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
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Video By
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On average, homes in Blue Ridge, GA sell after 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Blue Ridge, GA over the last 12 months is $595,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Whitetail Hollow - Turnkey Mountain Retreat in Cherry Log, GA! Welcome to Whitetail Hollow, a fully furnished, charming log cabin nestled in the serene mountains of Cherry Log, close to downtown Blue Ridge and Ellijay. Whether you're searching for a primary residence, vacation home, or a proven Airbnb investment, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath mountain retreat offers the perfect blend of comfort,
Escape to your own 1 level living- peaceful 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom mountain retreat-featuring CREEK FRONTAGE, with approximately 158 feet of beautiful Bailey Creek running along the back of the property! This charming rustic cabin offers the perfect blend of cozy comfort, fresh mountain air, and wide-open space-complete with a serene creek as your everyday backdrop. Leave the noise and crowds
REDUCED and READY TO SELL!! Nestled amidst the serene natural beauty of Blue Ridge, Georgia, this exquisite cabin located in beautiful Ivy Ridge Estates 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 view. The
**Priced Below Recent Appraised Value** Elevating mountain living to an art form, this 4,800 square foot custom estate in the prestigious gated community of Blue Ridge Heights was showcased in the 2021 Blue Ridge Parade of Homes and masterfully built by acclaimed craftsman Kevin Teague. Set on a gently rolling 1.07-acre corner lot bordered by three unbuildable parcels for privacy, the home offers
This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort and stunning scenery. Perched to capture long-range mountain views, this fully furnished retreat is ideal for anyone needing a peaceful rental to call home. The main level features an open living area with plenty of natural light, cozy kitchen, and two comfortable bedrooms and a guest bathroom. Upstairs, you'll find a
This 4-bedroom cabin in Blue Ridge, GA, offers everything you need for an amazing vacation. With an expansive deck boasting stunning views, this cabin is designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Feel at home in this serene mountain escape, featuring a hot tub, fire pit, outdoor patio and dining area, BBQ grill, and ample parking. Inside, you'll find a game room with a bar and whiskey barrel gaming,
Traditional one story home on a level one acre lot and conveniently located to Blue Ridge, McCaysville and Copperhill. All large rooms, walk-in closets, washer/dryer is provided, large covered front porch, ample driveway parking, carport and storage building. NO Pets. $65 application fee per adult and a minimum of 12 month lease term required.
Tina PritchettColdwell Banker High Country Realty - Blue Ridge
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