The Best Places to Live in Northeast Georgia

Northeast Georgia is home to various types of towns and topographies. Although most of the region is made up of mountainous areas and those near lakes, it’s also home to several college towns, large cities and small communities.

Athens

Home of the Georgia Bulldogs football team, Athens is home to college students, professionals and young families, many of whom are alumni of the University of Georgia. The town, which has a large population with a small-town atmosphere, features a vibrant downtown area filled with restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, as well as more laid-back areas, like the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, antebellum homes, the Georgia Museum of Art and the campus of UGA. It is convenient to Interstate 85 and Georgia Highway 316, which lead to Atlanta. Other college towns in Northeast Georgia, although not as large and attraction-filled, include Toccoa, home to Toccoa Falls College, and Young Harris, with a college of the same name.<br /><br />The University of Georgia<br />Athens, GA 30602<br />706-542-0842<br />uga.edu<br /><br />State Botanical Garden of Georgia<br />2450 S. Milledge Ave.<br />Athens, GA 30605<br />706-542-1244<br />uga.edu/botgarden<br /><br />Georgia Museum of Art<br />90 Carlton St.<br />Athens, GA 30602<br />706-542-4662

Gainesville

Historic Gainesville can fit many people’s lifestyles--young couples will enjoy the city, families will enjoy quiet neighborhoods and other adults will enjoy the lake regions. Nestled on the popular Lake Lanier, the city also features parks and recreation areas, the Chattahoochee Golf Course, nature centers, a speedway and a historic downtown area with shops, restaurants and seasonal festivals. Nearby are attractions such as Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in Braselton and the North Georgia mountains. Another popular lake community is Lake Hartwell.<br /><br />Chattahoochee Golf Course<br />301 Tommy Aaron Drive<br />Gainesville, GA 30506<br />770-532-0066<br />chattahoocheecountryclub.com?<br /><br />NASCAR Lanier National Speedway<br />1 Raceway Drive<br />Braselton, GA 30517<br />770-967-8600<br />lanierspeedway.com?<br /><br />Chateau Elan Winery and Resort<br />100 Rue Charlemagne<br />Braselton, GA 30517<br />678-425-0900<br />chateauelan.com

Dahlonega

The mountain town of Dahlonega features nature areas, perfect for hiking, biking and site seeing, and it’s also home to a historic downtown district full of Southern charm. Throughout the year, locals gather at mountain musical shows and festivals, winery tours and vineyards, area golf mines and corn mazes, day spas and resorts or just in the great outdoors. Southern restaurants and shops are aplenty throughout the city.

Blue Ridge

A traditional small Southern town, Blue Ridge feels welcoming to anyone. The downtown is home to an old depot station, park and courthouse, locals don’t find much flare in the close-knit community, but they find enjoyment in outdoor attractions like Mercier’s Orchard and the scenic railway. More natural sites include the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest and area lakes and camps. Southern homemade cooking is on the menu at most restaurants, and shoppers will find country arts and crafts, mountain accessories and antiques in many of the stores.<br /><br />Mercier’s Orchard <br />8660 Blue Ridge Drive<br />Blue Ridge, GA 30513<br />706-632-2364<br />mercier-orchards.com<br /><br />Blue Ridge Scenic Railway<br />241 Depot St.<br />Blue Ridge, GA 30513<br />706-632-9833<br />brscenic.com<br /><br />Chattahoochee National Forest<br />1755 Cleveland Highway<br />Gainesville, GA 30501<br />770-297-3000<br />fs.fed.us/conf

References

• Athens
• Gainesville
• Dahlonega
• Blue Ridge

Resources

• Toccoa
• Young Harris
• Lake Hartwell