Cities in the South carry their fair share of American history, quaintness and Southern charm, and historic Macon is no exception. Located at the fall line of the Ocmulgee River in central Georgia, Macon has been referred to as "The Heart of Georgia," with a convenient central location just 85 miles from big-city Atlanta.

Searching for Macon apartments for rent should be no difficult task, as the mid-sized city houses thousands of college students each year at its numerous colleges and universities. A city with a history, Macon has taken tremendous strides throughout the last decade, establishing itself as an energized and growing center of Georgian commerce.

Macon is leading the way in creating viable, energetic Georgian communities. In 2012, Macon consolidated with outlying Bibb County. Prior to the consolidation, Macon's population came in at 91,351.

Historic downtown Macon and nearby Mercer University are currently working on intensive downtown revitalization projects, attempting to recapture the walkability and charm of pre-World War II Macon. Neighborhoods like Huguenin Heights and College Hill are blazing the path of urban restoration, attracting students, young professionals and faculty alike with their attractive, mixed-use neighborhood vibe. Restored Macon apartments and historic single-family homes give the downtown area a true up-and-coming scene.

While inner Macon recaptures its identity as a livable hub of history and culture, surrounding Macon areas in Houston, Monroe and Peach counties still attract suburbanites. A public bus system makes traveling within the city easy for those who are so inclined, and Greyhound buses connect Macon with bustling Atlanta. With both rural Georgia and urban Atlanta nearby, Macon residents can enjoy a variety of vistas all with a day's drive.

Home to Wesleyan College, Mercer University and Macon State College, Macon's student demographic makes up a large percentage of its population. In addition to its traditional colleges, Macon is also home to Central Georgia Technical College, as well as a variety of satellite campuses. Wesleyan College remains a top choice for women, having been the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women.

In addition to students and faculty, Macon's workforce represents the town's true spirit. Macon's job market continues to grow as downtown revitalization attracts small business entrepreneurship and personal investments. In addition to small businesses, the top employers in Macon County are Bird's Eye Foods, Watkins Engineering and Weyerhaeuser Company.

The cost of living in Macon is significantly lower than that of the rest of the country. The mean home value was approximately $136,680 at the end of 2011, compared with $216,578 nationally. Macon's affordable living costs carry over into rental prices. The median rent asked is $538 per month.

Due to the influx of college students during late fall, it is advisable to hunt for apartments a few months ahead of time. If you'd rather stay out of the way of college students or prefer the suburban lifestyle, apartments near Macon are also a viable option.

Macon is home to numerous attractions and special events, many of them charming and storybook Southern. The international Cherry Blossom Festival, held during mid-March, attracts visitors from around the world who come to see Macon's 300,000 flowering Yoshino cherry trees. The Georgia State Fair is also held in Macon, offering visitors plenty of old-fashioned Southern food and games.

Visitors to Macon will also want to check out its numerous historic tours. Macon's historic homes, cemeteries and Civil War-era trails give visitors a more accurate vision of Macon than modern malls and highways. Macon's Rose Hill Cemetery Tour, Historic Walking Tour and Antebellum Trail are just a few examples of Macon's guided Southern hospitality.

To find a Macon apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent® is happy to help you find your next home.