Raoul, Georgia, has ties to Alto and nearby towns
Raoul, a community of around 2,200 residents, is an extension of nearby Alto, in northeastern Georgia. Major employers like Lee Arrendale State Prison and processing plants anchor the area. Many locals also commute a short distance to Fieldale Farms. "Alto is in the middle of cities that offer a lot of opportunities," says David Zavala, a Realtor with K & A Realty Group LLC, who sells throughout the region. "You have easy access to Habersham County and employment opportunities. Cornelia and Clarksville have the companies to hire." Though unincorporated, Raoul's connection to Alto and neighboring towns shapes its identity as a small, industrious pocket of Habersham County. The area has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
The area has mostly manufactured homes and single-story houses
Raoul has winding roads that lead past rural homes and farmlands. Clusters of shrubs, pines and poplar trees serve as natural boundaries separating many residential properties. Several dwellings have elevated foundations and sit on steeply sloping lots. The area consists of manufactured homes and single-story houses. "There hasn't been a lot of [residential] development done, and there are very few subdivisions," Zavala says. Homes usually cost between $150,000 and $350,000. Zavala notes that buyers can find homes with more land in Raoul than in other communities in Habersham County. The area has a moderate risk of wildfire and flooding, which can impact homes.
Learning with Habersham County School District
Children leave the community to attend nearby public schools; some may travel up to 15 miles. Level Grove Elementary and South Habersham Middle are in Cornelia; both schools have B-plus ratings on Niche. Habersham Central High, situated in Mt. Airy, also has a B-plus. Habersham County School District offers school choice options for students.
Small public spaces along Grant Street
Lee Dorsey Cook Playground stands off from Grant Street. The Alto Community Center, across the road, hosts the Alto Spring Fling Festival and Parade. Area residents come together in June to enjoy contests, craft vendors, live music and family-friendly activities. The gathering has been an annual event for almost 20 years. Nearby outdoor recreation areas include Don Carter State Park and Lake Russell Recreation Area; both offer camping, hiking trails and a dedicated beach area.
Local barbecue and supermarkets in nearby Cornelia
A few service providers and restaurants are scattered along the highway, such as Mickey Pigg's BBQ. "[The area] has a few small businesses, like gas stations and DG Markets," Zavala notes. Residents can pick up fresh produce and other goods at local farms like Jaemor Farms and Echols Hilltop Orchards. The nearest supermarkets, Quality Foods Shopping Center and Ingles Market, are in nearby Cornelia. "Raoul is very convenient to Highway 441 to get to Commerce [about 20 miles away], which has a variety of major companies. It has a Tanger Outlets and restaurants," Zavala says.
Commutes to Cornelia and Gainesville
Railroad tracks run along Gainesville Highway to the east, while Highway 365, also known as U.S. Highway 23, defines the western border. The area is car-dependent, and drivers can reach the center of nearby Cornelia in about 7 miles. Northeast Georgia Medical Center Habersham, located 10 miles away in Demorest, stays open all day. The city of Gainesville is roughly 20 miles from Raoul. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport stands 80 miles away.
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Ashley Kennedy
