Demorest is a small community home to Piedmont University
The north Georgia town of Demorest is set in the quiet foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is home to Piedmont University. "The university encompasses a lot of downtown," says local Realtor Luke Wilson of K&A Realty Group. He's sold homes across Habersham County for over three years. "It has done a good job of making the town look nice." The town remains relatively quiet throughout the year, aside from the annual Fourth of July parade – its biggest event. "They host the parade for the whole county," Wilson says. "They do it all. There's red, white and blue everywhere." Demorest residents gather yearly for live music, food vendors and fireworks. In addition to the annual festivities and a college-town feel, locals enjoy a close-knit community with small businesses and quick access to large retailers.
Ranch-style homes and modern farmhouses
At the heart of Demorest, houses are relatively close together on lots that typically measure under an acre. Most streets downtown are densely wooded, lined with towering oaks and pines. Outside downtown, homes are mainly spread out on larger lots; hundreds of houses sit on at least five acres of land. Outstretched backroads weave around large parcels of land, and in spots where the trees aren't too tall, drivers can glimpse the mountains in the distance. Housing styles vary widely, including ranch styles, contemporary colonials and modern farmhouses. The median sale price for a home is around $330,000, which is lower than the national median. The land is also in high demand in Demorest, with lots selling for around $25,000 for a half-acre to $375,000 for just over two acres.
Habersham County earns high remarks on Niche
Habersham County School District scores an overall A-minus on Niche and serves just over 7,100 students. Demorest Elementary School receives an A-minus, and Niche ranks it as the county's best overall elementary school. Hilliard Wilbanks Middle School and Habersham Ninth Grade Academy score a B. Habersham Central High School's Academic Excellence Program gives students various certificates and scholarships. The program started at the high school but has grown to support the county's three middle schools. Niche gives the high school a B-plus. Piedmont University, located at the community's heart, is a private liberal arts university with majors like sociology and political science.
Locals enjoy hunting and fishing nearby
Demorest Springs Park is a small public space at the heart of the community with a playground and paved walking path. The park hosts musical acts during the Fourth of July event. Residents also enjoy quick access to Habersham County's natural amenities. Buck Shoals Wildlife Management Area sprawls across 650 acres of pine and hardwood forests. The area permits scheduled hunting and fishing excursions, and visitors enjoy hiking when it's not closed for a scheduled hunt. It offers access to small lakes, creeks and the Chattahoochee River. The Habersham County Parks and Recreation Department operates the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center, about 4 miles from Demorest. The aquatic center features a lap pool, an activity room and a basketball gym. Several sports facilities are outside and behind the aquatic center, including tennis courts and baseball fields.
Dining along Georgia Street
Some restaurants fill brick-clad storefronts along Georgia Street near Piedmont University. Farmhouse Coffee offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, with traditional espresso drinks and baked goods on the menu. "The coffee shop is popular with college students and others as well," Wilson says. Across the street from the coffee shop is Holden Oversoul Kitchen and Oyster Bar, which Wilson says is a "big hit." The restaurant serves oysters seven ways and offers main plates like crab cakes and sea scallops. Locals also enjoy Sweet Breads for its sandwiches, omelets and corned beef hash on the menu. Additional shopping and dining options are available south of the town's center along Old Historic Highway 441. Walmart Supercenter, Goodwill and Lowe's are among the several nearby stores.
Navigating Habersham County
Demorest is a car-dependent community bisected by U.S. 441 Business, also called Central Avenue. Other thoroughfares include U.S. Route 23 and State Highway 105. Northeast Georgia Medical Center Habersham is one of the nearest medical facilities, located just north of downtown. Athens-Ben Epps Airport is around 50 miles south, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a 87-mile trip southwest.
Written By
Brennen Martin
