Mineral Bluff blends stunning views and slow pace of live by Blue Ridge
Mineral Bluff is nestled among the Appalachian Mountains along the Toccoa River. “It’s a slower pace of life with breathtaking ridgetop views,” says Realtor Troy Shirbroun with Century 21 Results. The natural surroundings, including the proximity to Lake Blue Ridge, draw in a mix of full- and part-time residents. Many of these people live in Old Toccoa Farm, a resort community with private river access, a full-service restaurant and a golf course. “You can either live in the community or be close and drive there,” says Shirbroun, a member. “You can also not be a member; you’ll just have less priority on tee times.” Because Mineral Bluff is a more rural area, locals travel about 6 miles into Blue Ridge for most errands.
Old Toccoa Farm is a recreational hub in the region
One of the main attractions of Old Toccoa Farm is the semi-private 18-hole golf course. This hilly course is a collaborative design by Jack Dredla, Dan Proctor and Dave Axland that blends into the natural features of Mineral Bluff. The resort also has private access to the Toccoa River, where people go fly-fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. There are also yoga classes on the riverbank. The river flows into Lake Blue Ridge, where locals can boat, jet ski and swim. Outside of the resort, residents can go horseback riding at the Appalachian Trail Rides at S&T Stables. The stable has sessions and lessons for all ages. At the Historic Mineral Bluff Depot, there is a model train replica of the Old Line Railroad, which stretched from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Marietta, Georgia. There are occasional opportunities to ride a motor car along the original trail.
Older homes and contemporary cabins are on spacious lots
Mountain peaks fill the skyline of Mineral Bluff, and forests surround large lots. “It’s more spread out than Blue Ridge or Morganton,” Shirbroun says. The oldest homes date back to the late 19th century, although most were built after 2000. Ranch styles are common along main thoroughfares. The rest of the region, including those in Old Toccoa Farm, is filled with Craftsman and contemporary cabins with windows and balconies that look out onto the Appalachian Mountains. Homes along the river often have private docks. Smaller properties can cost $110,000 to $500,000; larger ones range from $500,000 to $2 million. “The price point may be a little more affordable,” Shirbroun says. Manufactured homes are also available, typically costing $250,000 to $350,000. Land is also available.
According to First Street, Mineral Bluff is at a severe risk from flooding. Most private and federal lenders require flood insurance in the most impacted areas.
Fannin County schools serve the area and offer career pathways
As part of the Fannin County School District, Mineral Bluff students are assigned to East Fannin Elementary School, Fannin County Middle School, and Fannin County High School. All three receive a B from Niche. The high school has career, technical and agricultural education pathways, including horticulture and animal systems, welding and nursing.
Car-dependent community is located between two major airports
State Route 60 runs through Mineral Bluff and connects with U.S. Route 76, which leads directly to Blue Ridge. The closest emergency room is at Fannin Regional Hospital, less than 10 miles away. Most people fly out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is about a 110-mile drive, although the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is a closer option, only about 70 miles away. “You can go in either direction; it depends on if you want to have a connection to somewhere else,” Shirbroun says. He says residents will drive the extra miles if a Chattanooga flight has a layover in Atlanta.
Restaurants and stores are in Blue Ridge and Old Toccoa Farm resort
The Tavern at Old Toccoa Farm is one of the only restaurants in Mineral Bluff. It has a casual menu and outdoor seating with views of the Toccoa River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. “It’s a perfect place to go, and you do not have to be a member,” Shirbroun says. There are more dining options in Blue Ridge. The General Ledger is a fine dining establishment that often has live music. “They have some of the best pork chops you’ve ever had,” Shirbroun says. The Rum Cake Lady is a Cuban café with a more relaxed atmosphere. There is a Dollar General in Mineral Bluff. Otherwise, people head into the city to get groceries from Ingles Market or shop at Walmart and Home Depot.
