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
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On average, homes in Ellijay, GA sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Ellijay, GA over the last 12 months is $459,900, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Open to offers! Tucked away in the mountains of Ellijay, this charming 3-bedroom, 3-bath cabin offers privacy, natural beauty, and proven income potential as a successful short-term rental. Surrounded by mature trees, the property features a peaceful creek running through the land, and you can hear the soothing sound of the water right from the porch. Inside, the home showcases warm wood
Discover timeless elegance in this exquisite home, masterfully built in 2004 by Keith Sumner. As the sole owner-occupied residence, it exudes pristine care and character, ready for its next chapter. Step inside to soaring vaulted ceilings that flood the open-concept living spaces with natural light. The heart of the home is a gourmet open kitchen featuring a spacious island, perfect for
Welcome to your Mountain Getaway inside one of Georgia's finest resorts - Coosawattee River Resort! This fully furnished home awaits you - just bring your toothbrush, a change of clothes and your groceries. Enjoy the spacious cabin with friends and family or sit on one of the numerous decks and enjoy the sound of the rushing river just across the road. With bedrooms and bathrooms on all levels,
Welcome to an extraordinary mountain retreat in the prestigious Coosawattee River Resort, where luxury meets the tranquility of the North Georgia Mountains. This is more than a home; it's a private sanctuary offering magnificent long-range mountain panoramas from nearly every room. Step onto the quintessential rocking chair front porch before entering this sprawling 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home.
Tucked away on 3.47 wooded acres across from Engelheim Vineyards, this charming mountain home/cabin offers a rare blend of privacy, natural beauty, and convenience-just minutes from the charm of downtown Ellijay and Jasper. Also located just 10 minutes from the Doll Mountain Boat Ramp at Carters Lake, this property is ideal for enjoying boating, hiking, and all that North Georgia has to offer.
Pre-inspected and move-in ready! Bordering thousands of acres of untouched U.S. Forest Service land that can never be developed, this rare property offers a front-row seat to some of North Georgia's most protected and breathtaking natural landscapes—right from your own backyard. Set on over 2 private acres in a peaceful, well-maintained neighborhood, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home provides direct
Luxury Home in High River - Mystic Grove Mystic Grove is a beautifully appointed home in the gated High River community of Ellijay, GA, offering timeless craftsmanship and upscale modern amenities. The open-concept layout features soaring ceilings, a stone fireplace, and expansive windows overlooking serene wooded surroundings. A gourmet kitchen with premium appliances and a large island flows
Can't decide between a lake house or a mountain retreat? 271 Zane Dr in Ellijay has BOTH! This Cabin offers sunset mountain views and glimmering views of Carters Lake from several rooms inside and from the multiple decks. The main level features an open light-filled floorplan with oversized fixed-pane windows framing the gorgeous views, a spacious living area, and kitchen ideal for hosting. A
Pristine 21.24 acres offering a rare blend of mature woodlands, open pasture, and over 875 feet of frontage along scenic Conasauga Creek. Ideal for building a private residence or multiple homesites, with excellent potential for equestrian and recreational use. Property features deeded access via recorded easement, a recent survey, and is not enrolled in a conservation program-allowing full
Here is a great opportunity to build your dream mountain cabin in established community of Double Knob subdivision in Ellijay on 1.85 acres. A little tree clearing will provide scenic mountain views. Utilities are available nearby for connection. Located halfway between Downtown Ellijay and Blue Ridge for access to shopping and restaurants. Survey and Soil Test available.
Located just a short drive from downtown Ellijay, this private property offers a peaceful setting with a creek running along the back of the land. Tucked away yet close to everything, you'll enjoy easy access to local restaurants, tubing on the Cartecay River, boating and fishing at Carters Lake, and hiking at nearby Fort Mountain State Park. The area is also known for its apple orchards and the
Welcome to this charming newly remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home! Step inside to find luxury wood laminate floors stretching throughout the entire interior. The living room is a true centerpiece, featuring a stunning rocked wood-burning fireplace that adds warmth and character to the space. The kitchen is equipped with sleek stainless steel appliances and updated countertops. Whether you're
Austin Place — A Great Place to Call Home.Austin Place is a quiet, well-maintained apartment community located three miles from downtown Ellijay. Small residential property with attentive ownership and long-term residents.Available:2 Bedroom | 1.5 Bath TownhomeRent: $1,535Deposit: $1,000Lease: One yearFeatures:• Two-level townhome layout• Two
Tucked away in the peaceful mountains of Ellijay, this charming cabin offers the perfect blend of privacy, nature, and classic mountain style. Set on a secluded lot with a picturesque stream crossing the property, the setting invites you to slow down and enjoy the sights and sounds of North Georgia. Inside, the spacious great room features soaring cathedral ceilings and abundant natural light,
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
Located in City of Ellijay TERRACE Level Apartment Space 3 Bedrooms/2 Full Baths, All Tile Floors, Kitchen with Fridge, Range and Microwave. Convient to Downtown Ellijay in very quite established neighborhood. Dog under 50 lbs allowed with $500.00 nonrefundable pet deposit. ALL Tenants over 18 must complete Application provide current credit report and criminal background check. Rental Fee
The advertised rate of $4,897/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of March 15, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Property Id: 2061086Just minutes from the Coosawattee and Cartecay rivers, apple orchards, and 14 miles from charming downtown Ellijay, this modern rustic cabin has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The large master suite has a beautiful walk in shower and double vanity. Split floor plan offers privacy with the other two bedrooms and bathroom on the opposite side of the cabin. The great room is
This adorable cottage is just what you've been waiting for! Located in the desireable Coosawattee River Resort and a 1 minute walk from the Recreation Center gives you so many amenities at your fingertips. The cottage is tastefully appointed with 2 spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, with one being a primary ensuite. There's an open concept kitchen/living room area, a private screened in back porch
Mountain Roots GroupREMAX Town & Country - BR Downtown
The advertised rate of $4,839/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of April 12, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
This large, non-smoking, 2 bedroom all electric unit sits in a tranquil wooded setting and includes shared access to a large covered gazebo where you can here the sounds of the rushing creek below.You will find an open concept floor plan, a kitchen with plenty of cabinets, refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, separate pantry, a large breakfast bar, and additional storage closets. The spacious and
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