Epworth has secluded living in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Epworth is a small, unincorporated community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains just off Georgia State Route 5. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Epworth was home to just under 700 residents in 2020, a nearly 40% population increase from the 2010 census. This Fannin County community is almost entirely residential aside from a postal office, apple orchard, the Epworth Community Center and a few churches. Homes here offer quiet living, privacy and space with a backdrop of the sprawling Cohutta Wilderness. Less than 10 minutes north is the small city of McCaysville on the Tennesse-Georgia state line. Eight miles in the opposite direction is Blue Ridge, an eclectic mountain town known for its vibrant arts scene. Shopping, dining and various recreational amenities can be found in both McCaysville and Blue Ridge. Epworth’s overall CAP Index Crime Score is a 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score on the index and significantly lower than the national average.
Custom mountain homes are on the rise
Epworth's recent population growth has contributed to the rise of housing options. "Epworth offers a diverse range of real estate options. Whether you’re looking for sprawling horse farms, wooded cabins, or luxury mountain estates ... there’s something here for every lifestyle," says Rachel Callihan-Cowart, a longtime resident of the area and Realtor with Ansley Real Estate at Christie's International Real Estate. Newer construction and high-acreage properties are generally more expensive. Nearly all Epworth homes are custom-built. Older Craftsman-style cottages, cabins and ranch styles range from about $200,000 to $600,000, while larger new builds often sell between $650,000 and $1 million. A handful of luxury mountain estates can cost up to $2.5 million. Lots vary in size and landscaping but are usually large enough and have enough trees to obscure residents from neighboring properties.
Parks and rivers in the Appalachian Mountains
Epworth’s location in the Blue Ridge Mountains lends itself to plenty of outdoor amenities: "One of the greatest assets of living or visiting the Epworth area is its direct access to unspoiled wilderness and outdoor recreation," Callihan-Cowart says. Residents are situated right on the edge of the Cohutta Wilderness, which covers nearly 37,000 acres of land and mostly falls within the larger Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The Cherokee National Forest encompasses the remaining part of the Cohutta Wilderness that overlaps into Tennessee, which ends up being barely more than 1,700 acres.
Opposite Epworth across Route 5 flows the Toccoa River, which becomes the Ocoee River as it crosses into Tennessee. Stemming from the Hiwassee River, this mountain tributary is a hotspot for fishing, whitewater rafting and kayaking. Six miles from Epworth is Horseshoe Bend Park, a dog-friendly spot along the Toccoa River where people can find playgrounds, picnic areas and a nature trail. Between May and September, the Horseshoe Bend hosts Pickin’ in the Park, a free live concert series that takes place on a weekly basis. Down the river near the Mineral Bluff community is the Old Toccoa Farm resort, which has a semi-private 18-hole golf course. Additional course amenities include practice facilities and a driving range. Twelve miles from Epworth is Lake Blue Ridge, a 3,290-acre reservoir with a shoreline full of beaches, camping and marinas that offer boat rentals. Along with the Cohutta Wilderness, Lake Blue Ridge is part of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, which surrounds the entire Fannin County area and has a total of over 800 miles of trails for activities like hiking and biking.
McCaysville and Blue Ridge have shopping, dining and local events
Epworth residents can make a quick trip to either McCaysville or the town of Blue Ridge for commercial amenities. McCaysville has a concentration of local businesses at Riverwalk City Block, a small walkable district with shops, dining and entertainment along the Toccoa River waterfront. Popular eateries in this district include Twisted Tomato and Burra Burra On the River, a surf and turf restaurant with an outdoor deck where patrons can watch the sunset. The Riverwalk area is also home to TOONEYS, a live concert venue packed with country and southern rock performances. People can do their weekly grocery shopping at IGA Hometown Foods in McCaysville.
National retailers and supermarkets in the town of Blue Ridge include places like Food Lion, The Home Depot and Walmart. Blue Ridge’s downtown area features art galleries, restaurants, boutique storefronts and Southern-style general stores packed along Main Street. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway runs through downtown and welcomes people aboard at a historic depot. From March through December, this vintage mountain train brings passengers on a picturesque journey through the hills of Appalachia. Local breweries and the Downtown Park host community events and live music shows all year round.
Zoning for Fannin County Schools
Epworth students are zoned for the Fannin County Schools district, which receives an overall B-plus rating from Niche. West Fannin Elementary serves prekindergarten through fifth-grade students and is rated B. Fannin County Middle and Fannin County High School also receive B ratings. High school students can partake in Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathways for fields related to agriculture, technology, education, construction and health sciences.
Convenient access to Georgia State Route 5
Epworth is a car-dependent community with a blend of paved and unpaved mountain roads. The gravel roads here are relatively accessible and can be navigated without four-wheel drive. Fannin County has no public transit system, but locals can schedule rides to specific destinations through the Mountain Area Transportation System. Georgia State Route 5 conveniently borders Epworth and travels north to McCaysville and south to Blue Ridge, where it merges with U.S. Route 76, also known as the Appalachian Highway. The nearest airport, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, is 67 miles away and offers domestic passenger flights to over a dozen United States cities. Blue Ridge Medical Center (formerly Fannin Regional Hospital) is a quick 5-minute drive from Epworth and has a 24-hour emergency department.
