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?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Blue Ridge, GA sell after 85 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 $621,750, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
FOR SALE AT AUCTION: Blue Ridge Cabin Getaway - 3BR/2.5BA Mountain Home on 1.28 Acres Nestled among the scenic hills of Blue Ridge, Georgia, this charming mountain cabin offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of North Georgia. Set on approximately 1.28 acres, the property provides the ideal combination of privacy and convenience, just a short drive from the shops, restaurants,
Fronting one of the widest and most beautiful stretches of the Toccoa River, this extraordinary home epitomizes luxury and comfort in a truly unmatched riverfront setting. Nestled in the heart of the Aska Adventure Area, you'll enjoy close proximity to miles of hiking and biking trails as well as the surrounding National Forest. The open main level features warm wood floors, a striking stone
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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
Perched high at the end of a private road, this tri-level chink log-style cabin offers what most only dream of-unrivaled privacy, breathtaking 2,330-foot elevation views, and endless opportunities to make it your own. Step inside and feel the warmth of the pine tongue-and-groove interior as long-range, north-facing mountain views unfold before you. This isn't just a home-it's a front-row seat to
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Walk to Downtown Blue Ridge | Pet-Friendly (one dog) no cats | Fully Furnished . Mountain charm meets downtown convenience! Just one mile from Blue Ridge's top restaurants, shops, and breweries, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath retreat is perfect for families, couples, or friends looking for a blend of adventure and relaxation. Enjoy pet-friendly and child-friendly comfort, fire pit, easy access to
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Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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