Finding a place to live in Marietta usually means choosing between an old charmer with a leaky roof or a cookie-cutter box three feet from your neighbor’s driveway. Then there’s Ellis by David Weekley Homes. It’s basically positioned as the high-end middle ground. You get the new construction perks, but with 85-foot homesites that actually let you breathe.
If you’ve been driving down Dallas Highway and saw the signs for Ellis, you’ve probably wondered if the million-dollar price tags are actually worth it. Or maybe you're just wondering if the "resort-style amenities" are more than just a pool and a patch of grass.
Honestly, it’s a lot to weigh. You're looking at a community tucked right next to the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which is a massive win if you like hiking. But you’re also dealing with the realities of modern corporate homebuilding. Let’s get into the weeds of what’s actually happening on the ground at Ellis in 2026.
The Location Logic: Why West Cobb?
Location is everything. For Ellis, the selling point is being "close but not too close." You’re about five miles from the Marietta Square. If you haven't been lately, the Square is basically the heart of the area’s social life—think Glover Park concerts, the Strand Theatre, and way too many good places to eat like Mac’s Chophouse or Taqueria Tsunami.
Commuting from West Cobb is always a conversation. You’ve got easy enough access to I-75 and the Barrett Parkway corridor, which is great for Target runs but can be a nightmare during rush hour.
One thing that’s legitimately cool? The community has its own walking trails that link up to the thousands of acres at Kennesaw Mountain. It’s a literal backyard for outdoorsy types. If you’re a parent, the school district is usually the first question. Ellis is zoned for Cheatham Hill Elementary, Lovinggood Middle, and Hillgrove High. These are heavy hitters in the Cobb County system, which keeps property values pretty stable even when the market gets weird.
Breaking Down the Floor Plans
David Weekley isn't doing small here. These are big, two-story (and sometimes three-story) houses. Most of the plans at Ellis by David Weekley Homes range from 2,800 to over 5,000 square feet.
- The Kinton: This is usually their entry-level plan for the neighborhood. It starts around $738,000. It’s a 3-bedroom setup that feels bigger because of the open-concept "Family Room" and high ceilings.
- The Wynstone: A local favorite. It’s a 4-bedroom beast that often pushes the $950,000 to $1 million mark depending on the finishes. People love the "Owner’s Retreat" (that’s builder-speak for a fancy master bedroom) because it’s usually tucked away for privacy.
- The Cobbstone: If you need 5 or 6 bedrooms, this is it. It’s got a 4-car garage. Yes, four.
The kitchens in these homes are legit. We're talking Kitchen-Aid appliances, 5-burner cooktops, and those "pot-filler" faucets over the stove that make you feel like a professional chef even if you're just boiling pasta.
The Reality of the "David Weekley Experience"
Look, no builder is perfect. If you check the BBB or Reddit, you’ll see the typical gripes: communication gaps, warranty delays, or "builder-grade" materials that feel a bit thin for the price.
However, David Weekley tends to rank higher than the "big box" national builders because they use a "Personal Builder" program. You actually get to know the person overseeing your house. In Ellis, names like Kirk Ricketts and Kammy George have been the face of the sales team, and they’ve built a reputation for being more responsive than your average corporate rep.
Energy Efficiency is a Real Perk
They have this thing called the "EnergySaver" program. It sounds like marketing fluff, but they actually use heating and cooling usage data to back it up. The homes are often diamond-level rated for energy efficiency, which matters when you’re trying to cool 4,000 square feet in a Georgia July.
The Amenity Situation
It's not just a pool. They’ve put in:
- Two lighted tennis courts.
- Dedicated pickleball courts (because it’s 2026 and we’re all obsessed).
- A clubhouse and playground.
- Two private lakes for fishing or just canoeing around.
What it Costs to Live Here
Let’s talk numbers. You aren’t getting into Ellis for cheap.
As of early 2026, quick move-in homes like the Cobbstone on Ellis Mountain Drive are listing for roughly $1,107,447. If you want something slightly smaller, a Wynstone plan is sitting around $958,515.
The HOA fees are something to watch. They hover around $263 a month. That covers the lakes, the pool, and the general upkeep of the common areas. It’s a bit steep, but it keeps the neighborhood looking like a resort rather than a collection of houses.
The Good, The Bad, and The Honest
The Pros:
- Space: 85-foot lots mean you aren’t staring into your neighbor’s bathroom from your kitchen window.
- Kennesaw Mountain: Direct access to the park is a rare find in new construction.
- School Quality: Hillgrove is a major draw for families.
The Cons:
- Price: At $1M+, you're in the luxury bracket, and some buyers feel the interior finishes should be even higher-end for that price.
- Construction Noise: It’s a community in progress. Depending on where your lot is, you might be hearing hammers at 7:00 AM for a while.
- Traffic: Dallas Highway is your main artery, and it gets clogged.
Is Ellis Right for You?
If you want a historic home with "character" (code for expensive repairs), look elsewhere. But if you want a massive, energy-efficient house with a warranty and a trail to a national park, Ellis is hard to beat in Marietta.
The smartest thing you can do is visit the model home at 363 Ellis Preserve Lane. Don't just look at the pretty furniture. Check the corners, ask about the insulation types, and get a clear list of what is "standard" versus "upgrade." A lot of people get blinded by the model home's $100k in upgrades and are disappointed when their base-build feels different.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Inventory: Look for "Quick Move-In" homes on the David Weekley site. These often have better negotiation room than custom builds.
- Visit at Rush Hour: Drive from Ellis to your workplace at 8:00 AM. If the Barrett Parkway traffic makes you want to scream, the house won't fix that.
- Hire an Independent Inspector: Even for a new build. Spend the $500 to have someone look at the flashing, the HVAC ductwork, and the foundation before you close.
- Verify the School Zone: Districts can shift. Call the Cobb County School District directly to confirm Ellis still feeds into Hillgrove for the upcoming year.