Ellijay is small town known as Georgia’s Apple Capital
Situated in North Georgia’s Appalachian Mountains, Ellijay is a small city known as Georgia’s Apple Capital for its orchards and annual Georgia Apple Festival, which draws thousands to the city every October. “A lot of people come up here for the slower pace, small-town environment,” says Pam Johnson, a volunteer at the Tabor House Museum downtown who’s lived here since 1990. “It’s a warm and accepting community.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Ellijay has a population of just over 1,800 residents and a median age of 45; many retire here, and others work in the area’s tourism, agriculture or service industries.
Ellijay’s centrally located downtown is surrounded by hilly, tree-filled neighborhoods, and the Cartecay and Ellijay Rivers join into the Coosawattee River in the center of town. Parks and national retailers are in the city’s south, and mountain parks like Amicalola Falls State Park and Fort Mountain State Park are a short drive away.
Ellijay Georgia was founded in 1834.
Ellijay is renowned for its scenic orchards and charming countryside, while BJ Reece offers a fantastic array of products and services to explore.
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Vacation cabins on acreage and bungalows in town
The median housing price is $480,000, higher than the national median. Throughout the community, there are early 21st-century cabins which often serve as second homes or vacation rentals. Closer to downtown, buyers can find midcentury bungalows and ranch-style houses. Secluded mountain cabins and manufactured homes on multi-acre lots are usually outside of the city limits. Properties near the area's rivers and creeks might have a high risk for flooding.
Ellijay is a welcoming community with a variety of home styles to suit your budget.
Ellijay is a mountain town in North Georgia.
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Downtown Ellijay is a walkable area of locally owned businesses
Downtown Ellijay is at the intersection of six streets that meet in a roundabout; locally owned boutiques, antique stores and restaurants line a couple of blocks in every direction, including The Roof, a rooftop bar and restaurant with views of North Georgia’s mountains. “A lot of development has been done on the town square,” Johnson says, and this walkable area of brick storefronts retains its early 20th-century charm even though the downtown continues to grow. Area grocery stores include Food Lion, Aldi and Ingles, and big box stores like Walmart are in the south. Apple orchards and wineries surround the community and are popular day trips.
Kaffee Haus is a local hotspot where you can enjoy a cup of joe in Ellijay.
Rustic Root is a trendy boutique located in downtown Ellijay.
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The annual Georgia Apple Festival and year-round arts events
“The fall is a very busy season in the Ellijay area,” Johnson says. The Georgia Apple Festival is the city’s most popular annual event; on the second and third weekends of October, residents and visitors fill the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds to sample the region’s apple harvest, enjoy live music and wander among hundreds of vendors. The Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association downtown offers year-round entertainment, with a playhouse, visual art classes and an art gallery. The Tabor House Museum downtown is home to the Gilmer County Historical Society, which is located in the city’s oldest home. Residents can volunteer with the historical society or explore North Georgia’s history at the museum.
River recreation and state parks are nearby
The 26-acre Harrison Park just east of Ellijay’s downtown is home to walking paths and a flower meadow. Hefner River Park has a 2-mile walking trail and soccer fields. Tubing, kayaking and fly fishing are popular on the Cartecay, Ellijay and Coosawattee Rivers that flow through the city’s center. The public Whitepath Golf Club nearby has an 18-hole course with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiking and mountain biking are popular in the nearby state parks, including the nearly 4,000-acre Fort Mountain State Park and the 800-plus-acre Amicalola Falls State Park, home to Georgia’s tallest waterfall.
Two rivers meet in Ellijay and form the Coosawattee River, which is popular for fishing and kayaking.
Amicalola Falls State Park is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls and boasts an incredible lodge nestled along the scenic Appalachian Trail.
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Gilmer County Public Schools earn Bs
Kids can attend Gilmer County Public Schools, which earn a B from Niche. There are three elementary schools, including the B-plus-rated Clear Creek Elementary. For middle school, students go to the B-plus-rated Clear Creek Middle, then attend the B-rated Gilmer High. Gilmer High’s men’s wrestling team has won the state championship 19 times, most recently in 2023. At Dalton State College’s Mountain Campus, students can earn an associate degree in ecotourism or entrepreneurship.
Clear Creek Middle in Ellijay has an above-average rating and hosts around 900 students.
Glimmer High School is a highly ranked high school in Georgia.
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Near healthcare, but airports and large cities are a longer drive
U.S. Highway 76 and state Route 515 connect drivers to larger cities, like Marietta, about 60 miles south, and Chattanooga, less than 70 miles northwest. On the southern edge of town, the Piedmont Mountainside Hospital provides emergency care and employment opportunities. Houses of worship here include First Baptist Church and Ellijay First United Methodist Church. The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, which has domestic flights, is 65 miles away, and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a 90-mile trip.
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.
Ellijay First United Methodist Church sits in the heart of downtown.
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Written By
Annie Franklin
Photography Contributed By
Alan Bates
Video By
Maurice Boone
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ellijay, GA sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Ellijay, GA over the last 12 months is $462,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The Perfect Blend of PRIVACY, CHARM & LOCATION-Cabin Close to Everything! WELCOME HOME to this Cozy 2 BED/ 2 BATH Cabin featuring a Spacious Living Area with an Open Floor Plan. Nestled in a Private yet Easily Accessible Location, this Property Offers a GREAT Kitchen with Ample BRAND NEW Counter Space, NEW APPLIANCES, Abundant Cabinets, a Pantry, and even a Walk-In Pantry for all your Storage
Welcome to this dream riverfront retreat, a stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home that has been completely transformed into a modern masterpiece. Nestled on the bank of the Cartecay River, this home seamlessly blends nature and luxury. The winding driveway ushers you down to your Riverside oasis, where a detached garage offers versatile space that could easily be used as a workshop. Upstairs,
Cute home, quiet neighborhood, on a cul-de-sac and close to downtown Ellijay. Must see this bright, clean home. Original Pine floors, open floor plan, fenced yard for pets. Gas fireplace. Large bedrooms, bathrooms, bonus space in loft. Plus, NO HOA.
Discover your own private mountain escape on this stunning **6.87-acre lot** located in a gated community in beautiful **Ellijay, GA**. Perched high above the valley, this property offers **breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains** and the rare opportunity to own land **adjacent to the Chattahoochee National Forest**. With nearly 7 acres of pristine, wooded land, this homesite
Find Your Flow in the Mountains-Imagine coming home to the soothing sounds and serenity of nature. This spacious home offers more than just a place to live—it's a sanctuary where comfort and nature come together in harmony. The main level welcomes you with TWO owner's suites and an open living space where thoughtful design and natural elements create a sense of calm and flow. The kitchen adds its
Prepare to have your breath taken away with these incredible mountain/ridgetop views of layers upon layers of North Georgia's blue ridge mountains. This lot is located in the sought after Walnut Mountain subdivision with nature at top of mind. Here you'll be surrounded by trees and wildlife at an elevation that will have your "head in the clouds". This is a steep lot but there is a neighboring
Price includes Water, Sewer, Electricity and HOA Dues . Looking for a Mountain get away . This is a 2 bedroom, 2018 Grand Design Reflections 5th Wheel camper with extra large deck and a newer professionally built Cover, with Steel Trusses. Located on a quiet street in The Coosawattee Campground, where the deer and wildlife are all around. Outside the Camper is a built in Entertainment area, with
Spacious, 2 bedroom 2.5 bath Townhome, minutes to downtown, yet nestled in a peaceful setting with mountain views. This 2 story home features fresh new paint, double master bedrooms with walk-in closets and 9 foot ceilings on both floors. Kitchen features granite countertops, custom hickory cabinets, pantry, extra storage, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, and microwave. Tile floors in kitchen,
Have your CRR camping lot on main paved road, with easy access to gate and amenities. Nice clean lot with gravel and area for outdoors. This is a lot to park your camper.
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