Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning reveals housing demand trends

Macon is seeing a big boom with people choosing Macon rather than the Atlanta area.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –An ongoing study by the Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission, in partnership with RKG Associates Inc., has revealed new findings when it comes to the Macon housing market. 

President of RKG, Kyle Talente, says there’s a growing demand for urban living and affordable housing options in Macon.

According to the study, people are more eager to live closer to downtown Macon. Many are seeking homes that offer convenience to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Also, homes with favoring walkable neighborhoods over traditional large, single-family detached homes.

“People are looking for a different type of house than your traditional, large, single family detached home,” Talente explained, noting that options such as townhomes, cottages, and patio homes are in demand but not being developed at the pace the data suggests. 

The study also found different areas in Macon appeal to different demographics. West Macon-Bibb County attracts those seeking larger, more expensive estate homes, while north Macon-Bibb County is popular among commuters working north and west of Macon. South Macon- Bibb County draws residents who work nearby Warner Robins.

Talente says there is a gap between home prices and what many people can afford.

“The types of jobs that are being created here are paying, you know, 50, 40, $50,000 a year and so as a result, then you want to make sure that you are creating housing that is affordable with the types of jobs that you’re creating,” he said.

According to Talente, even with these challenges, Macon is experiencing a surge in new residents, particularly among young adults aged 25 to 34. He says many are choosing Macon over Atlanta suburbs like Fulton, Cobb, or Gwinnett counties. 

“They wanted something a little bit different and so that has actually seen a big a big component of the growth that has occurred here in Macon- Bibb County, that was different than many other communities,” stated Talente.