This Metro ATL Town Was A Hidden Gem- Now, It's Blowing Up!

by Sarah Maslowski

This Metro Atlanta Town Was a Hidden Gem — Now It’s Blowing Up

For years, Jackson County sat quietly on the edge of Metro Atlanta as the more “under the radar” place to live. People drove past it on their way to Athens, never giving it a second thought. The schools were strong, the homes were affordable, and life moved at a slower pace.

But all of that has changed — fast.

Today, Jackson County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the entire country, and if you haven’t taken a look at what’s happening here, you’re already behind the curve.

I’m Sarah Maslowski with KeyPoint Homes Group, and I help families relocate to North Georgia from all across the country — many of them now choosing Jackson County because of its affordability, schools, and the incredible amount of growth happening right under our noses. This blog breaks down exactly why Jackson County is blowing up, what’s driving the boom, how housing is changing, and whether this area might be the place for your next move.

Let’s get into it.

1. Jackson County’s Growth: From Quiet Farmland to the Fastest-Growing County in Georgia

For years, Jackson County was known for wide open land, quiet roads, and long-standing farms. But recent population data tells the real story:

📈 Jackson County is now the #1 fastest-growing county in the state of Georgia.
📈 It ranks as one of the fastest-growing counties in the entire nation.
📈 Growth over the last decade has been explosive — and it’s only accelerating.

Why? Because of a combination of affordability, available land, great schools, and — most importantly — major job creation.

2. The Industrial & Manufacturing Boom Changed Everything

If you’ve driven along I-85 near Commerce or Jefferson, you’ve seen the signs. Massive industrial buildings. New manufacturing plants. Distribution centers as far as the eye can see.

Here are the biggest drivers:

📌 SK Battery America

The giant that kickstarted national attention.
SK brought thousands of jobs, international investment, and long-term economic momentum to the county.

📌 Logistics & Distribution Growth

Because of proximity to Atlanta + Greenville + Charlotte + I-85, companies like:

Amazon
Kubota
HomeGoods
Carvana
Uline

…and dozens more have set up operations here.

📌 Advanced Manufacturing Expansion

Battery technology, automotive suppliers, food production, and packaging facilities are popping up rapidly.

This matters for you because:
Where jobs go → rooftops follow → retail follows → infrastructure expands → long-term property value rises.

And Jackson County is still in the early-middle stages of that cycle.

3. Housing in Jackson County: Affordable, New, and Growing Fast

Compared to Gwinnett or Hall, Jackson County feels like the last frontier of affordability near Metro Atlanta.

Here’s what the market currently looks like:

🏡 Prices Are Shockingly Affordable

Most communities sit between:

$400K–$470K for single-family new construction
Larger homes often stay under $600K
You can still find lots of new construction that hasn’t been priced out

For many of my clients relocating from other states, that affordability is life-changing.

🏠 Tons of New Construction

Jackson County has more new construction than most nearby counties — which means:

Modern floor plans
Energy-efficient systems
Amenities
Builder incentives
Warranties

📌 Larger Lots Than Nearby Counties

People coming from Gwinnett often love the space and quiet they can find here.

📉 Lower Taxes

School taxes + county taxes are noticeably lower than in major Metro Atlanta counties.

Because of this, first-time buyers, upgraders, retirees, and investors all look here.

4. Spotlight: Traditions of Braselton — The Community Everyone’s Talking About

If you’ve researched Jackson County at all, you’ve probably heard the name Traditions of Braselton.

It deserves its own section because it’s become one of the most desirable master-planned communities in the entire region.

Why Buyers Love Traditions of Braselton:

✔ Resort-style amenities
✔ Golf course
✔ Beautiful clubhouse + pool
✔ Tennis & pickleball
✔ Gorgeous landscaped entrances
✔ Active community events
✔ Homes ranging from the $400s to the $900s+

Relocating families especially love the combination of amenities + newer homes + strong schools.

I tour this community often, and it’s always busy — families walking dogs, parents pushing strollers, retirees golfing, and kids biking to the pool. It has that warm, active, neighborhood energy that’s hard to find.

5. Retail Isn’t Caught Up Yet — But It Will Be Soon

This is one of the biggest surprises for buyers:

👉 Jackson County doesn’t have the retail that its population growth would suggest.

If you live in certain pockets of Jefferson or Hoschton, you may drive:

15–20 minutes for Target
20+ minutes for Costco
15–25 minutes for major restaurants or entertainment

But here’s what most people forget:

Retail ALWAYS lags behind rooftops.

Once the population hits a threshold, national brands rush into the area.
That’s what happened in:

…and Jackson County is next.

This lag is one of the reasons you can still get great deals.

6. Schools, Roads, and Infrastructure Are Expanding Rapidly

When a county grows this fast, infrastructure races to keep up — and Jackson County is already doing the work.

New schools are being built:

Hushton High School
Hayes Farm Elementary
Cells Mill Middle School

These will dramatically help with future capacity.

Roadway improvements

Widening, rerouting, and new intersections have already started across:

Hoschton
Jefferson
Braselton corridors

Utilities expanding

Water/sewer extensions
Subdivision approvals
Commercial development zones

This is exactly what you want to see in a county entering a long-term growth cycle.

7. Jackson County Today vs. Jackson County in 10 Years

If you visited Jackson County 10 years ago, it’s almost unrecognizable now.

If you visit Jackson County today, just know:

📌 This is NOTHING compared to where it’s headed.

Based on:

Job growth
Industrial depth
School expansion
Residential building
Land availability
Retail planning

…it’s clear Jackson County is on track for major transformation.

And people buying now are entering at the sweet spot — just before the retail wave hits and values jump.

**8. Should You Move to Jackson County?**

Here’s the honest breakdown:

Jackson County IS perfect for you if you want:

✔ Affordability compared to Gwinnett or Hall
✔ Newer homes & large new construction communities
✔ Room to grow
✔ A quieter lifestyle
✔ Strong schools
✔ Long-term appreciation potential