I think the city of Ball Ground, GA, is often overlooked as a "small" rural community, removed from the bustle of the more southerly portions of Cherokee County. I have encountered online discussions that comment on the lack of "shopping" and "entertainment", and distance from main hubs of activity (including somewhat disparaging remarks), that imply it's not worth considering as a place to live.
And to a degree, some of the statements are true. Ball Ground has no mall or megaplex theater or Wal-Mart. But then again, not everyone needs those things on their doorstep -- many in fact would prefer not to have them. What I feel many are missing when they exclude homes for sale in Ball Ground from their search criteria, is the breadth of the area and properties contained within the search term "Ball Ground", and the future potential of this quiet community.
Without going into great detail about demographics or history (which information is readily available on the Internet), I would like to point out some of the features that I feel make Ball Ground real estate of particular appeal to the right buyer.
In my opinion, Ball Ground's position between the fast growing towns of Canton and Jasper (and to an extent Cumming), make its long term growth inevitable. Residents meanwhile are able to avail themselves of the medical, retail, service, dining and entertainment industries of these surrounding cities, mere minutes away, without the crowding or congestion. There is the sense of being away from it all, yet commutes are very reasonable for those working further afield. A best of both worlds scenario.
Progress is being made on some local commercial development, including a new Publix store, which will provide for more immediate needs, and the city has raised $1.3 million for a streetscape project that will improve on existing pedestrian infrastructure. A new city hall and post office, and fairly new library, are already in place. All important factors that play into my main point . . .
While the Ball Ground of today has the appearance of a one street town, occupied mostly by the late Oscar Robertson's collection of rock-filled storefronts, all the signs are in place for change on the horizon . . . but, Ball Ground real estate prices right now are still at a very reasonable level!
What many buyers considering Ball Ground homes for sale perhaps overlook is that of the more than 200-homes available in the area, many are newer, on larger acreage, or actually closer to conveniences than first thought. For example, some of the listings of houses for sale are actually in Pickens County, in the Yellow Creek / Four Mile Church Rd area (such as The Oaks at Yellow Creek), while still others are further east, all the way over in Forsyth County along Highway 369 (Matt Highway), such as homes found in The Preserve at Etowah, Poole's Mill, or River Hill . . . all still considered to be part of the Ball Ground area.
Even within Cherokee County, homes or land designated as having a "Ball Ground" address can be found as far from the actual city limits as west of Highway 515, extending from Bethany Road up to the Pickens County line -- Rock Chimneys, Bethany Manor and Stonewood Farms are examples of developments in this portion. Heading south, Ball Ground homes for sale can be found along East Cherokee and Coker's Chapel all the way down to busy Highway 20, including the neighborhoods of Creekside Estates and Smithwick Crossing.
As mentioned, many homes offer large acreage or other features not readily found in more built up areas, particularly the great many houses that do not fall within any clearly defined subdivision. Prices vary greatly, everything from the mid-$100's to low-$200's found in Bethany Manor, Olde Mill, River Brooke, Lantern Walk, Smithwick Crossing and Mountain Brooke, to the high-$200's and $300's found in Creekside Estates, Maple Valley, Rock Chimneys, Stonewood Farms, and Oaks at Yellow Creek. There are even the $1-million plus neighborhoods of Hawk's Ridge and Woodhaven Bend for the higher-end buyer.
Aside from the improvements taking place within the city itself, one of the important elements I see is that a number of these newer, affordable neighborhoods are located within, or close to, the city limits, on small level lots, making maintenance easy, and walking to at least some conveniences possible. (Mountain Brooke North, Olde Mill, Lantern Walk, Maple Valley). Styles are generally some combination of Craftsmen / traditional, and often are slab or one-level living, for a consistent appearance and possible suitability to retirement or senior living, as much as starter or family homes. One community (Lantern Walk) even bills itself as an "Active Adult" community. If this trend continues, Ball Ground may be able to offer a truly "community" feel for the great number of people who would like to see a return to this type of lifestyle. And to me that's a huge selling point.
(For those who prefer to "keep their distance", The Oaks at Yellow Creek offers 3+ acre wooded lots and Creekside Estates 2+ acres, so again, plenty of choice for all home buyers).
Overall, Ball Ground has too much to offer from location, convenience, affordability and charm to remain a secret forever, and I don't expect it to stay that way. The opportunity to get in on the ground floor is likely now, while prices are reasonable . . . probably won't be the case a few years from now.
For questions about Ball Ground or any of the communities mentioned here, please feel free to contact me, or post a comment below.
