Stone Mountain

About Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain is a very small city in Georgia's DeKalb County. Part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, it lies just 13 miles east of the state capital, offering an easy commute to the big city. The city is named for the nearby rock formation of the same name, a well-known Georgia landmark that attracts thousands of tourists each year.

The History of Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain's location at the juncture of two major Native American trails made it a natural meeting place for local tribes. European settlers began moving to the area in the early 1800s, naming the village New Gibraltar. In the mid-1800s its name was officially changed to Stone Mountain, after the prominent exposed granite dome near the area.

In the 1830s and 1840s, the railroad was built through Stone Mountain, connecting it with Atlanta and Augusta and bringing tourists to the area. It also boosted the local granite quarrying sector, providing a mode of transportation for the rock. Though much of the village was destroyed during the Civil War, the community slowly recovered and continued growing through the 20th century.

Living in Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain has a growing economy, affordable housing and a charming small-town feel. With such a small population and square mileage, the city is a tight-knit community. The town's parks, historic sites and annual events are popular with both locals and visitors. Festivals, including the Indian Festival and Pow Wow, the Yellow Daisy Festival, and the Stone Mountain Christmas, are highlights of the local social calendar.

Stone Mountain's unemployment rate is higher than the national average. However, positive job growth is predicted, pointing to a bright future for the local economy. Local initiatives, including Shop Local, Grow Local, which encourages residents to spend money at independent Stone Mountain businesses, are helping the economy grow.

A large percentage of local jobs are in the sales, office and administrative support areas. The production, transportation and material moving industries also have a significant presence in Stone Mountain, providing a number of jobs for locals. It's also not uncommon for Stone Mountain residents to commute to Atlanta for work, to take advantage of the larger job market there.

Stone Mountain Schools

Stone Mountain's public schools are in one of two districts headquartered in neighboring cities: DeKalb County School District in Tucker or Gwinnett County School District in Suwanee. A few small college campuses are nearby in Stone Mountain's neighboring communities.

Resources for Moving to Stone Mountain

Here are a few resources to help you prepare for your move to Stone Mountain:

• Utilities: Georgia Power and the Georgia Public Service Commission are the city's primary energy providers. Water and sewer services are managed by DeKalb County.
• Garbage and Recycling: Weekly collection services in Stone Mountain cover trash, recyclables and yard waste. You can also request appliance and bulk item disposal.
• Drivers Licenses and Vehicle Registration: Within 30 days of establishing residency in Georgia, you must obtain a Georgia driver's license. You'll need to register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to the state as well. It's important to purchase your tags at the tag office of the county where you'll be living.

Stone Mountain Housing

A large percentage of Stone Mountain homes were built in the 1970s and 1980s, but there are also a limited number of pre-war properties and 21st century homes in town. The median home price in the city is far less than the state and national averages, which is good news if you're house shopping with a limited budget. Despite its small size, Stone Mountain also offers many apartment and townhome options, if you'd prefer to rent rather than buy.