Rex's housing is predominantly single-family and townhome oriented, reflecting its growth as a southeastern Atlanta suburb. Much of the stock consists of mid-century and later ranch-style homes and established subdivisions, with townhomes and rental properties forming a notable share of the local market. The community's residential landscape is spread across the area around State Route 42, Rex Road, and Panola Road, with tree-lined streets and creekside settings near Historic Rex Village. As an unincorporated area, Rex offers Clayton County buyers a mix of established neighborhoods and infill housing, generally oriented toward families and Atlanta commuters seeking more space and a lower-density setting.

Rex's neighborhoods are tied together by a handful of corridors rather than a formal downtown grid. Historic Rex Village, around the Rex Mill and the creek, is the community's historic heart. From there, residential subdivisions fan out along State Route 42, Rex Road, and Panola Road, with a mix of single-family homes and townhome communities. The Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center and Rex Park anchor the area's public spaces, and Clayton County Public Schools campuses such as Rex Mill Middle School serve as neighborhood landmarks. Because Rex is unincorporated, its neighborhoods blend into the surrounding Clayton County landscape, with Morrow, Ellenwood, and Stockbridge immediately adjacent.

Rex offers a quieter, more spread-out alternative to central Atlanta while staying close enough for a manageable commute. The community is largely residential, with established neighborhoods and a slower pace than the metro core. Historic Rex Village is its symbolic center, anchored by the Rex Mill and the creek that runs through town, and community life centers on local schools, parks, and churches. Residents reach Morrow, Ellenwood, and Stockbridge for shopping and services within minutes, and Clayton State University in Morrow adds an educational and cultural presence nearby. The combination of green space, established housing, and Atlanta proximity defines everyday life in Rex.

Rex is served by Clayton County Public Schools, the countywide district that operates elementary, middle, and high schools across Clayton County. Rex Mill Middle School is among the local campuses, serving students in grades six through eight. The district is a large, diverse system, and families should confirm specific attendance zones by address. For higher education, Clayton State University in nearby Morrow is the county's four-year public university, offering bachelor's and graduate programs a short drive from Rex. The presence of local middle schools and proximity to Clayton State give the community solid educational anchors.

Rex sits along State Route 42, a major north-south corridor through Clayton County, with local roads such as Rex Road and Panola Road linking residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. The community is near Morrow, Ellenwood, and Stockbridge, and downtown Atlanta is roughly 17 to 20 miles away, typically a 20- to 30-minute drive depending on traffic. Interstate 675 and Interstate 75 are reachable through the surrounding county for regional travel, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport lies a short distance to the northwest. For commuters, Rex offers practical road access to Atlanta and the broader metro while retaining a lower-density setting.

Recreation in Rex centers on its county parks and nearby natural areas. Rex Park provides local green space and playground facilities, and the Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center on Rex Road offers indoor recreation and community programming through Clayton County Parks. Just beyond the community, Panola Mountain State Park and the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area provide hiking, granite outcrop views, and outdoor exploration, while Clayton County International Park adds larger recreational facilities. The creek through Historic Rex Village and the area's tree-lined residential streets keep smaller-scale outdoor space close to home, and Atlanta's broader attractions remain an easy drive away.