Covington's housing stock spans historic and modern eras. Around the downtown square, older homes — including bungalows and restored period houses — give the city its classic Southern character. Established mid-century neighborhoods ring the center, while newer subdivisions and planned communities have expanded toward the I-20 corridor as the county has grown. Single-family detached homes dominate the market, with a range of lot sizes from in-town parcels to larger suburban yards. The city's film-famous downtown and lower-density outlying areas give buyers a choice between walkable, character-rich living and newer, more conventional suburban settings.

Covington's historic downtown district is its defining neighborhood, a registered historic square surrounded by restored homes and commercial buildings. Residential streets radiating from the square hold older bungalows and period architecture, while established subdivisions on the city's perimeter offer mid-century and newer single-family homes. As Newton County has grown, additional planned communities and subdivisions have developed near the I-20 interchanges, giving commuters convenient highway access. The city's mix of a preserved historic core and expanding suburban edges reflects its role as the county's commercial and governmental center.

Covington's lifestyle centers on its historic downtown square, where the courthouse, storefronts, and tree-lined streets create a recognizable small-town setting that has made the city a film and television destination. The Walk of Stars and film-location tours celebrate more than 30 years of production, drawing visitors who come to see the real-life Mystic Falls. Community events, local dining, and a growing arts and entertainment scene animate the square, while the surrounding county offers a slower, Southern pace. Residents balance that small-town character with convenient access to Atlanta's larger amenities via I-20.

Covington and Newton County are served by the Newton County School District, which operates 14 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 high schools, along with charter and special school options. Because the district spans the county, families relocating to Covington typically confirm their assigned schools by specific address. The district's presence in the county seat, combined with nearby private and charter options, gives residents a range of educational choices.

Interstate 20 runs directly through Covington, providing a straight highway route to downtown Atlanta roughly 35 miles to the west and eastward toward Augusta. U.S. 278 and Georgia 12 run roughly parallel to I-20 and offer local alternatives when the interstate is congested. The Covington Bypass carries traffic around the city center, connecting the downtown to surrounding retail corridors. Public transit is limited, so most residents drive, with commuters combining local roads and I-20 for access to the broader Atlanta metro.

Covington's recreation blends its film legacy with traditional community amenities. The historic downtown square itself is a draw, with self-guided filming-location tours and the Walk of Stars. The city maintains parks and recreation facilities, including Legion Field, and hosts community events throughout the year. Cycling and walking routes connect the downtown to surrounding areas. For broader outdoor recreation, Newton County offers parks and green space, while the nearby Hard Labor Creek State Park and the parks of the wider east-metro Atlanta region are within an easy drive.