Netflix’s Stranger Things has become one of the most iconic shows of the decade, thanks to its mix of sci-fi mystery, retro aesthetics, and small-town charm. Hopeless bikers pedaling down quiet streets, secretive labs surrounded by woods, and that unmistakable 1980s vibe make the show feel grounded—almost as if Hawkins could exist right around the corner. But where is Stranger Things actually filmed?
Surprisingly, the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, comes to life far from the Midwest. Instead, filming takes place across several Southern U.S. locations, particularly in Georgia, with a few scenes in New Mexico and California. These spots give the show its mix of suburban warmth, eerie forests, and authentic small-town character.
Let’s explore the real places that shape the world of Stranger Things.
📍 The Primary Filming Location: Georgia
While Hawkins, Indiana, exists only on screen, the majority of the series is filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, and surrounding towns. Georgia’s diverse landscapes, film-friendly policies, and small-town neighborhoods make it ideal for recreating Hawkins’ cozy—but mysterious—atmosphere.
1. Atlanta Suburbs: The Heart of Hawkins
Many of the show’s most recognizable places are tucked away in quiet Atlanta neighborhoods. The tree-lined streets, vintage homes, and classic American suburb feel let the show’s 1980s aesthetic shine without needing major set redesigns.
Notable spots include:
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The Byers’ House – Originally filmed in Fayetteville, Georgia. The isolated home surrounded by woods contributes to the eerie, supernatural tone.
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The Wheeler Residence – Located in East Point. This cozy suburban home is where fans often see Mike, Nancy, and Karen Wheeler navigating family dynamics and teen drama.
These real homes draw visitors year-round, though many scenes now use updated or rebuilt sets to maintain privacy and continuity.
🏫 Real Schools That Became Hawkins Middle and High
School life plays a huge role in Stranger Things, from Mike and friends navigating hallways to scenes in science class or gym. The show uses two actual former schools to represent Hawkins Middle School and Hawkins High School:
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Patrick Henry High School (Stockbridge, Georgia)
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Patrick Henry Middle School (Also in Stockbridge)
These unused school buildings were converted into full set spaces, giving the production team complete freedom to dress rooms, build halls, and film indoor scenes without interruption.
Their architecture reflects the classic American school vibe that feels instantly familiar to viewers.
🛒 The Starcourt Mall: Filmed at a Real Mall
One of the most memorable settings in Season 3 is the Starcourt Mall, where a good portion of Hawkins’ drama unfolds—friendly hangouts, secret underground labs, and a full-blown battle with the Mind Flayer.
The mall scenes were filmed at the Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Georgia.
Before filming, much of the mall was vacant, giving producers ample space to transform it into a vibrant, retro shopping center.
Fun fact: After production, the mall’s fake shops and neon designs became a temporary tourist attraction before being dismantled.
🌲 Hawkins National Laboratory: The Creepiest Location
The mysterious Hawkins Lab, where Eleven was raised, is filmed at the Georgia Mental Health Institute at Emory University. Its stark, imposing architecture makes it the perfect stand-in for the show’s government facility.
Though the building no longer operates as a hospital, it’s closed to the public, but fans love taking photos outside the perimeter where many exterior shots were filmed.
🌄 New Mexico: The New Setting for Season 4
Season 4 expands the story beyond Hawkins—and so did the filming.
The production used multiple spots in New Mexico, particularly in Albuquerque, for scenes representing the new town where the Byers family relocates.
This includes:
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Roller skating rink scenes
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Roadside desert shots
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The Byers’ new neighborhood
New Mexico’s landscape gives the season a fresh tone, contrasting Hawkins’ humid woods with dry, open terrain.
🌴 California: The Surfer Boy Pizza Vibes
Several of the California-based scenes in Season 4 were shot in Los Angeles County, including:
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Surfer Boy Pizza exterior shots
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Lenora Hills High School
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Neighborhood scenes of Eleven and her new life
The warm, coastal feel visually separates Eleven’s California storyline from the darker Hawkins plotlines.
🏘️ Why Georgia Works So Well as Hawkins
Georgia remains the core of Stranger Things for several reasons:
1. Versatile Environments
From forests to suburbs to abandoned buildings, the state provides every setting the show needs.
2. Historic American Small-Town Atmosphere
Many towns near Atlanta were built decades ago, creating the authentic retro look the show requires.
3. Strong Film Infrastructure
Georgia is a major production hub, offering sound stages, crew availability, and flexibility for long-term projects.
🎥 Can Fans Visit the Filming Locations?
Yes—many exterior locations are accessible to the public. However, since many are private homes or active schools, visitors should be respectful.
Popular fan stops include:
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Hawkins Middle/High School buildings (Stockbridge)
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The Wheeler house (East Point)
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Downtown Jackson (the show’s "Hawkins Downtown")
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The Hawkins Lab perimeter (Emory University)
Some areas, like the Starcourt Mall, are no longer open in their Stranger Things form, but fans still visit the grounds.
So, where is Stranger Things filmed? Mostly in Georgia, with added scenes in New Mexico and California. The show’s carefully selected filming locations combine suburban nostalgia, wooded mystery, and authentic Americana—turning Hawkins into a place that feels both familiar and hauntingly unique.
As long as the series continues to push bigger storylines and deeper mysteries, fans can expect the real-world filming locations to expand right alongside the Upside Down.