Fayetteville, GA

Located about 22 miles away from Atlanta, Fayetteville is the county seat of Fayette County. The city was established in 1823 and today boasts a population of around 11,000 people. Both Fayetteville and Fayette County are named for Marquis De Lafayette, a French nobleman who aided Washington during the Revolutionary War.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Some of the leading industries in the city are educational services, transportation, health services and retail. The unemployment rate for Fayetteville is 3.6 percent.

The major employers in the Fayetteville are Fayette Community Hospital, Wal-Mart Supercenter, Piedmont Physicians-Yorktown, Fayette County Sheriff-Traffic and SouthCrest Financial Group Inc. Many residents also commute to nearby Atlanta for work.

The median household income is more than the national average and significantly more than the Georgia average. Only 2.4 percent of Fayetteville residents live below the poverty line. The city of Fayetteville has a slightly higher cost of living than some of the surrounding areas.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

The city accommodates around 4,640 houses with 4,400 houses occupied. Renters occupy around 1,290 houses and owners occupy about 3,110.

The area surrounding the Courthouse Square is used for hosting public events. Built in 1825, the original Fayatteville courthouse now houses the Chamber of Commerce and development authority.

EDUCATION

Served by the Fayette County School System, Fayetteville is known for having excellent elementary and secondary schools. As of spring 2008, 98.3 percent of all high school students who have attended a school in the Fayette County School System have graduated.

These secondary schools include:

• Fayette County High School
• Whitewater High School
• Starr's Mill High School
• Whitewater Middle School
• Fayette Middle School
• Bennett's Mill Middle School
• Rising Starr Middle School

BEST BETS

• Dixieland Fun Park: South Atlanta's biggest family amusement park offers rides, mini-golf, food and many events throughout the year. Indoor and outdoor attractions are available for kids of all ages.
• Fayette County Courthouse: Constructed in 1825, the Fayette County Courthouse is Georgia's oldest surviving courthouse. It is located in the Fayetteville town square and is now home to the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.
• Fowler Lake: This lake is a popular fishing destination. Local fishermen visit regularly, as do out-of-towners.
• Heritage Park: Located in downtown Fayetteville, this historic park is a popular place to enjoy a picnic, attend a number of events, jog, take a walk or simply sit and read. The southern climate allows locals to enjoy the park for a large portion of the year.
• Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House: Constructed in the mid-1800s, this home was the original residence of John Stiles Holliday, nephew of the notable John Henry "Doc" Holliday. The museum houses a number of exhibits and offers a walking tour of the surrounding antebellum estate. Events are held sporadically throughout the year.
• The Margaret Mitchell Library: Constructed in 1948, the Margaret Mitchell Library houses genealogical records and Civil War information. It also serves at the headquarters for the Fayette County Historical Society.
• Minter's Farm: This farm aims to educate visitors about the agrarian lifestyle that helped build this part of the country. It specializes in offering group tours and is the site of many local events throughout the year.
• Missing Links Golf Course: This unusually named public golf course is located in the city of Fayetteville. The 27-hole course is popular for the informal atmosphere of a public course.
• Pye Lake: This body of water has a reputation for offering excellent fishing and is also the site of a newly constructed dam.
• River's Edge Golf Course: Located at the Fayetteville Golf Club, the "River's Edge" course is 18 holes and par 71. The course was designed by noted golf course architect Robert Weed.
• The Villages Amphitheater: Owned by the Downtown Development Authority and operated by Main Street Tourism Association, this venue is located downtown. A seating capacity of 1,800 and a 55-foot stage make The Villages Amphitheater a popular attraction for concerts, performances and summer Free Family Fun Nights under the Stars.

EVENTS

• Antique Truck Show: Held in June on Minter's Farm, the two-day Antique Truck Show displays vintage farm equipment in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
• Free Family Fun Nights Under the Stars: Held at The Villages Amphitheater during the spring and summer, this series of events allows families to enjoy a night at the movies free of charge.
• Inman Farm Heritage Days: For three days each September, this festival celebrates all things agrarian and Georgian. Heritage Days are held on Minter's Farm.
• Old Courthouse Art Show: Held each May at the Courthouse, this event provides visitors with the opportunity to view and purchase a wide variety of artwork. It is held in conjunction with the Old Courthouse 5K, a footrace that begins at the First Baptist Church parking lot.

DID YOU KNOW?

Notable residents of Fayetteville include:

• Chris Benoit: professional wrestler
• Hugh M. Dorsey: former governor of Georgia
• Emmanuel Lewis: actor
• Ferrol Sams: author