In the late 1820s, Villa Rica was at the center of Georgia’s gold rush, with 19 gold mines that produced some of the region’s purest gold. Founded in 1826, the city’s name, “rich village,” honors its gold mining past and landmarks like the Pine Mountain Gold Museum. Villa Rica is also connected to figures like Coca-Cola founder Asa Candler and gospel music pioneer Thomas A. Dorsey. Today, the city is home to over 19,000 residents drawn to it for its spacious feel and new developments.
Located 33 miles from Atlanta and the Alabama border, the city is accessible via Interstate 20. Many locals commute to Atlanta for work, while the local school system and manufacturing companies are major industries.
Villa Rica is located along I-20 providing access for Atlanta commuters.
Once a gold mining town, Villa Rica now features many businesses, like those found on Main St.
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Villa Rica's new construction and rural sprawl
Villa Rica offers a mix of spacious land and new development. The median home price is $315,000, lower than the neighboring median of $473,500 and Atlanta's median of $418,000. In 2024, LGI Homes opened Conners Landing at Mirror Lake, near the Mirror Lake Golf Club, with homes ranging from 1,601 to 2,231 square feet, starting in the $300,000s. Another new development, The Cottages at Villa Rica, is a 192-unit townhome community being built by Jim Chapman Construction Group. While parts of the city develop with residential neighborhoods, other areas remain rural, with livestock and working homesteads. Lots for sale range from $25,000 to over $1.5 million.
Historic homes of Villa Rica include wooden clapboard, such as this charming multi-story.
Villa Rica's homes, like this farmhouse, have decorated porches that add to the charm.
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A growing Main Street and annual Gold Rush Festival
Main Street Villa Rica plays a significant role in the city's downtown revitalization, helping to bring new life to the area. The downtown strip offers a mix of small businesses, from local shops to historic buildings like Wicks Tavern, one of the county's oldest commercial structures. The nearby Downtown Villa Rica Entertainment District has breweries and bars where people can enjoy a drink and browse local shops. Just a short drive away, Douglasville's Arbor Place offers over 100 retailers and restaurants.
The Pine Mountain Gold Museum connects visitors to Villa Rica's 19th-century gold strike with a train ride around the museum and through the mining station and farm. The Mill Amphitheater is the city's entertainment hub, hosting summer concerts and the Gold Rush Festival, a three-day tribute to the city's gold mining history each September. The amphitheater also hosts the West Georgia Jazz Festival in April.
Villa Rica's Pine Mountain is Georgia's only gold museum on an actual gold strike site.
Visitors of Villa Rica's Main Street can take a short walk between the plethora of businesses.
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Developing The Goldway trail network and Lamar Moody Park
Villa Rica offers over 300 acres of outdoor recreation. One of the largest parks is the 133-acre Lamar Moody Park, featuring an 8-acre Lake Paradise popular for boating and fishing. Gold Dust Park is home to the Villa Rica Parks and Recreation Center, offering activities like meditation, yoga, stretching and crocheting. The park underwent a major upgrade, adding a new playground and splash pad in 2023. In addition to these improvements, it includes tennis and basketball courts, baseball fields, and a racquetball court. The city is working on developing The Goldway. This multi-use trail network will connect neighborhoods throughout Villa Rica and link to other growing mixed-use developments and Villa Rica High School.
Lake Val-do-mar and Mirror Lake Golf Course create one of the best views found in Villa Rica.
Gold Dust Park is a great place to walk and bring the dogs for some exercise.
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A-rated Carroll County School District
The Carroll County School District has an A rating on Niche and serves nearly 16,000 students. Six of the district's schools are STEM-certified, recognized by the Department of Homeland Security for their quality teaching in these subjects. Some areas of the city are zoned for the B-rated Douglas County School System, serving about 25,000 students. The University of West Georgia is 17 miles southwest.
Villa Rica Elementary School is a highly rated, public school located in Villa Rica.
Villa Rica Middle School welcomes students grades 6-8.
Villa Rica High School is an above average, public school located in Villa Rica, GA.
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Equal distance from Alabama and Atlanta
Villa Rica offers easy access to Interstate 20 and Highway 78. Atlanta is about 33 miles away, and the Alabama state border is roughly the same distance. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country, is about 40 miles away.
The city experiences hot, humid summers and is at risk for tropical storms and tornadoes.
Crime
According to the FBI's Crime Data Explorer, Villa Rica has reported lower crime rates than the state and national averages over the past two years.
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Villa Rica, GA sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Villa Rica, GA over the last 12 months is $310,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch with peaceful lake views in the sought-after Mirror Lake community! Enjoy nearly 1,900 square feet of comfortable living space with fresh carpet and paint, a fenced backyard, and a versatile bonus/storage space over the garage - ideal for future living space or extra storage. The open floor plan offers spacious living and
Seller willing to contribute towards the buyer's closing costs and include some of the home furnishings with an acceptable offer! Welcome to this nearly new, end-unit townhome located in the highly sought-after gated community of The Emery in Villa Rica. FHA Eligible! Step inside to an inviting open-concept main level featuring durable LVP flooring and abundant natural light. The modern kitchen
Welcome to 9602 Coastal Pointe Drive, a Fabulous, well cared for & updated home in Mirror Lake, located on the Golf Course with a Primary Bedroom plus a 2nd Bedroom on the Main Level! Mirror Lake has 36 holes of Golf, a 96 Acre Lake, Pickleball, Tennis Courts, Swimming Pools, Pine Mountain Gold Museum/ Park- all in all it is a great place to call home. Stepping into the front door, you are
Home Buyers- this home comes with a free home warranty covering up to 25k in repairs/ replacements, plus our copyrighted buyer satisfaction guarantee! Stunning 4BR/3BA in Mirror Lake Golf Community! Fresh paint, new flooring, renovated Jack & Jill bath, and a main-level in-law suite. Bright, open layout with high ceilings and cozy fireplace. Beautiful backyard with fresh landscaping. Walk to new
Investment opportunity with steady monthly rental income. Welcome to this elegant residence located in Villa Rica, situated within a tranquil community that has no homeowners association. This meticulously designed home along with a full basement encompasses over 2,500 square feet of thoughtfully arranged living space, featuring three spacious bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms. The
Beautiful large home plus completely separate Inlaw suite!!! This home features 2 story foyer, large master on the main, vaulted great room with gas fireplace and hardwood floors, 6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. Open kitchen concept with tile floors, great cabinet space, island top and new quartz counter tops. Separate formal dining room and spacious laundry as you enter from oversized double garage.
The newest apartment community to move into Villa Rica. Step into your modern retreat when you choose from one of our one, two-, three-bedroom, and carriage-style apartment homes. With all of the modern finishes at your fingertips, you'll enjoy wood-style flooring, granite countertops, and expansive bedrooms. Perfect for the homebody who enjoys local live music or the commuter who enjoys the
Wonderful home available for immediate occupancy! Features include large family room, dining area, kitchen with breakfast nook, spacious secondary bedrooms, large master suite with huge walk in closet, garden tub w/ tile surround & separate shower. Unfinished basement is great for storage, and 2-car side entry garage. This beautiful home is conveniently located to shopping, dining & interstate
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