Villa Rica, Georgia is known as the "City Of Gold."
Villa Rica, located 35 miles west of downtown Atlanta, boasts the first Gold Strike in Georgia, hence its nickname
Villa Rica, Georgia is known as the "City Of Gold."
Villa Rica, located 35 miles west of downtown Atlanta, boasts the first Gold Strike in Georgia, hence its nickname. Additionally, it's the hometown of Coca-Cola creator Asa Candler and Gospel Music founder Thomas A. Dorsey. Within Villa Rica, there are several historic sites, including the North Villa Rica Commercial Historic District - featuring a collection of buildings dating from 1875 - and Wick's Tavern, the oldest commercial building in West Georgia (dating to 1830). The historic pride reflected by the city's founders and current residents and administrators reflects in the long-standing quote about the city: "Villa Rica is a city of ethics, and a Georgia Main Street city." Over the bulk of its 180-year history, Villa Rica existed as a small rural railroad and factory town. Its population remained around 4,000 citizens, even in spite of being half an hour from downtown Atlanta. One group of developers proposed creating a "Gone With the Wind" theme park, and others considered more standard developments -- such as constructing residential communities and business complexes. Thankfully, the latter group won out and created a subdivision.
At the time the subdivision was proposed, Villa Rica boasted approximately 1,500 homes. Mirror Lake since has added more than 2,000 homes, and subsequent changes and additions will increase that number to almost 3,000 residences by the time the project is completed.
Today, the city's population is approaching 14,000, and the estimated 2025 population projection is nearly 35,000. Even with modernization and technological changes nipping at its heels, it's easy to experience the feel of Villa Rica's mercantile past as you stroll its raised sidewalks dotted with Crepe Myrtle and sample its variety of shops and restaurants.
New potential residents should be prepared for the ongoing population growth by getting ahead of the game when looking for rental properties. Having your paperwork lined up in advance (proof of income, rental history, credit report and references) printed out on hand, along with a ready checkbook with enough for a deposit and first and last month's rent should guarantee you landing the new home of your dreams.
Mirror Lake: Mirror Lake is one of West Georgia's best known golf communities, and is located just off of I-20. It is designed around the 96-acre lake for which it is named, and delivers breath-taking views with its well-manicured grounds and green spaces. Several sub neighborhoods make up Mirror Lake, with price ranges that suit every budget. The Southwoods, Somersport, and Northwoods areas feature spacious floor plans.
Mirror Lake amenities include access to the 96-acre lake for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, or fishing, with lakefront and lakeview homes also are available. Additionally, trails, sidewalks, and cart paths connect the whole community, and even extend to the nearby shopping centers! Swim and tennis facilities also are included, and each of two pool complexes has its own distinct atmosphere. For golfers, membership at Mirror Lake Golf Club is optional for residents, and features 36 holes of championship play, a private country club, a restaurant, and fully-stocked pro shop.
West Lakes: Like Mirror Lake, West Lakes is only a stone's throw from Atlanta, and is another of the exclusive new communities that add to the attraction and appeal of the Villa Rica community. West Lakes offers an abundance of one and two bedroom apartments, as well as myriad rental homes and town houses.
In summary, any type of housing -- rental or purchase -- is available in these wonderfully private neighborhoods. Persons looking to relocate to the Atlanta area may shop on-line or, better yet, stop by and see for themselves how charming and welcoming these two communities are.
Visitors may marvel over the city's historic architecture, drop by Wick's Tavern for refreshment, or tour the fascinating Pine Mountain Gold Museum and walk trails where ancient miners walked. If they wish, they even may pan for gold and gems, and then enjoy the museum and its documentary film of the true Golden Age.
For visitors coming to Villa Rica, several airports are available that provide taxi and rental car services. Visitors will enjoy beautiful surroundings on the short drive traveling Interstate 20, an excellent and scenic highway. Of course, bus service also is available.
As mentioned earlier, Villa Rica is situated 35 miles West of downtown Atlanta, convenient to I-20 and other major highways. Its central location makes it a popular community for those who rent apartments, and they have three major complexes nearby from which to choose. Renters easily may find one bedroom apartments, two bedroom apartments, and house rentals, so definitely apts are for rent in Villa Rica!
Villa Rica is, indeed, the City Of Gold for individuals, families, businesses, or organizations that are seeking the ideal location with a high standard of living and livability, an extremely low crime rate, unsurpassed parks and recreational activities, and an unrivaled educational system. In short, Villa Rica is the American "twenty-four carat" city!
