Clarkesville is a small town with the Blue Ridge Mountains within view
Clarkesville offers quintessential small-town America with a view. Parts of the city stretch north into the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering direct access to natural amenities, and locals celebrate their environment every year in one of Clarkesville's longest-running events, the Mountain Laurel Festival. The town's 2,100-plus residents also strongly support its more than 150 small businesses and take time to get to know one another at frequent community events.
Mountain cabins and ranch-style homes near downtown
From the narrow streets of downtown to the shores of Lake Burton, Clarkesville has thousands of homes whose styles, sizes and build dates vary widely. Buyers will find a mix of mid-to-late 20th-century ranch-style and split-level homes, plus recently built contemporary colonials and mountain cabins. Many homes are custom-built with contemporary architecture, characterized by vaulted ceilings, sizable windows and two to three-car garages. Home sites often take advantage of Clarkesville's diverse terrain and can offer views of mountains, rivers, creeks or lakes. Several homes sit directly on Lake Burton and have private water access. Homes closer to downtown sit on lots typically under an acre, but hundreds of lots north of downtown cover well over 10 acres. The median sale price of a home in Clarkesville is around $375,000, but the larger homes on Lake Burton have sold from $2 to $5 million.
Habersham County Schools earns high remarks on Niche
Habersham County Schools serves just over 7,100 students and scores an overall A-minus on Niche. Clarkesville Elementary and North Habersham Middle score an overall A-minus. Habersham Ninth Grade Academy has a B. Habersham Central High School’s Academic Excellence Program awards students various certificates, medals and scholarships. The high school originated the program, but it has since grown to support middle schools across the county. Niche gives the high school a B-plus.
North Clarkesville offers access to various natural amenities
Much of north Clarkesville is defined by its mountainous terrain, where hiking trails, lakes and waterfalls encourage an outdoorsy lifestyle. About 20 miles north of downtown, Moccasin Creek State Park is a popular outdoor space overlooking Lake Burton. The park sprawls across 32 acres and features a boat dock and ramp, a fishing pier and a wildlife observation tower. Lake Burton covers almost 2,800 acres and is a water skiing, fishing and boating hub. Visitors can rent kayaks and paddleboards from the state park, and LaPrade’s Marina offers additional space to dock on Lake Burton. The Hemlock Falls Trail is one of the most traversed hiking spots in the area, cherished for its waterfalls, but locals also hike to the falls at Tallulah Gorge State Park. Near downtown, Pitts Park offers a playground for the kids and plenty of green space near the Soquee River.
Exploring downtown Clarkesville
Clarkesville’s walkable downtown spotlights small businesses; clothing boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, and art studios fill sturdy storefronts and line brick-laden sidewalks. Light posts sport the town flag with seasonal decorations, and chalkboards list sales and specials near several stores. Lake and Laurel offers home décor and beauty supplies, and Erin London has clothes and jewelry. Hemlock Studio Gallery highlights the work of local artists, and Wood’s Mercantile is a popular spot for furniture shopping. Locals enjoy the homemade baklava and falafel platters at Kaboblicious and the burgers and pizza at The Copper Pot. More restaurants and shopping options are available south of downtown; Ingles Market is one of the town’s largest grocery stores, near hardware stores and popular fast-food spots.
Downtown also serves as the stage for local events. In May 2025, the community held its 63rd annual Mountain Laurel Festival, a celebration of North Georgia’s mountains and laurel flowers. The celebration includes a Miss Mountain Laurel Pageant, a parade, live music and local vendors. Locals also enjoy the First Friday Downtown Fun concert series, where food trucks and clothing vendors set up shop on Main Street while musicians play.
Navigating Habersham County
Clarkesville is a car-dependent community, offering access to State Highways 17, 115 and 197. U.S. Route 23 is accessible in the community’s east end. Northeast Georgia Medical Center Habersham is one of the nearest medical facilities, just south of the town’s center. Athens-Ben Epps Airport is around 55 miles south, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a 92-mile trip southwest. Clarkesville is relatively removed from major metropolitan areas, but downtown Atlanta is about 84 miles away.
Written By
Brennen Martin
