Jimmy Carter house in Plains, Georgia, is a modest ranch-style home that reflects the former president’s humble roots and down-to-earth lifestyle. Built in 1961, this unassuming residence has been the Carters’ only owned home and has witnessed the remarkable journey of a peanut farmer who became the 39th President of the United States. Despite his high-profile career, Carter chose to return to this simple abode after leaving the White House, making it a symbol of his enduring connection to his hometown and values. You Can Also Read About Mark Zuckerberg House for more inspiration.
Who is Jimmy Carter?
Jimmy Carter, born James Earl Carter Jr. on October 1, 1924, is a former U.S. President, humanitarian, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Unlike many ex-presidents who amassed great wealth after leaving office, Carter maintained a modest lifestyle. He doesn’t own any yachts, private islands, or jets. His net worth is estimated at around $10 million, mostly from book royalties and his presidential pension. Carter owns just one home – the ranch house in Plains, Georgia. He’s known for his extensive charity work, particularly with Habitat for Humanity, rather than for accumulating luxury assets.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Earl Carter Jr. |
| Date of Birth | October 1, 1924 |
| Place of Birth | Plains, Georgia |
| Profession | Former U.S. President, Author, Humanitarian |
| Years Active | 1962-2024 |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Rosalynn Carter (m. 1946-2023) |
| Children | Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy |
| Net Worth | Approximately $10 million |
| Notable Awards | Nobel Peace Prize (2002) |
| Cars | No luxury vehicles reported |
| Yacht | None |
| Total Homes | 1 (Plains, Georgia) |
| Private Islands | None |
| Private Jets | None |
Where Does Jimmy Carter Live Now?
Jimmy Carter lives in the same ranch-style house in Plains, Georgia, that he and his wife Rosalynn built in 1961. Plains is a small town in Sumter County, with a population of about 700 people. It’s located about 150 miles south of Atlanta, in the heart of rural Georgia. The town is known for its peanut farming, which was the Carter family’s business before Jimmy entered politics.
Jimmy Carter House
The Jimmy Carter House is a modest, one-story ranch-style home located at 209 Woodland Drive in Plains, Georgia. Built in 1961, it’s the only house the Carters have ever owned. The home is a testament to Carter’s humble beginnings and his commitment to living a simple life, even after serving as the 39th President of the United States.
1. Where Is Jimmy Carter House?
Jimmy Carter house is situated at 209 Woodland Drive in Plains, Georgia. It’s part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, which includes several sites related to Carter’s life and presidency. The house sits on a 2.4-acre lot, surrounded by trees and a well-maintained lawn. While the house itself isn’t open to the public, visitors can view it from a designated overlook nearby.
2. Features of Jimmy Carter House
The Jimmy Carter House is a classic example of a mid-20th century American ranch-style home. It’s a single-story structure with a low-pitched roof and an elongated layout. The house is clad in red brick with light green painted timber accents, giving it a warm, inviting appearance.
The architectural style is simple and functional, typical of homes built in the 1960s. It lacks the grandeur one might expect from a presidential residence, instead reflecting Carter’s preference for practicality and modesty. The house originally had four bedrooms when it was built, designed to accommodate the Carters’ growing family.
The total area of the house isn’t publicly specified, but it’s described as modest by most accounts. The lot size of 2.4 acres provides ample space for the house and surrounding grounds, including a pond that Carter dug himself.
3. Personal House Touches
Since purchasing the house in 1961, the Carters have made several improvements and personal touches:
- In 1974, they added a screened-in porch, providing a comfortable outdoor living space.
- In 1981, after returning from the White House, they converted the garage into a two-story structure. The ground floor became Jimmy’s woodworking shop, while the upper level was transformed into a guest apartment.
- Carter personally dug a pond on the property, which he uses for fly fishing.
- They planted a magnolia tree on the grounds, grown from a cutting of a tree on the White House lawn that was originally planted by President Andrew Jackson.
- In recent years, the Carters undertook some remodeling work, including knocking down a wall themselves to open up the living space.
4. House Amenities
- Woodworking shop
- Guest apartment
- Screened-in porch
- Fishing pond
- Tennis court
- Swimming pool
- Back patio
- Garden
- Double-height garage (converted)
- Four bedrooms (original configuration)
5. Neighborhood Area
The Jimmy Carter House is located in a quiet, residential area of Plains, Georgia. The neighborhood is characterized by similar ranch-style homes and large, wooded lots. It’s a peaceful, rural setting that reflects the small-town charm of Plains.
The area around the house is part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Nearby, visitors can explore other significant sites related to Carter’s life, including his boyhood farm, the Plains High School (now a museum), and the Plains Depot, which served as his campaign headquarters in 1976.
The town of Plains itself is small and tight-knit, with a population of around 700 people. It’s known for its peanut farming heritage, which was the Carter family’s business before Jimmy entered politics. The town has embraced its connection to the former president, with several businesses and attractions related to Carter’s life and presidency.
Market Value
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Build Year | 1961 |
| Purchase Year | 1961 |
| Purchase Value | Approximately $10 per square foot (1961 prices) |
| Most Recent Estimated Value | $239,700 (as of 2025) |
It’s worth noting that the house’s value is modest compared to many other presidential residences. This reflects both the local real estate market in rural Georgia and the simple nature of the property itself.
Jimmy Carter’s Real Estate Portfolio
Unlike many former presidents who own multiple properties, Jimmy Carter’s real estate portfolio consists solely of his home in Plains, Georgia. However, he has lived in several significant residences throughout his life:
- Boyhood Farm: Carter spent most of his childhood on his family’s peanut farm in Archery, Georgia, just outside of 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 (1946-1953), Carter and his family lived in various military housing units, including ones in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and New London, Connecticut.
- Public Housing in Plains: After leaving the Navy in 1953, the Carters briefly lived in public housing in Plains for about a year while getting back on their feet financially.
- Current Home: The ranch house at 209 Woodland Drive, built in 1961, has been the Carters’ primary and only owned residence for over 60 years.
- Georgia Governor’s Mansion: Carter lived here during his term as Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975.
- The White House: As the 39th President of the United States, Carter and his family resided in the White House from 1977 to 1981.
After leaving the White House, unlike many former presidents who moved to more luxurious homes, the Carters chose to return to their modest ranch house in Plains. This decision underscores their commitment to their roots and their preference for a simple lifestyle.
Conclusion
The Jimmy Carter House in Plains, Georgia, is more than just a residence; it’s a reflection of the man who lived there. Its modest nature and the Carters’ long-term commitment to this single home speak volumes about their values and lifestyle choices. Despite achieving the highest office in the land, Jimmy Carter chose to return to his roots, living in the same house he built before his presidency. This home, now part of a national historical park, stands as a testament to Carter’s humility, his connection to his hometown, and his enduring legacy as a man of the people.
