A small North Georgia community surrounded by nature
Set in the heart of northern Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Blairsville is a small town defined by its natural beauty. With panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the town is home to the serene 18-acre Lake Winfield Scott, the expansive 4,180-acre Lake Nottely, and Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak. With a population of just over 700 people, Blairsville is the seat of Union County and embodies a quintessential small-town charm, complete with mom-and-pop shops and a tight-knit community where most residents know each other by name. Rural and tranquil, yet offering easy access to outdoor recreation, Blairsville offers a peaceful life in the mountains.
Cozy cabins & lakefront estates
Blairsville is situated within a valley surrounded by mountains, with homes lining forested avenues and sprawling waterfront estates along the shores of Nottely Lake. The town offers a range of architectural options, from ranch-style houses to cozy cabins and bungalows. An abundance of heavily wooded land available for purchase gives buyers the option to build their homes from the ground up. The median single-family home price is about $420,000, on par with the national median. Home values have been steadily rising since 2021.
Explore Georgia’s highest peak
Residents can enjoy the crisp mountain air in Chattahoochee National Forest, which includes part of the Appalachian Trail and more than 80 miles of pathways for hiking and exploration. Hop on the shuttle for a trip to Brasstown Bald, the state's highest peak, and catch 360-degree views of the Southern Appalachian Mountains from the observation deck. Vogel State Park, located at the base of Blood Mountain, offers a 22-acre lake, waterfall and campsites. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at Butternut Creek Golf Course downtown. Kayaking and waterfront activities await at Nottely Lake, located just northwest of Blairsville.
Pappy’s Trading Post keeps residents afloat
Sunrise Grocery, a staple since the 1920s, offers locally sourced produce, handmade goods and southern favorites like hot boiled peanuts. Pappy's Trading Post, a beloved novelty gift shop, sits adjacent to the flowing Nottely River, offering tubing and a unique shopping experience. From June to October, The Union County Farmers Market adds to the local bounty with more than 85 vendors. In downtown Blairsville, residents can start their day with a cup of coffee at Cabin Coffee Co. and enjoy international dining options like Cuban cuisine at Dan's Grill and Lala's Kitchen, as well as fast-casual chains like Wendy's and Chick-fil-a.
Union County Schools serve the community
Students of Blairsville are zoned to attend Union County Schools, one of the top-rated school districts in Georgia, earning a B-plus from Niche. This small school system serves approximately 3,000 students across five schools: Union County Primary, Union Elementary, Union Middle, Union High and Woody Gap High. Blairsville is about 20 miles from the University of North Georgia's Blue Ridge Campus and 8 miles from Young Harris College.
Easy highway access and essential services within city limits
U.S. Highway 76 connects Blairsville with Ringgold, Dalton, Chatsworth, Ellijay, Blue Ridge and Clayton. State Route 515 provides access to Atlanta, which is 100 miles from Blairsville. The Union County Transportation system provides public transit with two 10-passenger vans, which offer routes to stores and other locations within the Union County boundaries. The Blairsville Municipal Airport is less than 4 miles southwest of the city. However, since it does not serve commercial airlines, residents usually fly to and from Chattanooga (CHA) Airport, which is 92 miles away. Blairsville is served by the Union General Hospital located just off Deep South Farm Road.
Residents are advised to use water filters
In 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a health advisory for Blairsville due to the detection of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the city's tap water. PFAS are chemicals commonly used in stain-resistant and non-stick products such as textiles and cookware. To mitigate potential health risks, residents are encouraged to use water filters. While the city is taking steps to reduce exposure to these chemicals, complete elimination is not feasible at this time.
Union County's crime rates
The full-service Blairsville Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents. Crime statistics specific to Blairsville are not available at this time. According to data from the FBI, Union County's reported property and violent crime rates are generally lower than state and national figures.
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.
