Retiring can be one of the most freeing feelings you can feel as an adult. Indeed, after decades of stress associate with work, children, and life itself, retirement is a time to relax and live life in a place where you love to live.
As your retirement age approaches, it begs the question - where in Georgia are the best places to live out the golden years of your life in peace and happiness?
Census data show that from 2010 to 2017, net migration to retirement-destination counties in Appalachian regions of Georgia increased 169%, according to Hamilton Lombard, a demographer from the University of Virginia.
More and more folks are moving to North Georgia with the intention of retiring here, and it's easy to see why. Small town living has never been as popular or convenient, especially for retirees.
Here are 3 of the most popular retirement towns in North Georgia:
Blue Ridge, GA
Located 90 miles north of Atlanta via I-575, Blue Ridge is often called the "Modern Day Mayberry". As a resident of Blue Ridge, I can attest to the great feeling you get when walking down West Main Street and seeing familiar faces - a lot of them - greet you with smiles and hugs
There are plenty of homes for sale in Blue Ridge for any type of taste, from cabins high in the mountains to craftsman style homes in gated communities.
If you love the outdoors, you'll love Blue Ridge. There are hiking trails, fishing access points, rivers, and even a large lake to enjoy.
If you'd like to get involved in the community, there are more opportunities than you can digest all at once, with church functions, festivals, parades, and many other get- togethers.
Whether you spend a day in Downtown Blue Ridge or opt to enjoy your beautiful property in the mountains, Blue Ridge is an opulent place to call home in retirement.
Ellijay, GA
With a population of 1,952, Ellijay is a true-blue small town that is often called the sister city of Blue Ridge, though it is located approx. 30 minutes south of the Trout Capital of Georgia. Like Blue Ridge, many retirees opt to purchase a cabin in the woods where they can live in peace and seclusion, with town being a short drive away when they want to get out on the town.
Ellijay has numerous wineries and other outdoor adventure opportunities that retirees love, as well as restaurants and a great community theater.
One of the more popular communities to live in is called the Coosawattee River Resort, where some folks come for a weekend and others stay for a lifetime. With mostly paved roads, waterfront properties and a whole slew of great amenities, this community is a great option if you're looking to retire in Ellijay.
Blairsville, GA
While Ellijay is approx 30 minutes south of Blue Ridge, Blairsville lies approx 30 minutes north up I-575. Blairsville is home to a number of retirement-friendly communities and neighborhoods, gorgeous parks, delectable restaurants and all of the comforts that you would expect in a small town.
With a median home price of $84,200, you can find homes for sale in Blairsville that fit with your budget comfortably. There are a number of community functions in which you can participate, and Blairsville regularly has events and shows at the Union County High School Fine Arts Center, which has quickly become an attraction for all who live in this town.
Big City Help with Small Town Attention
If you're thinking about moving to North Georgia during retirement and would like to learn more about the communities above, please don't hesitate to give me a call at
706-851-5865. I'd be happy to meet in person or arrange a call to discuss your real estate needs in this wonderful part of Georgia, and can help you find the perfect place to call home in Blue Ridge and beyond.
and is home to Union County High School which hosts a Fine Arts program that has gained much recogniti