Demographics

The small town of Alto is located in Banks County in the northeastern corner of Georgia. Population in Banks County grew from 14,422 in 2000 to 16,055 in 2005, according to Census 2000 and Census 2005 Estimates. In 2000, Alto was home to a population of 876, of which 304 were households, and 227 were families. The U.S. Census Bureau records the town's total area as 8 square miles ? all land.

History

Created in 1858, Banks County was named for Dr. Richard E. Banks, a prominent, traveling physician who treated both settlers and Indians in northern Georgia and South Carolina.

In its early days, the Banks County economy was based on cotton and corn. By the 1920s, cotton and corn gave way to beef and poultry production and textile manufacturing as the area's primary industries; then came poultry feed production in the 1960s. Today Banks County's growth is primarily related to the increase in retail sales and tourism from the Banks Crossing shopping outlet center.

Banks County boasts one famous resident. The great Ty Cobb, the first player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, was born in Banks County on December, 18, 1886 at 1350 Hwy. 105 (now named Ty Cobb Parkway).

Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping

Banks County is the home of Banks Crossing, one of the of the most visited outlet centers in the South. Banks Crossing offers over 150 stores with over 1-million square feet of manufacturer-direct outlet shopping. The shops at Banks Crossing are a 19.1 mile - 23 minute drive from Alto on Hwy 441 in Commerce, Georgia.

Appletree Farms houses an extensive gift shop displaying local pottery, home décor, specialty gifts, accessories and edibles, a winery tasting room and a restaurant.

Historical Sites

Built circa 1793, Fort Hollingsworth served to protect against Indian attacks during the American Revolution. Located on Wynn Lake Road in northern Banks County, the fort stands in remarkable condition. A frame house built around the fort in the 1800s has protected it from ruin for more than two hundred years. "A Day at the Fort" celebration is held on Memorial Day Weekend.

Located in downtown Homer, the Banks County Historic Courthouse is one of the oldest in Georgia. Built in 1870 and restored in the 1980s, this historic courthouse now houses the Chamber of Commerce. A modern courthouse facility has been built nearby.

The Ragsdale Gristmill was built in the early 1860s. With millstones for grinding meal, threshing equipment to separate grain from hay, and a vertical saw for sawing logs into boards beneath the mill house, this mill met all the needs of the farmer.

Things to Do

The Atlanta Dragway site was built in 1975 on land originally graded for an airport. The first track was good, old Georgia red clay. In 1980, the track was sold, paved, and sanctioned as an NHRA track. Back then, the track was only open twice a year for major events. The NHRA purchased the track in 1993, made substantial improvements, and now hold events year round. Located in nearby Commerce, the Atlanta Dragway is a 22 mile-30 minute drive from Alto.

Play 18-holes on Hammers Glen Golf Club & Retreat. Voted one of the top ten public courses in Georgia by Georgia Fairways Magazine, Hammers Glen will host the 2008 Georgia Open. Located in Homer, the course is a 15.2 mile-22 minute drive from Alto.

Loaded with history, Alto and Banks County provide home buyers the opportunity to lead a small-town life only 30 minutes away from the larger, metropolitan area of Gainesville, Georgia. With nearby access to shopping at Banks Crossing, an award-winning golf resort and NHRA racing, plus all the amenities of Gainesville just a short drive down the road, Alto may be a good fit in your search for a new home.

Our Alto site is the one Internet site that specializes in Alto real estate for sale and offers complete relocation services throughout the area. Our interactive Web site not only provides new home information, like detailed descriptions, photos, and floor plans, it also provides pertinent community information on local schools, recreation, and other features to help you make important decisions on your new Alto home before you move. At New Homes Realty, our goal is to satisfy you, the buyer. Our licensed Alto Real Estate Agents offer professional, personalized real estate services and objective advice ? all at no cost to you.