Dawson County is about to get its first new apartment complex in 14 years.

Farmington Woods of Dawsonville is on track to open in early November, according to Michael Brand, vice president, TBG Residential. The complex is located in the City of Dawsonville on Perimeter Road.

After this last year of weather issues, we are happy to be opening the project in late fall, said Brandt.

The 72-unit housing complex was originally scheduled to open in July. Rents start at $485 and are subject to change, according to Brad Smith with TBG Residential.

Four other apartment complexes in the county are frequently full.

Ezra E.B. Jordan, owner of Alden Trace Apartments off Highway 9, said he rarely has a vacancy.

We stay pretty full, said Jordan, who is a retired Texaco executive. The apartment business is doing quite well, mostly because of the financial meltdown. Prior to that, the business was pretty ruthless.

Jordan said in the 14 years since opening his complex, his rents have gone up just $20. A two-bedroom, one bath rents for approximately $595. There are 42 units in the complex.

I run a very frugal operation. I know exactly what my costs are all the time, he said.

Dawson Forest Apartments were also built in 1999. The complex off Green Forest Drive has 268 units with rents for a one bedroom starting at $719. Seven units were available at press time.

A 27-unit complex off Reeves Road in Dawsonville, Pinewood Apartments, was started in 1985. Rents are $650, which includes water, sewer and garbage pick up.

Historically, weve managed to stay full, said Owner Gene Odom.

Gravitt and Dawsonville Apartments, located between Highways 53 and 9, has seven buildings. The complex started in 1973 with one building. Other buildings were added in 1993, 2006 and 2007, according to the Dawson County Tax Assessors website.

Affordable housing can be an important component when workers desire to live where they work.

There are very few houses under $200,000, said Dawson County Commission Chairman Mike Berg. So, the majority of new workers must find housing outside Dawson. Some would say thats a good thing because we dont spend infrastructure dollars. The other side is attracting workers. Walmart took a lot longer to find employees than they anticipated.