Hoschton is a fast-growing Georgia city that retains a small-town feel
Ongoing residential expansion has transformed Hoschton into one of Georgia’s fastest-growing cities. With its prime location between Athens and Atlanta along the Interstate 85 corridor, it has become the center of development in Jackson County, the second-fastest-growing county in the state. Amid the expansion, Hoschton’s population increased more than 300 percent from 2020 to 2026. Presently, about 8,700 residents live here. Yet, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Hoschton still has a single-street downtown, and it is anchored by historic attractions and well-rated schools.
Master-planned Twin Lakes a highlight as construction continues
“We have a lot of new communities that are either already developed, still in construction or coming soon,” says Dawn Crosby of Bolst, Inc., who lives in Hoschton. Twin Lakes is Hoschton’s premier destination. The master-planned community continues to be built out, with plans for 2,600 homes in total, split between an all-ages setting and the 55-plus Cresswind at Twin Lakes. “That’s the pickleball mecca,” says Dianna Lueke , who works for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties and has sold several homes in Hoschton. Cresswind Pickleball Club is the featured recreational attraction of a community that has won several regional and national homebuilder awards for its housing, amenities and overall lifestyle. The typical Twin Lakes home is a multi-level dwelling, whereas homes in Cresswind tend to be smaller. Newer, non-HOA homes mingle with an eclectic mix of older homes in the heart of the city, but most of the new construction consists of contemporary homes in planned developments. “This area could accommodate neighborhoods because there was available land,” Lueke says. “It’s a normal growth pattern. You run out of space, and you keep going farther out.” New homes continue to be built in and around Hoschton. Many of the new HOA homes in the outlying areas of Hoschton offer larger lots, and they mingle with a collection of acreage homes in a variety of sizes and styles. Prices in Hoschton, which include contemporary townhouse offerings, typically range from the high $200,000s to the mid-$800,000s, although select properties can list for more than $1 million. “Everyone is moving north from Atlanta and Gwinnett County to get away from the traffic and the expanding infrastructure. You’re gonna get a bigger bang for your buck up here.” Despite rapid growth, Hoschton remains a safe community. The city’s Cap Index Crime Score of 2-out-of-10 is lower than the national average of 4.
Restaurants, shops found along Highway 53 from Hoschton into Braselton
Shopping and dining options are concentrated along Highway 53, which runs through the city and into neighboring Braselton. Featured stops include:
- Kroger Marketplace, which opened in August 2025
- Fergusson’s on the Square, a quaint café with a tea room
- The Depot by Four Brothers, a cocktail bar in a historic train station
- The Vintage Peach Boutique, a highlight of Hoschton’s specialty stores
- The 1904, a commercial complex in the original Braselton Bros. Department Store
Downtown Hoschton is also the center of community events, with spring and fall festivals held annually.
No growth without good schools
The city is served by the highly rated Jackson County School System. “The schools are very good,” Crosby says. “We wouldn’t have the growth we have without them.” Young students can attend West Jackson Elementary School, located in Hoschton, and West Jackson Middle School. Jackson County High School features the International Baccalaureate course of study. “It’s a growing community that still has that small-town, Southern vibe,” says Crosby, who adds that even residents without kids will attend high school football games. The district allows transfers, subject to availability.
Sell's Mill Park is an attraction; amenities abound at Twin Lakes
Parks and recreation Hoschton’s most notable recreational attraction is Sell’s Mill Park, which features a historic sawmill in a picturesque setting that includes a waterfall. The park, which also offers a playground and walking trails, is a popular spot for picnics. Other city parks host organized youth activities on their baseball diamonds and soccer fields. Twin Lakes residents enjoy exclusive, resort-style amenities. An 18-hole public golf course is the featured attraction at nearby Reunion Country Club. Outdoors enthusiasts can take advantage of regional waterways, including the Mulberry River and Lake Lanier.
Interstate access to Athens and Atlanta
I-85 provides direct access to the region’s largest cities. Athens, home to the University of Georgia, is 30 miles away, and the state capital of Atlanta is a 50-mile drive. “Eventually, 10-20 years from now, it will be more congested, but you can still get to the interstate, shopping and the airport quickly,” Crosby says. “They’ve even extended the interstate. Now that the growth is here, they’ve made it more accessible to get to work quickly.”
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Written By
Matt Pallister
