Locust Grove's housing stock spans its historic core and newer suburban growth. The downtown area retains older homes from the town's railroad-era past, while the city's edges and nearby unincorporated areas hold a growing share of newer single-family subdivisions built as Henry County developed into a popular Atlanta exurb. Buyers can find a mix of established houses on larger lots, newer family-oriented subdivisions, and some acreage and rural-style properties in the surrounding countryside. Townhomes and apartments are available near the commercial corridors and the I-75 interchange. The city's position south of Atlanta, combined with relatively newer housing inventory, makes it appealing to families seeking space while remaining within commuting distance of the metro area.

Locust Grove is organized around its historic downtown, where older homes and the preserved commercial district sit near the railroad tracks. Beyond the core, newer subdivisions have developed along the city's growth corridors, particularly near the I-75 interchange and along state highways, offering contemporary family housing. The western edge of the city includes areas near Strong Rock Christian School and its campus community. Surrounding unincorporated Henry County adds a ring of rural and semi-rural properties that blend into the town's footprint. As the city has grown, development has radiated outward from the historic center, creating a clear contrast between the walkable older downtown and the newer residential communities on its edges.

Locust Grove blends small-town railroad heritage with convenient metro Atlanta access. Its historic downtown, with more than 100 National Register-listed buildings, anchors community life with local shops and restaurants, and the train-watching platform draws railroad enthusiasts who come to watch the freight trains that pass through town daily. Tanger Outlets gives the city a regional shopping destination, while the Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary and nearby farms and antique malls add family-friendly outings. Community events and a slower pace mark day-to-day life, even as the surrounding Henry County area continues to develop. Residents enjoy the convenience of Interstate 75 for commuting and entertainment while retaining a distinctly small-town center.

Locust Grove is served by Henry County Schools, a large suburban district in the south metro Atlanta area. The city hosts several district campuses, including Locust Grove Elementary, Locust Grove Middle, and Locust Grove High School, as well as specialized programs such as the Academy for Advanced Studies and EXCEL Academy. Strong Rock Christian School, a private institution on the city's western edge, offers an additional option for families. The district's growth has paralleled Henry County's development, and its schools are a central consideration for families relocating to the area. The mix of public campuses and nearby private schools gives Locust Grove households a range of educational choices.

Interstate 75 runs along Locust Grove's eastern edge, providing the city's primary transportation link. Downtown Atlanta is about 36 miles north, typically a 40-minute drive, while Macon lies a similar distance south. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world's busiest, is reachable by highway within about 40 minutes. State routes, including Highway 42 and Highway 155, connect Locust Grove to neighboring Henry County communities and the surrounding countryside. The Norfolk Southern rail line through downtown remains active for freight, a legacy of the town's railroad origins. Public transit is limited, so personal vehicles are the primary means of travel for most residents.

Recreation in Locust Grove centers on its historic downtown and nearby attractions. The train-watching platform in the heart of town offers a front-row view of the freight rail traffic that passes through daily, a signature local pastime. The Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary provides a family-friendly outing and cares for more than 1,000 rescued animals. Nearby Southern Belle Farm offers seasonal farm activities, while local parks and ball fields support community sports and gatherings. The city's position along I-75 places Atlanta's professional sports, museums, and attractions within about 45 minutes, and the surrounding Henry County countryside offers additional outdoor and agritourism options throughout the year.