White clay and a close-knit community define Sandersville life
In mining pits, beneath layers of red clay, lies the “white gold” that put Sandersville on the map. This Middle Georgia city, the seat of Washington County, is known as the “Kaolin Capital of the World.” Kaolin, or kaolinite, is a soft, white clay used in ceramics, paints, plastics and more. The community anchors the white gold belt, a narrow Kaolin-rich strip on the Georgia Fall Line. The industry has declined since its heyday in the late 20th century, but it’s still a big part of the local economy and identity.
Zack Webb, a Realtor with Town & Country Realty of Georgia, says the annual Kaolin Festival brings a parade to the historic downtown, but beyond that, “It’s your typical small, rural town where a lot of folks’ families know each other.” With a population of less than 6,000, there are more trees than people around Sandersville, but residents appreciate the slower pace and hilly country setting.
Historic homes and newer builds span a wide price range
Established toward the end of the 1700s, the city has many historic residences. It is home to farmhouses and Colonial Revivals from the 1800s, quaint cottages and bungalows from the early 1900s and a collection of brick ranch-style and New Traditionals. The median price is around $205,000, up about 17% from last year. Prices range from under $100,000 to almost $500,000. A property’s age, condition, square footage, lot size and other factors can impact prices. There are a few special flood zones throughout the city, partly thanks to its creeks and ponds. Affected properties may require flood insurance for federally backed mortgages.
Public schools offer AP and career-focused programs
Washington County Public Schools receives a C-plus on Niche and has open enrollment. Ridge Road Primary (B) for prekindergarten through second grade and Ridge Road Elementary (C-plus) for third to fifth grade share a campus on the south side. T. J. Elder Middle (C) is on the north end. Washington County High (C-plus) is closer to the elementary and primary schools. The high school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses as well as Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs for horticulture, forestry, carpentry, occupational safety and automotive technology. Sandersville is also home to Brentwood School (B-plus), a private, college-prep choice for all grade levels.
Local athletes and hunters enjoy seasonal activities
The county maintains Kaolin Park, a recreational hub on Sandersville’s east side. It has tennis and basketball courts, ballfields, two playgrounds and a multipurpose facility with two gymnasiums. There’s plenty of game for hunters in Washington County, from quails and pheasants to deer and hogs. Nearby avenues for it include hunting clubs and local landowners. “We get an influx of people during deer hunting season,” Webb says. “I don’t do much hunting myself, but I’ll tell you what I like about it: the quiet. Honestly, I’ll just sit out there; it’s peaceful. We have some beautiful spots in the county, I tell ya.”
Hamburg State Park is less than 20 miles north of Sandersville with a 225-acre lake. Whether by boat or on the fishing pier, anglers can hook largemouth bass, bream and crappie. Along the trails, hikers meander through a dense forest of pines and hardwoods, eyes peeled for local fauna. The park also preserves some Georgia history, featuring a restored gristmill from 1921, one that still grinds corn for park events.
Dairy Lane draws crowds on Georgia football game days
Sandersville doesn’t have a huge commercial scene, but it’s got the essentials along Harris Street, also known as Georgia State Route 15. Harveys Supermarket and IGA are the main grocery stores. Gas stations, banks and fast-food options are on the road as well. Dairylane has been a community staple since the 1950s. “Oh gosh, Dairy Lane,” Webb says. “Hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, ice cream – it’s very well known. We get a ton of traffic through Sandersville during Georgia football games, coming through Highway 15, and Dairy Lane is a huge stopping point. You’ll see a ton of folks there on game days.” More local hangouts and dining options are farther up the road, in the city’s quaint downtown. Washington County Regional Medical Center is on the north side.
Augusta and Atlanta airports serve local travelers
The Fall Line Freeway, also known as Georgia State Route 540, is the main way in and out of the community. It’s also a main leg of the drive to Augusta, just over 60 miles northeast. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, roughly 130 miles away, is the busiest airport in the world and the closest option for international flights. Domestic flights are closer at Augusta Regional Airport, around 65 miles away. Sandersville is about 40 miles south of Interstate 20 and about 40 miles north of Interstate 16.
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Written By
Micaela Willoughby
