Blue Ridge is known for its mountain views, so much so that Southern Living named it the No. 3 best mountain town in the South in 2022. Hiking trails are a highlight, as is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, a sightseeing train ride through Georgia’s mountains that begins and ends at Blue Ridge’s historic train depot. “We’re an hour, an hour-and-a-half from downtown Atlanta,” says Mayor Rhonda Haight, who’s lived in Blue Ridge for 25 years and served on the city council for 12 years before becoming mayor in 2021. “People come here for weekend getaways. We’re one of the first cities where you start seeing the mountains.”
Located in northeast Georgia’s Fannin County, Blue Ridge is only 2 square miles. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s track runs through the center of town along Main Street, where residents can find local shops and restaurants. There are few residential neighborhoods within the city limits, so the population of around 1,200 people has remained steady. The city is home to everyone from retirees to remote workers looking for a room with a view. Many locals also work in the tourism industry.
Modern cabins with mountain views
With a city footprint of just over 2 square miles, there are few homes within the city limits. “There’s a mixture of new construction and historic homes,” Mayor Haight says, “and there’s great walkability here.” Homes closest to downtown are early-20th-century bungalows and Craftsman homes, and 21st-century modern cabin architecture becomes common farther away. The median price for a single-family home is about $650,000, significantly higher than the national median of about $400,000. Homes outside city limits with mountain or lake views are typically some of the area’s most expensive, while cost-conscious buyers can find less expensive options several miles from the city.
Busy weekends on Main Street and an established art scene
Locally owned restaurants, galleries, boutiques and breweries line Blue Ridge’s walkable Main Street. “Blue Ridge is known for having very unique high-end restaurants,” Mayor Haight says. “The population triples on the weekends. Fall used to be our busiest season, but now it’s year-round.” Restaurants like Southern Charm and The General Ledger serves regional comfort food, while Ferraro's Kitchen offers upscale Italian dishes. Popular annual events include the Fire and Ice Chili Cook-Off & Craft Beer Festival and the Old Timers’ Parade. “We’re an art town,” Mayor Haight says. “There are several galleries downtown with local and national artists.” The historic Fannin County Courthouse houses the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association and Art Center, where residents can take classes and enjoy art exhibits. Residents can also attend plays, musicals and live music at Blue Ridge Community Theater just south of downtown, and they can head to the Swan Drive-in Theatre to watch the latest blockbuster movie. For essentials, big-box retailers and grocery stores like Food Lion are on the city's north side.
Hiking and fishing in Georgia's trout capital
Blue Ridge City Park, in the center of downtown, has a playground and community space for festivals and other events. To the city’s east, the 3,290-acre Lake Blue Ridge is popular for boating and fishing, and the Toccoa River nearby is known for white water rafting, tubing and fly fishing. “We’re the trout fishing capital of Georgia,” Mayor Haight says, “and people love to hike here.” For hiking in the area, the Aska Adventure Area and Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area are local favorites.
B-rated schools with a charter system
Kids can attend Fannin County Public Schools, which earn a B-plus from Niche. The school district is a charter system and emphasizes flexibility in its curriculum. Students can start school at Blue Ridge Elementary and then attend Fannin County Middle; both earn a B. Fannin County High also earns a B and offers flex time where students can pursue career pathways in subjects like general automotive technology and journalism. High schoolers can also take dual-enrollment courses at the University of North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Campus.
Within two hours of Atlanta and Chattanooga
U.S. Route 76, also called the Appalachian Highway, is the main road through Blue Ridge. Chattanooga, the nearest major city, is 83 miles northwest, and Atlanta is 93 miles south. Piedmont Mountainside, the closest hospital, is 17 miles away in Ellijay. The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, which has direct flights to nine U.S. cities, is 74 miles away, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a 103-mile trip. Houses of worship here include First Baptist Church, St. Luke's Church and the Jewish Congregation of Blue Ridge.
At risk for wildfires, but the fire department is prepared
Blue Ridge’s proximity to forests and camping areas puts it at risk for wildfires, but the chance of one endangering the city is slim. “We’ve had a few fires,” Mayor Haight says, “but we’ve never had anything that’s gotten out of control.” In November 2023, high winds caused a fire in a downtown restaurant to spread to nearby businesses. “It’s definitely made us more conscientious of future builds and fire equipment. The county and the city have worked collaboratively to ensure we have proper fire equipment to handle the downtown area.” The damaged property was sold, and a new project is in development.
Tina Brunetti-Smith is an accomplished Realtor with a diverse background in the healthcare and wellness industry. Beginning her real estate career in New Hampshire, Tina quickly established herself as a reputable real estate professional before embarking on a life-changing journey to Southwest Florida. Driven by her passion for holistic healing, Tina became a certified Reiki practitioner and meditation teacher, dedicating her time to help individuals find balance and inner peace. Her dedication in this field eventually led her to embark on another adventure, this time to North Georgia, where she successfully merged her expertise in real estate with her profound knowledge in wellness. Beyond her professional endeavors, Tina revels in the joys of motherhood, proudly raising six amazing children. With three cherished grandchildren and another bundle of joy on the way this fall, family is truly the heart of Tina's world! When Tina isn't busy transforming lives through real estate and holistic wellness, she finds solace in the kitchen. With a passion for healthy cooking and deep-rooted beliefs in the power of nutrition, she joyfully assists others in their journey towards optimal health. Additionally, Tina finds peace and a sense of adventure through her love for the outdoors. In the company of her husband and two rescue dogs, Willa and Lola, she explores the beauty of nature, finding inspiration and rejuvenation amidst serene landscapes. Driven, compassionate, and always seeking new ways to make a positive impact, Tina Brunetti-Smith thrives on the opportunity to guide others towards their dreams and realizes that sometimes, finding the perfect home is just the beginning of an incredible transformation.
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