Convenience, the ability to stay active and a low-maintenance lifestyle are some of the top features homebuyers are looking for in a new community. As a result, new home builders are innovating and providing sought-after amenities in prime locations to offer new home options that appeal to both move-down, active adults and growing families.

Dubbed the Classic City for both its neoclassical style and Grecian name, Athens, Georgia is also known as a vibrant college town that is anything but old-fashioned. Athens was even named one of the 25 Best Places to Retire by Forbes Magazine in 2019 for its fifth consecutive year.

Nestled right outside the pulse of downtown Athens sits Lakewood, an unexpected traditional community offering a lush escape into nature, complete with manicured, tree-lined streets, a peaceful lake and dedicated front porches that add to the charming community feel. Priced from the $300,000s to $500,000s, home designs at Lakewood can accommodate varying lifestyles with main-level owner’s suites, ranch and traditional two-story floor plans with basement options.

“Lakewood offers everything that empty nesters and young adults are seeking including a great downtown scene with plenty of activities, popular shopping and local restaurants and bistros,” SR Homes President and Founder Alex Tetterton said. “Designed with convenience and walkability in mind, we think Lakewood is the perfect community for all ages.”

In addition to convenience to downtown Athens, residents also enjoy easy access to US 78 and the GA 10 Loop for an easy morning commute, as well as the University of Georgia and Athens Regional.

Lakewood serves as the perfect live-work-play community with convenience to endless local dining options, boutique shops, entertainment and beautiful parks, as well as proposed community amenities to include a pool and cabana. This charming community is also minutes from the FireFly Trail and its planned 39 miles of trail leading from Athens to Union Point for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy.

As an added bonus, homes at Lakewood are also a part of the exclusive smartTRAC Program from SR Homes, which enables homeowners to fuse connectivity and interoperability together to seamlessly and remotely manage home features from anywhere, on any screen at any time.

“Empty nesters and first-time homeowners and both want the same things,” John Hunt, principal with Atlanta-based market research firm MarketNsight, said. “They want walkability, restaurants and great conveniences that fit their lifestyle, and Lakewood provides an opportunity for them to have it all!”