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Clarkston, GA

Frequently asked questions

Clarkston, GA

Clarkston is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. The population was 14,756 as of the 2020 census, up from 7,554 in 2010.

The city is noted for its ethnic diversity, and is often referred to as "the most diverse square mile in America" and "the Ellis Island of the South." In the 1990s, refugee resettlement programs identified Clarkston as a good fit for displaced persons of many backgrounds. The rental market was open, residents were moving farther out from the Atlanta urban core, and Clarkston was the last stop on a transit line into the city. At present students attending Clarkston High School come from over 50 countries; the local mosque (Masjid al-Momineen, or Mosque of the Faithful in English) has a diverse and sizable congregation; and over half the population is estimated by some to be foreign-born.

A post office called Clarkston has been in operation since 1876. The Georgia General Assembly incorporated the place in 1882 as the "Town of Clarkston", with municipal corporate limits extending in a one-half-mile radius from the Georgia Railroad depot. The community was named after W. W. Clark, a railroad official.

Clarkston is located at 33°48′37″N 84°14′24″W (33.810304, −84.239877). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.1 square miles (2.8 km²), of which 1.0 square miles (2.6 km²) is land and 0.94% is water. Clarkston is on the Eastern Continental Divide.

Georgia is among the states that receive the highest amount of refugees for resettlement and has resettled more than 37,000 refugees since 1993. Clarkston receives a large portion of these refugees, but arrivals have gradually declined yearly since 2016. In 2016, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal issued and then reneged on an executive order attempting to cease the influx of Syrian refugees into the state. Additionally, as of 2019 federal funding for refugee programs has decreased and executive orders have been issued that allow states increased authority to limit resettlement, which has resulted in the downsizing of several Georgia resettlement organizations.

The city places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The presence of medical facilities, such as the Eastside Medical Center and Greater Atlanta Family Healthcare, ensures that residents have access to quality healthcare services. Planet Fitness provides excellent exercise classes to keep you fit. For a holistic wellness experience, consider visiting AlterEgo Pilates & Recovery House and Midtown Atlanta Wellness Center for retreats that rejuvenate the body and mind. Practice yoga for flexibility, strength, and relaxation at YogaVita Clarkston.

Top sites in Clarkston, GA include Milam Park, Friendship Forest Wildlife Sanctuary, and James R Hallford Stadium.

Population: 13,215 (2021). Elevation: 975 feet (297 m). Area: 1.86 sq mi (4.81 km²). ZIP Code: 30021. Area code: 404.

FAQs

What is Clarkston, GA is known for?

The City has embraced the influx of newcomers and Clarkston was held up as an example of what successful integration can look like. Today half of the city's residents are foreign born and hail from over 50 countries across 6 continents and the City proudly proclaims itself as "the Ellis Island of the South." The railroad still runs through Clarkston today. It is a homely reminder of the city's humble, historic beginnings.

What is the history of Clarkston, GA?

Clarkston was officially incorporated on December 12, 1882, but a post office had existed since 1876 and a settlement before that—all on the Georgia Railroad. Newspaper ads around the turn of the 20th century advertised pristine vistas and generous allotments of farmland. Population growth was slow in the early years. In a report to the DeKalb County Historical Society, James C. Estes recalls that when the militia district of Clarkston was created in 1880, there were only around 65 homeowners and few tenants in the area.

What is the crime rate in Clarkston, GA?

The crime rate in Clarkston is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 28 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Clarkston is 1 in 36. Based on FBI crime data, Clarkston is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Georgia, Clarkston has a crime rate that is higher than 82% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Clarkston

Atlanta History Center.

Neighborhood Scout

Milam Park

Friendship Forest Wildlife Sanctuary

James R Hallford Stadium. 

Eastside Medical Center

Greater Atlanta Family Healthcare

Planet Fitness

AlterEgo Pilates & Recovery House

Midtown Atlanta Wellness Center 

YogaVita Clarkston

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