Northern Georgia (Atlanta, Calhoun, Hartwell: for sale, houses, gated communities)

[gregandvicky]

Can anyone give me any ideas of wooded quiet and not too expensive areas in northern Georgia that have mountains, hills, rivers, lakes and forests?

We are looking for a nice place to retire.

Any info will be appreciate as we are just beginning our search and know very little about Georgia.

Thanks

[gt6974a]

Anywhere 60+ miles North of Atlanta has what you're looking for, but they won't be quiet for much longer.

[gregandvicky]

We are looking for a nice quiet small town. Needs to be in the mountains and trees and not too expensive.

Any suggestions where we might start?

[gt6974a]

you could try the outskirts of Ellijay but the main corridor 515 is blowing up, outside Calhoun, Ringold possibly, Rabun County but don't know any of the town names.

[atlantagreg30127]

Dahlonega.

[resolute]

Try Fannin County - we like new arrivals here - or better yet, try just over the line in Tennessee in Polk County - only about 15-20 miles further north and you have no state income tax, lower property costs and lower property taxes than GA- with the backdrop of the beautiful Ocoee River (where they held the 1996 Olympic whitewater events). It's a sleeper county in the region for sure. Even the respected Financial Times Newspaper of London just profiled some people getting in on the ground floor of this area:

FT.com / Arts & Weekend / House & Home - From wasteland to rural escape

[Prichard]

I strongly recommend that you look into the following areas, all of which are quite beautiful and have what you describe:

Blairsville
Young Harris
Hawiassee
Clayton/Rabun Gap/Dillard (Rabun County)

[jsherman9901]

Originally Posted by resolute

try just over the line in Tennessee in Polk County - only about 15-20 miles further north and you have no state income tax, lower property costs and lower property taxes than GA- with the backdrop of the beautiful Ocoee River (where they held the 1996 Olympic whitewater events). It's a sleeper county in the region for sure. Even the respected Financial Times Newspaper of London just profiled some people getting in on the ground floor of this area:

The article you referenced said that the average home price in that area (specifically the town of Copperhill) increased 78% in one year (05-06). I would say that it's not a sleeper county anymore and it's too late to get in on the "ground floor".

[irvm]

Originally Posted by gregandvicky

We are looking for a nice quiet small town. Needs to be in the mountains and trees and not too expensive.

Any suggestions where we might start?

What is 'not too expensive'?

If you go far enough north of Atlanta to find peace and quiet, land is going for $10k to over $60k per acre. Houses from $130k for an older, fixer-upper or a trailer - sorry, 'manufactured home' - to the sky's the limit. You can figure around $200k for something you wouldn't be ashamed to have your friends in for a visit. I know of several for sale right now in the $2 million range, if that interests you.

BTW, you can figure at least 60 miles north to get away from the rampant development, and it helps to keep well away from the interstate corridors:
I-75, I-85, Ga 400 and I-575.

You'd better hurry, though. Everywhere you look 'gated communities' are springing up, bringing all the nosy busy-bodies those places seem to attract.

[juliehaley]

Lake Russell area - near Lake Hartwell. They are keeping that lake all natural, thus no docks. It is still deep enough for boating, fishing, skiing, etc. just isn't as expensive as other lakes due to its lack of dockability. Also, the lots in that area are mostly large, wooded lots. I have sold huge (3 acre) lots in a Lake Russell subdivision for less than $30,000 with a community pier. Beautiful, quiet area, close to things to do. I think it would be perfect for you.