The ultimate guide to buying homes for sale in Blue Ridge, GA

The Blue Ridge region of Georgia is a section of the famous Appalachian mountain range known for its rolling forestscapes, awe-inspiring nature trails, and diverse wildlife. On top of that, it’s also known for being a prime spot for cabin-style residences, especially for those who seek the idyllic mountain life. If you long for the peace and quiet of the forests, let this be your guide to finding the right home in the Blue Ridge mountains.

Welcome to Georgia’s best mountain town

• Welcome to Georgia’s best mountain town
  • Historic landmarks and attractions
  • Real estate at a glance
  • Neighborhoods
• Things to consider about homes for sale in Blue Ridge, GA
  • Types of home offered
  • Important home features
• Practical tips when buying a Blue Ridge home
• Living in Blue Ridge, GA
• Find your dream house in Blue Ridge, GA with Page Morgan

The city of Blue Ridge is located in the southeastern region of Georgia, approximately 90 miles north of Atlanta via the I-575. Part of Georgia’s Fannin County, Blue Ridge occupies 2.7 square miles, with an estimated population of 1,473 residents as of 2021. Blue Ridge was founded in 1886 upon the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad. In its early years, there were five hotels and a few boarding houses in the downtown area. To drum up interest, the town was touted as the “Switzerland of the South.”

Historic landmarks and attractions

Blue Ridge is home to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which to this day is the historic focus of the town. The current railway depot was built in 1906. You can take a 26-mile, four-hour trip that goes along the Toccoa River through the North Georgia countryside, giving you breathtaking sights of the Appalachian Mountains. The trip includes a stop at the sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, where visitors can be in two states at the same time. You can also check out the caboose visitor center right beside the railway. The historic Fannin County Courthouse, originally built in 1937 and has since been converted into an art center, is a great place to visit. You and your loved ones can spend time exploring the rich art scene in Blue Ridge. The center features rotating exhibits, so repeat visits promise a worthwhile experience each time. Another must-see historic landmark is the Baugh House Museum, also known as the James W. Baugh Homeplace. Located on West First Street, it was built in 1890 and was recognized as a historic home by the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. The artifacts on display will transport you back in time in an instant.

Real estate at a glance

Now, let’s take a look at the state of the real estate market in Blue Ridge. As of August 2021, the median price range for a home in Blue Ridge was $449,000. Compared to August 2020, that is a 12.6% increase. This puts the median listing price at $237 per square foot. Listings, on average, sell after 47 days on the market, which is slightly down from 2020. The housing market in Blue Ridge is currently a seller’s market, which means that more people are looking to buy a house than there are homes available.

Neighborhoods in Blue Ridge, GA

Despite its size and population, Blue Ridge, surprisingly, has around 100 subdivisions. Notable among them are Mountain Tops, Ridges over the Lake, Blackberry Creek, and Cohutta Overlook. These neighborhoods host gorgeous log cabin-style houses that offer beautiful views of the forest on the mountainside. If you want to live near the water, look to homes situated near lakes or creeks like Willow or Blackberry Creek.

Things to consider about homes for sale in Blue Ridge, GA

Type of homes offered

There is a variety of Blue Ridge mountain homes for sale and there can be several housing types that may be to your liking. Generally, the most popular types of houses are mountain homes, cabins, and single-family homes.

• Mountain homes are often made of materials from the area, such as wood and stone. Many listings offer wide, floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the vast mountainside view, or have a view deck that extends past the slope of the mountain. These houses can range from rustic to modern, and have updated interiors with complete amenities such as wood fireplaces and central heating.
• Cabins or log cabins are characterized by their use of logs for the walls or main supports for the house, giving off a rustic feel. Oftentimes, log cabins are single story, but if you have the acreage, you can build new sections and extend the house over time. This gives your potential property a sense of modularity and expandability. Cabin listings vary in size from modest to multi-story, and can range from simple to extravagant. Some listings sit on sprawling properties with lush foliage surrounding the house, allowing ultimate privacy in the midst of the scenic landscape.
• Single-family homes or traditional homes are the most common type of house design in the United States. It can be a mix of different housing styles like Colonial, Cape Cod, Georgian, or Ranch. If you can’t decide on the type of house to get, sometimes it’s best to stick to classic styles. Some of these single-family homes come in modern and sleek designs, giving off a more luxurious feel. These homes typically feature glass walls spanning two stories and includes amenities such as view decks, swimming pools, and spacious porches.
• Modern lakeside cabins come with a dock, making for a perfect vacation home.
• Creekside properties offer sprawling lawns – some feature ponds and springs for a magical forest feel.

Important home features

There are a lot of things to consider before you buy a house, whether or not you’re a first-time homebuyer. Here are some of the most common things people assess when buying a home:

• Location
  Some people move because of work. So when choosing a home, find out how accessible the house is to your place of employment. Figure out driving and commute times. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a vacation home, consider the frequency of your visits and the activities available to you and your family when the seasons change from summer to fall to winter to spring.
• Price
  How much house can you afford? Look to sites with information on the median house prices in the areas you’re interested in. Some have a home estimation tool to help you figure out if a certain house is within your budget. Consider, too, the costs associated with owning a home (taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance and repairs, and so on). A house may appear very affordable, but may turn out to be a money pit. Think long and hard about investing in a fixer-upper. If you like things fuss free, focus on move-in ready listings.
• Maintenance
  Stone, wood, brick, and drywall – all eventually wear out and will need replacing. In the interim, make sure your house remains in good condition. That means conducting regular maintenance on plumbing, HVAC, and home security systems; roofing and home exterior; decks, docks, boat slips, and pools; and the like. The more amenities you have, the higher your maintenance costs.

  Practical tips when buying a Blue Ridge, GA home

  All things considered – price, location, maintenance – are you ready to finally purchase your Blue Ridge mountain home? If you’re still not sure, or if you just want to have all your bases covered, here are a few more things to take note of:
  1. Buy a home within your means
     When eyeing Blue Ridge, GA homes for sale, it goes without saying that you need to be able to secure the financing to purchase the property. The home buying process involves many steps. Make sure you have a fair idea of how things work, especially when it comes to making sure your finances are in order. By doing so, you can manage your expectations and not overestimate the kind of homes that falls within your budget. While all these may appear daunting to a first-time buyer, we can help you get familiar with the process.
  2. Determine your reason for buying a home
     Before buying a house, make sure you know why you’re buying in the first place. Are the kids growing up and your current residence doesn’t have the space for their changing needs? Did you get a new job that requires you to relocate to the area? Do you feel the need to be in a different place and start anew? Or are you looking for a second property to call your vacation home? All need to be considered when moving and purchasing a new home.
  3. Weigh the pros and cons
     If you already know why you’re buying a house, it’s time to weigh the pros and cons of your decision. Even if you have to relocate because of a job, how will the move benefit the rest of the family? Are you better off buying a vacation home now or will you gamble on home prices dropping come wintertime (traditionally, the season with the least number of homebuyers)? If you’re buying a waterfront home, are you prepared for additional maintenance costs because of the higher humidity? Consider every scenario.
  4. Work with a local Realtor
     When you’re searching for a home in a new location, it always helps to get advice from a local Realtor. Local real estate agents know the lay of the land intimately; they are aware of best-kept secrets of the area and are familiar with the information on available listings in the area. If you’re unsure of what fits you best based on your price point and needs, whether it’s about its proximity employment opportunities or schools for your kids, a local real estate agent is in the best position to answer your pressing questions.
  5. Get mortgage pre-approval
     Before buying a house, it’s important for you to get a mortgage pre-approval. This includes making sure you have a good credit score to qualify for a loan. A pre-approval, which is based on your financial records, shows you how much you can borrow to buy a house (thus, setting your budget). To a seller, a pre-approval indicates your seriousness as a buyer.
  6. Go on virtual tours to narrow down your options
     It might be hard for you to be able to scout for properties and view listings in person, especially if you live far away from the area you plan to move to. Thus, it helps to go on a virtual tour of the property so you have a good idea of what it could potentially offer you. Some listings have readily available virtual tours. You can also opt to schedule one with an agent.

  Living in Blue Ridge, GA

  Blue Ridge may be a smaller community but it has much to offer. With plenty of lakeside activities, parks, and forest trails, you will never run out of things to do when living in the Blue Ridge mountains.
• DINING
  Blue Ridge offers many dining options for you and your family. Have a wholesome family barbecue at Carroll’s Barbeque or Blue Ridge Mountain Bar-B-Q. Feeling like going on a date night? Check out bin322 Wine and Tapas Bar, or Black Sheep Restaurant and Patio. How about staying at home for date night? Blue Duck has a private chef that can prepare a multi-course meal right in your home.
• BREWERIES AND VINEYARDS
  Looking for a day activity and a drink afterward? Blue Ridge hosts many wineries and breweries in town. From craft beer tasting sessions at Angry Hops Brewery to a sunny, breezy walk through Cartecay Vineyards, Blue Ridge has many options to quench your thirst.
• OUTDOOR RECREATION
  If you’re itching for adventure, Blue Ridge promises options you’ll enjoy. Among the many outdoor activities are hiking, biking, trout fishing, water sports, horseback riding, and golf.
• ORCHARDS AND FARMS
  Looking for a more relaxing way to spend your time outdoors? Blue Ridge offers more than wineries and vineyards. It also has orchards and farms. You can pick apples at Deep Roots Orchard, go on a picnic, or attend movie nights. Schedule a tour of Big Creek Alpaca Farms. And check out Paradise Hills Winery Resort and Spa, where you can pick grapes in the morning and spend the afternoon sipping wine at the spa.
• SHOPPING
  If shopping is more your thing, Blue Ridge has you covered on that front as well. There are many shops for you to check out – a lot are specialty stores while others cater to outdoor recreation like fishing and camping equipment. Check out artisan stores for handcrafted items, art, and furniture.

  Some fun facts about Blue Ridge Mountains

  The Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the Appalachian mountain range, which extends across Georgia, Alabama, Maine, New Hampshire, and until Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. Blue Ridge is filled with gorgeous waterfalls and many lengthy hiking trails that lead to waterfalls. In Fannin County, where Blue Ridge is situated, you can visit Long Creek Falls, Falls Branch Falls, and Sea Creek Falls. Check out this list for the most accessible waterfalls in the county.

  Find your dream house in Blue Ridge, GA with Page Morgan

  If you’re all set to finally purchase the Blue Ridge mountain home of your dreams, allow award-winning Realtors to guide you through the process. Our real estate agents at Page Morgan can do that for you. We at Page Morgan are a tight-knit group with one goal in mind: to make you, our clients, happy with your real estate transactions. We bring the qualities of creator, hero, and magician to the table.
  • We’re Creators
    We don’t just find ways – we create them! We carve our own path and find solutions to make your dream house a reality.
  • We’re Heroes
    The home buying process can be strewn with hurdles. We liken ourselves to heroes and miracle workers who will explore every possibility and workaround to get the job done.
  • We’re Magicians
    Every one of us at Page Morgan Real Estate boasts over 20 years of real estate experience in North Georgia. We have cultivated the best practices and routinely come up with the best solutions that make the most daunting tasks and processes seem like child’s play.

Here’s what one repeat client said about working with us: “This is the fourth home we have purchased or sold with the Page Morgan Team. Both Andrew and Grayson were on top of things and made the process extremely easy. Thank you for the work on all four transactions you helped us with.”

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Read more Testimonials here. If you’re ready to have us help you search the best-priced listings in Blue Ridge, GA, contact Page Morgan Real Estate Group at 770.579.5650 or info(at)pagemorgan(dotted)com(dotted). Or contact us here. We look forward to working with you! Find out more

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• Questions to ask before buying a home
• The paperwork you’ll need to apply for a mortgage