When it comes time to decide on the perfect retirement community to settle down in, there are several important factors to keep in mind. These include the strength of the local economy, entertainment spots and attractions, the other homeowners in the area, and more. In more than one way, the retirement communities in North Georgia fit the bill on all counts.
Not only is this part of the country welcoming to retirees, but it’s also growing by leaps and bounds year after year. So, if you’re interested in learning more about all the marvelous reasons to call the North Georgia mountains home, stick around. Below, you’ll find all the details.
#1: A variety of towns to choose from
North Georgia may not be the most well-known region in the country, but it’s quickly making a name for itself. The natural beauty of the mountainous landscape and the down-to-earth communities you find here together make it a paradise in miniature for many.
The bounty of small towns in the North Georgia mountains is one of the major factors attracting retirees seeking a close-knit relationship with their neighbors. Some of the most outstanding towns to settle in include:
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Blairsville, where you’ll find a portion of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, the state’s largest peak at Brasstown Bald, Vogel State Park, and dozens of top-ranked golf courses
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Ellijay, a small town that serves as Gilmer County’s county seat, which is also known as the Apple County of Georgia
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Blue Ridge, which offers a down-home blend of rustic forested regions, the Blue Ridge scenic railway, and an established farming community
#2: Year-round local events
Some retirement communities often struggle to maintain a bustling social calendar from month to month, while others hold events throughout the year. The retirement communities in North Georgia promise plenty of fun and social activities, with an enormous range of things to do in this corner of the state.
The social calendar in North Georgia continues unabated all year. In October, don’t miss the nationally-recognized Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, where you can explore the unique offerings from local vendors, listen to live music, and find fantastic food.
In Blue Ridge, residents flock to the Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race for tons of fun and a great workout through Georgia’s rugged landscape. The community also hosts the Blue Ridge Fire and Ice Chili Cookoff at Blue Ridge Park every winter, where you can fight the winter frost with chili tastings, a chili cook-off, and great food from local vendors. You can even marvel at the professional ice sculptures on display!
Plus, don’t skip the ever-popular Christmas festival in Blairsville to close out the year. With a tour of trees, pictures with Santa Claus, a “Kris Kringle” farmers’ market, tree lighting ceremonies, parades, caroling, and more, this is a fun festivity that really rings in the holiday season.
#3: The great outdoors at your doorstep
The North Georgia mountains remain largely untouched by commercial development, leaving this area of the country with a reputation as one of the most pristine environments around. If you’re an adventure-seeking individual and you’re looking for a retirement community that allows you to get out in nature whenever your heart desires, it’s hard to find a better place to call home than North Georgia.
The Chattahoochee National Forest is the most popular site for adventure, thanks to its many hiking trails, zip lines, and whitewater rafting opportunities. Horseback riding trails, casual fishing ponds, and sightseeing destinations like waterfalls and the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge are also part of the gorgeous landscape in this charming region of Georgia. The adventures and wonderful sights are truly endless.
#4: Second-to-none mountain views
The exquisite views in Georgia extend from the international urban center of Atlanta to the ocean views of the Atlantic all the way to the semi-tropical plains near Florida.
The North Georgia mountains may just be the most scenic part of the state — not to mention the most comfortable for retirees. Owning a home in the mountains to the north offers unrivaled 360-degree views of forested peaks, secluded lakes, winding acres of untouched hills, and more. Come to North Georgia if you’re interested in living the high life in style and comfort with your own special view of the stunning mountains right in your backyard.
#5: Easy to travel in and out
As a retiree, your day-to-day schedule might look busier than you had thought, with all the family events and reunions to attend. If that’s the case, it’s important that you choose a retirement community that allows you to travel to your heart’s content.
The North Georgia mountains region offers dozens of options when it comes to convenient travel, including major highways connecting you to the midwest, eastern seaboard, and the deep south. The I-75, I-85, and I-985 all crisscross this busy part of the state, ensuring that you’re only a day trip away from family and friends nearby. In addition, the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport and, of course, Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta are also just hours away.
#6: Low cost of living
The final reason why more and more people choose the retirement communities in North Georgia to call home has to do with the economic strength of the area. Housing in this part of the state has remained affordable even as the cost of living in the rest of Georgia continues to spike. The unemployment rate is low, the job market is steady, and the state property tax rate is one of the lowest in the country.
Get in touch with a local real estate agent today
With that, you’re now up to date on the six top reasons to retire in the North Georgia mountains. If you have any questions or comments to share, or if you’d like to learn more about retirement communities in North Georgia, reach out today! Contact expert Realtor® Laura Elleby for more information.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock