The Modest Life: Inside Jimmy And Rosalynn Carter's Humble Plains, Georgia Home

As of late 2025, the world continues to look to Plains, Georgia, as the enduring symbol of one of America’s most remarkable political and philanthropic lives, centered around the surprisingly modest ranch-style home of former President Jimmy Carter and the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter. This single-story brick house, nestled on a quiet residential street, stands in stark contrast to the grandeur typically associated with former commanders-in-chief, embodying the Carters' lifelong commitment to humility and public service.

The home at 209 Woodland Drive is not merely a residence; it is the physical heart of the Carters' legacy, a place where they lived for over six decades—from 1961 until Rosalynn's passing in November 2023—and the place where they chose to be buried. The continuous focus on this modest dwelling, especially in the wake of recent events, highlights a powerful, intentional choice to remain connected to their small-town roots, even as their influence spanned the globe through The Carter Center and the Habitat for Humanity Work Project.

A Complete Biographical Profile of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter

The story of the Carter home is inseparable from the incredible, decades-long partnership of its occupants. Their life together, spanning 77 years of marriage, is the longest of any U.S. presidential couple.

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• James Earl "Jimmy" Carter Jr.
• Born: October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia.
• Spouse: Rosalynn Smith (Married July 7, 1946).
• Early Career: Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and served in the Navy's nuclear submarine program until 1953.
• Political Rise: Returned to Plains to manage the family peanut farm and warehouse business; served in the Georgia State Senate (1963–1967); and was the 76th Governor of Georgia (1971–1975).
• Presidency: 39th President of the United States (1977–1981).
• Post-Presidency: Established The Carter Center in 1982; awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002; remains active in faith, teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church for decades.
• Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter
• Born: August 18, 1927, in Plains, Georgia.
• Early Life: Met Jimmy when she was a newborn and he was three years old; a lifelong resident of Plains.
• First Lady: Served as an active First Lady, notably focusing on mental health, caregiver support, and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
• Post-Presidency & Legacy: Co-founded The Carter Center; a tireless advocate for mental health and a prominent figure in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project with Habitat for Humanity for over 35 years.
• Died: November 19, 2023, at her home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 96.

The Plains, Georgia Home: A Study in Modesty and Principle

The Carters’ residence at 209 Woodland Drive is perhaps the most famous example of a former U.S. President living a life detached from the trappings of immense wealth. When the Carters returned to Plains after the presidency, they moved back into the exact same house they had built as a young couple.

Architectural Style and Key Features

The house is a classic example of a mid-century, American ranch-style home, a popular architectural choice in the 1960s.

• Style: Ranch-style home, built in 1961.
• Size: Approximately 4,000 square feet.
• Configuration: Features four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
• Construction: The house was designed by architect Hugh Gaston and was the only home the Carters ever owned.
• Value: In stark contrast to the multi-million dollar estates of other former presidents, the home was valued at a modest sum, reflecting the Carters' intentional decision to avoid financial profiteering from the presidency.

This dwelling served as the Carters' permanent residence throughout their entire political journey—from state senator to governor, to president, and for all their decades of global humanitarian work. The home is located in Sumter County, a small, close-knit community that has always been the anchor for the couple’s life.

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The House's Role in a Post-Presidency Legacy

The Plains house has been the launchpad for the Carter's groundbreaking post-presidency work, which many historians consider the most impactful in American history.

The Carter Center and Global Influence

From this unassuming home, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter established The Carter Center in 1982, an organization dedicated to advancing human rights and alleviating suffering worldwide. The center's mission on democracy, disease eradication (like Guinea worm), and mental health advocacy (Rosalynn's focus) has made the Plains house a quiet hub of global diplomacy.

Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Work Project (2025 Update)

The Carters’ most visible connection to "house building" is their decades-long partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. The annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project has inspired over 108,000 volunteers across 14 countries, directly building or repairing thousands of homes.

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Despite Rosalynn's passing and Jimmy Carter's advanced age, the legacy of their hands-on work continues. In 2024, the Work Project was hosted by Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, and planning for the 2025 project is already underway, a testament to the enduring power of their vision. This ongoing work, which includes the construction of Tribute Homes in their honor, ensures that the spirit of the Plains house—building a better life for others—lives on.

The Future of the Carter Home and National Historical Park

The house on Woodland Drive is a central, though private, component of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. While visitors can tour the historic sites related to Carter's boyhood farm and the Plains Depot, the private residence itself is not open to the public.

A significant detail about the property is its future use. The Carters have confirmed that after their deaths, they will be buried at their home in Plains, a decision that further cements the house's status as a permanent historical landmark. The National Park Service (NPS) is already developing plans for the management and interpretation of the Carter Home and Garden to preserve its significance for future generations.

The modest Plains house, with its brick facade and sprawling ranch layout, remains a powerful symbol of a life lived with integrity and a commitment to service over celebrity. It is a quiet monument to the longest presidential marriage and a testament to the idea that true influence is measured not by the size of one’s dwelling, but by the depth of one’s impact on the world.