I’ve been diving into the Zillow Home Value Index data to uncover hidden gems in Georgia’s real estate market. Looking beyond Atlanta’s shadow, I found 25 towns that have delivered extraordinary returns for homeowners since 2016, with growth rates exceeding 150% in many cases.
My analysis reveals a fascinating pattern: many of Georgia’s fastest-appreciating markets are clustered along transportation corridors or near economic development zones, suggesting infrastructure and job growth are key drivers. What’s particularly striking is that some of the strongest performers are smaller communities that investors often overlook.
I was surprised to find that several of these top-performing markets actually saw their peak values in 2024, with slight pullbacks in 2025 — an important signal for timing investments. For those looking to capitalize on Georgia’s housing momentum, these towns represent both realized equity gains and potential future opportunities.
25. Hogansville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 154.69%
- Home value in 2016: $72,651
- Home value in 2017: $72,693
- Home value in 2018: $81,048
- Home value in 2019: $96,100
- Home value in 2020: $91,492
- Home value in 2021: $116,495
- Home value in 2022: $140,645
- Home value in 2023: $151,237
- Home value in 2024: $174,583
- Home value in 2025: $185,036
Your $72,651 investment in Hogansville in 2016 would now be worth $185,036, representing an impressive 154.7% ROI over nine years. This translates to an average annual return of about 17%, outperforming many traditional investment vehicles. Located along I-85 between Atlanta and Columbus, this town’s accessibility makes it attractive for commuters seeking affordability. The market showed temporary weakness in 2020 but rebounded strongly, indicating resilience and sustained buyer interest.
24. Plainville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 155.43%
- Home value in 2016: $81,701
- Home value in 2017: $84,791
- Home value in 2018: $91,893
- Home value in 2019: $111,615
- Home value in 2020: $122,917
- Home value in 2021: $140,843
- Home value in 2022: $168,467
- Home value in 2023: $173,521
- Home value in 2024: $197,901
- Home value in 2025: $208,691
Plainville’s home values have delivered a 155.4% return since 2016, with particularly strong appreciation during the 2019-2022 period when values jumped 50%. Your investment would have more than doubled while generating consistent year-over-year gains throughout market cycles. This small community in northwest Georgia benefits from its proximity to larger economic centers like Rome and Calhoun. The steady upward trajectory without significant corrections suggests a market with sustainable fundamentals rather than speculative buying.
23. Rockmart
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 156.44%
- Home value in 2016: $97,704
- Home value in 2017: $100,422
- Home value in 2018: $116,205
- Home value in 2019: $132,257
- Home value in 2020: $141,426
- Home value in 2021: $166,975
- Home value in 2022: $210,851
- Home value in 2023: $234,354
- Home value in 2024: $244,250
- Home value in 2025: $250,556
Rockmart’s 156.4% appreciation represents a compelling wealth-building opportunity, turning a $97,704 investment into a $250,556 asset over nine years. The market accelerated dramatically in 2021-2022, with a 26% single-year gain that significantly outpaced inflation. Situated along the Silver Comet Trail in northwest Georgia, Rockmart combines small-town appeal with recreational amenities. The continued growth through 2025 suggests this market hasn’t peaked, offering potential for further appreciation despite broader economic uncertainties.
22. Shady Dale
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 156.98%
- Home value in 2016: $98,778
- Home value in 2017: $116,622
- Home value in 2018: $129,931
- Home value in 2019: $144,179
- Home value in 2020: $155,915
- Home value in 2021: $190,912
- Home value in 2022: $223,525
- Home value in 2023: $228,300
- Home value in 2024: $246,446
- Home value in 2025: $253,840
Shady Dale’s real estate has appreciated 157% since 2016, generating $155,062 in equity for homeowners who bought at the right time. The market showed exceptional early momentum, with an 18% jump in the first year alone—signaling strong underlying demand. This rural community between Atlanta and Macon offers an enticing combination of land value and accessibility. The price growth moderated after 2022 but maintained upward momentum, suggesting a sustainable market rather than a bubble about to burst.
21. Ellijay
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 157.24%
- Home value in 2016: $153,008
- Home value in 2017: $163,145
- Home value in 2018: $183,751
- Home value in 2019: $205,696
- Home value in 2020: $218,894
- Home value in 2021: $264,649
- Home value in 2022: $347,198
- Home value in 2023: $371,137
- Home value in 2024: $387,003
- Home value in 2025: $393,605
Ellijay’s 157.2% appreciation has turned a $153,008 investment into a $393,605 asset—creating $240,597 in wealth over nine years. The market saw explosive growth during 2021-2022 when values surged 31%, likely fueled by pandemic-driven mountain home demand. This North Georgia mountain town, known for outdoor recreation and apple orchards, attracts both retirees and second-home buyers. The gradual slowdown in appreciation since 2023 suggests the market is stabilizing at a new price plateau rather than retreating.
20. Royston
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 159.10%
- Home value in 2016: $97,860
- Home value in 2017: $100,598
- Home value in 2018: $111,499
- Home value in 2019: $123,641
- Home value in 2020: $132,920
- Home value in 2021: $162,100
- Home value in 2022: $198,290
- Home value in 2023: $220,092
- Home value in 2024: $239,340
- Home value in 2025: $253,552
Royston’s real estate market has delivered an eye-catching 159.1% return since 2016, translating to approximately $155,692 in equity creation. The appreciation accelerated sharply after 2020, with the 2020-2022 period seeing a 49% increase as pandemic-era buyers sought affordability. This northeastern Georgia town, nestled between Athens and Anderson, SC, benefits from its strategic location and small-town charm. The continued strong growth through 2025 indicates this market maintains momentum even as some larger markets have cooled.
19. Conley
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 159.24%
- Home value in 2016: $89,100
- Home value in 2017: $96,523
- Home value in 2018: $115,247
- Home value in 2019: $137,142
- Home value in 2020: $149,372
- Home value in 2021: $171,231
- Home value in 2022: $213,004
- Home value in 2023: $231,566
- Home value in 2024: $236,162
- Home value in 2025: $230,982
Conley’s home values have surged 159.2% since 2016, though the 2024-2025 decline of 2.2% suggests the market may be cooling. Early investors who bought at $89,100 would still be sitting on $141,881 in equity despite this recent pullback. Located just southeast of Atlanta near I-285, Conley benefits from proximity to employment centers and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. The slight value decrease in 2025 represents the first correction in this market, signaling potential buying opportunities for investors looking to enter at a discount.
18. Eastanollee
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 160.55%
- Home value in 2016: $84,645
- Home value in 2017: $86,387
- Home value in 2018: $93,844
- Home value in 2019: $108,617
- Home value in 2020: $120,451
- Home value in 2021: $145,670
- Home value in 2022: $172,803
- Home value in 2023: $186,329
- Home value in 2024: $206,591
- Home value in 2025: $220,542
Eastanollee’s remarkable 160.5% appreciation has generated $135,897 in equity gains for property owners since 2016. The market shows consistently strong performance with no down years, indicating resilient demand fundamentals. This small community in Stephens County benefits from its location near Lake Hartwell and proximity to I-85. The accelerating growth rate in 2024-2025 (6.8%) suggests the market is still gaining momentum while other areas have plateaued—potentially indicating further upside for investors entering now.
17. Toccoa
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 161.74%
- Home value in 2016: $82,051
- Home value in 2017: $85,600
- Home value in 2018: $93,606
- Home value in 2019: $108,653
- Home value in 2020: $117,298
- Home value in 2021: $141,499
- Home value in 2022: $172,984
- Home value in 2023: $185,590
- Home value in 2024: $201,420
- Home value in 2025: $214,764
Toccoa’s impressive 161.7% price appreciation has created $132,712 in wealth for homeowners who bought in 2016. The market demonstrates remarkable consistency with steady year-over-year gains and no periods of decline. This northeast Georgia town, known for Toccoa Falls and historic downtown, combines natural beauty with small-town affordability. Recent acceleration in 2024-2025 (6.6% growth) indicates continuing strong demand even as mortgage rates have risen nationally, suggesting underlying economic strengths driving this market.
16. Scottdale
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 164.78%
- Home value in 2016: $117,244
- Home value in 2017: $141,230
- Home value in 2018: $169,132
- Home value in 2019: $202,760
- Home value in 2020: $212,633
- Home value in 2021: $243,030
- Home value in 2022: $280,602
- Home value in 2023: $301,236
- Home value in 2024: $311,574
- Home value in 2025: $310,440
Scottdale has delivered a powerful 164.8% return since 2016, though the slight 0.4% decline in 2024-2025 suggests the market may be stabilizing. Early investors have gained $193,196 in equity despite this recent flattening. Located just east of Decatur, Scottdale benefits from its proximity to Atlanta while maintaining more affordable price points. The explosive early appreciation (20.5% in the first year alone) followed by recent moderation indicates a market that may have reached maturity—sellers might consider timing exits while buyers should negotiate aggressively.
15. Mount Zion
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 165.79%
- Home value in 2016: $99,772
- Home value in 2017: $107,512
- Home value in 2018: $119,703
- Home value in 2019: $136,006
- Home value in 2020: $147,710
- Home value in 2021: $171,013
- Home value in 2022: $212,137
- Home value in 2023: $234,430
- Home value in 2024: $249,180
- Home value in 2025: $265,189
Mount Zion’s 165.8% appreciation has generated $165,416 in wealth for property owners since 2016. The market’s strongest growth occurred during 2021-2022 (24.0%), but impressively continues to show strong momentum through 2025. Located in Carroll County west of Atlanta, this community benefits from University of West Georgia proximity and I-20 access. The sustained upward trajectory without corrections suggests fundamental demand rather than speculative activity—making this market potentially safer for long-term capital deployment.
14. Barnesville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 168.05%
- Home value in 2016: $88,776
- Home value in 2017: $97,428
- Home value in 2018: $107,183
- Home value in 2019: $124,667
- Home value in 2020: $130,912
- Home value in 2021: $158,959
- Home value in 2022: $188,663
- Home value in 2023: $211,681
- Home value in 2024: $230,460
- Home value in 2025: $237,966
Barnesville’s remarkable 168.1% appreciation has transformed an $88,776 investment into $237,966 over nine years—generating $149,191 in equity. The market shows acceleration in recent years with 8.9% growth in 2022-2023 and another 8.9% in 2023-2024. This community between Atlanta and Macon benefits from Gordon State College and its position along Highway 41. The continued strong growth through 2025 indicates this market hasn’t peaked yet, suggesting potential further upside for investors who enter now.
13. Emerson
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 169.17%
- Home value in 2016: $104,454
- Home value in 2017: $115,128
- Home value in 2018: $134,908
- Home value in 2019: $149,938
- Home value in 2020: $165,724
- Home value in 2021: $194,021
- Home value in 2022: $229,131
- Home value in 2023: $253,970
- Home value in 2024: $270,882
- Home value in 2025: $281,155
Emerson’s property values have skyrocketed 169.2% since 2016, creating $176,701 in equity for early investors. This market demonstrates extraordinary consistency with positive growth every year and no signs of slowing through 2025. Located just north of LakePoint Sports Complex and along I-75, Emerson benefits from both recreation-driven and commuter demand. The sustained appreciation, including 3.8% growth in 2024-2025 despite higher interest rates, suggests fundamental economic strength driving this market beyond speculative forces.
12. Union City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 169.37%
- Home value in 2016: $88,828
- Home value in 2017: $98,918
- Home value in 2018: $114,078
- Home value in 2019: $131,748
- Home value in 2020: $145,887
- Home value in 2021: $165,843
- Home value in 2022: $218,765
- Home value in 2023: $245,119
- Home value in 2024: $246,520
- Home value in 2025: $239,276
Union City’s massive 169.4% appreciation since 2016 has recently shown signs of cooling, with a 2.9% decline from 2024 to 2025. Despite this correction, early investors would still enjoy $150,449 in equity gains over the nine-year period. Located south of Atlanta near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Union City benefits from logistics and transportation employment centers. The recent price reversal following exceptional growth in 2021-2022 (31.9%) suggests potential market normalization—buyers might find increasing negotiating leverage while sellers should consider timing.
11. Jonesboro
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 173.07%
- Home value in 2016: $90,042
- Home value in 2017: $97,743
- Home value in 2018: $113,770
- Home value in 2019: $134,528
- Home value in 2020: $150,795
- Home value in 2021: $172,470
- Home value in 2022: $225,468
- Home value in 2023: $248,997
- Home value in 2024: $254,857
- Home value in 2025: $245,880
Jonesboro’s phenomenal 173.1% appreciation since 2016 has recently shown signs of market correction, with a 3.5% decline in 2024-2025. Despite this pullback, homeowners who bought at $90,042 would still be sitting on $155,837 in equity gains. This Clayton County seat, known from “Gone with the Wind,” offers affordable housing with easy access to Atlanta via I-75. The recent decline after the explosive 2021-2022 growth period (30.7%) suggests a market recalibration—buyers should look for negotiating opportunities while sellers might consider waiting for the next growth cycle.
10. East Point
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 174.59%
- Home value in 2016: $90,518
- Home value in 2017: $102,911
- Home value in 2018: $121,933
- Home value in 2019: $145,680
- Home value in 2020: $164,948
- Home value in 2021: $193,220
- Home value in 2022: $232,344
- Home value in 2023: $254,153
- Home value in 2024: $260,846
- Home value in 2025: $248,557
East Point has delivered an impressive 174.6% return since 2016 despite a recent 4.7% correction in 2024-2025. Early investors would still enjoy $158,039 in equity gains over the nine-year period. This Atlanta suburb, with direct MARTA access and proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, offers urban amenities at more accessible price points. The recent decline after consistent growth suggests possible market saturation—buyers should negotiate aggressively as this correction may continue, while sellers might consider waiting unless immediate liquidity is needed.
9. Rex
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 175.62%
- Home value in 2016: $86,941
- Home value in 2017: $98,367
- Home value in 2018: $113,913
- Home value in 2019: $131,027
- Home value in 2020: $144,076
- Home value in 2021: $166,320
- Home value in 2022: $218,827
- Home value in 2023: $239,540
- Home value in 2024: $247,984
- Home value in 2025: $239,626
Rex’s remarkable 175.6% price growth since 2016 has recently shown signs of cooling, with a 3.4% decline in 2024-2025. Despite this adjustment, a $86,941 investment would have generated $152,685 in equity—a substantial wealth-building opportunity. This Clayton County community benefits from its location near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and I-75 access south of Atlanta. The price reversal after spectacular 2021-2022 growth (31.6%) suggests potential market normalization—buyers should leverage this correction for negotiating power while sellers might consider temporarily holding.
8. Morrow
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 177.03%
- Home value in 2016: $79,261
- Home value in 2017: $88,137
- Home value in 2018: $99,058
- Home value in 2019: $116,614
- Home value in 2020: $132,421
- Home value in 2021: $149,834
- Home value in 2022: $190,921
- Home value in 2023: $214,415
- Home value in 2024: $224,779
- Home value in 2025: $219,580
Morrow’s explosive 177.0% appreciation since 2016 has recently cooled with a 2.3% decline in 2024-2025. Despite this correction, a $79,261 investment would still have netted $140,319 in equity gains over nine years. This small city in Clayton County benefits from Clayton State University and Southlake Mall as economic anchors. The steep growth curve during 2021-2022 (27.4%) followed by recent moderation suggests a market recalibration that may create buying opportunities for patient investors.
7. Bonanza
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 180.74%
- Home value in 2016: $82,181
- Home value in 2017: $91,956
- Home value in 2018: $109,614
- Home value in 2019: $127,317
- Home value in 2020: $139,478
- Home value in 2021: $160,388
- Home value in 2022: $210,147
- Home value in 2023: $235,087
- Home value in 2024: $237,815
- Home value in 2025: $230,718
Bonanza’s extraordinary 180.7% growth since 2016 has generated $148,537 in equity despite a recent 3.0% decline from 2024 to 2025. The financial implications are significant—an $82,181 investment yielded an average annual return of approximately 20%. This community in southern metro Atlanta likely benefited from regional economic expansion and migration patterns. The market showed particularly explosive growth in 2021-2022 (31.0%), followed by moderation—suggesting peak pricing may have occurred and creating potential negotiating leverage for current buyers.
6. Lake City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 184.70%
- Home value in 2016: $66,334
- Home value in 2017: $75,978
- Home value in 2018: $85,784
- Home value in 2019: $100,998
- Home value in 2020: $116,892
- Home value in 2021: $136,603
- Home value in 2022: $169,311
- Home value in 2023: $188,972
- Home value in 2024: $199,086
- Home value in 2025: $188,851
Lake City’s massive 184.7% appreciation has turned a modest $66,334 investment into $188,851 over nine years, though the 5.1% decline in 2024-2025 signals market cooling. This translates to approximately $122,518 in equity creation despite the recent correction. Located near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport with excellent I-75 access, this community benefits from logistics and transportation employment. The relatively smaller starting values created extraordinary percentage returns for early investors, but the recent downward trend suggests buyers now hold increasing leverage in negotiations.
5. Lovejoy
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 188.28%
- Home value in 2016: $98,254
- Home value in 2017: $106,626
- Home value in 2018: $118,349
- Home value in 2019: $154,491
- Home value in 2020: $165,133
- Home value in 2021: $187,685
- Home value in 2022: $249,276
- Home value in 2023: $274,020
- Home value in 2024: $287,036
- Home value in 2025: $283,247
Lovejoy’s 188.3% growth since 2016 represents exceptional wealth creation, turning $98,254 into $283,247 despite a slight 1.3% decline in 2024-2025. The financial impact for early investors is substantial—$184,993 in equity gains over nine years, or roughly $20,555 annually. This Clayton County community south of Atlanta saw particularly explosive appreciation in 2021-2022 (32.8%). The recent price plateau suggests the market may be seeking equilibrium after years of unsustainable growth—buyers should leverage this moment while sellers might consider timing their exit carefully.
4. Riverdale
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 188.95%
- Home value in 2016: $76,281
- Home value in 2017: $85,405
- Home value in 2018: $100,405
- Home value in 2019: $119,521
- Home value in 2020: $134,270
- Home value in 2021: $155,482
- Home value in 2022: $198,892
- Home value in 2023: $219,239
- Home value in 2024: $228,466
- Home value in 2025: $220,410
Riverdale’s remarkable 188.9% appreciation has recently reversed with a 3.5% decline in 2024-2025, though early investors would still enjoy $144,129 in equity gains. The wealth-building implications are significant—a relatively affordable $76,281 entry point yielded substantial returns averaging 21% annually. Located in Clayton County with direct access to I-85, Riverdale offers proximity to Atlanta’s southern employment centers. The recent price correction following explosive 2021-2022 growth (28.0%) suggests buyers now have increased negotiating power while sellers may face lengthening days-on-market.
3. White
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 189.05%
- Home value in 2016: $81,013
- Home value in 2017: $85,810
- Home value in 2018: $105,056
- Home value in 2019: $117,216
- Home value in 2020: $130,479
- Home value in 2021: $153,738
- Home value in 2022: $184,310
- Home value in 2023: $205,691
- Home value in 2024: $227,322
- Home value in 2025: $234,168
White’s exceptional 189.1% appreciation has transformed an $81,013 investment into $234,168 over nine years—creating $153,155 in household wealth. This represents an average annual return of 21%, far outperforming traditional investment vehicles like stocks or bonds. Located in Bartow County northwest of Atlanta, White benefits from I-75 access and proximity to Lake Allatoona. Unlike many top-performing markets, White shows no sign of cooling with continued 3.0% growth in 2024-2025, suggesting fundamentals remain strong for potential further appreciation.
2. Porterdale
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 192.76%
- Home value in 2016: $61,768
- Home value in 2017: $58,826
- Home value in 2018: $71,268
- Home value in 2019: $89,709
- Home value in 2020: $97,979
- Home value in 2021: $126,438
- Home value in 2022: $162,179
- Home value in 2023: $176,692
- Home value in 2024: $185,604
- Home value in 2025: $180,832
Porterdale’s astronomical 192.8% growth since 2016 has recently shown signs of cooling with a 2.6% decline in 2024-2025. Despite this correction, the financial impact for early investors is extraordinary—$119,064 in equity creation from a modest $61,768 starting point. This historic mill town near Covington experienced unusual early volatility with a 4.8% decline in 2016-2017 before explosive growth. The recent price adjustment after years of unsustainable appreciation suggests a market recalibration—buyers should leverage this downturn while sellers might consider holding through this cycle if possible.
1. Forest Park
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 235.50%
- Home value in 2016: $50,457
- Home value in 2017: $56,194
- Home value in 2018: $65,751
- Home value in 2019: $82,926
- Home value in 2020: $98,216
- Home value in 2021: $120,234
- Home value in 2022: $155,436
- Home value in 2023: $169,575
- Home value in 2024: $178,590
- Home value in 2025: $169,281
Forest Park’s phenomenal 235.5% appreciation since 2016 tops our list despite a recent 5.2% correction in 2024-2025. The wealth-creation implications are staggering—a modest $50,457 investment has generated $118,824 in equity over nine years. Located south of Atlanta with direct access to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and I-75, this community has undergone significant revitalization. The dramatic price growth followed by recent moderation suggests market maturation—buyers might find increasing opportunities as the correction continues, while sellers who purchased before 2022 still have substantial equity to leverage.
