Agriculture and Appalachian mountain living in Rabun Gap
Before Rabun Gap was a small valley community, it was a mountain pass in the Appalachians. Native Americans and, later, European settlers utilized the gap to move north and south through what would become Northeast Georgia. Today, agriculture drives life in Rabun Gap, especially within Wolffork Valley. But the community also offers plenty of homes along the ridges at its edge, near the hiking, mountain biking and other recreation opportunities Appalachia provides.
Farmhouses along the valley and cabins in the mountains
The community's main roads run through the valley at its middle, while meandering residential drives navigate up the mountainsides. Ranch-style homes and farmhouses sit closer to the valley floor, often selling between $200,000 and $400,000. Mountain cabins, depending on size and location, can sell from $500,000 to $900,000. Homes in the valley sit closer together, while homes up in the hills are often separated by more land and might be hidden in the forest. Plenty of land is also available as well, with plots tending to sell for around $10,000 per acre.
Markets for antiques and produce along Highway 441
Most of Rabun Gap’s businesses sit along U.S. Highway 441, including the Rabun Flea Market and Vicki’s Restaurant. The two are located in the same building, with the flea market offering a space for local vendors to set up with crafts or antiques. The restaurant serves diner-style breakfasts and meat-and-three lunches each weekend the market is open. The Osage Farms produce market is up the road, open daily between May and October. “A lot of our local produce that’s grown here in the northern end of the county is actually sold there,” says Sarah Gillespie, a real estate advisor with Mountain Sotheby’s International Realty, who grew up in Rabun County. Off the main road, 12 Spies Vineyards sells wine from its tasting room. More shopping and dining, including groceries, can be found in Clayton, roughly 5 miles away.
Highly rated Rabun County Schools pipeline
Students in Rabun Gap attend Rabun County Schools. Rabun County Primary serves kindergarten through second grade, while students in third grade through sixth grade go to Rabun County Elementary. Both schools receive B-plus ratings from Niche. Rabun County Middle receives an A-minus grade, while Rabun County High receives a B-plus. The high school offers career-focused electives in subjects like agriculture and computer science. Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School receives an A-plus grade from Niche and is a K-12 boarding school in the community. “It’s highly acclaimed nationally, and even globally,” Gillespie says. “Properties in that area are often owned by people who have their kids as day students there, and it’s attractive to live close by the school.”
Hiking, biking and camping in the Chattahoochee National Forest
Rabun Gap offers plenty of mountain recreation within and around the community. The Chattahoochee National Forest covers much of the area and provides hiking, biking and camping opportunities, while hunting is a popular activity in season. The Appalachian Trail runs about 18 miles from Rabun Gap, and Rabun Bald — the second-tallest mountain in Georgia — is roughly 15 miles east. Lake Burton sits 12 miles away and offers boating, fishing and swimming.
Highway 441 is the main route through the community
Much of Rabun Gap is mountainous, and U.S. Highway 441 is the main corridor through the community. The route leads south toward Georgia’s larger cities, including Atlanta, while the North Carolina border is 6 miles in the opposite direction. The South Carolina line is also nearby, 17 miles away. Roughly 90 miles away, Asheville Regional Airport is the closest commercial airport. Mountain Lakes Medical Center has the nearest emergency room, a little more than 3 miles south. While residents tend to drive to their destinations, Rabun County operates a demand-response transportation system within the community.
Community events in nearby Clayton
Residents can head to nearby towns like Clayton for community events. The Clayton Farmers Market is held each Saturday from April through October and features local vendors and live music. The town’s Ramshackle festival shuts down the streets, with live bands taking the stage and local businesses offering their wares. Meanwhile, the Foxfire Mountaineer Festival celebrates Appalachian culture in Clayton each fall.
