Frequently I’ve asked out of town customers looking for a cabin or land in the north Georgia mountains “So, how did you find out about Ellijay from where you currently live?”  A variety of answers usually come, but many times I hear “Oh, I have a friend who bought property in Ellijay and they love it there!” 

At the heart of my question is still a little bit of curiosity over someone finding a town of around 2500 people (28,000 county-wide) from somewhere usually several hundreds of miles away.  You see, I know that this is still a town quaint enough that you can’t really walk into the grocery store and not see someone you know.  For that matter, still a community where the once weekly newspaper is likely to include the prize winning pound cake recipe from the county fair or a front page story about the upcoming, and I must say, proudly held annual Georgia Apple Festival.  So what is really the draw to living in the north Georgia Mountains?

As a transplant to Gilmer County myself nearly thirteen years ago, I can say that I’ve witnessed positive and steady growth.  Amidst the conveniences that we all want and enjoy, however, the draw still remains.  In an increasingly busy society, it seems we all still need what folks find here:   peace, solitude, time to step back, reassess, recharge, a sense of community, and it all comes wrapped up in this package presented in the pristine beauty of the north Georgia mountains.  On any given day, a number of possibilities are at ones fingertips, including trophy trout fishing in one of many rivers or streams, hiking, kayaking, or trail biking, all for the active souls.  Since roughly forty percent of Gilmer and surrounding counties are maintained as Federally protected land, there’s an assurance of both development limitations and long-term conservation.  Most folks, it seems, like to know those things are available to them, but just want to relax on the porch on a cool evening and breath the fresh mountain air, taking in the unencumbered sites and sounds absent of big city noise and bustle.  Knowing that just a quick drive away are many great choices for shopping and restaurants, both wonderfully “local” and those of national chains, provides a great balance.   

Of course, there’s also the investment and value side of all of this.  In the last three years our market has enjoyed a healthy twenty percent increase in average home prices which now stands at $230,000.00.   Discovering that it’s completely possible to purchase a comfortable, brand new, three bedroom, two bath log style cabin in a variety of settings for around or even under $200,000.00 is both surprising and elating to most of these soon to be transplants themselves.  And that’s just what usually happens. The intention begins with finding a part-time get-away in the mountains.  After spending time here, often I see that it’s not long before all that drew them here becomes so much more enjoyable than wherever they found us from.   

Since living here, I’ve heard this quote repeated and even seen it hanging from artwork on cabin walls “I wasn’t born in the mountains, but I got here as fast as I could!”  I invite you to take a look for yourself and contact myself or one of my team mates at www.hillsofellijay.com. We’d be honored to help you carve out your own special slice of the north Georgia Mountains and experience for yourself what it’s really all about.  

North Georgia mountains (click here to search google)

It’s October and here comes the Georgia Apple Festival!

Hosted in Gilmer County, Ellijay is the heart of Georgia’s apple country. Local apple houses and local vendors offer a variety of apple goodies and other homegrown and homemade treats. By buying direct from the growers, one is assured of getting great tasting apples, for a fraction of the cost. Many of the local apple houses offer to let you roam their orchards and pick your own apples. What better way to enjoy some of the most breath taking views of Ellijay!

Many other sites attract attention during the fall in Ellijay. The Apple Festival takes place at the Lion’s Club Fairground which fronts the beautiful Coosawattee river. Just as the leaves are changing color, and there is a little coolness in the air, the stroll along the river is perfect.  Other sites popular during folks’ visits to Ellijay include the quaint Ellijay square which is not only busy with activities, but is home to the Gilmer County Courthouse(the old Hyatt Hotel), which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Around the square are several other historic sites including the Perry House, the Tabor House(an old boarding house), and the old Watkins Residence.

Gilmer County is rich with Native American history too. Many trails and sites are located throughout the county which are noted in history. For more information about The Chieftain’s Trail (a tour of lacal Native American sites), please visit www.gilmerchamber.com. Also, popular hikes include the Benton-MacKaye trail, the Appalachian  Trail, trails through the Rich Mountain Wilderness and the Cohutta Mountains.

Other popular sites include the Old Cartecay United Methodist Church(est. 1834) which is the oldest Methodist Church in North Georgia, Fort Mountain State Park(camping and day hikes and scenic overlooks),Colonel Poole’s Pig Hill of Fame, and the famous drive on State Highway 52 East featuring 11 of the county’s 18 apple orchards.

During October, folks can also enjoy the Antique Car Show on Saturday the 13th at the Civic Center, the Apple Festival during the 2nd and 3rd weekends, Arts and Crafts on the square during the 2nd and 3rd weekends, the Apple Festival home town parade on Saturday the 20th beginning at 10 AM.

For more information please visit www.georgiaapplefestival.org

October is a great time to find your perfect property in the mountains. Call us today and let us show you around!

Georgia Apple Festival