In a Buckhead State of Mind
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According to Atlanta-based real estate consulting firm Haddow & Company, townhomes have been dominating the metro Atlanta home market in recent years. In fact, townhomes accounted for 70 percent of intown home sales in 2023 alone, as home buyers clamor for this burgeoning residential option. As a matter of fact, more builders then ever across the Atlanta area—as well as the entire country—are focusing on developing townhome communities to meet an ever-growing demand; insurance company Steadily notes that 5.9 percent of the current U.S. housing market is comprised of townhomes. But what is driving this shift towards these modern attached multi-story residences in today’s competitive home market? KNOWAtlanta asked some of the metro Atlanta region’s most renowned homebuilders for the scoop on the area’s booming townhome market. Here, they share their insights, as well as details about some of the newest townhome communities that are available for local home buyers.
Something for Everyone
The beauty of a townhome is that it does not appeal to only one type of home buyer. As Kimberly Garwood, director of marketing for Traton Homes, notes, “A diverse range of home buyers are choosing townhomes in metro Atlanta, including first-time home buyers, young professionals, empty nesters and investors.” Chris LaFaive, owner and director of operations for Rezide Properties, one of the premier builders in the Lake Arrowhead community, agrees, stating, “The metro Atlanta market continues to prove robust for townhomes. We see continued demand across all demographics, market segments and submarkets.” According to Greg Vincent, sales manager for Lennar Atlanta, some of those demographics include singles and couples who are just married. And Cammy Luchina, sales director for Artisan Built Communities, reveals that executives seeking a live-work-play lifestyle also can be added to the list of townhome buyers in metro Atlanta.
Of course, while each of these home buyers is in a different stage of life and has specific residential requirements, they actually do want some of the same things, all of which can be met by purchasing a townhome instead of buying a single-family home or renting an apartment.
An Affordable Option
For many people, the initial reason for considering a townhome purchase is simple. “As housing prices continue to rise, townhomes offer a more affordable option, making them desirable to a wide range of home buyers who want to live in metro Atlanta’s most attractive locations,” Garwood says. Today, townhomes in the Atlanta area can range in price from several hundred thousand dollars to more than $1 million, but the median listing is around $400,000. With some options starting below that median price, home buyers can become homeowners more affordably than ever before when considering townhomes.
Fortunately, homebuilders in Atlanta are more than happy to provide townhome opportunities for buyers. They are attracted to building this type of product not only because of townhomes’ rising popularity, but also because they too recognize how economical the process can be for them, as they can build a higher density of homes for fewer dollars. According to LaFaive, “Townhomes are a great way to keep costs down for the buyer. Both the land and development costs are less, and, because of that, we can provide a tremendous value for the client at the end of the day. We are able to keep costs down while allowing people who would otherwise rent to be able to purchase their American dream. That’s why we are seeing townhome buyers from first-time buyers all the way to retirees looking for a hassle-free lifestyle.”
Low-Maintenance Living
The lifestyle of a townhome is another major selling point for current home buyers. To start, while these residences offer the coveted space associated with single-family homes, they do not come with other standard responsibilities that can feel like a downside to homeownership. “Townhomes serve a growing trend of lower maintenance at both ends of the demographic cycle,” LaFaive says. “Nesters like the lock-and-leave nature , and many millennial and Gen Y buyers enjoy not having to worry about yard work, landscaping and other chores that come with single-family ownership.”
Garwood adds, “Townhome living is truly the ultimate low-maintenance home ownership experience. Most townhome communities in metro Atlanta are part of homeowners’ associations (HOAs) that take care of exterior maintenance, landscaping and sometimes even roof repairs and replacements.” This ease of lifestyle allows homeowners to find a certain amount of balance and enjoy a high quality of life, as they can enjoy more personal or social time while still having a beautiful, well-kept residence to call home.
Location is King
In the past, low-maintenance living could only be found in urban locales; however, times are changing, and townhomes are becoming a very sought-after option in suburban locations as well. This coincides with the rise in popularity of mixed-used, or live-work-play, developments, particularly in metro Atlanta. Marked by environmentally friendly and creative layouts, these communities offer convenience, beauty and walkability so that residents can live healthy, balanced lives in dream homes with everything they could want. From shopping and dining to high-level employment opportunities with companies large and small, it’s all there within the community—and, as Luchina notes, townhomes are quickly becoming the crown jewels of these developments both inside and outside the perimeter of Atlanta.
“Many mixed-use developments have townhomes featured as the main housing type, as their style allows for the density needed to support great restaurants, coffee shops and retail shops,” LaFaive states. Vincent also notes that the live-work-play atmosphere is a major draw for home buyers today, and townhome communities are popping up in developments across metro Atlanta locales like Duluth, Buford, Sugar Hill and Gainesville. As these same locations are key employment centers for the region, people already are drawn to them; having townhome offerings nearby is simply a bonus for those ready to settle down and experience homeownership. What’s more, Luchina says, “As people strive more for the live-work-play lifestyle that we see emerging, owning a townhome will not only be affordable and convenient, but also marketable to the next generation to come.”
No Detail is Spared
When it comes to today’s townhomes, the interior and exterior features available undoubtedly are comparable to what can be found in the most well-appointed single-family homes in metro Atlanta. From design and layout to appliances and finishes, no detail is overlooked by the builders who are making these homes integral to their residential offerings. And that same attention-to-detail is often applied to the amenities found within the townhome communities themselves.
For instance, in the spring of 2024, brothers Clif and Chris Poston, executive vice president and COO of Traton Homes, respectively, wrote in KNOWAtlanta Magazine about the company’s recent Talk of the Townhome promotion, “We design our townhomes with spacious open-concept plans and complete them with the same on-trend finishes popular in our detached homes. We pay attention to their flow and feel, bringing in a lot of light. We might plan an especially welcoming front entry, construct the same high ceilings we would in a detached home or even place a primary suite on the main floor. Outdoor living areas like terraces, covered porches and patios extend the space as you would expect but without the distracting view of a yard that needs your attention. Many townhome communities also include fantastic amenities; pools, cabanas, walking paths, dog parks and fire pits are common. And many of our communities are known for their walkability; owners can stroll to the neighborhood farmer’s market or concert in the park. You might say we’re ‘going to town’ in our efforts to get homes built for people who will love them.”
A Sense of Community
Being connected to a neighborhood—and the people within it—is one of the key perks of being a homeowner. Clearly, townhome communities offer that feeling in spades. As Garwood states, “Townhome communities offer a sense of community. Townhome residents live in close proximity and share amenities, which encourage interaction and socializing.” And with townhome communities having so many nearby amenities, there’s always something to do when neighbors get together to enjoy each other’s company.
Whatever reason draws home buyers to townhomes, it seems there is no slowing in sight for the local market. LaFaive concludes, “Townhomes are a great purchase for anyone looking to live an active lifestyle who wants to prioritize quality of life. They provide an opportunity for homeownership and rising equity while keeping maintenance costs and time spent low. We will continue to see demand growing for this type of product. Townhomes are a great way to provide the people needed to support local business while allowing Americans their slice of the American dream: homeownership.”
Gallery of Townhomes
Beckham Place at Morningside
• From the low $700s
Situated in the prestigious Morningside neighborhood just steps from The Beltline and Piedmont Park, Beckham Place at Morningside is a new construction community of luxury townhomes, each with rooftop terraces offering skyline views of Atlanta. At Beckham Place at Morningside, homeowners will enjoy an amenity-rich community offering a pavilion, sparkling pool, cabanas, fireplace and outdoor grills. Visit today and tour the model home.
Townes at South Main
• From the high $400s
Nestled within the vibrant tapestry of Downtown Kennesaw is Townes at South Main. Enjoy the convenience of being steps away from shops, restaurants and year-round events. Each three-story townhome features three bedrooms and 3.5 baths, finished terrace levels, stylish kitchens, luxurious owner’s suites and spacious decks.
Residences at Gateway
• From the $300s
Discover modern living at our brand new townhome community in Winder. Nestled in a prime location, residents enjoy the convenience of strolling to nearby shops and restaurants and staying active at the nearby gym. With stylish design and a vibrant community atmosphere, every day offers a new adventure right at your doorstep.
Waterview Townhomes
• From the mid $500s
Experience new townhomes located in the pristine and natural fabric of the picturesque setting of Lake Arrowhead. Trendsetting design and high-end appointments will complement the extraordinary views from these handsome homes overlooking the marina. Located close to the gated South Entrance, you are just a short drive from the Mill on Etowah in Canton, as well as numerous other shopping outlets and restaurants.
Rosehill Townhomes
• From the $390s
This is an exceptional new community of just 33 townhomes in Marietta, located minutes from Marietta Square and Truist Park. This unique opportunity offers two-story townhomes featuring open-concept living, modern finishes, attached two-car garages and a community dog park.
Serenity at Hapeville
• From the high $400s
Serenity is located in a neighborhood brimming with local eateries, bars, art and murals. With a prime location close to downtown Atlanta, these stylish townhomes provide the perfect blend of convenience, comfort and community.
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