Jimmy Carter house in Plains, Georgia, is a modest ranch-style home that reflects the former president’s humble roots and down-to-earth nature. Built in 1961, this unassuming residence has been the Carters’ only owned home for over six decades. It’s a far cry from the lavish mansions often associated with former presidents, but it’s a perfect representation of Carter’s lifelong commitment to simplicity and service. If you’re interested in learning about Darren McFadden House, be sure to check out this article.
Who is Jimmy Carter?
Jimmy Carter, born James Earl Carter Jr. on October 1, 1924, was the 39th President of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981. But he’s much more than just a former president. Carter’s life has been a remarkable journey from a peanut farmer in Georgia to the highest office in the land, and then to a globally respected humanitarian.
Unlike many politicians who amass great wealth, Carter’s net worth has remained relatively modest. As of 2024, his estimated net worth was around $10 million. This includes the value of his home in Plains, his book royalties, and his presidential pension. Carter doesn’t own a fleet of cars, a yacht, or a private jet. He’s always preferred a simpler lifestyle, often driving himself around in a regular car when he was able.
Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away in November 2023, lived in the same house in Plains for most of their lives. They didn’t own multiple homes or private islands. Instead, they focused on their humanitarian work, particularly through the Carter Center, which they founded in 1982 to promote human rights and alleviate suffering around the world.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Earl Carter Jr. |
| Date of Birth | October 1, 1924 |
| Place of Birth | Plains, Georgia |
| Occupation | Former U.S. President, Author, Humanitarian |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Rosalynn Carter (1946-2023) |
| Children | Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy |
| Education | United States Naval Academy (B.S.) |
| Notable Achievements | Nobel Peace Prize (2002), Presidential Medal of Freedom (1999) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million |
| Primary Residence | Plains, Georgia |
Where Does Jimmy Carter Live Now?
Jimmy Carter lives in the same house he’s called home since 1961, located at 209 Woodland Drive in Plains, Georgia. Plains is a small town with a population of about 700 people, situated in the southwestern part of Georgia. It’s a place where time seems to move a little slower, surrounded by peanut farms and pecan groves.
The town of Plains is deeply intertwined with Carter’s life story. It’s where he was born, raised, and where he returned after his presidency. The Carters’ home is just a short distance from downtown Plains, which consists of a few blocks of historic buildings, including Carter’s former campaign headquarters and his boyhood farm.
Jimmy Carter House
The Jimmy Carter House is a modest, one-story ranch-style home that sits on a 2.4-acre lot. It’s a far cry from the White House, but it’s been the heart of the Carter family for over 60 years. The house is surrounded by trees and has a pond that Carter dug himself, where he enjoys fly fishing.
1. Where Is Jimmy Carter House?
Jimmy Carter house is located at 209 Woodland Drive in Plains, Georgia. It’s situated in a quiet, residential area of the town, not far from the main street. The property is part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, which includes several sites related to Carter’s life and presidency.
The house isn’t open to the public, as it’s still a private residence. However, visitors can view the property from a designated overlook area. From there, you can see the split-rail fence surrounding the property and the brick path leading to the house.
2. Features of Jimmy Carter House
The Carter house is a classic example of mid-20th century American residential architecture. It’s a single-story, brick ranch-style home, a popular design in the 1960s when it was built. The house has a simple, rectangular layout with a low-pitched roof, typical of the ranch style.
The house was built in 1961 when the Carters’ family was growing. It originally had four bedrooms to accommodate their children. Over the years, the Carters have made some modifications to the house, but it has largely retained its original character.
The exterior of the house is red brick, with large windows that allow plenty of natural light inside. There’s a covered porch at the front of the house, providing a shaded area for relaxation. The landscaping around the house is simple but well-maintained, with a mix of trees and shrubs that provide privacy and shade.
3. Personal House Touches
Since moving into the house in 1961, the Carters have made several improvements and personal touches to make it their own:
- Pond: Jimmy Carter dug a pond on the property himself, which he uses for fly fishing.
- Workshop: Carter added a woodworking shop where he spends time on his hobby of making furniture.
- Solar Panels: In keeping with their commitment to environmental sustainability, the Carters installed solar panels on the property in 2017.
- Remodeling: In the 2010s, the Carters personally knocked down a wall in the house during a remodeling project.
- Garden: Rosalynn Carter cultivated a pollinator garden on the property, reflecting her interest in environmental conservation.
4. House Amenities
- Four bedrooms
- Living room
- Dining room
- Kitchen
- Woodworking shop
- Swimming pool
- Tennis court
- Pond
- Solar panels
- Garden
5. Neighborhood Area
The Carter house is located in a quiet, residential area of Plains. The neighborhood is characterized by similar ranch-style homes, many dating back to the mid-20th century. It’s a close-knit community where everyone knows each other, typical of small-town America.
The house is just a short drive from downtown Plains, which has been largely preserved to look much as it did during Carter’s childhood and early political career. Visitors to Plains can see Carter’s boyhood farm, his high school (now a museum), and the train depot that served as his campaign headquarters.
The surrounding area is primarily agricultural, with fields of peanuts, cotton, and other crops stretching out beyond the town limits. This rural setting has played a significant role in shaping Carter’s character and values throughout his life.
Market Value
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Build Year | 1961 |
| Purchase Year | 1961 |
| Purchase Value | Approximately $70,000 (adjusted for inflation) |
| Current Estimated Value (2024) | Approximately $350,000 |
It’s worth noting that the true value of the Carter house goes far beyond its market price. As a part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, it has immense historical and cultural significance.
Jimmy Carter’s Real Estate Portfolio
Unlike many former presidents who own multiple properties, Jimmy Carter’s real estate portfolio is remarkably simple. The house in Plains is the only home the Carters have ever owned. Here’s a brief overview of the places Carter has called home throughout his life:
- Boyhood Farm: Carter spent much of his childhood on his family’s farm in Archery, Georgia, just a few miles from Plains. This farm is now part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park and is open to visitors.
- Naval Housing: During his time in the Navy, Carter and his family lived in various military housing units, including in Hawaii and Connecticut.
- Plains, Georgia Home: The Carters moved into their current home at 209 Woodland Drive in 1961 and have lived there ever since.
- The White House: From 1977 to 1981, the Carters resided in the White House in Washington, D.C.
- Camp David: As president, Carter also had use of Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland.
After leaving the White House, the Carters returned to their home in Plains. They briefly considered buying a condominium in Atlanta to be closer to the Carter Center but ultimately decided to remain in their longtime home.
Conclusion
Jimmy Carter house in Plains, Georgia, is more than just a building. It’s a reflection of the man himself – modest, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in his hometown. This $350,000 ranch-style home has been the center of the Carter family’s life for over six decades, witnessing their journey from a small-town Georgian family to White House residents and back again.
The house stands as a testament to Carter’s lifelong commitment to simplicity and his deep connection to his roots. It’s a stark contrast to the lavish post-presidency lifestyles of many other former presidents, but it’s perfectly in keeping with Carter’s character and values.
As part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, the house will eventually become a museum, allowing future generations to gain insights into the life of this remarkable man. From this modest home in Plains, Jimmy Carter has shown that true greatness doesn’t require grand mansions or vast estates – it comes from a life dedicated to service and guided by unwavering principles.
