Wonderfully Watkinsville – 8 Great Reasons to Move Here

Just as it was once at the forefront of the frontier, poised between the Creek and Cherokee territories of the area in the early 1800’s, the City of Watkinsville now stands in the balance between the modern conveniences of the right-sized City of Athens and rolling rural farmland. Residents of this historic Southern city benefit from its rich history, scenic beauty, vision for the future and so much more. If you’re not only in the market for a new home, but also for a new hometown, Green River Builders is happy to outline eight of the things that made Watkinsville stand out to us – and may just put this Oconee County city on your radar as the destination for your next “home sweet home.”

1. Proximity to Dawg Country – Situated just eight miles south of Athens, Watkinsville is perfectly poised for University of Georgia Bulldog fans. Spend Saturdays “between the hedges” at Sanford Stadium cheering the 2021 SEC National Champions on to victory once more. Beyond the Dawgs, you’ll also benefit from the convenience of the wealth of big box shopping destinations the City of Athens has to offer, as well as its well-reputed foodie, art and music scenes.

2. The Heart of Farmland – Watkinsville’s position near so many established family farms means that fresh produce is always in high supply. Get your fill of fruits and veggies at the Oconee Farmers Market on Saturdays between April and mid-October, cut a fragrant bouquet at Twilight Lavender Farm each Spring, pick strawberries at Washington Farms and blueberries at Hadden Estate at DGD Farms in the Summer, cut flowers and take photos at Twin Run Flower Farm in the Fall, and so much more.  

3. History Abounds – First appearing in Clarke County records as early as 1791, Watkinsville officially adopted its name in 1802 – named after Colonel Robert Watkins of Augusta, a lawyer and early compiler of “A Digest of the Laws of the State of Georgia.” Today, it is home to the circa 1897 Elder Covered Bridge (one of only 13 functioning covered bridges in the state!), the Eagle Tavern Museum – which once served as a stagecoach stop in the early 1800s, and the Watkinsville City Cemetery – with the earliest dated grave of 1811. Like most history buffs, if you have an adoration for antiques, there are several shops you’ll want to add to your to-do list, including Farmington Depot Antiques & Gifts and Attic Treasures.

4. Get Outside and Play – Topping the list of things to do for fans of the Great Outdoors is a visit to scenic Harris Shoals Park, with its playground, pavilions, walking trails and kid-friendly shoals. You can also go on a guided eco-tour in the belly of a kayak with Oconee Joe Paddle Co., play a round of golf at Jennings Mill Country Club, hit the basketball courts at the 37-acre Herman C. Michael Park, explore the walking paths of Watkinsville Woods, or bike the trails of the 364-acre Oconee Heritage Park – just to name a few!

5. Crave-Worthy Comfort Food – In addition to Athens’ renowned foodie scene, Watkinsville is quickly becoming a rivaling dining destination. Be sure to add a stop to Chops & Hops, Girasoles, Mama Ning’s Thai, White Tiger Deluxe, Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen, the Traveling Hobo Café, and Krimson Café to your list of stops.  

6. A Delightful Place to Live – Green River Builders is proud to present one of Watkinsville’s newest delightful places to live… Trove. Homes in Trove will combine classic Southern, historically-inspired designs with modern technology – offering three to five bedrooms at price points starting in the low $600s. As a picturesque part of the community’s more than 35 acres, thoughtful placement of each homesite is designed to frame shared green spaces. With plans to make it a walkable community, Trove will feature pedestrian paths that connect the community to Downtown Watkinsville – just 1.3 miles away.

7. Access to an Excellent Education – Oconee County Public Schools receive high marks from GreatSchools.org and the families they serve. Trove by Green River Builders offers its residents access to several of the county’s best schools, including Colham Ferry Elementary School (set right across the street from the community!), Oconee County Middle School and Oconee County High School.  

8. Family-Friendly Events – To create a true sense of community, the City of Watkinsville regularly plays host to a number of inviting events, including First Saturdays – held the first Saturday of each month April through December, featuring traditional family fun like free popcorn, free hayrides, antique tractors, and activities for children. There’s also the city’s annual Fall Festival – a self-touted art-craft-and-food extravaganza at Rocket Field, the annual Homecoming Parade down Main Street each Spring and Star Light Star Bright Christmas Festivities that comprise a parade, holiday market, caroling, tree lighting and pictures with Santa.

Need a little more convincing? Plan a day to come explore the City of Watkinsville and Trove firsthand! Call ahead to 770-790-1096 or fill out our online interest form to have a member of our real estate team meet you! To learn more about Trove, Green River Builders and our other communities throughout Metro Atlanta, pay a visit to www.GreenRiverBuilder.com.  

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