East Point

 

Located just southwest of Atlanta, East Point is a thriving city with a rich history and plenty to offer residents and visitors alike. The city's name derives from its status as the eastern terminus of the Atlanta & West Point Railroad, with West Point being the western terminus.

East Point was founded in 1870 as a railroad terminus with just 16 families, but it quickly grew into a bustling hub of industry. In the late 20th century, the city suffered a loss of jobs due to industrial restructuring, but in the 21st century, it has experienced a resurgence with the development of new businesses and residences. The Camp Creek Marketplace, for example, boasts over 700,000 square feet of retail space and attracts many Fortune 500 companies.

In addition to its thriving economy, East Point is home to a number of cultural and recreational attractions. The city has a number of parks, including Sumner Park, Sykes Park, and Jefferson Park, which offer a variety of sports fields and recreational facilities. The East Point Historic Civic Block, consisting of the City Hall, City Auditorium, New Deal Library, and Victory Park, has recently been the focus of redevelopment and historic preservation efforts.

But perhaps one of the most interesting things about East Point is its role in popular culture. The city was used as a filming location for the Netflix series Stranger Things, with the First Baptist Church standing in for a hospital exterior in a fictional Indiana town. East Point has also produced a number of notable athletes, including former NFL player Ray Buchanan and former Major League Baseball player Jason Heyward.

Fun fact: East Point is home to a very large collection of painted outdoor murals, with over 50 murals scattered throughout the city. These murals showcase a variety of themes, from civil rights and community pride to artistic expressions of local culture.