Mountain Park is a former resort community defined by its natural assets
Mountain Park is an original 1920s summer resort community defined today by glittering lakes surrounded by dense flora, plus the diverse fauna that lives there. "It was originally vacation land for Atlantans," says local Realtor Jennifer Short Ellis of Keller Williams Realty Northwest. She's served Georgia homebuyers for over 12 years. Still, she explains, "it feels like you're on vacation while in the heart of Roswell. You're in hands-reach of modern conveniences, but it feels like you've stepped back in time." Mountain Park is a designated Wildlife Refuge, so fluttering Eastern Bluebirds, Pileated Woodpeckers and Red-tailed hawks are protected and admired community-wide. "You'll see owls, deer and some amazing wildlife, and the Wildlife Refuge designation prevents builders from coming in and clearing the woods." An active civic club engages the community through various celebratory events; otherwise, the community remains relatively quiet and tucked away.
Historic cabins and million-dollar new builds line narrow, woodsy streets
From Cardinal Drive to Cypress Street, Mountain Park's densely wooded streets are named for trees and birds. Winding backroads are almost entirely shaded by towering loblolly pine, maple and hickory trees, and the community has earned Tree City USA designation through the Arbor Day Foundation every year since 2012. Streets are often narrow, and according to Short Ellis, sometimes drivers must pull off to the side of the road when another car approaches. "It's one car at a time when trying to get down some of the original roads," Short Ellis says.
Much of the community's original wood cabins are now joined by mid-century cabins and ranch-style homes. Plus, there are several newer contemporary colonials. "As you enter Mountain Park, you'll wind down by wooded lots and see a historic cabin on your left or a newer home on your right," Short Ellis says. The terrain is relatively hilly, so several homes have raised back patios or staircases that lead up to the front door. Lots typically measure around a quarter acre, but a few homes sit on an acre. The community's original cabins usually list from $150,000 to $350,000, while ranch-style homes sell anywhere from $350,000 to $900,000. Sizable new builds list from $900,000 to $2.3 million. While lakefront properties are popular, they do not usually value any higher than $950,000.
A day at the community green and on the lakes
Residents enjoy Mountain Park's natural assets at the community green. "The green is nestled between Garrett Lake and Lake Cherful and has events like Oktoberfest and Fourth of July fireworks," Short Ellis says. "Most activity happens there." The Mountain Park Civic Club organizes most events and sponsors additional pool parties and community dinners. While gas-powered boats aren't allowed, the lakes welcome kayaks, canoes and boats with electric trolling motors. Catch-and-release fishing is permitted, and prospective anglers can get a fishing license at City Hall. And the lakes don't get overly busy, according to Short Ellis. The community's seasonal pool overlooks Lake Cherful, with a nearby playground and pavilion. While ducks and geese typically mosey the community, the mayor gently reminds residents not to feed the animals bread in the monthly newsletter.
Heading to Highway 92 for shopping and dining
Mountain Park has always had little to no commercial space. Short Ellis says she sold a lakefront property that was once a 20th-century general store, but now it's a single-family home, and the area remains mainly residential. Residents head to Highway 92 to dine or grab groceries. "You would go down Old Mountain Park Road and find Publix to your left and Target farther down," Short Ellis says. "Everything you could possibly need is right there." Mountain Park Plaza, home of Publix, is about 2 miles from the community center and has a consignment store and a couple of restaurants. Yeero Village, across from Mountain Park Plaza, is a popular Greek restaurant with staples like souvlaki and moussaka.
Fulton County Schools earn high remarks on Niche
The Fulton County School District scores an overall A on Niche and is among Georgia's top 30 best districts. "In addition to the community's eclectic nature, the top-rated schools really complete the package," Short Ellis says. Mountain Park Elementary School and Crabapple Middle School receive an A on Niche. Roswell High School offers world language programs in French, Spanish and Japanese, and in 2022, over 90% of AP world language students attained the Seal of Biliteracy. Niche gives RHS an overall A.
Riding PTVs and heading into downtown Roswell
City officials passed a golf cart ordinance allowing carts on community streets. These "personal transport vehicles," or PTVs as locals call them, are allowed on streets with posted speed limits of 25 mph or less. Highway 92 is accessible about 2 miles outside the community, leading about 7 miles west to Interstate 575. Downtown Roswell is 7 miles away. Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, the nearest hospital, is around 8 miles east. Atlanta is 30 miles south.
Written By
Brennen Martin
