Blue Ridge is a place where the stunning beauty of nature meets warm Southern hospitality, creating a community that’s both peaceful and vibrant. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge offers a blend of rich history, outdoor adventure and modern amenities that make it one of the most sought-after places to live in North Georgia. Whether you're looking for a tranquil escape from city life, a family-friendly town with top-notch schools or a tight-knit community with year-round events, Blue Ridge has something for everyone.
Blue Ridge offers a unique mix of scenic beauty, outdoor recreation and small-town charm.
Highlights include:
Mountain views, forested landscapes and access to lakes and rivers
A thriving arts and culture scene
Historic downtown filled with restaurants, shops and galleries
Outdoor adventures for all ages
A welcoming, community-first environment
Life in Blue Ridge is relaxed, friendly and deeply connected to the outdoors. Residents enjoy crisp mountain mornings, peaceful afternoons exploring trails or local farms and evenings spent downtown at restaurants, live music venues or community events. The lifestyle here blends modern comfort with a small-town pace, making it appealing for families, retirees, remote workers and second-home buyers alike.
Blue Ridge is built around the mountain lifestyle. The Appalachian surroundings influence everything—from the way homes are designed to the activities residents enjoy year-round.
Locals love:
Hiking on scenic trails
Boating, fishing and swimming in pristine mountain lakes
Relaxing on cabin decks with panoramic views
Cycling, kayaking, tubing and exploring rivers
Watching wildlife and taking in the changing seasons
It’s a lifestyle defined by nature, adventure and peace.
Founded in 1886 as a railroad town, Blue Ridge has retained its quaint, small-town charm while evolving into a modern hub of culture, recreation and community life. The historic downtown is a testament to the town’s past, with beautifully restored buildings housing unique shops, galleries and eateries.
Over time, Blue Ridge has become a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, weekend travelers and those seeking a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty. Today, the town is known for its vibrant arts scene, wide variety of restaurants and endless outdoor activities. With its scenic mountain backdrop, access to rivers and lakes and welcoming spirit, Blue Ridge stands out as one of North Georgia’s most treasured mountain communities.
Blue Ridge is full of activities for residents and visitors of all ages—everything from outdoor adventures to arts, culture and unique local attractions.
One of the most iconic attractions in town, this 26-mile round-trip railway journey begins at the historic depot and winds through forests along the Toccoa River into the twin towns of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN. Seasonal rides—like Fall Foliage and Christmas Express—make it a local favorite.
Covering more than 800,000 acres, this vast wilderness offers hiking, camping, waterfalls, mountain overlooks and wildlife viewing. Popular trails include the Benton MacKaye Trail and Aska Trails.
A pristine, crystal-clear mountain lake perfect for boating, fishing, paddleboarding and swimming. With 3,300 acres of water, marina rentals and sandy beaches at Morganton Point, it's one of the area’s top recreation destinations.
A beloved family-owned farm offering seasonal fruit picking, a bakery, café and a market with locally made cider, jams and baked goods—a perfect weekend outing.
This cultural hub hosts Arts in the Park, workshops, year-round exhibits and events celebrating local artists.
A nostalgic favorite since 1955, offering double-feature movies under the stars.
A 270-foot-long swinging bridge offering beautiful river views—a must-visit for hikers and picnickers.
A one-of-a-kind adventure where you can drive a real tank or crush a car—perfect for thrill seekers.
Blue Ridge is served by the Fannin County School District, known for strong academics and community involvement. Schools include:
Blue Ridge Elementary School
Fannin County Middle School
Fannin County High School
These schools provide families with quality education in a supportive environment.
Blue Ridge is easy to navigate, especially around the historic downtown area. Local amenities are close together, making it simple to walk between shops, cafés and attractions.
Transportation notes:
Accessible roadways connecting to the Chattahoochee National Forest, lake access points and surrounding towns
Easy drives to Chattanooga and Atlanta
Quiet, low-traffic streets ideal for walking and biking
Scenic drives through mountain routes and backroads
Blue Ridge’s culture reflects its railroad heritage, mountain traditions and artistic influences. With its original depot, historic storefronts and preserved architecture, downtown feels timeless yet lively.
The community celebrates local culture with:
Art festivals
Holiday parades
Outdoor concerts
Farmers markets
Artisan workshops
The town beautifully blends its historic roots with a modern creative spirit.
Blue Ridge offers a wide range of real estate options—from rustic cabins to upscale estates—appealing to buyers seeking everything from vacation homes to permanent residences.
High-end mountain homes often feature floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive decks, hot tubs and long-range views. Areas like Bear Mountain and Wolf Pen Gap are known for luxury properties.
Homes around Lake Blue Ridge offer peaceful waterfront living with private docks and easy access to recreation. Lake Blue Ridge Estates is especially sought-after for premium lakeside properties.
Near downtown, buyers can find cozy homes ideal for first-time homeowners or short-term rental opportunities.
Median home price: approx. $525,000
Prices vary widely based on acreage, views and lake proximity
High demand for cabins and second homes
Strong investment potential due to tourism and rental demand
Blue Ridge’s real estate market continues to grow, with both full-time residents and vacation-home buyers fueling demand.
Blue Ridge and its surrounding areas offer a variety of living environments:
Downtown Blue Ridge – walkable, charming and close to shops
Lake Blue Ridge communities – waterfront living at its finest
Aska Adventure Area – cabins surrounded by trails and forests
Cherry Log & Mineral Bluff – peaceful wooded settings with scenic views
Blue Ridge Mountains foothill communities – private, secluded properties ideal for nature lovers
Each area offers its own unique take on mountain living.
Blue Ridge’s stunning scenery, welcoming community and vibrant lifestyle make it an exceptional place to call home. Whether you're drawn to the outdoor adventures, mountain retreats, arts scene or luxury lakefront properties, this town offers something for every kind of buyer.
For those looking to buy or sell a home in Blue Ridge, real estate agent Laura Elleby is a trusted local expert with years of experience in the North Georgia market. Her deep knowledge of the area and personalized approach ensure clients find the perfect home to match their lifestyle needs.
11,594 people live in Blue Ridge, where the median age is 57.7 and the average individual income is $40,321. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Blue Ridge, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Kabob Spot, Smokey Bear Cigars & Cafe, and 34th Degree Wine Merchant.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3.44 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 2.91 miles | 22 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 2.88 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.05 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.33 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.44 miles | 48 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.13 miles | 5 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.16 miles | 9 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 2.79 miles | 17 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 3.01 miles | 7 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 3.94 miles | 7 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.44 miles | 12 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.41 miles | 6 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.74 miles | 5 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.86 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.31 miles | 14 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
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Blue Ridge has 5,420 households, with an average household size of 2.11. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Blue Ridge do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 11,594 people call Blue Ridge home. The population density is 78.08 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
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Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
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Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
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Whether you're buying or selling, contact E+E Group today for a personalized consultation and start your journey towards achieving your real estate goals. Experience the best of North Georgia living with a real estate partner who turns your dreams into reality amidst the scenic landscapes of this exceptional region.
