Oakwood is a growing community just south of Gainesville
Oakwood's population has quickly grown, with over 2,000 new residents since 2020. "It's going to be a prime location in the future because we have so much growth," says local Realtor Jason Buffington of Keller Williams Lanier Partners. He's sold homes across the region for over 15 years and is from Flowery Branch. "We've got a lot of good things going on. It's a good area of quality homes and good schools." New housing continues to pop up as buyers seek a location near the University of North Georgia and Lake Lanier. And Buffinton emphasizes its central regional location. "You're 50 minutes to downtown Atlanta and 50 minutes to the north Georgia mountains."
A mix of 20th-century ranch-style homes and new-builds
Housing development started to pick up in the 1950s and '60s, but it was in full swing after the '70s. Most 20th-century homes are ranch-style, measuring anywhere from 1,000 to 1,750 square feet, and sell for $200,000 to $400,000. Oakwood also has hundreds of recently or newly constructed homes. "We've got a ton of new housing from 2020 and newer," Buffington says. "Prices are going up 5 percent a year, and many more than that because of the quality and the location." Many newer homes are contemporary colonials that list from $320,000 to $620,000. "There are some older homes on the lake with deepwater docks," Buffington says. Homes near or along Lake Lanier typically sell for $800,000 to $1.46 million. The community also features a mix of 20th-century and recently constructed townhomes, ranging from $175,000 to $375,000.
Everwood Elementary School plans to open in fall of 2025
Hall County Schools scores an overall B-plus on Niche with over 27,000 students. While the B-minus-rated Oakwood Elementary School actively serves the community, it's set to close at the end of the 2024-2025 school year and merge with McEver Academy. Construction of an entirely new facility is underway and will open for the 2025-2026 school year as Everwood Elementary School, honoring the former schools. West Hall Middle School scores a B-minus on Niche, and West Hall High School has a B. The community is also home to the University of North Georgia Gainesville Campus. Students can earn a Bachelor of Science or Arts degree or enroll in a career pathway for an associate's degree before attending UNG's main campus.
Nearby public parks and recreation on Lake Lanier
At the heart of the community is a small recreational area with a playground, splash pad, shaded pavilion and several picnic tables. Buffington says Alberta-Banks Park, about 4 miles south of Oakwood, is a popular spot for pickleball, softball and tennis. The park sprawls across 23 acres and features lighted fields and courts. Its covered pavilion can hold up to 70 people and is available to reserve. Lake Lanier also plays a huge role in local outdoor recreation. "We've got several parks with lake access to put a boat in," Buffington says. Longwood Park offers lake views with fishing, a boat dock, trails and waterfront tennis courts. Holly Park and Lake Lanier Olympic Park, while both over 10 miles away, offer beaches and boat ramps.
Highway 53 offers access to ample shopping and dining
Highway 53, also known as Mundy Mill Road, is a six-lane commuter strip lined with big-box stores, chain restaurants and coffee shops that stay busy. Buffington says there's always a line formed at 7 Brew Coffee. The highway's shopping centers offer varying options for grocery shopping, from Sam's Club and Walmart Supercenter to Aldi and Publix. Many stores are concentrated near the UNG campus. In addition to fast-food spots like Taco Bell and Burger King, Oakwood also features several locally owned restaurants. Loretta's Country Kitchen serves country fried steak, ribs and crab cakes, and Big Burritos Mexican Grill has build-your-own burritos, bowls and nachos.
Hopping on I-985 to reach Atlanta
Oakwood is a car-dependent community offering direct access to major highways. Interstate 985 cuts through the community and runs south toward Atlanta, about 47 miles southwest. Gainesville is about 7 miles north of the community. The Northeast Georgia Medical Center at Gainesville is one of the nearest hospitals, about 8 miles away. For international flights, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is 55 miles away.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
