Why The Mountains

Mountain Living Why the Mountains

When I began thinking about how to best describe the joy of calling the mountains home, I thought that there should be a place where you can find reviews from residents on their town or county or even part of the state. We are review driven consumers. It is the digital version of the oldest form of advertising, word of mouth. So I decided to ask for reviews from natives, almost locals, new comers, part timers, and visitors. I asked a simple question on Facebook and the response was amazing. I’ll go first and will include my review here: “I love these mountains for their views, the kindness of the people, clean water and air, waterfalls that take your breath away, local art, old stories, country stores, thriving downtowns, great locally owned restaurants, festivals and fairs, generosity, one finger waves and head nods, it means a lot knowing if I need a helping hand I’ll find one and I love dirt roads that take me to mountain tops.” There is much to love about the northeast Georgia mountains, if you don’t want to take my word for it, take theirs, my question was...

What do you enjoy most about living or visiting in the mountains?

“No matter what jam you’re in, people will ALWAYS stop to help you. Living here epitomizes “love thy neighbor.” - Monica Collier

“My first 18 years of life at the VERY end of Warwoman Road in Rabun County had me so anxious to move away with no thoughts of returning. Fast forward 20 years, I had a family and a career that knew how important it was to me that I get back to these mountains. Back to the rhododendrons, back to the cool temps, back to the breathtaking views, back to the colorful autumns, back to the sound of whippoorwills, and most importantly, back to family!” - Stephanie Harden Branch

“The peaceful, safe feeling of home, you know when you see the mountains in the distance on your return from travel. The Mountains, they are beautiful, they protect us, they sing to us, they smell like home. The people in those mountains, they love and protect fiercely. We have our own ways, but we are there for each other. We are Rabun! When you’re in Rabun, you are home.” - Colette Lovell “It’s home in my heart, I was raised here and thankful that I was. I’ve called it home almost 60 years. It is beautiful, and it never gets old. I never want to take the beauty around us for granted. I can see the stars at night, I can hear and watch the birds each morning while drinking my coffee; watch a deer and a fawn. I love our community and at any moment everyone is ready to be there for each other and rally around them. I love the compassion that is shown in prayer for matters in our lives. God planted me here and I’ll try to bloom here!” - Teresa Coalley

“I have lived here all my life (62 years) and why I choose to live here is that it is home. Nothing feels better than simply home. Plus all the beauty, and love that God put in one awesome place on earth.” - Audrey Penland “I’ve been here for 40 years…. so many things have kept me here but the one I love the most is waking up early and listening to all the sounds of nature. My favorite is my neighbors donkey!! I just love it! It makes me smile.” - Rabun Martin

“I love the beautiful nature around us, from the rolling clouds on early morning drives, the beautiful sunrises dropping the kids off at school, glorious sunsets, and the wonderful people and community that live here.” - Brittany Ragsdale

“I’m just a regular ol’ boy and I know right now that if I needed anything and didn’t have it, I could call up a buddy and say ‘I need this or that’ and if they had it, I could go get it from them or they would bring it to me. That’s what I love about good old Rabun County and I have lived here all my life” - Charley Beck

“I feel the same as Charley but we have only been here 22 years. We have lived or visited all over the world and we have never been anywhere where folks actually care for each other more and it shows. I also love the beauty all around us. As you know, I share a morning sunrise picture on Facebook that goes around the world. (Ray is retired Army so we have friends everywhere)” - Paula Kreiner

“I have lived here all my life. I love the fresh sweet air, amazing views, kind people, and the deep settled peace I feel in my soul every time I look at these mountains. There is no place like home, whether you have been here forever or just got here. We are truly blessed!” - Kaye Collins

“Aside from the obvious beauty, the people. I’m hooked. The people here are my family now.” - Nadine Bramlett “We bought our first home here 22 years ago. It reminds me of “home,” which is small town in Nebraska. We love the peace, fresh air and good clean water. The beauty is a bonus - it just makes one feel good.” - Barb Van Dyke

“Moved to the mountains, Otto, North Carolina, five years ago. Not only do we love God’s beauty up here but mostly the people. Can’t explain it exactly, but there is something special about living here in ‘God’s Country’. We love it and the people.” - Cindy Langer

“Been here all my life. Can’t imagine living anywhere else. This is my home where all my ancestors were born and raised. HOME, more than a word, it’s a feeling from the heart…” - Dorothy Carnes

“The wonder of the green mountains. The streams, rivers and lakes. The people. Our Church. We moved full time from Sarasota in June 2010 and have never considered living anywhere else. Unless or until our health declines and we need assistance, we are here.” - Tom Randle

“I grew up in Habersham and then moved to Rabun when I married. I have always been in love with the mountains and I feel truly blessed that this is where I get to live my life. There is a peace here like nowhere else.” - Teresa Dyer

“Moving from the fast pace of Atlanta, I immediately learned how the mountain life calms your soul. I feel I gained back the 20 years I spent in traffic. I finally found true friends in our small community and have time to share the joy of the beautiful surroundings. I feel very blessed.” - Kathy Winkler

“I have been a part time resident since 2006. I love the beauty of the mountains, the flowers, the trees, the weather and mostly the people. Some of the warmest, kindest, friendliest people I have ever met. I love Osage and the fresh veggies, and fruits. I love Andy’s wonderful meats. It is my happy place and my husband loved it so much that his ashes are scattered here and there in Rabun County.” - Wanda Sleeth

“My dad’s family goes back to the 1800’s in Rabun! Love the small town life.” - April Allgary Phillips “The people! You never meet a stranger here! Everyone is so inviting and we all take care of each other. The school system is amazing, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School included. It’s a great place to raise a family, it’s safe. - Nina Crump “Been here 37 years. It’s so peaceful and refreshing and there is so much to thank God for. I hope I always live where I can open my door and see a mountain.” - Sue Conner

“I love the wild blooming foliage, the smell of the woods, finding streams coming right out of the ground, the tiny waterfalls all along winding rivers and trees so determined to live that their roots go right over the boulders. If you sit quietly anywhere in the woods she will speak to your soul and you will walk away better having listened.” - Tametha Blume

“Not only the beauty of the mountains but the simplistic way of life. The sense of family.” - Ken Owens

“Years ago, before we moved up full time from Gwinnett County, I was able to really exhale and fell in love every time I saw the mountains as we were driving up to our weekend cabin! The beautiful lush greenery, the mountains in the background, the rivers and lakes, and the gorgeous seasons we have are hard to beat!! We have loved living up here full time for a few years now. It’s just so peaceful.” - Penny Kerlin

“The first time I crossed into the county in 1975, I felt like I was coming home. I finally was able to move here in 1987 and the only way I plan to leave is when God calls. Such beauty as found in our mountains has nourished my spirit and grounded me in a way only possible here. I am grateful.” - Elaine English “I moved here after seeing nearly the entire country from childhood through early adulthood. In truth, the beauty of the mountains, rivers, lakes, and people grow the longer you’re here. You see more. You know more. I’d not raise a family anywhere else. Rabun County is a piece of our country that still has ties to its heritage of slow living, joy in hard work, and conservative family values.” - Sarah Ruth Owens

“Born and raised here - 66 yrs. We are in God’s country. No matter what season, you can always find beauty. I love to travel but can’t wait to get back to Rabun County.” - Sue Wilkerson

“Lived here all my life. I love those high mountains, we are so blessed to have. Thankful to see God’s beautiful creation and take a big deep breath of God’s fresh mountain air.” - Debra Coalley

“The people! I am not a native, I moved here 12 years ago. The beautiful people and this place has became our home. We were welcomed with open arms. Angie Dickerson and Alice Woods were the first two friends I made here. I have made so many more and I love you all so much” - Tina Johnson Barnes

There was so much response we could not print all the reviews. ... to read them all. www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com