The Hollywood of the South.
The Newton County seat, about 30 miles east of Atlanta on I-20, with a historic courthouse square you may recognize from TV, classic Southern homes and newer communities with room to breathe.
- $305K
- Median sale price, Covington area (past 12 months)
- 1822
- Year Covington was founded, first as Newtonsboro
- 1884
- Year the Newton County Courthouse on the square was built
- ~30 mi
- East of Atlanta via I-20
Last updated: November 2026 · Market data from FMLS, Covington area, Nov 2025–Oct 2026
Is Covington right for you?
Covington tends to fit buyers who want a charming historic square, more space for the money, and a small-town pace within reach of I-20.
A screen-famous square
The courthouse square has appeared in In the Heat of the Night, The Vampire Diaries and My Cousin Vinny.
Historic and new homes
Classic Southern homes near downtown, established neighborhoods and newer construction with bigger lots.
Small-town events
Concerts, festivals and seasonal celebrations keep the square busy year-round.
Where is Covington?
Covington is the seat of Newton County, about 30 miles east of Atlanta along I-20. The historic square anchors downtown, with Oxford, home to Oxford College of Emory University, just to the north and Conyers about 15 minutes west.
Getting around
- I-20 is the main route into Atlanta and east toward Madison and Augusta.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is about 45 minutes away, depending on traffic.
- Conyers, Social Circle and Oxford are each a short drive away.
See Covington for yourself
Shannon shows you around Covington: the historic square, Southern architecture, boutiques and local restaurants, and the film history that earned its nickname.
Local favorites
- Covington Square, boutiques, cafés and restaurants around the historic courthouse
- Newton County Courthouse, the 1884 landmark at the heart of the square
- Film locations, spots seen in In the Heat of the Night and The Vampire Diaries
- Oxford College of Emory University, a historic campus just north of town
- Downtown events, concerts and seasonal celebrations on the square
Covington market update: November 2026
In the Covington area over the past 12 months (Nov 2025–Oct 2026), 915 homes sold at a median of $305,000, with a median of 33 days on the market. Homes sold at about 100% of list price, and there were 404 homes for sale in October.
- $305,000
- Median sale price
- 33
- Median days on market
- 404
- Active listings
Source: FMLS InfoSparks, Covington (city area), all residential, Nov 2025–Oct 2026. The Covington area includes homes with a Covington address outside city limits, so a close, not exact, picture. Updated monthly.
Get the full Q3 Covington guideHomes in Covington
Covington was founded in 1822 and is known as a city of beautiful homes. Near the square you’ll find historic Southern homes, with established neighborhoods, ranches and traditional two-story homes around them and newer construction communities farther out. The median sale price in the Covington area was $305,000 over the past 12 months, according to FMLS.
Thinking about buying here? Read my step-by-step guide to buying a home in Covington.
Three things buyers should know
- Confirm the city limits. Many Covington addresses are in unincorporated Newton County, which affects taxes and services.
- Check the commute. I-20 is the main route into Atlanta, so test your drive at rush hour before you commit.
- Look closely at historic homes. Older homes near the square can need updates, and some properties may fall in a historic district with design rules.
Tips for buyers in Covington
- Get pre-approved before you tour so you can move quickly on well-priced homes.
- Compare homes near the square with newer communities; prices, lot sizes and HOA rules vary.
- Ask whether a home is in a historic district before planning exterior changes.
- Look up school assignments for any address you’re considering.
- Budget for an inspection and, for older homes, a sewer scope.
Q3 2026 Covington Neighborhood Guide
Market stats, local favorites and what to know before you buy in Covington, in one free download.
Shannon Williams, PhD
About 20 years in education before real estate, and I still work like a teacher: one clear step at a time, no question too basic. Nearly 300 Atlanta families helped. Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, selling, relocating to Atlanta, or looking for an agent who welcomes LGBTQ+ clients, I’ll walk you through every step.