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 88 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 $599,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**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
A serene mountain home that's move-in ready, fully furnished, and perfectly designed for both everyday living and vacation rentals. Set on a quiet 1.31-acre lot in the Aska Adventure Area, this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath cabin blends rustic charm with modern comfort. The main level features an open, inviting layout ideal for daily living or entertaining. The kitchen offers granite
This is more than a cabin — it's a front-row seat to the Blue Ridge Mountains, with sweeping year-round views that stop you in your tracks the moment you arrive. Designed for both relaxation and unforgettable gatherings, this luxury log home delivers high-impact style with soaring cathedral ceilings, a dramatic wall of windows, and a brand-new deck made for mountain living. Watch the light shift
This mountainside retreat, built in 2018 by Brown Haven Homes, blends luxury, comfort, and potential on nearly 2 private acres with sweeping long-range views. With over 4,000 sq ft of living space, the home is designed for both relaxation and entertaining, featuring vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a striking stone fireplace in the great room. The kitchen flows seamlessly into a
Charming Blue Ridge Cabin For Sale: Discover this stunning modern rustic cabin in Blue Ridge, GA featuring 3 bedrooms (one on each level), 3.5 baths, and a full finished lower level with a media area. The main level boasts an upgraded kitchen with custom cabinetry, spacious dining area, and a covered porch with an outdoor fireplace, dining space, and grill-perfect for entertaining. Nestled in a
Tucked into the woods of Blue Ridge, Georgia, 120 Brookhaven Trail is a warm, welcoming cabin that feels like home the moment you arrive. This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom retreat sits on nearly two acres of quiet land, with tall trees all around and a peaceful feeling you can sense right away. Inside, tall ceilings and hardwood floors make each room feel big and bright. A cozy stone fireplace in the
This is your Mountain Escape in Blue Ridge, GA – Fully Furnished 3BR/2BA Cabin. Welcome to your mountain retreat! This fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom cabin offers the ideal combination of comfort, convenience, and rustic charm. Nestled in a peaceful setting with stunning long-range mountain views, this home is perfect for weekend getaways, seasonal escapes, or full-time living. Step inside
Tucked away on a serene 1.22-acre lot, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath traditional mountain home offers the perfect balance of privacy, comfort, and convenience. Located less than five minutes from town, you'll enjoy the peace of the mountains with quick access to shops, restaurants, and everyday essentials.Inside, the home features a warm, inviting layout with spacious living
Welcome to 467 Deer Crest Road, a stunning prow-front cabin offering year-round long-range mountain views and Lake Blue Ridge views. This log and timber-style home is ideally located near Blue Ridge, GA all paved access- just minutes from hiking trails, biking, outdoor recreation, and Lake Blue Ridge access-perfect as a primary residence, second home, or short-term rental investment. The
Your private North Georgia retreat begins at the very end of the road-where peace, privacy, and mountain living come together. Nestled on 5 beautiful and usable acres, this property is part homestead, part hideaway, and wholly unforgettable. Surrounded by towering hardwoods, open pasture, and the soothing sound of a year-round trout stream and also a branch running along the side and back of the
Turnkey Mountain Retreat — River Views & Luxury Finishes Without the Blue Ridge Premium. Welcome to your serene escape in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where breathtaking river views and the sounds of the Toccoa River create the perfect backdrop for a life well-lived. This 3,152 sq. ft. home, built in 2018, offers luxury without the Blue Ridge premium — a meticulously crafted 3-bedroom,
Escape to serenity with this enchanting retreat now available for lease! Nestled in the tranquil woods just minutes from downtown Blue Ridge, this fully furnished haven perfectly blends natural beauty with modern amenities. Step into a cozy yet spacious home featuring 2 inviting bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, an office study with a picture-window view, and open layout designed for relaxation and
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,
Luxury Blue Ridge Cabin! Hot Tub - Fire Pit - 10 Min to DT - Creek Side! Escape to The Mountain Haus, a 3BR/2BA luxury cabin, ft. boutique finishes & cozy vibes. Enjoy an open-concept living space, high-end kitchen, spa-like bathrooms, and luxe bedrooms. Unwind in the hot tub or gather around the fire pit. Just 10 min to DT w/ paved road access the entire way. Enjoy a relaxing weekend or extended
Luxury Blue Ridge Cabin! Hot Tub - Fire Pit - 10 Min to DT - Creek Side! Escape to The Mountain Haus, a 3BR/2BA luxury cabin, ft. boutique finishes & cozy vibes. Enjoy an open-concept living space, high-end kitchen, spa-like bathrooms, and luxe bedrooms. Unwind in the hot tub or gather around the fire pit. Just 10 min to DT w/ paved road access the entire way. Enjoy a relaxing weekend or extended
Charming 1BR/1BA Apartment in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge! This unique North Georgia property offers a stunning view of downtown Blue Ridge & is centrally located with convenience in mind with restaurants and shops just outside your door. Inside you will find an open floor plan with where the kitchen opens to the living space, making it easy to dine with & entertain family & friends. The
Welcome to your dream retreat in the heart of Blue Ridge! This stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom mountain home comfortably accommodates up to 16 guests, making it the perfect getaway for large families, multiple families, or groups of friends seeking both relaxation and adventure. Nestled among the serene ridges of North Georgia, this spacious cabin blends rustic charm with upscale comfort. From
Charming 1BR/1BA Apartment in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge! This unique North Georgia property offers a stunning view of downtown Blue Ridge & is centrally located with convenience in mind with restaurants and shops just outside your door. Inside you will find an open floor plan with where the kitchen opens to the living space, making it easy to dine with & entertain family & friends. The
Escape to this charming chalet cabin and feel at home, where rustic wood interiors and mountain vistas create a relaxed retreat. This home sleeps 12 and features 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, making it ideal for groups.This home features two full kitchens, high-speed Wi-Fi, and three smart TVs. The main kitchen is fully stocked with brand-new high-end Cuisinart pots and pans, and a Keurig coffee
Charming 3BR/2BA Apartment in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge! This stunning North Georgia property is being offered FULLY-FURNISHED & is centrally located with convenience in mind with restaurants and shops just outside your door. Inside you will find a well appointed kitchen that opens to the living space, making it easy to dine with & entertain family & friends. This Apartment is tastefully
Feel at home in Majestic Manor, a luxury mountain retreat in the heart of Blue Ridge. This 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath home comfortably accommodates up to 11 guests.This home features spacious, light-filled living areas with upscale finishes, a premium Sonos sound system throughout, and a custom wine and spirits vault. The fully stocked chef’s kitchen includes high-end stainless appliances, a large
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