A secluded escape in The Blue Ridge Mountains, Dawson County offers national parks, hiking trails through foothills and access to some of Georgia’s best lakes. This is a place where NASCAR and moonshine are local pastimes. Homes sit on multiple acres with mountain views and dense trees surrounding them. It’s remote, so locals may have to drive a ways away to access grocery stores and shopping. But retail in nearby Dawsonville, like The North Georgia Premium Outlets, ensure residents aren’t too far from amenities.
Kristie Myers, associate broker with Coldwell Banker, who lives in Dawson County, says, “We are right at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The beginning of the Appalachian Trail is in Dawson County. The hiking and mountain activities are a big draw. One of the largest waterfalls in the Southeast, the Amicalola Falls, is here. We have Lake Lanier. We have a lot.”
There are lots of mountain roads in Dawson County.
An old car that adorns a yard in Dawson County.
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Beginning of The Appalachian Trail
The hotspot for entertainment in Dawson County these days is the great outdoors. “The whole community is dotted with state parks,” Myers says. Because of the plethora of lakes and rivers, such as Lake Lanier and the Etowah River, kayaking is a popular pastime. Weekend retreats at lodges in the Chattahoochee National Forest are another go-to. Len Foote Hike Inn is great for outdoor adventurers, as it’s only accessible by hiking through 5 miles of trails that begin at the top of Amicalola Falls. Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, named for the beautiful 729-foot waterfall, offers a scenic, relaxed rustic cabin getaway. The park also begins the famous 78-mile Appalachian Trail that runs from Georgia to Maine and is traversed by 3 million people a year.
The 25,000-acre Dawson Forest is also in Dawson County. Marked and unmarked trails wander past two rivers, branching streams, mountain foothills, ridges, and valleys. This is a popular spot with hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and hunters.
Amicalola Falls in Dawson County offers a strenuous hike, but the views are worth it.
The view from the top of Amicalola Falls in Dawson County is breathtaking.
Lakes and beautiful scenery is what Dawson County is all about.
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The Moonshine Festival and Car Show
Home to legendary NASCAR drivers and so much moonshine that locals argue it’s the Moonshine Capital of the World, it’s said that drivers honed their skills while running moonshine to Atlanta during prohibition. Residents celebrate their history every October at The Moonshine Festival and Car Show in Dawsonville. “Chase Elliott and Bill Elliott are from here,” Myers says. “Back in the day when Bill was a driver. They called him Awesome Bill from Dawsonville.”
Mountain escape
The natural beauty and wealth of outdoor activities have spurred a construction boom. Buyers can easily find homes with lake, mountain, or golf course views that range from rustic cabins to Craftsman- and ranch-style. Most lots sit on multiple acres. Big Canoe, a gated community with 4,750 planned homes, is one of the larger subdivisions. It features three lakes, 10 tennis courts, and a 27-hole golf course. “We have a lot of million-dollar lake homes,” Myers said. “I don’t think you’ll find anything less than $300,000 in Dawson County. The biggest sale we had last year was $3 million.” While there’s a mix of folks who live in Dawson County, Myers says the area skews toward the 55 and older crowd. “We have a lot of retirees,” Myers says. “A lot of people have a second home here.”
Those looking to live in Dawson County can easily find homes with lake or mountain views
Lakeside homes with mountain views can be found around Dawson County.
Natural beauty and wealth of outdoor activities is spurring a construction boom in Dawson Co.
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A-plus clubs at Dawson County High School
Students are zoned for The Dawson County School District and can attend Robinson Elementary School, which Niche grades a B. Then, they can attend Dawson County Middle, which gets a B-plus from Niche, before moving to Dawson County Junior High School, which gets a B from Niche. Then, they can finish their public education at Dawson County High School, which gets a B-minus from Niche. Dawson County High School students can join various clubs, from Fishing Club to Anime Club.
Dawson County Junior High serves students in grades 8-9 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1.
Dawson County Middle School serves over 570 students in grades 6-7.
As a member of GHSA Region 7-AAA, Dawson County High offers 30 athletic teams.
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The leaf-lookers
People from all over come to take in the scenery, especially in the fall when the leaves change. Locals affectionately refer to such tourists “leaf-lookers.” “Georgia 400 runs right through the middle of Dawson County. It’s the main artery going north,” Myers says. “You can tell when the leaf-lookers come because of all the traffic.” Using U.S. Route 19, locals can access Atlanta in about 70 miles. U.S. Interstate 575 leads to Marietta in about 55 miles.
The view from top of the Amicalola Falls out over the country side of Dawson County.
Lakes and beautiful scenery is what Dawson County is all about.
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Dawson County has a racy history, some legendary NASCAR drivers, such as Bill Elliott.
Shopping in nearby Dawsonville
Dawson County is remote and large, so residents may have to drive several miles to reach small-town hubs with grocery stores and other essentials. Dawsonville is one option, with a Food Lion, Kroger, nail salons, and more. For racing fans, the Dawsonville Pool Room is a must-try. Locals can taste the NASCAR-themed restaurant’s “Bully Burger,” a hamburger topped with slaw, onions, mustard, ketchup and pickles. For something more upscale, head to The Blue Bicycle, serving smoked duck breast or wild shrimp. Also in Dawsonville are The North Georgia Premium Outlets, where locals can grab essentials from Walmart and The Home Depot or get new clothes from the Nike Factory Store or Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store. “There’s not much in the way of night life,” Myers says. “We go to bed at 9 p.m.”
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dan Zachman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Amicalola Falls State Park
Lake
Trails
Nature Center
Veterans Memorial Park
War Hill Park
Rock Creek Park and Recreation
River Park
Toto Creek Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Dawson County
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Dawson County Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Dawson County, Big Canoe sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Dawson County, Big Canoe over the last 12 months is $450,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Play with the idea of home—and then redefine it at 519 Magnolia Drive, where the essence of Southern elegance meets modern edge. Arrive each day to a sleek, brick-front masterpiece, its bold lines and warm lighting creating a statement before you even step inside. Within, you’ll find a symphony of style and function: 5 spacious bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and a layout that speaks to both family life
Jessica MarquezWeichert, Realtors - The Collective
Discover the perfect blend of charm and functionality in this spacious craftsman home on Lake Lanier, offering plenty of room for family and friends! Thoughtfully designed with a resort-style feel, this property features two great rooms with stone fireplaces, two kitchens, and four covered porches ideal for entertaining in every season. Located in a prime Dawsonville spot just 30 minutes north of
Nestled within the prestigious Chestatee Golf Club community on the shores of Lake Lanier, this exceptional 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom residence offers over 6,690 square feet of meticulously designed living space. Featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as a "kid-friendly retreat," this home combines luxury, comfort, and functionality on a serene 0.75-acre wooded lot.Inside, the home’s expansive
Josh ShawAtlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International
Lake Lanier craftsman community located just off 400 is one of the most popular in all North Georgia! This resort-like, artisan subdivision feels like your on vacation....all the time. Chestatee is a community is that clearly active. The commons areas are landscaped and polished, the extensive network of sidewalks are groomed and clean, the recreation areas are inviting with many green spaces
Step into this beautifully upgraded home featuring the popular Jordan floor plan, situated on a premium lot that backs to conservation land for added privacy. The open-concept layout offers a spacious great room with a dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace, flowing seamlessly into a gourmet kitchen with a large granite island, white cabinetry, and a full tile backsplash. Luxury vinyl plank flooring
Quiet solitude and amazing privacy in Chestatee, Lake Lanier's only golf and boating community. Located on a cul-de-sac, surrounded by mature trees and backing up to the 15th hole, this traditional home is immaculate and features parking for four cars. The covered front porch is unique to this home providing a welcoming entrance for family and friends into the foyer, living room and dining room.
Pointe Grand Dawsonville proudly presents two-bedroom apartments offering 1,170 square feet of open living space. These apartments feature upscale interior amenities, including wood-inspired flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, oversized kitchen islands, LED lighting, and keyless entry. Residents also enjoy community amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, a resort-style
GA 400 North. Turn left on Dawson Forest Road, just before the Outlet Mall. Travel 4.5 miles, passing 3 roundabouts. Etowah Preserve will be on your right.Public: Enjoy beautiful mountain views in Dawsonville, GA, in this home located at 166 Whitewood Dr, in the Etowah Preserve community. This beautiful two-story home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. Enjoy magnificent
Experience a balanced lifestyle at Advenir at Dawson Hills, offering spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes with private entrances. Our second-story homes feature a townhouse-style feel for added privacy. Enjoy an array of amenities, including a resort-style pool, fire pit, hammocks, lounging cabanas. You can also enjoy our complementary coffee bar located in our beautiful
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dan Zachman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
28,852
Median Age
45
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
21.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$88,532
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$110,982
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.3%
College Graduates
30.8%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.5%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
54''
Average Winter Low Temperature
29°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
1''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
3/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
