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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