Despite the still-festering global pandemic, or maybe because of it, metro Atlanta is dotted with examples of new communities where buyer demand is exceeding supply, especially in the case of single-family homes.

That appears to be the situation at Ormewood Park’s latest “pocket” neighborhood, Vernon, where all but two houses in a second phase have been claimed though it started construction only two and a half months ago.

When finished, the Southwyck Homes venture will see 20 houses creatively situated (some might say "squeezed") in a horseshoe-like pattern around a community park, each aiming for a buyer demographic that prizes walkability over expansive yards and traditional cul-de-sacs.

Project leaders tell Urbanize Atlanta that eight homes and sites remain available across three planned phases, with current prices beginning in the $630,000s. Most remaining houses in the second phase have three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, with larger ones spoken for.

Available homes clock in around 2,400 square feet. 

Plans for remaining Vernon homesites range from $639,500 to nearly $800,000 at the moment. Courtesy of Southwyck Homes

The initial phase sold out in March, and the last installment of six properties is expected to start construction soon. At $798,900, the priciest future option listed at the moment is a four-bedroom spanning 2,990 square feet.

Vernon is coming together about two blocks from the BeltLine’s future Southside Trail, tucked on lots between Beulah Heights University and the Glenwood Green Townhomes. The rustic-contemporary exteriors are meant to mesh with Ormewood’s existing architectural context.

According to The Brightstar Team/COMPASS principal Michelle Jenkins, the neighborhood HOA covers streetlight maintenance and landscaping in common areas. Interior perks include 10-foot ceilings, gas fireplaces, and spa-like features in master bathrooms.

An example of interior designs described as approachable contemporary. Courtesy of Southwyck Homes

With its emphasis on walkability and relative density for a single-family build, Vernon echoes the nearby Farmhouses at Ormewood Park project, where prices have climbed up to $1.14 million, and Edgewood’s La France Walk community near a MARTA station.

All are efforts to maximize use of available land as prices for intown parcels have ballooned in recent years.

• Ormewood Park news (Urbanize Atlanta) 

• BeltLine's Southside Trail is getting a new bridge, eyeing summer debut (Urbanize Atlanta)