Get Schooled

METRO ATLANTA HOMEBUILDERS TAKE EDUCATION INTO ACCOUNT FOR THEIR NEW HOME COMMUNITIES

By Amy Meadows

According to Lori Lane, president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Homes Division, there typically are three key deciding factors that home buyers consider when looking for a new home: price, location and schools. And it’s the last one that often carries a great deal of weight—whether or not you personally plan to take advantage of the educational opportunities nearby.

“It really is no surprise that of all the amenities that can influence a home buyer’s decision, the proximity to quality schools is one of the most influential,” Lane asserts. “Whether you are a parent or not, schools can play a major role in the home buying decision. We find this to be true for buyers with school-age children, as well as buyers looking for a sound investment, as research shows that homes in a good school district are more likely to hold and increase in value than homes in a less desirable district.”

Fortunately, home buyers looking at areas across metro Atlanta have a wide variety of options if they hope to secure a new home in a great school district. Here, Lane share her insights about navigating the local new home market in relation to Atlanta’s outstanding school opportunities.

How do you describe the metro Atlanta new home market in terms of access to great schools?

The Atlanta area is home to some of the top public school districts in the country. Out of the thousands of districts in the United States, Forsyth County ranks #2, Fayette County #11 and Cobb County #77. There are 14 counties in Georgia that rank in the top 100 nationwide, with several in metro Atlanta. This gives buyers a variety of locations to start their search if schools are the deciding factor on where to purchase a new home.

What can people expect in terms of purchasing a new home near a great school in metro Atlanta?

It’s rather simple. Homes in higher-rated public school districts are on average more expensive than homes in other school districts. If you are looking to buy in a top school district, you can expect to pay more for a smaller home to be in close proximity to the schools. For those willing to look at outlying areas and schools, they will find that their budget will go much further.

How are local homebuilders taking schools into account in their new home community plans?

Builders know that school districts are an important factor in the home buying decision and strive to obtain land in the best districts.

Which new home communities should buyers consider if schools are a factor?

We have several new communities in some of the most desirable school districts in metro Atlanta. Long Hollow

Landing on Lake Lanier is in the Forsyth County school district, which is ranked 2nd in the nation; students in the neighborhood attend the highly rated East Forsyth High School. We are also selling at South on Main and Rivergreen The Retreat, and both are part of the Cherokee County school district, which is ranked 11th in the State of Georgia. In other areas like Fulton County, we are selling at Hillandale in Historic Roswell, the Manor Golf and Country Club in Milton and Kyle Farm in West Cobb. Each of these new home communities is located in a highly acclaimed school district.

For more information, visit Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties’ New Home Division at BHHSgaNewHomes.com.

NEW HOME COMMUNITIES NEAR GREAT SCHOOLS ABOUND IN METRO ATLANTA

Are you ready to find your dream home in metro Atlanta—one that gives you outstanding access to the area’s best school districts? Check out these fantastic new home communities as you begin your search:

South on Main Woodstock’s new urban village, South on Main is shaped by the unique vision and experience of Atlanta icon John Wieland and is more than just a neighborhood. Connect and unwind at neighborhood parks. Grab your bike and hit the trail for a short ride to Downtown Woodstock. Stroll the shops of Main Street and find your favorite dinner spot. Inspire your creativity at the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Train your green thumb in the community garden or just enjoy a sunny spot by the pool. All of this and more are at your doorstep at South on Main, where home are available from the $600s to the $900s. JWCollectionHomes.com

Kyle Farm This resort-style living neighborhood offers two-story homes, as well as multi-generational living with single-level ranch homes with full daylight unfinished basements. There is a large, open clubhouse with a swimming pool and spa, tennis courts, bocce ball and an event lawn. There is even a walking trail to Lost Mountain Park, and The Avenue at West Cobb is just a short drive away. Homes at Kyle Farm range from the $600s to $1 million with several ready for fall move-in. PMCommunities.com

Long Hollow Landing on Lanier Situated on the shores of popular Lake Lanier, this stunning new community features curated European transitional farmhouse-style homes. Located in the new East Forsyth High School district, Long Hollow Landing offers eight lakeside home sites, a community courtesy boat dock with a swim platform, a pavilion, a community gathering area and Lake Lanier access. Homes range from 2,606 to 3,659 square feet and are priced from the $600s to $1 million+. DavidPattersonHomes.com

Hillandale Hillandale, a charming Charleston-inspired neighborhood priced from the $900s to more than $1 million in Historic Roswell, offers elegant interior finishes and unique designs in a highly sought-after location. The sophisticated four- and five-bedroom thoughtfully curated homes feature an abundance of entertaining spaces both indoors and out. Homeowners at Hillandale enjoy a convenient and central location with easy access to local dining and shopping in Roswell and East Cobb. Districted in Roswell’s highly acclaimed school system, Hillandale is a neighborhood suited for any lifestyle. PMCommunities.com

Sales and Marketing by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division www.BHHSgaNewHomes.com