The name is more than a hint that this Cumming community is going to evoke memories. It harks back to those days when rocking on the front porches, sharing a dish at a neighborly gathering and strolling with the kids along the sidewalk were primary past-times. Traditions gives buyers a chance to recreate those nostalgic moments in homes designed to with old-fashioned character and contemporary features.

The location of the 400-home neighborhood was the first thing that appealed to Staci Sparrow and her husband, Luke. After living in Phoenix, the two were returning to the metro area and searching for a home in the Forsyth area.

“I work in Atlanta, and I liked the convenience to Ga. 400,” said Sparrow. “And by being on this side of the county line, we found the taxes lower in Forsyth than Fulton. And even though we only have a six-month-old, we did look at schools, and we took that into consideration, too.”

The couple also discovered that Traditions was situated close to the Avenue Forsyth, a shopping district of retailers and restaurants, and the Big Creek Greenway Trail with its paths perfect for biking, walking and jogging.

“We liked having quick access to the Greenway,” said Sparrow. “We do go over there to walk and run and enjoy the park.”

Traditions boasts its own parks as well, where fire pits and bocce courts invite residents to linger and socialize. The blend of houses with green spaces, play grounds and tennis courts gave the homey feel to the neighborhood that the Sparrows found appealing.

“The overall community design and feel, especially with the parks throughout the neighborhood, really drew us in,” said Sparrow.

The couple found a home being built by Front Door Communities that gave that the flexibility to make custom choices. They worked closely with builders to select back splashes, hardwood floor colors, carpets and paints to their preferences. The four-bedroom, four-bath plan was ready for them to move in last January.

Many of the features the family wanted were already part of the Traditions houses. Granite counter tops, hardwood floors, two-car garages and mudrooms are included in most of the floor plans that range from 3,100 to more than 4,000 square feet. Beyond the traditional exteriors are open designs that focus on spacious kitchens and gathering rooms. Many plans offer the opportunity to enhance the living areas with optional rear and screened porches, first-floor guest rooms, studies off the foyer, loft areas and fifth bedrooms.

Beyond the individual houses with traditional and Craftsman accents, the master-planned community boasts a lakefront clubhouse with a fitness center and fishing pier. A competition-sized swimming pool, splash park, playgrounds and pocket parks offer additional areas for community activities, and a pedestrian walkway makes it possible to leave the car and stroll to the nearby marketplace.

Traditions

Price range: From the $400,000s

Number of homes when completed: 400

Styles: traditional and Craftsman

Square footage: 3,100 – 4,000-plus

Schools: Vickery Creek Elementary, Vickery Creek Middle, West Forsyth High

Getting there: From downtown Atlanta, travel north on Ga. 400 to McFarland Parkway west and turn right; right on Union Hill Road; left on Mullinax Road; right on Fowler Road; right on Ga. 9. Traditions is on the left.