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
Rebecca Thomas,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Ellijay, GA sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Ellijay, GA over the last 12 months is $465,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for the perfect house to run around the yard, splash in the creek, and grow a garden? Look no further! This spacious, renovated home makes you feel like you're miles away in the countryside, yet it's just minutes from town, many wineries, hiking trails, and several apple orchards. Inside, you'll find hardwood floors, a generous living room featuring a cozy rock fireplace, and an eat-in
Michelle KimbrellGeorgia Mountain Living Realty, LLC
The highly sought-after "Jasper" Ranch floor plan, now available on an unfinished basement with breathtaking ridgeline mountain views. This home is to be built ETA Completion end of January 2026! Discover serene and charming living at The Summit, nestled just outside the vibrant energy of historic downtown Ellijay. Embrace the perfect blend of luxury and mountain tranquility in our
Authentic log cabin on 1.82 private wooded acres, just minutes to downtown Ellijay and close to trout streams and hiking trails. This well-cared-for retreat features a spacious great room with soaring cathedral ceilings, exposed beams, and a stunning stone fireplace with gas logs. The eat-in kitchen includes nearly new custom hickory cabinets, updated appliances, and wood floors throughout. Main
Professional Photos to be uploaded on 10/29. Discover mountain living at its finest as your primary home or your second home in the sought-after Coosawattee River Resort. Enjoy the beautiful winding mountain roads with breathtaking views as you approach this home within the resort. This 4 bdrm/3 bath home is ideal for a full-time residence, vacation getaway, or income-producing rental. 4 Bedrooms
VERY MOTIVATED SELLER, BRING ALL OFFERS! Welcome to Your Walnut Mountain Retreat! - This charming cabin, nestled among the trees in the beautiful gated community of Walnut Mountain, offers a true mountain living experience with modern amenities. Enjoy all paved access and high-speed internet, along with fantastic community features, including a pool, camping area, multiple hiking trails, and
Coming Soon — Overlook at Ellijay!Get ready to call Overlook at Ellijay home — a brand-new family affordable housing community coming soon to beautiful Ellijay, Georgia. This three-story, 50-unit development will offer thoughtfully designed 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartment homes with all the comforts you’re looking for.Each apartment will feature a mix of carpeting and durable
Adorable and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath home located on a wooded, private lot. Oversized primary bedroom and bathroom, generous great room, and open kitchen. Enjoy nature from the large covered front porch on your porch rockers, and an easily maintained yard. No pets allowed. Each person 18+ years old and must submit an application and pay a nonrefundable $65 application fee.
Tina PritchettColdwell Banker High Country Realty - Blue Ridge
Property Id: 21921083 bed 3.5 bath townhome. Trash and lawn service included. Fenced in back yard. High speed internet available. Pets are allowed with pet fee.
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