

Cost of Living

The governments of Macon and Bibb County merged in 2014. Their combined population is 153,159. Macon-Bibb County is known for its affordability, with a cost of living that’s 3.5% lower than the national average. Food and housing costs are also reasonable – 8% and 11% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in the area is $803. Georgia collects 1% to 5.75% in income tax and 4% to 9% in statewide sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Downtown Macon is attracting more residents for its convenience and a vibrant sense of community. You can give your car a rest and walk almost anywhere downtown. The majority of residents of Macon proper are renters. If downtown isn’t your scene, there are plenty of suburban communities to choose from. Payne, Gray, and Bryon are nearby. A vast majority of Payne residents rent. Gray and Byron are known for their good schools.

The Local Culture

Yes, there’s such a thing as the "Macon sound," a combination of rock and roll, country and blues, and soul. Native son Little Richard, Otis Redding, and the Allman Brothers Band trace their roots to Macon. Redding lived in Macon while the Allman Brothers worked on their music in the city. Other famous musicians from Macon include Jason Aldean, Bill Berry and Mike Mills of R.E.M., and Young Jeezy.

Weather and Climate

Macon gets an average of 46 inches of rain annually versus the U.S. average of 38 inches. One of the worst floodings in the city happened in July 1994 when Tropical Storm Alberto breached levees, and the Ocmulgee River crested at 35.4 feet. Also, it enjoys 219 sunny days per year compared with the national average of 205 sunny days.