Short answer: Yes, Evans, GA is a good place to live if you want a wide choice of Columbia County public schools, parks and a town center close to home, and a mix of established and newer neighborhoods. Evans is not a city. It's an unincorporated community of about 35,000 people, so you pay county taxes and no city tax. The trade-off is price and distance: Evans typically has the highest home values among Columbia County's main towns, and Fort Gordon is typically 20 to 40 minutes away, depending on where you live and which gate you use.
You've seen the name on the map. Maybe a coworker lives here. Maybe a friend told you, "Just look at Evans."
Then the questions start. Is it a city or part of Augusta? What does a house really cost? Which school would your kids go to? And how bad is the drive to work?
We hear these every week. Our office is right here in Evans, so let's walk through them together.
Where Is Evans, GA?
Evans sits in eastern Columbia County, on the Savannah River side of the county. The river forms the South Carolina state line just to the northeast. Martinez is to the southeast. Downtown Augusta is about 11 miles away.
Here's the key thing to know. Evans is a census-designated place, which means it's a community the Census Bureau counts, not a city with its own mayor and council. Columbia County runs it directly. Martinez and Appling work the same way. Only Grovetown and Harlem are incorporated cities in the county.
Evans is also the county's working center. Wikipedia notes that Evans is the de facto county seat, even though Appling still holds the official title. The Columbia County Government Center is at 630 Ronald Reagan Drive in Evans.
Evans is part of the Augusta metro area, and a lot of people call it a suburb of Augusta. You can live in Evans and work, shop and play in both places.
Is Evans Part of Augusta?
No. Evans is in Columbia County. Augusta is in Richmond County. They share a metro area, a river and a lot of daily traffic, but they're separate places with separate governments, school districts and tax bills. Our guide on Columbia County vs. Richmond County shows how daily life differs.
How Big Is Evans, and How Fast Did It Grow?
Fast.
The U.S. Census counted 12,220 people in Evans in 1990 and 17,727 in 2000. By 2010 it was 29,011. In 2020, it was 34,536, up 19% in a decade. The Census Bureau's latest survey estimate (2020-2024) is about 37,000.
The 2020 Census says the median age was 41, and about 25% of residents were under 18. About 37.6% of households had children at home. This is a place where families live, and it feels like it.
How Did Evans Get Its Name?
Not for who you might guess. Evans County, Georgia, was named for General Clement A. Evans. But Columbia County's Evans has no connection to Evans County, which is about 110 miles to the south. Wikipedia, citing an Augusta Chronicle interview with the general's son, says the community was named for an unrelated family with the same last name.
What Is Evans Known For?
Three things: the Evans Towne Center, good parks and growth that keeps coming.
Evans Towne Center. This is the heart of town. Evans Towne Center Park (7016 Evans Town Center Blvd.) has a splash pad, a dog park, a playground, a stage, a walking trail and pavilions. Next to it is The Plaza and The Market, home of the Evans Market on Saturday mornings. The county amphitheater sits beside the Columbia County Library.
Parks and events. Evans Towne Center Park hosts a concert series, and in the winter it turns into an ice rink. More on that below.
Growth. Evans has nearly tripled in size since 1990, from 12,220 people to 34,536 in 2020. And the retail is catching up. Trader Joe's confirmed on February 16, 2026, that it plans a store in Evans. There's no opening date yet, and the company has said it will be at least 2027.
Parks and Things to Do in Evans
Columbia County Parks, Recreation and Events runs the parks. A few favorites in and around Evans:
- Evans Towne Center Park (7016 Evans Town Center Blvd.) has a splash pad, dog park, playground, stage, trail and pavilions. A pavilion rental is $75 for four hours.
- The Market (1005 Market St.) hosts the Evans Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the spring and fall.
- Blanchard Woods Park (4600 Blanchard Woods Dr.) opened in September 2007. It has four regulation soccer fields, a stadium field, a skatepark, disc golf, BMX and a cross country course that's the home course for Augusta University's cross country team.
- Euchee Creek Greenway is about 4.2 miles long in Phase 1. It connects to trail networks in the Canterbury Farms and Bartram Trails neighborhoods, with trailheads at Patriots Park and Canterbury Farms.
And this week there's plenty going on. Country singer Jackson Dean closes the Fall Concert Series at Evans Towne Center Park on Friday, Nov. 6. Gates open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 7. The Evans Market runs Saturday, Nov. 7. See the full list in our things to do in Evans and Columbia County this week guide.
Then, from Wednesday, Nov. 18, through Monday, Jan. 18, 2027, Evans on Ice returns to Evans Towne Center Park. Here's the full story on Evans on Ice.
And if you love a good meal, check out the Evans Towne Center restaurant scene and the Trader Joe's update.
Commute: Fort Gordon, Augusta and Beyond
This is where you do the math.
- Fort Gordon: From the Evans Towne Center area, it's about 8 to 9 miles to Gate 1 (the McKenna Gate), about 16 minutes with no traffic. On a weekday morning, plan on 20 to 40 minutes, depending on where you live and which gate you use. From the Riverwood Plantation area, plan on 25 to 35 minutes.
- Downtown Augusta: About 11 to 12 miles, roughly 20 minutes with no traffic.
- Grovetown: About 11 miles, about 19 minutes with no traffic.
Here's a number that surprises people. The Census Bureau puts the average commute for Evans workers at 24.3 minutes. That's a little shorter than Grovetown's 26.2 and a little longer than Martinez's 20.6. Not everyone works on post, so your own destination matters more than any average.
If you work on post, Grovetown and Martinez will beat Evans on the clock. Martinez runs about 15 to 20 minutes, and Grovetown about 10 to 20. Our Fort Gordon commute guide breaks it down town by town.
One note on Gate 1. From 5 to 9 a.m. on weekdays, it's open only to DoD ID card holders. Visitors get a pass at the Visitor Control Center at Gate 6.
Tip: test-drive your commute at the hour you'd really leave. On a weekday. Not a Sunday afternoon.
Schools in Evans
Evans is part of the Columbia County School District, the same district as Martinez, Grovetown, Harlem and Appling. Several schools have an Evans mailing address:
- High schools: Evans High (4550 Cox Road), Lakeside High (533 Blue Ridge Drive) and Greenbrier High (5114 Riverwood Parkway)
- Middle schools: Evans Middle (4785 Hereford Farm Road), Lakeside Middle (527 Blue Ridge Drive), Greenbrier Middle (5120 Riverwood Parkway) and Riverside Middle (1095 Fury's Ferry Road)
- Elementary schools: Blue Ridge, Evans, Greenbrier, Lewiston, River Ridge and Riverside
That's not the full list. Other Columbia County schools serve some Evans homes too.
And here's the part that matters most. Your address picks your school, not your town name. Check the address with the district before you write an offer. Our guide on how to find which schools serve a home shows you how, step by step.
Taxes: No City Tax in Evans
Because Evans is unincorporated, there's no city property tax. Instead, homes in unincorporated areas pay the county fire district tax.
For 2026, the rates are 4.491 mills for the county, 2.788 mills for the fire district and 14.997 mills for schools. That's 22.276 mills in all. Georgia taxes homes on 40% of their value, and a mill is $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value.
What does that mean in dollars? In our property tax guide, a $350,000 home with the homestead exemption came out around $2,900 a year outside city limits. For the full math, read our guide to Columbia County property taxes. And once you own, don't forget to apply for the homestead exemption.
Trash, Water and Everyday Services
Here's what to set up in your first month.
Trash. Columbia County doesn't collect household trash. You choose and hire a private company.
Water. Columbia County Water Utility handles water and stormwater billing for county customers. Its main line is 706-863-6928. Confirm the provider for any home you're serious about.
Everything else. Because the county runs Evans directly, Columbia County government is your local government for permits and fire rescue. Homes in unincorporated areas pay the fire district tax for that service.
New to the area? Our first 30 days checklist covers your license, car tag and homestead deadline too.
Homes in Evans: What You'll Find
Evans has more established neighborhoods than Grovetown, where about 43.5% of homes were built in 2010 or later. In Evans, a lot of homes went up in the 1990s and 2000s. In the Census Bureau's 2020-2024 survey, about 55% of Evans homes were built between 1990 and 2009, and about 21% in 2010 or later.
About 88% of Evans homes are owner-occupied, so about 12% are rentals.
Neighborhoods people ask us about most include:
- Riverwood Plantation. See our Riverwood Plantation page and what to know about its schools and lifestyle.
- Bartram Trail. Golf, a pool and trails. Read our Bartram Trail amenities guide.
- River Island. See what it's like living in River Island.
- Highland Lakes. See Highland Lakes in Evans.
Want to compare more? Our Evans subdivision guide breaks down prices, schools and neighborhoods, and our guide to newer homes and amenity neighborhoods covers the newer side.
What Does It Cost to Live in Evans?
Evans usually runs highest among Columbia County's main towns. Here's what the Census Bureau's 2020-2024 survey shows:
Evans | Columbia County | Georgia | United States | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Median home value | $366,100 | $305,300 | $303,300 | $332,700 |
Median household income | $125,098 | $95,592 | $77,353 | $80,734 |
Median gross rent | $1,617 | $1,409 | $1,393 | $1,413 |
That survey lags today's market, so use it to compare places, not to price a home. For current numbers, see our cost of living guide and our guide on how much house you can afford.
Deciding between towns? Read our Evans vs. Grovetown decision guide and our Evans vs. Martinez vs. Grovetown comparison.
What's at Stake
Most Evans regrets aren't about Evans. They're about skipped homework.
A family falls for a house, then learns it's zoned to a school they didn't expect. A soldier tests the drive to post on a Sunday and meets the real one on Monday at 6:45 a.m. A buyer plans for the price of the house and forgets the closing costs, the taxes and the move.
Every one is avoidable with a guide who has asked these questions before.
Your Simple Plan
- Talk with us. Tell us what matters most: commute, schools, budget or the kind of neighborhood you want.
- Test-drive your life. We'll map the commute, check the school zone and confirm the utilities for every home you like.
- Buy with confidence. We'll line up the right inspections and walk you all the way to the keys.
Picture it. A Saturday morning in Evans. You walk the dog around the park, pick up fresh produce at the market and make it home before lunch. On Monday, you know your drive, your school zone and your tax bill, because you checked before you bought.
That's the goal. We'd love to help you get there.
Why Families Trust the Fairey Team
We live here. We're raising our three kids here. And we know what it's like to move. Ehrin serves in the Air Force Reserve, so we understand PCS orders, report dates and the stress of buying from far away. Our military relocation team helps service members land well around Fort Gordon. Want the VA loan and BAH details? Read our Fort Gordon VA loan and 2026 BAH guide.
We help buyers and sellers in Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, Harlem and Appling. You're the hero of this move. Our job is to be a good guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Evans, GA a good place to live?
Yes, for families who want a wide choice of Columbia County schools, parks and a town center close to home, and a mix of established and newer neighborhoods. Evans typically has the highest home values among the county's main towns, with a median of $366,100 in the Census Bureau's 2020-2024 survey. The trade-off is the commute to Fort Gordon, typically 20 to 40 minutes.
What county is Evans, GA in?
Columbia County. Evans is in the eastern part of the county, next to the Savannah River and the South Carolina line. It's part of the Augusta metro area, but it's not in Augusta or Richmond County.
Is Evans, GA a city?
No. Evans is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place. Columbia County provides its services, and homeowners pay no city property tax. Grovetown and Harlem are the only incorporated cities in the county.
How many people live in Evans, GA?
The 2020 Census counted 34,536 people in Evans. That's up 19% from 29,011 in 2010. The Census Bureau's 2020-2024 survey estimate is about 37,000.
How far is Evans, GA from Augusta and Fort Gordon?
Downtown Augusta is about 11 to 12 miles away, roughly 20 minutes with no traffic. From the Evans Towne Center area, Fort Gordon's Gate 1 is about 8 to 9 miles, about 16 minutes with no traffic. On a weekday morning, plan on 20 to 40 minutes, and 25 to 35 minutes from the Riverwood Plantation area.
Is Evans, GA expensive?
Compared with the rest of Columbia County, usually yes. The median home value in Evans was $366,100 in the 2020-2024 survey, compared with $305,300 for Columbia County, $303,300 for Georgia and $332,700 for the nation. Median household income is higher too, at $125,098. Prices change every month, so ask for current sales.
What are the best neighborhoods in Evans, GA?
It depends on what you value, so we don't crown one. Riverwood Plantation, Bartram Trail, River Island and Highland Lakes are the ones people ask about most. Compare commute, schools, amenities and HOA costs for your own family, and see our neighborhood guides.
What schools are in Evans, GA?
Evans is in the Columbia County School District. Schools with an Evans address include Evans High, Lakeside High and Greenbrier High, plus Evans Middle, Lakeside Middle, Greenbrier Middle and Riverside Middle, and several elementary schools. Zones are set by exact address, so look up each home with the district before you make an offer.
Do you pay city taxes in Evans, GA?
No. Evans is unincorporated, so there's no city property tax. Homes pay Columbia County, county fire district and school taxes. For 2026 those are 4.491, 2.788 and 14.997 mills, or 22.276 mills in all.
Let's Find Your Place in Evans
Thinking about Evans? Let's take a drive. We'll show you the neighborhoods, test the commute to your gate and find the home that fits your life.
- Call: (706) 480-5203
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit: 2580 Evans Trade Center, Evans, GA 30809
- Next step: Explore neighborhoods · Evans homes · Military relocation help · Get your home value
Still comparing towns? Start with moving to Evans and Columbia County, living in Grovetown, GA, living in Martinez, GA, living in Harlem, GA, living in Appling, GA and our honest answer on whether Columbia County is a good place to live. PCSing? See our PCS timeline checklist and rent or buy when you PCS. Got more questions? Our real estate FAQ has answers.
Data notes: Population history, age and household figures from the 2020 U.S. Census (as compiled on Wikipedia). Home values, income, rent, year built, owner-occupancy and the 2020-2024 population estimate from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey 2020-2024; average commute time from Census QuickFacts. Parks, facilities and rental rates from Columbia County Parks, Recreation and Events. Schools and addresses from the Columbia County School District. 2026 millage and trash guidance from Columbia County. Fort Gordon gate rules from Fort Gordon via our commute guide. Distances and no-traffic times are OpenStreetMap routing estimates; rush-hour ranges are our team's local estimates. Checked Nov. 3, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice. Deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Hero photo: Greenbrier High School in Evans, Georgia ("GreenbrierHighSchool") by HDow, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped; the cropped version is shared under the same license).
Fairey Team | eXp Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.
