Stone Mountain Apartments and Rentals

Located in the northern suburbs of the Atlanta metropolitan area, the city of Stone Mountain was named and made famous for having the largest exposed granite dome in North America. A small, tight-knit community that is popular with families, the city is less than 2 square miles, but still has a thriving downtown, which houses just under 6,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Because of its nearby state park, quaint downtown area and close proximity to the urban sprawl of Atlanta, many people are looking for Stone Mountain apartments for rent because it is a great place to raise a family.

From 7000 B.C. until the early 1800s, Cherokee and Creek Native Americans used Stone Mountain as a ceremonial meeting ground because their respective trails crossed here. When the 1821 Treaty of Indian Springs opened up the area to European immigrants, the town grew and eventually became known as Stone Mountain in 1847. When the industrial era came to northern Georgia via railroad, local farmers planted their seeds here, and Atlanta city-dwellers came to the city for the fresh air and beautiful landscapes.

During the 19th century, much of the city's economic development was centered on quarrying, yet another benefit of the railroad coming to the small town. Toward the beginning of the 20th century, there were several attempts to turn the large granite wall of Stone Mountain into a Confederate memorial. Because of the Civil Rights Movement, however, these plans were stalled until the 1970s when the quarry business ran dry in the area and the state purchased the picturesque mountain for purpose of creating a state park. The state and Stone Mountain Memorial Association commissioned a large mural of Confederate generals, including Robert E. Lee, to be carved into the large mountainside. Today, this mural is still a popular tourist attraction with more than 4 million visitors per year, according to the New Georgia Encyclopedia.

Since the city is only 10 minutes northeast of downtown Atlanta, many students in the area looking for Stone Mountain apartments commute to nearby Georgia State University for their education. Since 1913, this public university has offered undergraduate, graduate and doctorate fields of study with more than 250 programs. Future chefs also find their home in Stone Mountain due to its close location to Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Atlanta location.

Many servicemen and women commute to nearby NAS Atlanta, a naval base that is popular with the military because of its constant improvements and upgrades. The nearby Navy Lake Site and the numerous awards the base receives make NAS Atlanta one of the most advanced military bases in the United States.

Considering Stone Mountain is part of one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S., the city enjoys a relatively low cost of living index at 95.1, putting it 5 points below the national average, according to city-data.com. Since the median household income rose nearly $5,000 per year from 2000 to 2009, Stone Mountain is a very attractive and affordable place for those looking to live in the Atlanta area.

Stone Mountain State Park is Georgia's most visited attraction because of its more than 3,200 acres of scenic landscape providing stunning views of the Atlanta skyline. With plenty of hiking trails and campsites, it is a popular site for adventurists and families. The most popular event at the park is the Lasershow Spectacular, a 45-minute long laser show that is now considered an Atlanta tradition.

To find your next rental apartment or house in Stone Mountain, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.