The top 10 Atlanta communities as ranked by MarketNsight closings in the past 12 months might surprise you.  Most of these communities are located pretty far from downtown Atlanta. This shows that people will definitely drive until they can buy and also that so many cities in the metro Atlanta area have their own unique charm and reasons homebuyers are attracted to them including quaint downtowns, walkability, amenities, green space and nature.

Here’s our list as ranked by MarketNsight for the trailing 12 months (through March 2022).

1. Twin Lakes & Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes– Jackson County

Twin Lakes, located in Hoschton, GA, is a 1,422-acre master-planned community with two beautiful lakes as the centerpiece for the neighborhood. Twin Lakes is comprised of Twin Lakes and Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes. Builders include Kolter Homes, Eastwood Homes, Fisher Homes and DR Horton.

The overall master-planned development is named Twin Lakes in honor of its 11-acre and 39-acre waterways and is located approximately 40 miles northeast of Atlanta.  A total of 2,600 homes are approved, with current plans calling for 1,300 single-family homes to be built in the gated Cresswind community. The property’s origins date back to the 1800s and include ownership ties to well-known local philanthropist and developer Scott Hudgens who gained acclaim for developing several major Atlanta-area shopping centers including the Mall of Georgia as well as his extensive charity work and involvement with the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games in preparation for the 1996 games.

2. Andover – Gwinnett County

Andover Manor is located in the Mall of Georgia area of Buford. There are three sections in this community: The Park, The Manor, and The Preserve. The Park has townhomes. The Manor and The Preserve have single-family homes, with the Manor on larger homesites than the Preserve. Each section will have its own unique floor plans and included features. Homes are priced from the $500,000s to $600,000s. This new community will have a swim, cabana, picnic pavilion and walking trails.

3. Cascades Place – Fulton County

This townhome community features a pool and clubhouse. Built by Rocklyn Homes, Cascades Place is sold out, but there are some resales available.

4. Mundy Mill – Hall County

Mundy Mill offers resort-style amenities from the $400,000s complete with a swimming pool at tennis courts. This Gainesville community has multiple sections. Chafin Communities is currently selling in the White Oak Park section of this neighborhood. There are two-story homes and ranch-style homes with brick and stone fronts along with concrete siding. They also offer painted brick exteriors to give homes a farmhouse feel inside and out. There is even an option to add an electric fireplace with full painted brick to the great room! McKinley Homes was building in Mundy Mill Township, but they have sold out.

5. Lakeview at Stonecrest – Dekalb County

Lakeview at Stonecrest built by Rockhaven Homes is located in Stonecrest, Georgia. This community is priced from the low $300,000s and offers a home for everyone with maintenance-free options of three-bedroom townhomes in The Collection or thoughtfully designed single-family home floor plans in The Summit. Residents can spend time with friends and family on their home’s main level patio or unwind in the refreshing pool at the community clubhouse.

6. Walnut Grove – Jackson County

Express Homes (a division of DR Horton) is proud to bring single-family homes priced from $344,990 to Pendergrass, Georgia. Walnut Grove will boast a pool, clubhouse, playground, and easy access to I-85. The four to five-bedroom homes with two to three bathrooms and two-car garages range from 1,774 to 2,804 sq. ft., providing plenty of space for living and entertaining. Residents have great proximity to the Pendergrass Flea Market (Georgia’s largest flea market!), Braselton Mulberry Riverwalk, and Chateau Elan Winery and Golf Club.

7. Mountain Crest – Forsyth County

Located at the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, Mountain Crest is a community in Cumming, Georgia, with new single-family homes for sale that offers a peaceful, rural setting with plenty of excitement close by. Forsyth County is known for its golf courses, festivals and local attractions such as the Sawnee Mountain Preserve and Lake Lanier. Homeowners can also enjoy great amenities, such as an 8,000-square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center and a seven-lane swimming pool. Built by Lennar, homes are priced from the high $400,000s.

8. Durham Lakes – Fulton County

Durham Lakes is a neighborhood in Fairburn, Georgia. Durham Lakes mostly features large homes that are very reasonably priced. This is a well-established community that continues to attract interest from buyers looking in the Fairburn area. Several builders are in this community including DR Horton and Century Communities.

9. Cannon Place – Forsyth County

Located in Cumming, Georgia, this townhome community is sold out.

10. Townes of Auburn – Gwinnett County

Phase Two of the Townes of Auburn in Auburn, Georgia is now selling from the low $300,000s. Three-bedroom plans include two-and-a-half baths and two-car garages. Homes have modern farmhouse exteriors, fireplaces, granite countertops and more.

11. Bonus Community #11– Sterling on the Lake – Hall County

Embrace the lake lifestyle! Sterling on the Lake located in Flowery Branch, Georgia has homes for growing families, empty nesters and first-time buyers. This community boasts true resort-style amenities including walking trails, lakes, tennis, pickleball and much, much more.  Several builders build in this community including Encore by David Weekley Homes and Harcrest Homes.

This list of the top 10 Atlanta communities proves that people can now work from anywhere! What are your thoughts? Comment on the top 10 Atlanta communities in our comments.