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How the Walking Dead brought new life to the town of Senoia GA!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Richard Weisser Realty

Senoia GA C 1985 by Richard WeisserThe City of Senoia in Coweta County Georgia has a dirty little secret! The town is home to hoards of ZOMBIES!

“The Walking Dead” season premiere on October 14, 2012 at 9:00 on AMC will commence the third season of this popular sci-fi drama.

And while much of the filming has already been shot in rural Coweta County and at the Raleigh studios south of town, Season Three will feature the City of Senoia in a more up close and personal way.

As the fictional town of “Woodbury,” (not to be confused with the real city of Woodbury GA) the entire town has been turned into a movie set. Prop signage, unmown grass, and a backdrop “City Hall” all contribute to the transformation.

Back in the 1980s, Senoia was nearly a dead town. The once thriving rural community was on the verge of having its historic downtown area fade into obscurity.

Senoia GA October 13, 2012 by Richard WeisserDue to a number of factors, the town began coming back in the late 1990’s. But nothing has brought more prosperity to the village as the Walking Dead.

Aficionados of the program flock to the town to see where it all “happens” Senoia is now a tourist destination.

Senoia now boasts upscale restaurants, boutique shopping, and even a nightclub. The once deserted streets are now abuzz with activity!

The town has always welcomed visitors with true Southern Hospitality.

But if you come to Senoia, please beware of Zombies!

They could be anywhere!

Studio Sign in Senoia GA

Fictional Woodbury City Hall for the Walking Dead series

Photo Top Right: Senoia GA C 1985 is deserted on a Saturday afternoon.

Photo Middle Left: Senoia is alive and abuzz on Saturday October 13, 2012.

Photo Top Midde: The city of Senoia cooperates with film makers!

Photo Bottom: The fictional City hall of Woodbury in Senoia GA!


Carol Zingone
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Network Realty - Jacksonville Beach, FL
Global Realtor in Jax Beach, FL - ABR, CRS, CIPS
Richard - love it! I love the Walking Dead, can't wait for the season premiere!
Oct 13, 2012 11:32 PM
Bryan Robertson
Los Altos, CA

It is a very picturesque town so I can see the appeal as a filming location.  I'll have to do a little Google Streetview to see more of the town.

Oct 13, 2012 11:38 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

If you want to see the dead come alive, go to the little factory I used to work at right about quitting time.

Oct 13, 2012 11:40 PM
Debbie Cook
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc - Silver Spring, MD
Silver Spring and Takoma Park Maryland Real Estate

Richard,

How cool is this in your area?  Don't think I'd like that "not mowing the grass" part though - probably well worth the hassle and looks in exchange for the GREAT PR!  How "southern" of them to apologize for not mowing!

Oct 13, 2012 11:45 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Bill...

We will be looking for local landmarks! It will be fun. On some of the promos the downtown area is easily recognized but not sure which or on how many episodes we will see the town! THX.

Kathy...

I think that Thom was involved in this ... I am hoping that he will chime in. Thanks.

Carol...

It's really being talked about around here! Thanks so much.

Bryan...

Very nearby is the town of Haralson, which has been the site of a lot of filming too, but remains as more of a backlot! Thanks.

Bill...

That is so funny! Thanks so much.

Oct 13, 2012 11:53 PM
Jeffrey Funk
eXp Realty - Windermere, FL
Broker Associate | Team Leader

Richard,

What exciting news for Senoia, GA! A great boost for the local economy. I had a giggle over the sign thanking residents for NOT mowing their grass...now, that isn't something you see everyday!

Enjoy your Sunday,

Jeff

 

Oct 14, 2012 12:03 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Richard, that is just too cool.  Can I still say cool?  What a great way to revive a city, and kudos to the city for playing along and becoming a iconic location for this series.  Yea, Senoia!

Oct 14, 2012 01:42 AM
Suzanne Strickler
Realty Mark Associates - Havertown, PA
School is never out for the Successful.

Riochard ~ Good real estate news in any form is uplifting. A town comes back from the brink of death is uplifting to me. Let's hear it for the magic of Hollywood!

Oct 14, 2012 02:45 AM
Cheryl Thomson REALTOR Ret Army
United Real Estate DC Metro Region (703.216.5635) cheryltee47@gmail.com - Prince William, VA
Associate Broker in Northern Virginia

What a title. Certainly caught my interest because I am addicted to the show...can't wait to watch it tonight...so now I know where the show is filmed, thanks!

Oct 14, 2012 03:03 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Films and TV series have been a big contribution to Seattle and several small local towns around here. Productions like Twilight, Twin Peaks, Dante's Peak, and 10 Things I Hate about You were filmed around here. The last being Twilight, although scenes were shot around the state and in Portland, Oregon, Forks Washington was the main setting and is still the destination for many tourists. I love these infusions of interest, especially in the small towns.

Oct 14, 2012 04:39 AM
Kathy Della-Nebbia
Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage - Hamilton, ON
SRES

So cool Richard.   I love The Walking Dead and can't wait until it starts again tonight. 

My beloved town Hamilton, Ontario has its share of movie making crews coming around.  The most recent was this fall, we were a stand in for Detroit in the upcoming RoboCop movie. 

It's great for a city or town and sounds like Senoia had a great need so good for them!

Here's a link to the local newspaper article for anyone who's interested.

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/808093--steeltown-fakes-motown-vibe

Kathy

 

 

Oct 14, 2012 05:17 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Richard, Small towns need a kickstart like this to put them on the map. We are known for our floods and tornados which isn't the the greatest to be assocaited with.

Oct 14, 2012 06:26 AM
Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

So you're right in the midst of all that gory mayhem!  My daughter and I love the show and now I know where it's filmed.  Nice that Hollywood has sets all over the country to help the local economies.  People who come here to look for homes still want me to drive them past the "Home Alone" home!

 

 

Oct 14, 2012 06:45 AM
Virginia Hepp - Mesquite NV REALTOR
Desert Gold Realty - Mesquite NV Homes For Sale - Mesquite, NV
Mesquite NV Homes and Neighborhoods - Search MLS
Zombies are always doing good things!
Oct 14, 2012 09:34 AM
June Piper-Brandon
Coldwell Banker Realty - Columbia, MD
Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership

The film industry does amazing things for the economy of small towns.  I have seen similar things happen in other small towns around the country.

Oct 14, 2012 11:10 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

I had never heartd of Senoia.  The Walking Dead is going to put it on the map.  I shall have to watch those episodes.

Oct 14, 2012 11:38 AM
Sussie Sutton
David Tracy Real Estate - Houston, TX
David Tracy Real Estate for Buyers & Sellers

Nothing like a movie that millions like to bring life back into a town! Same thing happened to Smithville in Texas.

Oct 14, 2012 11:54 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

It's a popular show and I hope they keep the filming in Georgia.  I was so sad when Revolution moved to NC after the pilot.

Oct 14, 2012 01:32 PM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

How cool is that Richard, i use to love the old horror flicks...the newer ones scare the bejezzes out of me...so nice that new hope was reborn here...nice share!

Oct 14, 2012 10:23 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Interesting, Richard.  I bet some probably were irked by the not mown grass!

Oct 14, 2012 10:49 PM