By Amy Selby

Your neighborhood sets the stage for your life in Atlanta. You’re buying more than a home—you’re investing in a community, you’re building relationships with neighbors and, ultimately, you’re choosing the place to raise your family. The home-buying decision is not one to take lightly. When it comes to real estate, Atlanta has a reputation for providing the proverbial American dream at an affordable price. The metro area has a diverse offering of neighborhood developments and communities to suit any taste—everything from traditional neighborhood designs to resort-like communities with golf, tennis and aquatic centers.

“Atlanta has some of the best homebuilders in the country,” says David Ellis, executive vice president of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. “They offer a variety of construction techniques and there are some interesting things being done with cutting-edge technology. When judges choose the communities of the year, they look for a central theme the builder has followed, construction quality and the execution of the marketing plan. The amenities and how they are targeted to meet the needs of the community are also important.”

On the pages that follow, KNOWAtlanta has collected a sampling of the Peach City’s award-winning and award-worthy communities. You’ll find each development has its own identity and character, and that the homes and community features reflect the needs of its residents. These notable communities offer a sense of place—the kind of place to roll out the welcome mat and call home.

Braeburn
Developer: John Wieland Homes
Notable Qualities: This new development has everything that tops your home wish list: close proximity to any convenience and nationally ranked schools, floor plans and home designs made with families in mind, and all homes at Braeburn are protected by John Wieland’s exclusive five- to 20-year warranty.

Braeburn is one of John Weiland’s newest communities—so new that there are many opportunities to build your dream home. If you’re looking for something a little more turnkey, don’t worry: this Milton community has several move-in homes available.

Everything about this community is well-designed, starting with its location in Milton. This address takes advantage of the top-performing schools of North Fulton, easy access to GA-400, the business district of Alpharetta and the charming shops and restaurants of Crabapple. But, the location isn’t the only draw; Braeburn is planned to have luxury townhomes and homes set within 62 spacious acres. Homes feature classic architectural designs, and interiors include gourmet kitchens with breakfast areas, formal dining rooms, second-floor raised rec rooms and elegant owner’s suites. Townhomes also showcase classic designs and regal finishes while giving residents the ease of a lock-and-go lifestyle.

Braeburn is a club community—planned amenities include a private clubhouse, a fitness center, a swimming pool and private parks situated throughout the development.

Take a Tour: jwhomes.com/braeburn

Creekview at Shiloh Valley
Developer: Lennar Homes
Notable Qualities: Set high on a mountain, this master-planned community provides a natural backdrop for active families. Creekview’s location brings buyers award-winning schools, shopping and other neighborhood conveniences.

An excellent choice for relocating families, Creekview at Shiloh Valley offers 31 wooded homesites with exceptional homes priced from the $180s. There are a variety of plans providing four to six bedrooms and up to 3,000 square feet,” says Rose Humphrey, marketing manager at Lennar Homes. “Plus, the homes at Creekview are Energy Star rated and provide a variety of great features, such as granite countertops and hardwood floors.”

A big plus for homeowners is Creekview’s Energy Star rating. Homes feature energy-efficient appliances, carbon monoxide detectors on each floor, insulated windows, adjustable thresholds on exterior doors and a whole house sealant package. Residents can take full advantage of community’s amenities—a clubhouse, tennis and basketball courts, playground and swimming pool. Creekview’s location doesn’t get much better—residents are zoned for prestigious Cobb County public schools, and the community is located within easy reach of I-75, TownCenter Mall and all the shopping and dining on Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw. And the price point is right on target for families at $189,900 to $248,900.

Take a Tour: lennar.com

Dawsons Creek
Developer: Red Oak Construction
Notable Qualities: Set within desirable Cobb County, Dawsons Creek offers expansive floor plans at a steal, from the $270s to the $350s.
With a resume featuring 1,000 homes developed and built within Cobb County, it’s safe to say Red Oak Construction is dedicated to this suburban community. Dawsons Creek is a stone’s throw—1.8 miles—from Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and a short drive to historic Marietta Square. This location makes Dawsons Creek well suited to families, and homebuyers won’t mind the elegant features, either! This well-designed subdivision features homes with wooded lots, brick and siding accents, extensive hardwood flooring on the main floor, granite countertops and spacious master suites with sitting rooms and separate fireplaces. Floor plans also include coveted three-car garages and basements.

Dawsons Creek’s most notable feature is its price point. Homes that were previously in the high $400s are now available from the $270s to the $350s. Plus, homeowners have easy access to great schools, high-end retailers and unlimited recreation opportunities.

Take a Tour: redoakhome.com

Garner Creek at Parkview
Developer: Millcreek Builders, Inc.
Notable Qualities: This gated community is an impressive addition to the area with charming street lamps, ornamental mailboxes and upscale amenities, including a clubhouse, junior Olympic pool, tennis courts and more.

The best word to describe Garner Creek at Parkview is “custom.” Actually, another fitting description would be “award-winning,” as well. Garner Creek at Parkview has brought all the flourishes of a gated community to Lilburn—and Atlanta’s real estate community has taken notice. With four-sided brick exteriors, high-end finishes, thoughtfully planned streetscapes and four-sided sodded lawns, Garner Creek easily nabbed the highly coveted gold OBIE award (issued by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association) in 2009.

Millcreek Builders has a reputation for understanding homebuyer needs to construct a one-of-a-kind home, and this attention to detail is evident throughout the community. Homes feature extensive moulding packages, dramatic kitchens with custom cabinetry and double convection ovens, unfinished basements plumbed for a bathroom, media rooms, bonus rooms and two-, three- and four-car garages. A variety of spacious floor plans—with up to six bedrooms—are available, and homes start at $400K.

Take a Tour: garnercreekhomes.com

The Estates of Fernwood Creek
Developer: Traton Homes
Notable Qualities: This swim and tennis community in Woodstock offers natural beauty, traditional style architecture, and a highly desirable location, all at a significant discount to buyers.

With beautifully wooded lots, wide sidewalks, gorgeous two-story homes with two- and three-car garages, The Estates of Fernwood Creek is an ideal representation of the American dream. The only thing missing is a white picket fence—but that’s easy enough to fix! “Estates of Fernwood Creek has all of the elements of a notable community. The thoughtfully planned streetscape, extensive natural area, outstanding amenities and ideal central location near Roswell all form the fabric of this truly exceptional community,” says Kimberly Garwood, marketing manager for Traton Homes.

Families are sure to love the location. The community is within a half mile of charming Roswell and GA-400 and I-575. Homes are nicely appointed with hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, 42-inch stained maple kitchen cabinetry and granite kitchen countertops, trey ceilings in master bedrooms, large tiled showers and architectural roof shingles for added curb appeal. What’s most notable regarding The Estates is the value—Traton Homes acquired home sites at a considerable discount, and they are passing on the savings to homebuyers. Homes are available at a fraction of their original pricing, starting in the $340s.

Take a Tour: tratonhomes.com

One River Place
Developer: ST Residential
Notable Qualities: Homebuyers can choose from five beautifully crafted housing options set along the picturesque Chattahoochee River.

The Chattahoochee River provides endless recreation opportunities for metro area residents. Throughout the year, you’ll find running clubs training for the Peachtree Road Race along its trails, fishermen in waders hoping for a big catch and water enthusiasts paddling in canoes and kayaks. One River Place in Sandy Springs is one of the few communities set along the shores of “the Hooch.” As the development’s name suggests, homes are strategically built to give residents full advantage of the river. Buyers can choose from five different housing options: The River House, The Brownstone, The Club Home, The Garden Home and The Sanctuary.

The River House option delivers spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom condos with direct access to the river, priced from $109K to $299K. If your tastes lie with a more traditional townhome style, The Brownstones has a home for you. The Brownstones feature rooftop terraces with views of the park and preserve, large decks, two-, three- and four-bedroom floor plans and two-car garages. Homes are priced from $329K to $599K. Placed within the center of the community, The Club Homes offer convenient access to several amenities, including the pet park, nature reserve, the Meeting House and a lake. Floor plans feature two, three and four bedroom plans, coffered ceilings, brick exteriors and two-car garages. If you’re looking for a more secluded locale, The Sanctuary offers homes along the edge of the river with private balconies, sunrooms and screened-in porches. Homes are priced between $379K to $679K. With only 36 residences, the Garden Home is the most exclusive option within One River Place. These elegant townhomes boast up to 3,260-square-foot floor plans, porches overlooking a private park, two- and three-car garages, private decks and other fine features. The Garden Homes are priced from $359K to $529K.

Take a Tour: oneriverplaceatlanta.com

Sterling on the Lake
Developer: Newland Communities
Notable Qualities: This community delivers an oasis of outdoor recreational opportunities for every member of the family (there’s even a tree house for kids), plus a village green that’s home to regular neighborhood events.

It’s no secret that the highlight of this community is Sterling Lake, offering 75 acres to enjoy from your backyard, the community dock, the clubhouse or your own personal floatation device. Beyond the lure of the water, what Sterling on the Lake offers is an escape—it’s a getaway from your daily grind, and a place to relax, rewind and reconnect with neighbors and family. With an expansive network of trails, parks, playgrounds and the lake, Sterling on the Lake is a place to play. Amenities are the stars of this Flowery Branch development—residents can enjoy a lakeside clubhouse, a village green, parks and trails and two tennis centers (with a third in the works).

Residents can choose between stately townhomes overlooking the village green, lakefront homes and homes on wooded lots. Sterling on the Lake features homes at various price points by five homebuilders: D.R. Horton, Peachtree Residential, Ryland Homes, Touchstone Homes and Waterford Homes. With homes starting in the $180s, there’s a property for any budget.

Take a Tour: sterlingonthelake.com

A Community to Suit Your Needs
This list merely scratches the surface of the number of Atlanta’s well-designed communities ready to welcome new residents. As you search for your home, the most important criteria to consider are your needs for the community. “We’ve got something for everybody at price points that are appealing,” says Ellis. “Atlanta is well known for its affordable homes that are well designed. When you compare us to other markets, people are stunned at the value they can get in their real estate purchase.”