Mountain Views or Southern Charm? A Real Estate Showdown Between Southwest Colorado and Cartersville, GA

Explore the lifestyle, climate, market trends, and investment potential in two of the South’s rising real estate stars.
by Ashley Blackmore in collaboration with Jenny Smith

If you're dreaming of a new place to call home—or looking for your next smart real estate investment—two standout markets are making waves for very different reasons: Southwest Colorado and Cartersville, Georgia. One boasts rugged mountain terrain, crisp alpine air, and an outdoorsy lifestyle that calls to adventurers. The other is steeped in Southern charm, with a growing economy, warm community vibes, and easy access to Atlanta’s metropolitan perks.

In this blog, we’re diving deep into these two dynamic regions to explore what makes each unique. From climate and lifestyle differences to real estate market figures, driving forces, expert insights, and investment potential, we’ll give you everything you need to make an informed decision. Whether you're moving for a lifestyle upgrade, remote work flexibility, or building your investment portfolio—this side-by-side comparison will help you discover where your next chapter could begin.

1. Climate and Lifestyle: Nature’s Playground vs. Southern Comfort

Southwest Colorado offers four true seasons with snowy winters ideal for skiing, lush summers perfect for hiking, and breathtaking fall colors. Cities like Durango and Cortez attract outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, and remote workers seeking a high-quality, wellness-focused lifestyle.

Cartersville, GA, on the other hand, features a mild climate with hot summers and short, cool winters. Its Southern charm, historic downtown, and easy access to Atlanta make it attractive for families, commuters, and those looking for a slower pace without giving up city perks.

2. Market Comparison: What Are the Numbers Telling Us?

Let’s look at how the two real estate markets stack up in 2025:

• Southwest Colorado offers premium pricing, especially in areas near ski resorts and national parks.

• Cartersville is more affordable, with faster turnover and strong rental returns due to proximity to Atlanta.

3. What’s Driving Each Market?

Southwest Colorado:

• Limited housing supply

• Influx of remote workers and retirees

• Tourism-based economy boosting short-term rental market

• Outdoor lifestyle and scenic appeal

Cartersville, GA:

• Economic spillover from Atlanta’s growth

• Infrastructure projects and job creation

• Family-friendly neighborhoods

• Affordable cost of living attracting first-time buyers

4. Lifestyle Considerations: What Fits You Best?

• Choose Southwest Colorado if you value:
  → A rugged outdoor lifestyle
  → Quiet, tight-knit communities
  → Cooler weather and seasonal living
  → Opportunities for Airbnb or short-term rentals

• Choose Cartersville, GA if you want:
  → Southern hospitality with suburban comfort
  → Proximity to urban centers like Atlanta
  → Family-oriented neighborhoods
  → Strong rental market for passive income

5. Investment Potential: Growth & Long-Term Gains

Both areas present promising opportunities—but in different ways.

• Southwest Colorado: Best for long-term appreciation, lifestyle buyers, and short-term vacation rentals.

• Cartersville, GA: Ideal for cash flow, flipping potential, and entry-level investors seeking strong rental returns.

6. Making the Move: Final Thoughts

Whether you're chasing mountain views or southern charm, both Southwest Colorado and Cartersville offer unique advantages. Your choice depends on your lifestyle goals, budget, and whether you’re buying for personal use or investment.

7. Expert Market Insights

Real estate agents and local economists point to steady appreciation in both markets:

“Durango and its surrounding areas have become lifestyle destinations. Inventory is tight, which is keeping prices stable and attractive for long-term investors.” -Ashley Blackmore

“Cartersville continues to grow steadily. We’re seeing families move in from all over thanks to the affordability, community, and convenient access to everything from hiking trails to downtown Atlanta.” – Jenny Smith

ABOUT THE EXPERTS

Jenny Smith – Real Estate Professional | Keller Williams Northwest 

Meet Jenny Smith & Associates – Your Local Experts in Cartersville, GA

At Jenny Smith & Associates, we believe real estate should feel less overwhelming and a lot more empowering. Led by Jenny Smith, a seasoned Realtor with Keller Williams Northwest, our team has deep roots in Bartow County and a strong commitment to helping buyers and sellers feel confident, informed, and taken care of every step of the way.

Jenny has lived in Cartersville since 2000, raising her three daughters here and now soaking up the joy of being “Lolli” to her two grandkids. Over the years, she’s built a reputation for getting things done—professionally and personally—with care, clarity, and just the right mix of strategy and heart.

With more than a decade of full-time real estate experience, Jenny brings a deep understanding of the emotional and financial decisions that come with buying or selling a home. Her specialty? Making complicated things simple. Whether it's breaking down market trends, negotiating a deal, or finding creative ways to showcase a home through video, she brings a calm, clear presence that clients trust.

A Team That Works Hard (and Has Fun Doing It)

Jenny Smith & Associates is more than just a name—it’s a full-service real estate team made up of passionate, smart, and service-driven professionals. We’ve helped hundreds of families move with confidence, and our team includes experts in everything from land and investment properties to first-time buyers and luxury listings. Our support staff keeps the wheels turning so our agents can stay focused on what matters most: helping clients.

We’ve built a reputation for being the team people call when things aren’t working—whether it’s expired listings, homes that need a fresh marketing approach, or sellers who’ve tried before and didn’t get results. We’ve even had sellers fire their previous agents just to work with us. Why? Because we show up differently. We go the extra mile. And we back our strategy with results.

Modern Marketing That Moves the Needle

Our secret sauce? Video. With over 1,000 custom videos across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, we’ve developed a marketing strategy that doesn’t just tell people a home is for sale—we show them why it’s the one. We shoot 5–8 videos per home (yes, all our properties), and we’re not afraid to re-film if a listing isn’t moving. It’s part of how we’ve continued to grow, even in a shifting market.

We’ve helped frustrated sellers find fresh momentum, first-time buyers land the perfect spot, and investors spot opportunities others missed. And we do it all while keeping it real—with communication, kindness, and a little Southern sass when needed.

Rooted in Community. Focused on You.

From downtown Cartersville to the rural stretches of Bartow County, this is our home. Jenny and the team know the neighborhoods, the local businesses, the hidden gems—and the best places to grab coffee after a showing. We’re not just selling houses here. We’re helping people find their place in a community we care deeply about.

So, whether you're buying, selling, investing, or just exploring your options, we’re here for it—and for you. Let's make your next move your best one yet.

Ashley Blackmore - Real Estate Professional | Luxury & Equestrian Property Specialist

Ashley Blackmore, a Durango, Colorado native, combines her strong background in Business Management and Marketing from Fort Lewis College with a passion for her hometown to elevate the local real estate industry. Recognizing the need for a higher level of professionalism, she entered the market with a commitment to redefine real estate standards.

Founder of Ashley Blackmore Homes - A Luxury Real Estate Brand
Ashley established her own luxury real estate brand to deliver innovative marketing strategies, particularly focusing on video and social media to stay ahead of trends. She is known for her strategic, forward-thinking approach, emphasizing the "lifestyle" that comes with a home, setting her apart from traditional agents.

Specialist in Selling Hard-to-Sell Properties
With an in-depth knowledge of the local market, Ashley excels in accurate property pricing and successfully sells hard-to-sell properties. Her dedication to building long-term relationships has earned her trust and loyalty from clients both locally and nationally.

Mentor & Advocate for Entrepreneurs
In addition to her real estate expertise, Ashley is passionate about mentoring fellow entrepreneurs, helping them build successful businesses using innovative strategies and insights.

Commitment to Luxury & Equestrian Properties Across North America
As part of Ashley Blackmore Homes’ mission, we connect luxury and equestrian property buyers with expert insights across North America. Specializing in luxury ranches and mountain estates in Colorado and New Mexico, we partner with distinguished realtors to deliver comprehensive market knowledge.

Call to Action: Let’s Find Your Perfect Fit

Still undecided? Let’s talk! Whether you're looking to relocate, invest, or diversify your real estate portfolio, we can help you explore both regions with confidence.
📞 Contact us for a personalized consultation or sign up for free! Jenny Smith and Ashley Blackmore