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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On average, homes in Ellijay, GA sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Ellijay, GA over the last 12 months is $460,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this stunning Hammock subdivision gem in Ellijay, Georgia, where thoughtful upgrades and true move-in-ready comfort come together on a beautifully landscaped homesite designed to welcome you the moment you arrive, and from the freshly sodded front, side and back yards to the newly installed retaining wall and full sprinkler system, every inch of the exterior has been crafted for
Welcome to your dream mountain escape tucked inside the prestigious gated Coosawattee River Resort community in the heart of Ellijay Georgia where this stunning cabin-style retreat delivers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort across three beautifully finished floors. From the moment you pull up the gravel drive and lay eyes on the striking metal roof and lush wooded surroundings
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,
There's a rhythm to life here that's hard to replicate-where mornings begin with soft light stretching across the mountains and evenings wind down under colorful North Georgia skies from your own private balcony. Set on 2.6 acres just 15 minutes from downtown Ellijay, this fully renovated, turnkey mountain retreat offers a rare blend of privacy, comfort, and connection to its surroundings.
Turnkey. Fully furnished. Rental-ready. This mountain retreat is an exceptional opportunity for those looking for a North Georgia getaway with short-term rental potential. Located in the amenity-rich Coosawattee River Resort - one of Ellijay's most active vacation rental communities - this inviting cabin comfortably accommodates up to six guests and is positioned to appeal to the year-round
RARE OPPORTUNITY IN COOSAWATTEE! This 2022 custom-built cabin has grown since its original purchase, now offered on nearly 4 combined acres of private, wooded land tucked behind the gates near the entrance - a footprint almost impossible to find inside the resort today, and a compelling foundation for a savvy investor's portfolio. Open-concept living with a split floor plan showcases soaring
Welcome to Rising Star-your dream mountain home. Fully remodeled and set on 5.18 private acres with breathtaking year-round mountain views, this retreat blends comfort, beauty, and privacy. Soaring tongue-and-groove ceilings, rich hardwood floors, and an open, airy layout bring the outdoors into every main living space. The beautiful, open, modern kitchen with high-end appliances flows seamlessly
Discover the perfect opportunity to build your mountain getaway on this 0.52-acre wooded lot tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in Coosawattee River Resort. Offering a moderate slope ideal for a walk-out basement, this lot provides both privacy and a natural setting surrounded by mature trees and abundant wildlife. A soil test is already available, helping you take the next step toward building.
Welcome home to this stunning Hammock subdivision gem in Ellijay, Georgia, where thoughtful upgrades and true move-in-ready comfort come together on a beautifully landscaped homesite designed to welcome you the moment you arrive, and from the freshly sodded front, side and back yards to the newly installed retaining wall and full sprinkler system, every inch of the exterior has been crafted for
Experience the potential of North Georgia living on this 1.94-acre wooded lot in Lakeland Estates, where natural beauty and thoughtful features come together to create an exceptional homesite. With mountain views and a spring head on the property, this land offers a rare blend of scenic appeal and natural character—ideal for building a private retreat or full-time residence near the Murray County
Welcome to Jakes Landing, a premier mountain community in the heart of Ellijay, Georgia! This gorgeous 1-acre lot boasts breathtaking long-range mountain views and offers the perfect canvas for your dream home or investment property. Located just a short drive-or bike ride-from the Ridgeway Recreation Area at Carters Lake, you'll enjoy quick access to boating, hiking and mountain biking trails,
Welcome to your nearly brand new dream home nestled in the heart of the prestigious gated Coosawattee River Resort community in beautiful Ellijay Georgia where this stunning craftsman-style residence delivers exceptional quality and timeless curb appeal in a serene wooded setting. Built just a couple of years ago this immaculate home still carries that coveted new construction energy with
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.
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
The advertised rate of $8,749/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 19, 2027.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: 2192108 3 bed 3.5 bath townhome. Trash and lawn service included. Fenced in back yard. High speed internet available. Pets are allowed with pet fee.
Property Id: 2614277 Rent-to-Own Opportunity in Ellijay! Own your dream home without the hassle of traditional financing. These brand-new construction townhomes offer approximately 1,400 square feet, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, modern finishes, and a private backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Located in a quiet, private setting, these homes come with a builder
For RENT! This beautiful 3-bed, 3 full-bath home is conveniently located in the Coosawattee River Resort and comes fully furnished, including appliances. The upper floor features a private suite with a jetted tub, walk-in closet, and a private deck. The main floor includes a full bedroom with a shared full bath, updated kitchen, laundry room, and a cozy fireplace situated in a spacious great
The advertised rate of $5,440/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of August 8, 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
Cozy, fully furnished 2 bedroom 2 bath house located in Downtown Ellijay. This property has 2 queen beds, washer and dryer, kitchen appliances, 3 TV's and so much more! Large storage space below the house. Trash service is included in the lease. The monthly rent is $1,995 with a $1,995 security deposit. 1 year lease.Please visit our website for more details and to apply.We
Escape to the beauty of the North Georgia mountains in this spacious well maintained home located in Coosawattee River Resort. Surrounded by nature with seasonal mountain views. this home offers the perfect balance of privacy comfort and resort style living. Home features a third room for extra bedroom or home office. Large finished basement for additional space. Three out door storage buildings
This STR has been converted to a LTR. It's ready for immediate move in. Just bring your personals. Wonderful furnishings, so cute and cozy. And enjoy the sound of the creek below while on the porch or enjoying the hottub. And enjoy the CRR amenities.
BEAUTIFUL FULLY FURNISHED CABIN!!! Experience the perfect blend of mountain comfort and downtown convenience in this beautifully appointed 2-bedroom, 2-bath cabin with a versatile loft, located just a short walk from the heart of Ellijay. A meticulously maintained residential property. This attractive 1300sf home offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary comfort. Inside, you’ll
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