Blue Ridge is known for its mountain views, so much so that Southern Living named it the No. 3 best mountain town in the South in 2022. Hiking trails are a highlight, as is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, a sightseeing train ride through Georgia’s mountains that begins and ends at Blue Ridge’s historic train depot. “We’re an hour, an hour-and-a-half from downtown Atlanta,” says Mayor Rhonda Haight, who’s lived in Blue Ridge for 25 years and served on the city council for 12 years before becoming mayor in 2021. “People come here for weekend getaways. We’re one of the first cities where you start seeing the mountains.”
Located in northeast Georgia’s Fannin County, Blue Ridge is only 2 square miles. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s track runs through the center of town along Main Street, where residents can find local shops and restaurants. There are few residential neighborhoods within the city limits, so the population of around 1,200 people has remained steady. The city is home to everyone from retirees to remote workers looking for a room with a view. Many locals also work in the tourism industry.
Blue Ridge you can ride Scenic Railway, a sightseeing train ride through Georgia’s mountains.
Hiking trails are a highlight, as is the Blue Ridge.
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Modern cabins with mountain views
With a city footprint of just over 2 square miles, there are few homes within the city limits. “There’s a mixture of new construction and historic homes,” Mayor Haight says, “and there’s great walkability here.” Homes closest to downtown are early-20th-century bungalows and Craftsman homes, and 21st-century modern cabin architecture becomes common farther away. The median price for a single-family home is about $650,000, significantly higher than the national median of about $400,000. Homes outside city limits with mountain or lake views are typically some of the area’s most expensive, while cost-conscious buyers can find less expensive options several miles from the city.
Live atop a breathtaking mountain in Blue Ridge, where every sunrise paints the sky with vibrant colors.
Live in a custom home in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia.
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Busy weekends on Main Street and an established art scene
Locally owned restaurants, galleries, boutiques and breweries line Blue Ridge’s walkable Main Street. “Blue Ridge is known for having very unique high-end restaurants,” Mayor Haight says. “The population triples on the weekends. Fall used to be our busiest season, but now it’s year-round.” Restaurants like Southern Charm and The General Ledger serves regional comfort food, while Ferraro's Kitchen offers upscale Italian dishes. Popular annual events include the Fire and Ice Chili Cook-Off & Craft Beer Festival and the Old Timers’ Parade. “We’re an art town,” Mayor Haight says. “There are several galleries downtown with local and national artists.” The historic Fannin County Courthouse houses the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association and Art Center, where residents can take classes and enjoy art exhibits. Residents can also attend plays, musicals and live music at Blue Ridge Community Theater just south of downtown, and they can head to the Swan Drive-in Theatre to watch the latest blockbuster movie. For essentials, big-box retailers and grocery stores like Food Lion are on the city's north side.
The best Italian cuisine and wine selection in Blue Ridge can be enjoyed at Ferraro's Kitchen.
Blue Ridge Mountain Mall features antiques, collectibles, and home decor in Blue Ridge.
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Hiking and fishing in Georgia's trout capital
Blue Ridge City Park, in the center of downtown, has a playground and community space for festivals and other events. To the city’s east, the 3,290-acre Lake Blue Ridge is popular for boating and fishing, and the Toccoa River nearby is known for white water rafting, tubing and fly fishing. “We’re the trout fishing capital of Georgia,” Mayor Haight says, “and people love to hike here.” For hiking in the area, the Aska Adventure Area and Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area are local favorites.
Blue Ridge is renowned for its exceptional trout fishing along the scenic Toccoa River and boasts a vibrant local scene that's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Discover the joys of Blue Ridge Lake by renting a boat or jet ski for an exciting day on the water.
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B-rated schools with a charter system
Kids can attend Fannin County Public Schools, which earn a B-plus from Niche. The school district is a charter system and emphasizes flexibility in its curriculum. Students can start school at Blue Ridge Elementary and then attend Fannin County Middle; both earn a B. Fannin County High also earns a B and offers flex time where students can pursue career pathways in subjects like general automotive technology and journalism. High schoolers can also take dual-enrollment courses at the University of North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Campus.
Fannin County Middle School is an above average, public school located in Blue Ridge.
Fannin County High School is a public high school located in Blue Ridge.
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Within two hours of Atlanta and Chattanooga
U.S. Route 76, also called the Appalachian Highway, is the main road through Blue Ridge. Chattanooga, the nearest major city, is 83 miles northwest, and Atlanta is 93 miles south. Piedmont Mountainside, the closest hospital, is 17 miles away in Ellijay. The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, which has direct flights to nine U.S. cities, is 74 miles away, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a 103-mile trip. Houses of worship here include First Baptist Church, St. Luke's Church and the Jewish Congregation of Blue Ridge.
Blue Ridge offers a variety of local places of worship, catering to diverse spiritual needs.
The vibrant Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is just a quick and convenient drive from Ben Hill Terrace, making it easy to jet off on your next adventure.
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At risk for wildfires, but the fire department is prepared
Blue Ridge’s proximity to forests and camping areas puts it at risk for wildfires, but the chance of one endangering the city is slim. “We’ve had a few fires,” Mayor Haight says, “but we’ve never had anything that’s gotten out of control.” In November 2023, high winds caused a fire in a downtown restaurant to spread to nearby businesses. “It’s definitely made us more conscientious of future builds and fire equipment. The county and the city have worked collaboratively to ensure we have proper fire equipment to handle the downtown area.” The damaged property was sold, and a new project is in development.
Written By
Annie Franklin
Photography Contributed By
Alan Bates
Video By
Daniel Willingham
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Blue Ridge, GA sell after 96 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Blue Ridge, GA over the last 12 months is $675,000, down 45% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Listing!! Nestled amidst the serene natural beauty of Blue Ridge, Georgia, this exquisite cabin offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by the enchanting 'tree house effect,' courtesy of the expansive glass windows and robust wood beam timbers that frame the stunning views. The interior continues to impress with its all-wood finish,
Welcome to your tranquil mountain retreat, where elegance meets rustic charm! Nestled among lush ferns, canopied hardwoods, and roaming wildlife, this timeless log-style cabin offers the peace of nature with the convenience of being just minutes from downtown Blue Ridge.This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with an additional loft offers ample sleeping space for family and guests. The spacious living
Whether you're looking for a profitable short-term rental or a mountain home that pays for itself, this 3-bed, 3-bath stunner on 2.75 private acres offers the best of both worlds and it's only 6 miles from Blue Ridge. The open-concept layout with 20-foot beamed ceilings and full-height windows gives the space a bright, airy feel, and the real rough sawn hardwood floors bring warmth and charm. The
New Listing!! Nestled amidst the serene natural beauty of Blue Ridge, Georgia, this exquisite cabin offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by the enchanting 'tree house effect,' courtesy of the expansive glass windows and robust wood beam timbers that frame the stunning views. The interior continues to impress with its all-wood finish,
Welcome to your tranquil mountain retreat, where elegance meets rustic charm! Nestled among lush ferns, canopied hardwoods, and roaming wildlife, this timeless log-style cabin offers the peace of nature with the convenience of being just minutes from downtown Blue Ridge.This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with an additional loft offers ample sleeping space for family and guests. The spacious living
Whether you're looking for a profitable short-term rental or a mountain home that pays for itself, this 3-bed, 3-bath stunner on 2.75 private acres offers the best of both worlds and it's only 6 miles from Blue Ridge. The open-concept layout with 20-foot beamed ceilings and full-height windows gives the space a bright, airy feel, and the real rough sawn hardwood floors bring warmth and charm. The
Charming 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home for Rent – Just 5 Minutes from Downtown Blue Ridge! Available Immediately! Nestled in a peaceful, private setting just minutes from the heart of Blue Ridge, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Enjoy the serenity of mountain living with the ease of quick access to shops, dining, and entertainment. Step inside to
For Rent | Walk-to-Town Blue Ridge Home Charming 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Home – Just 2 Blocks from Main Street! Live in the heart of Blue Ridge without giving up privacy or peace. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is just 2 blocks from downtown yet tucked into a quiet, wooded setting—giving you the best of both worlds. Step inside to a bright, spacious layout that feels warm and inviting. The kitchen
Property Id: 1496987This beautiful log home has an amazing long view and is far enough off the main road but still not off the asphalt. With a large driveway, fireplace, hot tub and quiet neighborhood this a perfect place to check out the area before moving here. We will work with tenants of length of stay by the month. All utilities are usually $250/month.
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