Holly Springs

Comprised of several unincorporated communities, Union Hill is a Georgia area where variety is a way of life. “It’s just as suburban as it is rural,” says Adrienne Snow-Freeman, a Realtor with Atlanta Communities and a Union Hill area local. “You can have a private house with acres of land or live in a more well-established neighborhood. It’s peaceful everywhere, though.” With plenty of nearby commercial options and proximity to Atlanta’s core, the area also has an element of big-city convenience. Across Union Hill’s plethora of subdivisions are three-to-five-bedroom dwellings built throughout the early 2000s. Homebuyers will find modern Craftsman-style homes in the Royal Oaks community or Neo-classical dwellings in Meadow Brook. Several developments are currently in construction, offering contemporary-style houses and modern farmhouses. Those looking for land will find custom-built estates on lots over 1 acre in size. Homes in Union can cost anywhere between $400,000 and $2 million, a range in the ballpark of a North Atlanta home’s average $550,000 selling price. “The market gets a little slower when houses get in the millions, but, overall, homes go quickly,” says Snow-Freeman. “People are always looking to get in the north Atlanta area because it’s an escape from city life.” “This is in the Cherokee School District, which is a sought-after location. Especially if you go to any of the Sequoyah feeder schools,” says Snow-Freeman. Children in the area’s western region can attend Hickory Flat Elementary, which has an overall A grade from Niche. Then, they may go to Rusk Middle School. In addition to its overall A grade from Niche, the school offers a variety of extracurriculars, including the broadcasting club and the walking club. Lastly, students may attend Sequoyah High School. Lending to its overall A-minus grade, the school has a Career and Technical Education Pathway Program to assist students in post-secondary plans. Focuses include food science, architectural engineering and marketing. Union Hill has several golf courses, including The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm. Members of this semi-private course can play the 27 holes featuring views of the North Georgia Mountains. “This is probably the most popular course in the area because it's been around since the ‘90s,” says Snow-Freeman. “They also have youth leagues, so it caters to all age groups.” Sequoyah Park is another popular recreational hub in the area. It has four baseball diamonds and an 18-hole disc golf course. Hikers can also wander the almost 2-mile nature trail surrounded by towering redwood trees. Equestrians will find plenty of options to board their steeds, like Blue Owl Stables or MDS Farm. They can even go to Union Hill Polo Club, the Atlanta metro area’s only full-sized field for the sport. Residents can also use the fitness center and indoor track at the Cecil Pruett YMCA. While the indoor lap lane pool here is well-used year-round, the outdoor waterpark is a popular spot to escape the summer heat. Residents will find ample convenience along Hickory Flat Highway, including a Publix or Kroger for groceries. “Hickory Flat is where we go for essentials, but we go to The Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta for any other type of shopping,” says Snow-Freeman. Less than 10 miles away, the open-air shopping center has over 100 stores, including Saks Off 5th, Nike and Vineyard Vines. Foodies can eat from several locally owned eateries in the area. For instance, The Union Hill Bar & Grill features a casual farmhouse setting with upscale American fare, like the pan-seared salmon atop creamy risotto or the buttermilk fried chicken. Sugar Pike Junction is across the street, and the unassuming joint serves breakfast basics like chorizo burritos and smoked sausage and eggs biscuits. “It takes about an hour to get to Atlanta with traffic, so we’re still considered a part of that metropolitan area. There’s a lot of commuters who live out here,” says Snow-Freeman. A 34-mile drive south on Hickory Flat Highway leads to Downtown Atlanta. The thoroughfare is also dotted with several Cherokee Area Transportation System bus stops.