Townhome with extras tips balance

Matt Ligon, 32, a sales manager for Verizon Wireless, was out shopping for a home with partner Albert Teo. They were looking at a single-family community built by McCar Homes, and when they were leaving, they saw a sign directing them to the builder’s Mill Park townhomes. Deciding they’d check it out as long as they were riding around, they visited a few units and decided right away to make an offer.

Why a townhome? Ligon and Teo originally looked at four-bedroom, three-bath single-family homes but decided they were not ready for that kind of commitment. Neither of them are into yardwork, so a condo or townhome seemed like a good first step. The Austell location was between Teo’s job off Cobb Parkway and Ligon’s job in Douglasville, so it was in just the right spot.

A great deal: The unit Ligon and Teo purchased was under contract to someone else whose deal fell through, and upgrades like high-end copper bathroom fixtures and crown molding and wainscoting in the dining room had been added. Their end unit features 17 windows, which provide a lot of natural light and great views for their cat, Riley.

Location: Ligon says everything you can possibly need is easy to get to. “There are grocery stores around the corner, and we have Home Depot and Lowe’s nearby, so everything we need to get our home fixed up is in the neighborhood.” He likes Austell for its convenience to Atlanta but appreciates the fact that his home is not in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city.

The neighbors: Ligon says his neighbors are fantastic. “From the beginning, there was a real sense of community here. We have pool parties and other gatherings, and last Christmas we had a tour of homes just for the residents. We watch out for each other, and for the property itself,” he said. The neighbors are looking forward to getting the last units sold and establishing their own homeowners association.

Plans to stay: “I think we’ll be here at least for the next five years,” Ligon said. “We’re doing upgrades as we’re able, and then we’ll make a decision to move. My job is now in Newnan, but I’m planning to stay put for a while. It’s nice to come home to a community that when you’re driving by you say, ‘Oh, I would love to live there.’ And you do,” he said, smiling.

At a glance

Matt Ligon’s and Albert Teo’s three-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath townhome includes a large master suite with a sitting room and spacious bath. The two-car garage, powder room, living room, dining room and kitchen occupy the first floor, and the staircase in the two-story foyer leads to the bedrooms on the second floor. He and Teo moved into their new home in June 2007.

Mill Park

Address: 1941 Bay Beauty Lane, Austell

County: Cobb

Information: 770-819-1219, www.mccarhomes.com

Price range: from the $170,000s

Year built: 2006

Number of units: 87

Square footage: 1,923-1,944

Standard features: Nine-foot ceilings on the first floor, hardwood floors in the foyer and powder rooms, walk-in pantries, garden tub in the master bath.

Amenities: Cabana, pool, park and sidewalks

Association fees: $1,920/year; $320/initiation fee

Builder: McCar Homes

Broker: McCar Homes

Public schools: Sanders Elementary, Garrett Middle, South Cobb High

Getting there

Take I-75 north to I-285 west. Take Exit 15 (South Cobb Drive) and turn right. Travel 1.7 miles and turn left on the East-West Connector. Drive 6.7 miles and turn left onto Austell Road. Turn right after .4 miles onto Anderson Mill Road. Mill Park is on the right.