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.
Written By
Pao Cordero
Photography Contributed By
Kathleen Kim
Video By
Hunter Severtson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ira Mosher,
an experienced agent in this area.
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 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Villa Rica, GA over the last 12 months is $308,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
You won't find a more convenient house than this one! Get ready for this 4-bed, 2-bath ranch in Villa Rica to ROCK your world!! With 1,850 sq ft on a lush 0.63-acre lot, this home is perfect for stretching out and settling in. Light the fire-pit on cool nights, host BBQs on the back deck, or stay on the front porch. Located in a quiet setting with easy access to schools and town amenities, this
Step into a home that defies expectation from the moment you arrive. Built in 2022 and thoughtfully designed with a modern edge, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom stunner effortlessly blends style and function across an open-concept layout that feels both expansive yet intimate. The living room draws you in with its vaulted ceilings and stone fireplace centerpiece, while the sleek kitchen—dressed in
Brittany ColomboKeller Williams Realty Community Partners
Welcome to your own slice of paradise in Villa Rica! Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac with no HOA, this charming Craftsman-style home is all about comfort, style, and fun. With 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a layout that lives large across 2,450 sq ft, there's space for everyone to spread out — and chill out. Love to entertain? You'll adore the updated kitchen with sleek stainless
Located within the gated community of Fairfield Plantation, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence sits on a double lot, offering generous outdoor space perfect for relaxation or entertaining. Every corner of the home reflects thoughtful updates and meticulous care, starting with the beautifully upgraded kitchen featuring white cabinetry, granite countertops, and added storage to keep
Fresh Opportunity in Mirror Lake! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch offers incredible value in one of West Georgia's most sought-after lake communities. Inside, you'll find nearly 1,900 square feet of updated living space with fresh paint and carpet, a spacious open layout, and a cozy fireplace anchoring the main living area. The kitchen features ample prep space and storage,
Luxury! Location! Privacy! Welcome to Mirror Lake’s prestigious Millionaire Row, where timeless elegance meets modern convenience. Nestled along the 15th fairway of the community’s golf course, this extraordinary residence was originally crafted as the Builder’s personal home—ensuring the highest level of quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Mature trees provide a natural veil of
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
This spacious open floor plan ranch home is nestled in a quiet, established community. The living room has great hardwood floors and a masonry fireplace, while the kitchen features granite countertops and stainless steel appliances and counter that overlooks the breakfast area. Possible 4th bedroom can be used as a sunroom or den. The oversized master bedroom features soaring ceilings and a
Hickory Falls Apartments in Villa Rica provides a combination of traditional living and metropolitan conveniences! Your new apartment home is designed to complement your lifestyle with well thought out interiors and an unsurpassed amenity package for your enjoyment! Our 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments feature large patio or balconies with storage space, walk-in closets, and full size washer/dryer
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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.
