An inviting covered porch at one of Sanctuary Cove’s distinctive homes / House Design © 2004-2008 Garrell Associates, Inc.

Atlanta has long been the go-to destination for those seeking metropolitan living with a down-South flair. From its Southern hospitality to its thriving city center and rich cultural heritage, it seems people just can’t get Atlanta, Ga., off their minds. And the same thing that has kept residents in the city for decades is likely what’s drawing new residents in by the multitudes. Now, thanks to Atlanta’s wide-ranging popularity, the borders are rapidly expanding. What were once sidekick towns to big sister Atlanta are now evolving into bustling locales in their own right. Low-key counties such as Douglas, South Fulton, Fayette and Henry are quickly becoming more than just respites from traffic and city taxes. With new developments springing up in every corner, the “Southside” outskirts are some of the newest hot spots in town.

Douglas County

One of the smallest counties in Georgia, Douglas County, just 20 miles west of Atlanta, is big on scenic living and the great outdoors. Home to Sweetwater Creek State Conservation, the state’s third-most visited state park, the county’s 119,000- plus residents enjoy the lowest property taxes in the Metro area and a lifestyle reminiscent of the Carolinas.

The Reserve at Dog River

“This is an amazing little area,” says Neil Hughes, owner of Clear Creek Communities—the developers responsible for two of the county’s recent projects, Sanctuary Cove and The Reserve at Dog River. “There really isn’t anything (else) like this close to Atlanta."

Sanctuary Cove, the area’s newest lakefront community, has just begun breaking ground and is already reserving and pre-selling its three-to-five-acre estate lots. With almost 2.5 miles of shoreline, half of the lots will feature waterfront estates, with a select number having private docks. Homes range from the $600s to $2 million, with lots from the $150s to the high $300s.

Sanctuary Cove’s sister community, The Reserve at Dog River, opened late last year and has 12 home sites remaining. All the homes in this secluded neighborhood are built on five-acre lots and are bordered by Dog River Park, with Caine Creek dividing the subdivision. Homes start in the $600s, with lots ranging from $135,000 to $149,000.

South Fulton County

Le Jardin

Nestled in the bottom half of the state’s most populous county, South Fulton is home to a fraction of the nearly 1 million residents that abide in Fulton County. With a recent housing boom and shopping developments popping up across town, South Fulton is a prime location for those seeking city living without the hustle and bustle of city life. Offering both urban and suburban options, the cities that make up South Fulton are diverse and especially charming in their own way.

So, when KB Home and Martha Stewart wanted to design the custom-home community Hampton Oaks, they chose Fairburn, the historic little town with a vibrant social landscape. Inspired by Martha Stewart’s own homes in New York, Connecticut and Maine, Hampton Oaks offers three- to six-bedroom Colonial classics with plantation shutters, walnut hardwood flooring, designer appliances, fully-sodded lawns and communal vegetable gardens. With prices starting near the $200s, interested dwellers can have their very own piece of New England in the South.

KB Home wasn’t the only builder looking to capitalize on the unique living opportunities found in the area. Situated along the lush and rolling land of highway 92 is Le Jardin, an upscale development “inspired by the love of the arts and appreciation of the garden.” Aside from the towering estates built by Haven Properties, the Tapestry at Le Jardin features shady pergolas, a water park, indoor gym and tennis center, personal concierge services and the forthcoming Shoppes of Le Jardin. The community also teamed up with the Claude Monet Foundation to build the first-ever American replica of Monet’s Water Garden. Homes start in the $500s.

Fayette County

Famed author Margaret Mitchell is said to have gathered research for Gone With the Wind in Fayette County in the 1930s. Now, decades later, the county that is still in touch with its notable yet small-town roots is hoping to sell new residents on its progressiveness as well. With a population of about 100,000, Fayette boasts a rich heritage and tradition, the nation’s most successful planned community (Peachtree City) and acre after acre of pastoral land.

Waterlace

If you’re looking to call Fayetteville home, WaterLace is an inviting custom-built subdivision set against two pristine lakes with plenty of openness for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. With homes starting in the $400s, buyers can avoid cookie-cutter plans and tailor their spaces to their own personal tastes. Or head down the road to Lake Windsong, where unique Craftsman-style homes blend into the rustic background. This Dixon Realty community offers spacious floor plans with masters-on-main, large porches (perfect for enjoying iced tea) and three-car garages.



Henry County

Known as the “Mother of Counties,” Henry County is the fastest-growing county in Georgia and the sixth-fastest growing in the United States. According to the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the population has doubled in the last 10 years and is expected to keep increasing. At the time of the 2000 census, the population was 119,341; it is now estimated at 190,000 and steadily climbing.

The influx of newcomers is perhaps due to the low cost of living and simplified lifestyle afforded to Henry citizens. And despite the small-town atmosphere of the county’s cities, there seems to be something for every resident to take part in. Each year, several communities host annual fairs and festivals, while racing enthusiasts get their fix at the Atlanta Motor Speedway (located in Hampton), which hosts two major NASCAR events. Theater lovers can take in a production by the Henry Players, and visitors can even lounge at the Eagles Landing Country Club while enjoying the Chick-fil-A Charity Championship, an LPGA Tour Event.

Heron Bay Golf and Country Club

Henry County residents also have some great residential developments to call home, such as Heron Bay Golf and Country Club in Locust Grove. With a lakefront park, a 7,306-yard Canongate golf course, aquatic center and seven miles of walking trails, Heron Bay residents can relax resort-style any time of the year. Just 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta and the airport, some of the state’s top home builders have created little enclaves of luxury within this master-planned community. With prices ranging from the $100s to the low millions, there’s a home available for every budget.

For a truly simple way of life, South Hampton, a Legacy Community, offers low-key living in style. With spacious and attractive four- and five-bedroom homes starting from the $190s, this Hampton area subdivision is an ideal and affordable way to get an address on easy street.