Is Candler-McAfee Safe, Pros and cons of living in Candler-McAfee

Candler-McAfee, a census-designated place located in DeKalb County, Georgia, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Situated approximately ten miles east of Downtown Atlanta, it provides residents with a convenient location that balances a peaceful atmosphere with proximity to a major metropolitan center. The community is characterized by its residential nature, featuring tree-lined streets and a park-like environment, making it an appealing option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing access to city amenities.

The area is part of the larger Atlanta metropolitan area, benefiting from its infrastructure and economic opportunities. Candler-McAfee is known for its diverse population and a community that values its local parks and accessible roadways. Its strategic position near major interstates like I-20 and I-285 further enhances its appeal by offering shorter commute times to various employment centers and attractions throughout the region.

Is it Safe to Live in Candler-McAfee?

The crime rate in Candler-McAfee is a significant consideration for potential residents. The overall crime rate is reported as 50.95 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). This rate is considerably higher than both the national average and the state average for Georgia, indicating a need for heightened awareness within the community.

Violent crime rates in Candler-McAfee are also above the national average, with a rate of 8.048 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Property crime also presents a concern, with a rate of 27.46 per 1,000 residents (as per CrimeGrade.org). These statistics suggest that residents may have a higher chance of becoming a victim of crime compared to other areas. Neighborhoods within Candler-McAfee can vary in safety, with some areas being considered safer than others (as noted by CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Candler-McAfee is considered to be higher than the national average, ranking it among the more expensive cities globally and within the United States (according to Livingcost.org). This higher cost is reflected across various aspects of daily life, including goods, services, housing, utilities, and healthcare.

Housing in Candler-McAfee presents a mixed picture. The median home price in March 2026 was $298,000, marking a significant increase of 24.2% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This median sale price is slightly lower than the Georgia average, with a median home price of $262,631 (according to Livability.com). However, the home price-to-income ratio is higher than the Georgia average, suggesting that home affordability might be a challenge for some residents (as per Livability.com).

Rental costs in Candler-McAfee have seen an increase. As of May 2026, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,225, a 3.4% increase over the past year (according to Apartments.com). The average rent for all apartment sizes was approximately $1,313 in April 2026, which represents a 7.25% increase from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). A significant portion of rentals, around 64%, fall within the $1,001-$1,500 monthly price range (according to RentCafe).

Job Market and Economy

The employment landscape in Candler-McAfee is diverse, with key sectors providing opportunities for residents. The most common employment sectors include Educational Services, Retail Trade, and Transportation & Warehousing (as indicated by Data USA). These industries employ a substantial number of residents, contributing to the local economy.

In terms of employment trends, there has been a decline in the number of employed individuals in Candler-McAfee. Between 2023 and 2024, employment decreased by 3.39%, from 9.78k employees to 9.45k employees (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Candler-McAfee CDP was 12.8% in 2023, a decrease from 15.0% in 2017 (according to CensusDepth). This rate is higher than the national average.

The average annual salary in Candler-McAfee is approximately $63,757 as of April 26, 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). This figure translates to roughly $30.65 per hour. Salaries in the area typically range between $45,280 and $79,500 annually, depending on factors such as occupation and experience (as per ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Weather

Candler-McAfee experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and muggy, while winters are short, cold, and wet. The area generally enjoys partly cloudy conditions throughout the year.

Temperatures in Candler-McAfee typically range from a low of 35°F to a high of 89°F over the course of the year. Extreme temperatures are rare, with lows rarely falling below 22°F and highs seldom exceeding 95°F (as per AccuWeather). The hot season spans from May to September, with average daily high temperatures climbing above 82°F, with July being the hottest month, featuring highs around 89°F and lows near 72°F.

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year in Candler-McAfee. February generally sees the most rain, averaging about 4.4 inches, while October is typically the driest month, with an average of 2.9 inches (as reported by AccuWeather). Wet days, defined as those with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, occur more frequently between May and August, with July averaging around 13.5 wet days. Conversely, October has the fewest wet days, averaging about 6.3 days.

Education and Schools

Candler-McAfee is served by the DeKalb County Public School District. This district provides educational services to students within the community, with various elementary, middle, and high schools zoned for residents. Specific schools include Columbia, Kelley Lake, Ronald E. McNair, Snapfinger, and Toney for elementary levels, with Ronald E. McNair and Columbia serving middle school, and Columbia High School and Ronald E. McNair High School for secondary education (according to Wikipedia).

The quality of education in the broader DeKalb County School District presents a mixed picture. Schools in the district have an average math proficiency of 29% and a reading proficiency of 34%, which is below the Georgia state average (as reported by U.S. News & World Report). The overall testing rank for schools in Dekalb County is also lower than the state average.

While specific school ratings for Candler-McAfee itself are not extensively detailed, broader district data suggests that educational outcomes may vary. Parents seeking the highest-rated schools often look to neighboring districts or specific schools within the county that perform better on standardized tests and receive higher overall ratings (as per U.S. News & World Report and Niche).

Demographics and Diversity

Candler-McAfee is a community with a diverse population. As of the 2020 census, the population was 22,468, with projections indicating a slight decline in the coming years (according to Wikipedia and World Population Review). The racial composition is predominantly Black or African American, making up approximately 73.17% of the population, followed by White residents at around 16.08% (as reported by World Population Review).

The median age in Candler-McAfee is around 43 years, with a slightly higher median age for females (44.1 years) compared to males (41.9 years) (as per World Population Review). The community has a notable proportion of residents aged 65 and older, comprising 20.7% of the population, and 17.9% are under the age of 18 (according to Wikipedia).

In terms of socioeconomic factors, the median household income in Candler-McAfee was reported as $64,699 in 2024 (as per Data USA and World Population Review). However, a significant portion of families, around 8.8%, live below the poverty line (as indicated by World Population Review), which is higher than the national average. Citizens not covered by health insurance account for about 12.2% of the population, showing an increase from the previous year (as per Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Candler-McAfee

Candler-McAfee offers several advantages, including its convenient location near Atlanta, providing access to employment, entertainment, and cultural attractions. The community features a generally peaceful atmosphere with numerous parks, contributing to a desirable living environment for many. The cost of living, particularly housing, can be more affordable compared to other areas in the Atlanta metropolitan region, although this is subject to market fluctuations.

However, potential residents should be aware of the higher-than-average crime rates in Candler-McAfee, which impact the overall safety perception of the area. The cost of living, while having some affordable aspects, is generally higher than the national average. Furthermore, the educational system within the local school district may not meet the standards of some families, prompting consideration of alternative schooling options.

The job market shows some signs of decline in employment numbers, and the unemployment rate remains a point of concern. While average salaries are competitive within the local context, they need to be considered alongside the overall cost of living. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone contemplating a move to Candler-McAfee.