Villa Rica or Bust...from CT! (Atlanta, Douglasville: houses, neighborhood, construction)

[pmichaelmd]

Originally Posted by brownshoe

I moved to Villa Rica, GA about 3 years ago from a large city (west coast) and I can honestly say that I haven't witnessed any outright racism here. I lived in both counties (parts of VR are in Carroll County, and other parts lie in Douglas County-possibly some parts in Paulding as well) and I absolutely love my neighborhood! I live in Mirror Lake and from what I have seen and experienced, the neighborhood is diverse. Now I have seen some African Americans spoken to (or about) in condescending manners however, I get the feeling that they were born and raised here and just "accept" that way of life. Now, of course my husband and I have had 'suspect' interactions with some but that is something that occurs anywhere. And although I was ready to throw in the towel on this side of the metro area, once we moved into our current home I finally felt like I was "at home."

Can you tell me a little more about how you like Mirror Lake? I have looked at a few homes on Barrington Lane in one of the newer developments (can't recall the name, but Removed has them). Pretty well-priced, considering the size, but smaller lots for such large houses. We will be moving up there in June and I will be working at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton...20 minute drive or so. I'm trying to decide whether the commute is worth it for the amenities Mirror Lake offers as Carrollton doesn't have any communities with the same amenities. I am also interested in the diversity of Mirror Lake as my family is mixed.

Thanks!

PMMD

[brownshoe]

Pros of Mirror Lake:

Golfing (for my husband!)

Trails and lakes (My family and I enjoy walking-there is a pedestrian path that runs from Mirror Lake towards the Publix shopping center. It isn't much yet, however with the new construction underway I am sure that will change.) My neighbor once told me that during the warmer times of the year, she feels as if she lives in a resort-because of the amenities.

Close proximity to the freeway (I travel to Carrollton several times a week and my husband works in Atlanta)

Neighborhood appearance-It seems as if everyone cares about their home and they put a lot effort into making it look it's best. (I also see several landscaping maintenance companies in the neighborhhod)

Most people wave and speak! I know this might sound silly, but it's those little things that matter to me.

Safety and security-Now I know that crime exists everywhere (and I was a little hesitant about selecting our home in ML due to its close proximity to I-20); my family has been in law enforcement for years-but I am comfortable when my children leave the house to play with their friends. And on the occasions when work takes my husband out of town, my neighbors come by to check if I need anything-we do watch out for each other.

HOA-The staff (I am sure it is just one woman!) is really on top of things.

Diversity-It is not as diverse as some communties (closer to the Atlanta area) however I do see (and meet) people from all kinds of backgrounds. And I have never felt uncomfortable (profiled-if you can understand ) while going about in my neighborhood, or while shopping at the local stores.

School-I absolutely love Mirror Lake Elementary-I have one child that attends there so I have had many opportunities to interact with the teachers, staff, and children there. Also, our bus driver (who has been with the school for a while) is great and she makes it a point to stop at each child's house, so they do not have to wait outside in the cold. Little things-all positive!

Cons of Mirror Lake:
School location-the junior high school that is-I have another child that attends there and although I like the school itself (for the same reasons as MLE) it is pretty far. Since this part of Villa Rica is located in Douglas County, the children attend (naturally) DC schools-and the nearest junior high is about 10 miles away. But same situation regarding the bus driver-all great! (BTW, Mirror Lake Elementary is right around the corner!)

Taxes-Although I have mixed feelings about this, the taxes are high ($3000+)in comparison to some of the other areas of VR (we have another home located in Carroll County and the taxes are over $2000 less than our primary home). I do attribute that to the property value, so I guess it's a good thing!

HOA fees: The normal dues are $425 per year (paid every January-they are not billed monthly or quaterly like some other HOA's) but that fee does not include use of the Country Club or Golf Course. That fee gives you access to the swimming pools, tennis courts, clubhouse, etc. You can opt to pay for golfing as you go, but if you do that with any regularity it would probably be better to pay the additional money up front.

Lot size-Depending on your preference they may be too small. Our home is approx. 4000 sf and our lot is approx 1/3-1/2 acre. However I love the way in which our yard is landscaped and I love the idea of not having to take of a yard that is 1 acre (our last house).
***
Mirror Lake is a large subdivision comprised of several 'communities' or 'neighborhoods'. We live in the original area of Mirror Lake (I think) off of Mirror Lake Parkway. But there is a road that connects the newer areas, which seem to be located off of Connors Road (which is also close to the elementary school). House prices average between the high $100k's to the ghigh $600k's. There is also a nice trail from the communities off of Connor's Road to the shopping center.

Like I said earlier, I travel to Carrollton frequently and for a small 'rural' community there seems to be several cultural events and opportunities there. University of West Georgia is located there-that could be the reason. And the city is growing tremendously.

Sorry this is so long-but I wanted to get in as much info as possible. I know the experience from relocating (across country) and would have loved for someone to have given me this info!

Good luck!

[pmichaelmd]

Originally Posted by brownshoe

Pros of Mirror Lake:

Close proximity to the freeway (I travel to Carrollton several times a week and my husband works in Atlanta)

Neighborhood appearance-It seems as if everyone cares about their home and they put a lot effort into making it look it's best. (I also see several landscaping maintenance companies in the neighborhhod)

Most people wave and speak! I know this might sound silly, but it's those little things that matter to me.

Safety and security-Now I know that crime exists everywhere (and I was a little hesitant about selecting our home in ML due to its close proximity to I-20); my family has been in law enforcement for years-but I am comfortable when my children leave the house to play with their friends. And on the occasions when work takes my husband out of town, my neighbors come by to check if I need anything-we do watch out for each other.

HOA-The staff (I am sure it is just one woman!) is really on top of things.

Diversity-It is not as diverse as some communties (closer to the Atlanta area) however I do see (and meet) people from all kinds of backgrounds. And I have never felt uncomfortable (profiled-if you can understand ) while going about in my neighborhood, or while shopping at the local stores.

School-I absolutely love Mirror Lake Elementary-I have one child that attends there so I have had many opportunities to interact with the teachers, staff, and children there. Also, our bus driver (who has been with the school for a while) is great and she makes it a point to stop at each child's house, so they do not have to wait outside in the cold. Little things-all positive!

Cons of Mirror Lake:
School location-the junior high school that is-I have another child that attends there and although I like the school itself (for the same reasons as MLE) it is pretty far. Since this part of Villa Rica is located in Douglas County, the children attend (naturally) DC schools-and the nearest junior high is about 10 miles away. But same situation regarding the bus driver-all great! (BTW, Mirror Lake Elementary is right around the corner!)

Taxes-Although I have mixed feelings about this, the taxes are high ($3000+)in comparison to some of the other areas of VR (we have another home located in Carroll County and the taxes are over $2000 less than our primary home). I do attribute that to the property value, so I guess it's a good thing!

HOA fees: The normal dues are $425 per year (paid every January-they are not billed monthly or quaterly like some other HOA's) but that fee does not include use of the Country Club or Golf Course. That fee gives you access to the swimming pools, tennis courts, clubhouse, etc. You can opt to pay for golfing as you go, but if you do that with any regularity it would probably be better to pay the additional money up front.

Lot size-Depending on your preference they may be too small. Our home is approx. 4000 sf and our lot is approx 1/3-1/2 acre. However I love the way in which our yard is landscaped and I love the idea of not having to take of a yard that is 1 acre (our last house).
***
Mirror Lake is a large subdivision comprised of several 'communities' or 'neighborhoods'. We live in the original area of Mirror Lake (I think) off of Mirror Lake Parkway. But there is a road that connects the newer areas, which seem to be located off of Connors Road (which is also close to the elementary school). House prices average between the high $100k's to the ghigh $600k's. There is also a nice trail from the communities off of Connor's Road to the shopping center.

Like I said earlier, I travel to Carrollton frequently and for a small 'rural' community there seems to be several cultural events and opportunities there. University of West Georgia is located there-that could be the reason. And the city is growing tremendously.

Sorry this is so long-but I wanted to get in as much info as possible. I know the experience from relocating (across country) and would have loved for someone to have given me this info!

Good luck!

That is actually very helpful. As I'll be working in Carrollton, I think my wife and I are going to make an offer on a home in Oak Mountain Golf. If that doesn't work out, I may reconsider Mirror Lake. Carrollton just doesn't have any communities with the amenities offered at Mirror Lake. The only negative would be the drive in to Carrollton every morning for work. How long does it take you to get to Carrollton? I have a "heavy foot" and could probably get to Tanner Medical on Dixie St. fairly quickly, but local law enforcement seems vigilant and I don't want to get tickets.

Again, thanks a bunch as this info is quite helpful.

Cheers,
PMMD

[pmichaelmd]

Originally Posted by brownshoe

Pros of Mirror Lake:

Golfing (for my husband!)

Trails and lakes (My family and I enjoy walking-there is a pedestrian path that runs from Mirror Lake towards the Publix shopping center. It isn't much yet, however with the new construction underway I am sure that will change.) My neighbor once told me that during the warmer times of the year, she feels as if she lives in a resort-because of the amenities.

Close proximity to the freeway (I travel to Carrollton several times a week and my husband works in Atlanta)

Neighborhood appearance-It seems as if everyone cares about their home and they put a lot effort into making it look it's best. (I also see several landscaping maintenance companies in the neighborhhod)

Most people wave and speak! I know this might sound silly, but it's those little things that matter to me.

Safety and security-Now I know that crime exists everywhere (and I was a little hesitant about selecting our home in ML due to its close proximity to I-20); my family has been in law enforcement for years-but I am comfortable when my children leave the house to play with their friends. And on the occasions when work takes my husband out of town, my neighbors come by to check if I need anything-we do watch out for each other.

HOA-The staff (I am sure it is just one woman!) is really on top of things.

Diversity-It is not as diverse as some communties (closer to the Atlanta area) however I do see (and meet) people from all kinds of backgrounds. And I have never felt uncomfortable (profiled-if you can understand ) while going about in my neighborhood, or while shopping at the local stores.

School-I absolutely love Mirror Lake Elementary-I have one child that attends there so I have had many opportunities to interact with the teachers, staff, and children there. Also, our bus driver (who has been with the school for a while) is great and she makes it a point to stop at each child's house, so they do not have to wait outside in the cold. Little things-all positive!

Cons of Mirror Lake:
School location-the junior high school that is-I have another child that attends there and although I like the school itself (for the same reasons as MLE) it is pretty far. Since this part of Villa Rica is located in Douglas County, the children attend (naturally) DC schools-and the nearest junior high is about 10 miles away. But same situation regarding the bus driver-all great! (BTW, Mirror Lake Elementary is right around the corner!)

Taxes-Although I have mixed feelings about this, the taxes are high ($3000+)in comparison to some of the other areas of VR (we have another home located in Carroll County and the taxes are over $2000 less than our primary home). I do attribute that to the property value, so I guess it's a good thing!

HOA fees: The normal dues are $425 per year (paid every January-they are not billed monthly or quaterly like some other HOA's) but that fee does not include use of the Country Club or Golf Course. That fee gives you access to the swimming pools, tennis courts, clubhouse, etc. You can opt to pay for golfing as you go, but if you do that with any regularity it would probably be better to pay the additional money up front.

Lot size-Depending on your preference they may be too small. Our home is approx. 4000 sf and our lot is approx 1/3-1/2 acre. However I love the way in which our yard is landscaped and I love the idea of not having to take of a yard that is 1 acre (our last house).
***
Mirror Lake is a large subdivision comprised of several 'communities' or 'neighborhoods'. We live in the original area of Mirror Lake (I think) off of Mirror Lake Parkway. But there is a road that connects the newer areas, which seem to be located off of Connors Road (which is also close to the elementary school). House prices average between the high $100k's to the ghigh $600k's. There is also a nice trail from the communities off of Connor's Road to the shopping center.

Like I said earlier, I travel to Carrollton frequently and for a small 'rural' community there seems to be several cultural events and opportunities there. University of West Georgia is located there-that could be the reason. And the city is growing tremendously.

Sorry this is so long-but I wanted to get in as much info as possible. I know the experience from relocating (across country) and would have loved for someone to have given me this info!

Good luck!

Does anybody know anything about Danielle Estates or Brittni Place? They seem to have some nice homes on nicely sized lots.

Thanks,
PMMD

[Ktrout]

Danielle Estates is on Liberty Road south of Flat Rock/Ephesus Church Road about 5 miles from I-20. The homes are big and nice (and in my estimation) overpriced. However, they are selling them to be sure.

Brittini Place is on Ephesus Church Road closer to Post Road. Again, large homes but maybe a little overpriced.

I looked at these homes and Nolanwood in the same area as well as Mirror Lake and many others.

In the end, I decided on Fairfield Plantation off HWY 61 between Carrollton and Villa Rica.

This is a private community with a security force and about 1500 homes, 3 lakes, golf course, marina, beach and several other benefits.

Dues are about $750 a year, but it is worth it for the added safety.

The homes are affordable with large to small lots depending on your preference.

I chose this place for the seclusion it offers. For example, the only people knocking on my door are Fed Ex and UPS, and they don't want to talk.

If that is not your preference, then there are homes closer together around the golf course and lakes at a premium.

The population is an ethnic mix with many people commuting to Atlanta for work.

There is no outright racism here, but I would not go as far as to say it does not exist in Carrollton. In fact, I have only seen one black person eating in the restaurants in Downtown Carrollton in about 75 visits at various times over the past 2 years. I can only attribute that to what a previous poster mentioned as "a condescending attitude."

It may be like going back in time for some, but I lived here 30 years ago, moved away and came back 2 years ago. In my experience, it has changed tremendously in that the area has grown by leaps and bounds and is continuing on that path.

Villa Rica in particular has no chance of being very racist because of the extreme ethnic diversity. There are Blacks, Latinos, Asians (mostly Japanese working for Honda), and a whole host of Europeans as well as Indians. Just yesterday, I met a woman from Egypt who just moved here from Miami.

One of my neighbors is Swedish and another is German. Two more of my neighbors are Black and another Latino. However, I have heard of no racial tension in this area and would suspect it is isolated if it actually exists.

My wife is Asian, and she finds very little problem dealing with the people in the area but considers Carrollton the most likely place it would happen if it did occur because of the "condsecending attitudes" present there.

To represent this as anymore than a progressing society would be irresponsible. However, the idea of blatant racism exists in a microcosm of isolated events and should not be distorted to exhibit anything more than just that.

I would say that you cannot rely on a person's single bad experience as a measurement of racist behavior and must understand that those sentiments are moving further and further into the isolation of West Georgia and East Central Alabama.

The actual truth is that people like to comment on racial issues without a comprehensive analysis of the situation.

Villa Rica is heading in the same direction as Douglasville was 10-15 years ago and it will be much more diversified because of its location on the freeway than its counterpart Carrollton, which is well south and intends to keep itself moderately sized.

Rather than promo Fairfield, I will simply say it clearly is not for everybody, but those who live here seem to like it well enough to stay because it is not one of those over-the-top ritzy communities but one of moderately to expensively priced homes with people who mix at times and keep to themselves at others.

All in all, I would choose Villa Rica over Douglasville or Carrollton.

[pmichaelmd]

That was a wonderful analysis and quite helpful to me. My family and I are planning the move at the end of June and are trying to figure out exactly what we'll do. We have a counteroffer on a home in Carrollton, in Oak Mountain Golf, but we'll see what becomes of it. I think the home is pretty nice, but overpriced. Should that not work, we will be looking elsewhere. My contract with Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton stipulates that I have to live within 20 minutes of the hospital on Dixie Street. I think we'll come back to Carrollton for another tour and focus on that corridor toward Villa Rica. My wife and I definitely want a new or newer house and are looking at the larger homes. We have one child and one on the way, so we also want diversity in the neighborhood, ie families with children, some different ethnicities would be nice as we are both of mixed ethnicity, etc. I am seriously considering Danielle Estates, although I wish the homes were all brick or stone without the hardi-plank sides, back, whatever. Are there new homes in Fairfield Plantation?

Thank you again for any and all advice.

PMMD

[brownshoe]

With regards to Fairfield Plantation, I think they are building new homes out there. We looked at several homes in that community but just opted for Mirror Lake. The people that I do know who live in Fairfield (some business owners, college professors) have all said positive things about it. The major reason for us choosing elsewhere was the location-my husband felt it was too far from I-20 (which I still didn't really understand!!

Oak Mountain Golf, I've also heard, is a very nice, affluent community. I have seen it featured in some "Southern Living" type magazines throughout the metro area as an up/coming community in West Georgia. Schools are not Carroll County School District, but Carrollton City SD-I have also heard that is a big plus.

It takes me approximately 30-40 minutes to drive from Mirror Lake to UWG. The hospital is not as far out as the college, and depending on lights, it could be around 20-30 minutes. More times than not however, I have made it to Carrollton in 20 min-the lights stayed green with me the whole way. The drive is also a straight shot-I-20 (exit 26) west to I-20 (exit 24), left onto SR-61 and follow that straight into town. (But I will add, on weekends or other times -evenings, etc.-I can get there in 15 minutes)

I had wanted an all brick home too when we first moved here, but for the size (and price) we ended with a 3 sided brick (??)

Good luck!

[pmichaelmd]

I spoke with our preferred builder again last night and we may go ahead and build as he says he can complete the house for us by the end of June. Oak Mountain Golf doesn't have any larger lots left, nor does Mirror Lake, so I think that, should we build, it will be in Stonegate Farms, another up and comer just a few minutes south of Oak Mountain Golf. All of those lots are estate-sized and I think we could build a home we like on 2.5 acres for a pretty reasonable sum. It's too bad that I like the amenities at Mirror Lake so much. The builder assures me that I can be at Tanner in under 20 minutes if I wanted to live in Mirror Lake. That may be so, but I don't know about the 0.5 acre lots. The homes we liked out there were so large that they looked like they took up the entire lot.
Hmmm...so much to think about, so little time!

Thanks again,
PMMD

[pmichaelmd]

Originally Posted by brownshoe

With regards to Fairfield Plantation, I think they are building new homes out there. We looked at several homes in that community but just opted for Mirror Lake. The people that I do know who live in Fairfield (some business owners, college professors) have all said positive things about it. The major reason for us choosing elsewhere was the location-my husband felt it was too far from I-20 (which I still didn't really understand!!

Oak Mountain Golf, I've also heard, is a very nice, affluent community. I have seen it featured in some "Southern Living" type magazines throughout the metro area as an up/coming community in West Georgia. Schools are not Carroll County School District, but Carrollton City SD-I have also heard that is a big plus.

It takes me approximately 30-40 minutes to drive from Mirror Lake to UWG. The hospital is not as far out as the college, and depending on lights, it could be around 20-30 minutes. More times than not however, I have made it to Carrollton in 20 min-the lights stayed green with me the whole way. The drive is also a straight shot-I-20 (exit 26) west to I-20 (exit 24), left onto SR-61 and follow that straight into town. (But I will add, on weekends or other times -evenings, etc.-I can get there in 15 minutes)

I had wanted an all brick home too when we first moved here, but for the size (and price) we ended with a 3 sided brick (??)

Good luck!

I wanted to thank you again for your input. I am sitting in the Hampton Inn in Carrollton as we have made yet another house-hunting trip. This time around my wife has fallen in love with Mirror Lake and I think we are going to build there. I don't know if our builder can have it done by the end of June, but he said he just might. He has done other homes in 120 days and they have been high quality.
Yes, the lots are somewhat smaller than I would like...about 1/2 acre, but I guess you can't have everything. At least my son will have other children with whom he can play and my wife will meet other wives, etc., to hang out with (I hope). Me, I'll just drive to Carrollton to work everyday and then back out to Mirror Lake when all is said and done.
Any more info is welcome...thanks again!

PMMD

[Figment 07]

Pmichaelmd!

I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner. If you are still in town, don't sign anything until you and your wife have looked at beautiful Whitestone Community.

It is just barely over the Douglas County line and I am pretty sure it would be much closer to Carrollton than Mirror Lake. I saw it a few weeks ago and it has paved walking trails along a creek - a peaceful, natural, woodsy setting of custom-built, upscale homes. There is a nice ammenity package including swimming pool, community center, tennis and basketball courts. There are both level and hillside building lots.

Ask around for directions or get your realtor to drive you, or pick up one of those free West Georgia real estate guide books and see if it's listed.

Whitestone Community from Carrollton: Take Hwy. 166 for about 10-12 miles (you will pass Fairplay School & Park on the right and the big Bright Star Church complex), then turn south on Highway 5; go a couple of miles and make a right into the entry of Whitestone.

I'll get you some better driving directions. It's only been opened for about a year. All the residents will new there -- not just your family.