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Top 10 Reasons to Retire in Blue Ridge, GA

Running Lake water in Blue Ridge, GA

Nestled in the Northern Georgia Mountains at the start of the Appalachian Trail, the town of Blue Ridge is a popular destination for singles and couples looking for a serene and eventful place to retire. With it’s central location, affordability, optimal weather and local happenings, Blue Ridge, GA should be at the top of your retirement city list!

  1. Accessible for friends and family to visit
  2. Even though you may be choosing to buy a new home in Blue Ridge that takes you away from family and friends, you’ll want to make sure that it’s easy for loved ones to visit. It can be expensive to travel to seaside communities, and many other popular retirement cities often include a very long drive, which can be difficult for grandkids to handle. Blue Ridge, Georgia’s convenient location allows residents to feel like they’ve traveled to a getaway location, without being too far out of reach. Blue Ridge is less than a 2-hour drive from Atlanta and Chattanooga, with the drive from Knoxville under 2.5 hours. Blue Ridge is also just 3 hours from Greenville, SC! For guests traveling from further away, there are several small airports in the area, in addition to larger airports in those surrounding cities.

  3. A community with welcoming traditions
  4. No matter your interests, the Georgians of Blue Ridge have a seasonal traditions and annual events that you’re sure to love. The area is often the home to music festivals, traditional fruit picking activities, cook-offs, fairs, art shows, and other events that have the power to bring the community together.

  5. Beauty of season changes without extreme winter
  6. One major reason that people relocate when they retire is they want to escape winter weather. Winters can be especially dangerous for older adults, and you’ll definitely want to move to a place where you won’t worry about shoveling feet of snow or scraping up ice on your stoop. Summer all-year round isn’t ideal either though, and that’s one of the top reasons why Blue Ridge, GA is such a popular destination. The summers are more mild than other neighboring southern cities, the fall is absolutely breathtaking, and you’ll still experience winter without the added hassle or dangers. The region does see some snow, and there are opportunities for winter sports, but the snow and ice is mostly found in higher elevation.

  7. Outdoor lifestyle
  8. Have you never gone hiking or trout fishing? Maybe you’ve never been camping or haven’t tried the latest arts and crafts trend. Blue Ridge is welcoming to everyone, and you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy all of the adventures, but be ready to bring your social life outdoors. You’ll love being able to have a relaxing day on the lake, ride the historic Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, or go camping in the wilderness that’s not so far from home. Blue Ridge also takes concerts and movies outside, and you can even experience a Drive-In that’s been in operation since 1955!

  9. Housing choices you’ll love
  10. Whether you’re looking to live in a quaint cottage, a log cabin, a suburban home, or an apartment, Blue Ridge has many residential choices to meet your needs. You can live up in the mountains, along the river, or close to town, putting you in the middle of what you enjoy most. The architecture style of homes in the area is also very diverse, and you’ll be able to find something that suits your taste and feels like home! Because it’s also a vacation destination for many families, your loved ones will also be able to find the perfect accommodations nearby (or with you) when they come to visit!

  11. Fun recreational activities
  12. Blue Ridge, GA is guaranteed to get you up and moving! With all of the activities to try and things to do, you’ll be active all year round and not only in warmer months. Hiking and exploring scenic routes are always popular, and if you’re more adventurous, you can go biking along one a new trail, go tubing down the river, go horseback riding through a trail, or even zip-line through the trees!

  13. Cost of living is affordable
  14. While many popular retirement destinations also offer gorgeous scenery and lots of local happenings, most of them also come with a hefty price tag. One of the reasons we love Blue Ridge, GA is that the cost of living here is much more affordable. According to AreaVibes, the cost of living in Blue Ridge is 13% lower than the national average and Georgia state income tax is 55% lower than the national average, which means you’ll be spending less on living expenses and activities. When friends and family come to visit, they’ll also be able to find affordable hotels, cabins or homes to rent.

  15. Positive attitudes and spectacular hospitality
  16. Southern hospitality is no joke! Blue Ridge is a community where everyone says hello to one another and residents are eager to welcome you to town. You’ll be able to connect with other residents and enjoy outdoor activities and events as part of a community. Kindness and friendly attitudes can be found at every turn, and if you’re arent originally from the South, you’ll love experiencing the charm and hospitality of what it means to be a Georgian.

  17. Amazing local food
  18. When moving to any new place, food is one of the most important factors to consider, and Blue Ridge does not disappoint! Some of the most popular places in town include a locally-sourced and farmed all-day breakfast joint, a gourmet chocolate and fudge shop, a fine dining restaurant with amazing riverside views, and tons of delicious comfort food. Not to mention, all of the local breweries and wineries offer opportunities for tours, sampling, and enjoying the scenery while munching on cheese plates and sipping your new favorite local beverage.

  19. Easy to be social with others
  20. It’s important for new retirees to be active in their communities and have ways to socialize with other residents and retirees. With lots of festivals, events, fairs, concerts, plays, art shows, and recreational activities, you’ll feel like you’ve become part of the Blue Ridge family in no time at all. Residents often spend time at local eateries or by making a picnic outdoors, and you’ll enjoy playing golf or participating in other games and activities with new friends.

Interested in buying a home in Blue Ridge? Here are some helpful links for you:
Blue Ridge Homes For Sale | Blue Ridge Cabins For SaleHomes For Sale on Lake Blue Ridge