Last February, Bobbie and Dasan Isom moved into their new townhome at Keystone Gates in Lithonia. They'd been living in Lithia Springs near Bobbie's work as a public school teacher and athletic trainer. When they started looking, they considered Douglas County because of its proximity to her work and DeKalb County because they have family in the area. In the end, DeKalb County won out.

What they bought: A two-story, three-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath townhome with a two-car garage. The foyer has a hardwood floor. There's a large open living/dining room with a fireplace and access to the back patio. The master bath features a garden tub. There's storage space in the attic.

The style and added touches attracted them: Dasan, 28, an administrative senior clerk for an IT outsourcing company, says the design of the townhome was really attractive. "You feel you could come in and be right at home. The bedrooms and hallways are almost octagons, there's a vaulted ceiling in the master bedroom, and there's a keypad for the security system in the bedroom as well as downstairs," Bobbie, 28, adds.

A nice environment: Bobbie says, "The landscaping is really nice. We haven't had a chance to check out the clubhouse and pool yet, but we'll definitely get to it during the summer."

Quiet and secure: Dasan says, "It's very secure here, with gates at the front and the back. The DeKalb police are really good about patrolling all around here, and its comforting for someone who's looking for that type of environment."

Location: The location was also a big selling factor for the couple. Says Bobbie, "The Mall at Stonecrest, South DeKalb Mall, North DeKalb Mall and Northlake are no more than eight miles from here."

Keystone Gates

Address: 5702 Keys Way, Lithonia

County: DeKalb

Information: 678-518-8690, www.mccarhomes.com

Price range: From the $130,000s

Number of homes: 70

Styles: Two- and three-story townhomes with one- and two-car garages

Square footage: 1,522 to 1,869

Standard features: Fireplace, TV niche, prewired for security system, GE Whirlpool appliances, garden tubs in master bath

Amenities: Gated community, swimming pool, cabana, playground, 15 acres of green space

Homeowners association fees: $150/month covers exterior grounds, cabana, pool and playground maintenance

Developer/builder: McCar Homes

Schools: Edward Bouie Elementary, Salem Middle, Martin Luther King High

Getting there

Take I-20 east to Exit 71 (Panola Road). Turn left. Just over the bridge turn right onto Hillandale Drive. Keystone Gates is on the left.

Search thousands of condo and townhome listings online at ajchomefinder.com