East Point

About East Point

East Point is a Georgia suburb located just southwest of Atlanta and its outlying communities. It's a family-friendly community that's best known for its strong parks and recreational options, producing several professional athletes over the years. Families also enjoy a number of kid-centered activities, including summer camps and safety clinics, all hosted by the East Point Velodrome Association.

The Founding of East Point

The community of East Point was named after the Atlanta and West Point Railroad terminus, the eastern point of which is located in the area. The settlement was started by just a small handful of families in 1870, but it saw rapid growth as a hub for industry. Within a few years, the local economy was also supported by two gristmills and a government distillery. The White Hickory Manufacturing Co. also came to East Point and was one of the town's earliest buildings.

By the mid-1800s, the town had grown considerably. With its own newspaper, a telegraph and post office, a school and two churches, it was considered a bona fide community. Its economy centered on grain and cotton, also hosting a growing tourism sector thanks to its pleasant summer weather. Through the late 1800s, the city's Main Street was developed and finished, and several areas were subdivided and used for residential and commercial districts.

In 2012, residents and officials celebrated East Point's 125th birthday with a fireworks display and a host of other events.

Amenities and Attractions in East Point

There are plenty of reasons East Point has become an increasingly popular place to live, starting with the sunny, mild weather and its many amenities. You'll find an abundance of supermarkets, restaurants, shopping venues and other attractions within the city limits, and if you need more variety, you're just a short drive from Atlanta.

Because of East Point's highly desirable location, it's a popular destination for residents and workers. The downtown area boasts a wide range of businesses, from retail to the service industry, with many of the original downtown buildings still standing today. The Dick Lane Velodrome is one of the city's points of pride; inspired by the Munich Olympic Games, it's served as a training facility for Olympians since it was constructed in 1974. Other attractions in East Point include the Georgia Sports Park and a variety of comfortable hotels. The Movies ATL 14-screen multiplex offers movie screenings, while the Camp Creek Marketplace is a popular destination for residents who enjoy nightlife.

East Point Schools

Fulton County Schools serves the schools of East Point, including elementary, middle and high schools. If you prefer private school for your child, you'll find a few different options in East Point and the surrounding communities.

If higher education is on your list of priorities after you move, you can consider the adult studies program at the city's small Point University campus.

Resources for Moving to East Point

Here's some helpful information to make your move to East Point a bit easier:

• Utilities: East Point Power supplies residents with electricity, while water services are through the city's utilities department.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash and recyclables are collected regularly, while yard waste and bulk items can be picked up for an additional fee.
• Transportation: East Point is covered by the MARTA public transit system. You can use the MARTA network to easily access the nearby city of Atlanta or its neighboring suburbs.

East Point Housing

Many of the homes in East Point are built in the Craftsman style, with a number of cottages and bungalows throughout the city. Prices are extremely affordable — nearly half the national average and far less than the Atlanta metro area. However, prices are predicted to continue increasing steadily, so buying a home now can be an opportunity for a good investment. You can also find plenty of rental options that are budget-friendly, many of which are part of large communities with private amenities.