Clarkston Real Estate

Clarkston

Clarkston is a small city in DeKalb County just south of Stone Mountain, covering under two square miles along the Georgia Railroad line and East Ponce de Leon Avenue. From SRA Signature Realty's office in Tucker, Clarkston is one of the closest communities on this list, generally reached by following Lawrenceville Highway (US 29) or East Ponce de Leon Avenue, a drive of about 4 miles that typically takes 7 to 10 minutes.

A Railroad Town on the Continental Divide

Clarkston was incorporated in 1882 as the Town of Clarkston, with its original municipal limits set within a half-mile radius of the Georgia Railroad depot, and a post office had already been operating there since 1876. The city takes its name from W. W. Clark, a railroad official connected to the line's development. Clarkston also sits on the Eastern Continental Divide, at an elevation of about 1,020 feet, a geographic line that separates water flowing toward the Atlantic from water flowing toward the Gulf of Mexico. For much of the 20th century, Clarkston remained a small railroad town before entering a period of significant change beginning in the 1990s.

A Center for Refugee Resettlement

Starting in the 1990s, federal resettlement programs identified Clarkston as a landing point for refugees from around the world, and the city has since become known nationally for that role, sometimes described as "the most diverse square mile in America." Clarkston's population nearly doubled between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, rising from 7,554 to roughly 14,756 residents, growth driven both by new arrivals and by annexations the city carried out in 2015 and 2016. That history has shaped daily life in Clarkston, where international grocers, restaurants, and community organizations reflect dozens of countries of origin within a compact area.

Housing in a Growing, Walkable City

Clarkston's housing includes established mid-century homes on the city's older residential streets, along with newer apartment and townhome development that has followed the city's population growth and annexations over the past decade. The compact size of the city keeps most homes within walking or biking distance of Ponce de Leon Avenue's shops and services, and Clarkston has positioned itself as a walking and biking community, investing in sidewalks, trails, and park facilities to support that goal.

Getting Around

East Ponce de Leon Avenue and Lawrenceville Highway (US 29) run through the heart of Clarkston, connecting it to Avondale Estates and Decatur to the west and Stone Mountain to the east. Clarkston does not have its own MARTA rail station, but the Kensington and Indian Creek stations, both a short drive or bus ride away, connect residents to MARTA's rail network, and MARTA bus Route 125 runs from Kensington Station through Clarkston along North Indian Creek Drive and Montreal Road.

Parks and Local Business

Milam Park is Clarkston's primary recreation hub, with a public swimming pool, a dedicated tennis court, and six pavilions available for cookouts, reunions, and other gatherings. Along Ponce de Leon Avenue, small businesses reflect the city's international character, including Refuge Coffee Co., a coffee shop and community organization that has drawn regional and national attention for its work supporting refugee employment. Georgia State University's Perimeter College operates a campus just south of the city, adding an academic presence to the immediate area.

• Swimming, tennis, and pavilion rentals at Milam Park


• Exploring the international restaurants and markets along Ponce de Leon Avenue


• Visiting Refuge Coffee Co.


• Walking or biking Clarkston's compact street grid


• Catching MARTA bus Route 125 to Kensington Station


• Proximity to Perimeter College at Georgia State University

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Clarkston located?

Clarkston is a small city in DeKalb County just south of Stone Mountain, along East Ponce de Leon Avenue and the Georgia Railroad line, bordered by Avondale Estates and unincorporated Tucker-area communities.

How far is Clarkston from SRA Signature Realty's office in Tucker?

It's about 4 miles, typically a 7 to 10 minute drive along Lawrenceville Highway (US 29) or East Ponce de Leon Avenue, making it one of the closest communities to SRA's office.

What is Clarkston known for?

Clarkston is known nationally for its role in refugee resettlement since the 1990s, which has made it home to residents from dozens of countries and given it a distinctive mix of international restaurants and markets.

What kinds of homes are typical in Clarkston?

Clarkston includes established mid-century homes on its older streets along with newer apartment and townhome development that has followed the city's growth and annexations.

Is Clarkston served by MARTA?

Clarkston does not have its own rail station, but the nearby Kensington and Indian Creek stations connect to MARTA's rail network, and bus Route 125 runs directly through the city from Kensington Station.

What parks and recreation does Clarkston offer?

Milam Park is the city's main recreational facility, with a public pool, a tennis court, and pavilions for gatherings, and the compact city is built around walking and biking access to its parks and businesses.