Mountain Living The Hills are Alive

Atlanta residents are among the homebuyers drawn to the North Georgia & North Carolina mountains

By Kathy Dean

We’re all looking for a little peace and relaxation. Many Atlanta residents have found it in the mountains of north Georgia and North Carolina. Places like Ellijay, Ga. and Highlands, N.C. offer small-town vibes with big city amenities and a variety of recreation, shopping and dining experiences.

Annie Boland, North Georgia Real Estate Specialist, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s, said that she sees “tons of interest” in the area. “Every year, our area seems to become more and more popular... and the increasing values represent that.”

She noted that Blue Ridge is continually ranked among the top towns in the U.S. for retirement. “This brings lots of baby boomers looking to secure their retirement home in the mountains, even if they aren’t ready to retire right now,” Boland said. “They enjoy the home as a vacation property and move in full-time after retirement.”

In addition, younger generation buyers purchase mountain homes to generate income and as an alternative or complementary investment to their stock holdings. “They usually buy fully furnished, turnkey cabins and put them into the vacation rental program right away,” said Boland, adding that they enjoy their mountain homes when their schedules permit and eventually see a nice return on their investment.

Bill Gilmore, Broker Associate, Highlands Cove Realty at Old Edwards Club, said he has sold to couples from Atlanta who want a diverse community and enjoy the small town feel of Highlands. “There are also folks who love golf, some of them from Florida, and are looking for cooler summers to extend their golf games into the summer.” He added that while he has sold to all ages, his typical homebuyer’s age is between 50 and

Continued on page 34

68.

According to Karyn Woody, Realtor, Harry Norman Realtors, Blairsville, she expects the interest in the north Georgia and Blue Ridge mountains region to increase. “Many people still want an escape—a place to relax and recharge—and the mountain areas certainly provide that environment,” she said. “Right now, the very low interest rates help to make mortgages more affordable and even make it more attractive for those who don’t want to hold on to their cash.” Homes in the area are still very affordable, she continued, especially when compared to other “destination” areas.

“Retirees are drawn to the area because of the golf, boating and relaxation,” Woody said. “I’ve worked with several millennials who aren’t tied to where they live for their job and have sought out this area looking for a slower pace, kind of a backto-nature thing,” she added. “They want to raise their kids and have animals and gardens.”

Also, families are drawn to the mountains as a gathering place. “It’s so easy to get here from so many places that many families have vacation homes here to enjoy the lakes, mountains and scenery,” Woody said.

Kim Knutzen, Associate Broker, Ansley Mountain & Lake, Blue Ridge said that Blue Ridge and the surrounding towns have shown a steady increase in home sales over the last five years, “and our median sales prices have increased across the board. I see it continuing as more exciting architecture comes to our area.”

People from all ages enjoy the area, she explained. Retirees see the value in the small- town, slower pace of life while having easy access to healthcare, volunteer opportunities and active lifestyle options like golfing and hiking. At the same time, millennials are finding a place to explore, kick-back, meet their friends and gather together for lasting memories. “At any given moment, you’ll find families and extended families that make this area their meeting point to enjoy time together,” Knutzen said.

Boland noted that mountain homebuyers look to find the setting they want, whether it be near a lake, river or panoramic mountain view, with a cabin that suits their needs, all in their price range. For Atlanta area weekenders seeking an escape from the city, “Blue Ridge is a no-brainer, being such a short drive from the city, yet worlds away,” she said.

Retirees like being close to the hospitals located on the I-575 corridor while staying in near proximity to Atlanta’s big hospitals and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. They also look for a relaxed pace with low crime, low taxes and low cost of living.

Woody said that the lakes—Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Nottely and Lake Chatuge—are a big draw.

“They offer lots of outdoor adventures, waterfalls, hiking trails and beautiful scenery.”

Other homebuyers want the great shopping and restaurants. “From the mountain tops to the creeks and rivers to lakefront and golf course properties, there are communities that fit every lifestyle,” Woody said.

Knutzen also has seen an increase in people flocking to the Blue Ridge area for its availability of outdoor pursuits, including

Continued on page 36 mountain biking, road biking, kayaking, fishing and boating.

“Shopping in downtown Blue Ridge offers many boutiques and specialty shops,” she said, “and dining in the area offers something for everyone with a variety of foods, including organic and clean eating options.” There’s also a fantastic arts community—galleries, the Blue Ridge Mountain Art Association and the Blue Ridge Community—that features great local talent.

No longer does everything shut down once the season is over. He said that four new restaurants opened last season: Tugs Proper, MidPoint Highlands, Bridge at Mill Creek and Four65 Wood Fire Bistro + Bar. These added to the many mainstays in the Highlands restaurant scene that include Lakeside Restaurant, The Ugly Dog Public House and The Log Cabin.

According to Gilmore, one of the exciting new developments in the Highlands area is GlenCove by Old Edwards, a multi-generational community that highlights adventure and wellness.

The tight-knit community will have 31 cottage homes and 17 five-acre estate lots.

Planned features at GlenCove include an organic garden and farm, a fitness and wellness center with spa services, and a lighted 12-hole, par 3 golf course. There are mountain trails for hiking in the adjacent national forest.

New and exciting architecture that focuses on both rustic and modern accents is popping up all over the area on rivers, creeks and mountains, Knutzen said. “One of our newest communities is Old Toccoa Farm, a guardgated residential community that offers a mile of trout fishing on the Toccoa River, 18-hole golf course, driving range and other planned amenities.”

These days, there’s plenty to do in Highlands year-round, Gilmore noted.