Blairsville Georgia Real Estate

Blairsville GA, in Union County, is a quiet mountain town known for friendly people, a progressive small business climate, and a relaxed pace. Property values have appreciated significantly in recent years, and the current market slowdown – a resort market version of a buyer’s market – has resulted in some of the best values in cabins and land that we’ve seen in recent years. While Blairsville has its share of weekenders and second homeowners, its relative distance from Atlanta (35 miles further than Ellijay and 20 miles further than Blue Ridge) seems to place it a bit outside of the hot zone for weekend cabin rentals.

Perhaps as a result, the demographic in Blairsville is a bit older, with more retirees and more of a mix of housing type. In Blairsville, it is not uncommon to find log cabins side-by-side with vinyl sided homes. There are fewer of the classic resort town attractions – antique shops, restaurants, and gift shops. In return, there is more of a traditional, small town feel. Blairsville’s major festival, the Sorghum Festival, is held in the fall.

Over half of Union County is national forest. The Nottely River runs through the Chattahoochee National Forest in the southern reaches of the Blue Ridge Mountains before reaching Lake Nottely near Blairsville. The lake is known as a prime destination for trophy largemouth bass, and the river itself is a beautiful mountain jewel. There are two marinas on Nottely, as well as several public boat launches. The Poteet Creek Recreation Area, near Nottely Dam, has a popular campground and swimming area.

In the southern reaches of the county, the Appalachian Trail crosses Unicoi Gap, at the end of the descent from Blood Mountain. Most hikers start this famous section of the trail from Woody Gap, near Suches, because the hike up from Woody Gap is a gradual, seven-mile ascent, while the trail down from Blood Mountain to Unicoi Gap is a steep two miles. The other way around, it’s a killer to reach the top, but the determined hiker is rewarded by an excellent view. (The mountain is named for a famous battle that supposedly took place there involving the Cherokee.) The beautiful old wood and stone facility at Unicoi Gap, which was built by the CCC, is now a gift shop that serves as the first direct point of resupply for through hikers on the Appalachian Trail, who are just beginning their trek northward from Springer Mountain.

Suches, south of Blairsville, remains one of the most beautiful and undeveloped areas in the mountains. Hardly more than a crossroads and a gas station, Suches is the smallest school district in Georgia. Lake Winfield Scott is not far from Suches, as are the headwaters of the Toccoa River. Cooper’s Creek – which is almost as large as the Toccoa at this point – flows into the river north of Suches on Hwy 60. The famous Cooper’s Creek Store sits not far from this point. The Cooper’s Creek Wildlife Management Area boasts beautiful campgrounds on the creek and very good trout fishing. Some of the most beautiful river property in the mountains is found in this area – pristine steams, big boulders, and hemlocks of unbelievable size. Hwy 60, which runs through Suches, is beloved by bikers for its curving, national forest lay, and the ride from Morganton to Dahlonega competes with the famous Tail of the Dragon at Deal’s Gap on the western edge of the Smoky Mountain Park for the affection of motorcyclists.

The Chestoe area is famous for its beautiful valley and mountain views. There are several RV camping developments near Blairsville, somewhat a rarity in our area. Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, is located near Blairsville. There is an interpretive center at the top of the mountain, also built by the CCC, and on a clear day, the views go on for miles. The top is a short bus ride from the parking area, and it is a favorite destination for photographers. The parking lot near the top is a great viewing area for amateur astronomy. Along with Fannin County, Blairsville offers some of the darkest skies in the southeast, with excellent views of the stars and night sky.

Analysis of MLS data for April 2008 reveals that there were 24 residential transactions in the Blairsville area last month. The median home sale was $172,500, with the highest sale being $415,000 and the lowest $99,250. These listings spent an average of 194 days on market before selling. The sold to list price ratio was 92.19%, and the sold to original price ratio was 81.43%. The total volume was $4,441,650.

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