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See Why You Should Spend a Day or Even a Lifetime in Gilmer County Georgia (LOCALISM FEATURED)

By
Real Estate Agent with BHGRE - Metro Brokers

 

 GILMER COUNTY OVERVIEW
Gilmer County is located in the northwest mountains of Georgia and is within an hour's drive to Atlanta or Chattanooga Tennessee.  Highway 515 runs through Gilmer County and is a straight shot to Interstate 75 which makes for an easy commute.  (I-75 provides the major link between the Great Lakes and the SouthEast to cities like Miami, Tampa, Naples, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Cincinnati, Toledo and Detroit.

 

 

Nestled in the foothills of the Chattahoochee National Forest and Appalachian Mountains, Gilmer is known as Georgia's Apple Capital.  Small town ambience, old fashioned blue grass concerts or gospel music jams, fishing, canoeing, boating are just a few of the adventures that continue to draw more and more people to this area year after year.

 

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains where pristine valleys are dotted with apple and peach orchards, dairy and chicken farms, Gilmer is blessed with an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty of forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and streams.  You will love to spend a day or even a lifetime here.

Pictured:  Ellijay River   

 

 

 

 

 

 

GILMER COUNTY DEMOGRAPHICS

Gilmer County ranks 22 out of 159 Georgia counties in the fastest growing counties based
on population change from 2000 to 2003  

Population

(Estimate Year 2004 increase of 14.06% from 2000 Census)

26,755

Households

9,071

Families

6,694

Housing Units

11,924

Racial / Ethnicity Makeup

 

     White

93.6%  

     Black or African American

    .3%  

       American Indian or Alaska Native

    .5%  

     Asian

    .2%  

     Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander

    .3%  

     Other Race

  3.8%  

     Two or More Races

  1.4% 

     Hispanic or Latino

  7.7%  

Gender

11,902  

     Male

11,902

     Female

11,554

Median Household Income

$35,140

National Household Income

$41,994

Per Capita Personal Income (in 2002)

$21,166

National Per Capita Personal Income

$30,906

  

 

 

 

Crimehttp://www.fedstats.gov/mapstats/crime/county/13123.html
Private Schools
http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&State=13&County=Gilmer
Public Schools
http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&State=13&County=Gilmer
Public Library
http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/libraries/librarysearch/library_list.asp?Search=1&State=13&County=Gilmer
Places of Worship:
http://www.gilmerchamber.com/members/religion.asp

*Source:  Information based on 2000 Census U. S. Census Bureau unless noted otherwise
*www.epodunk.com

 

  REAL ESTATE FOR SALE by Sub Area (Communities include:  Cherry Log, East Ellijay, Ellijay)

  

Number of Residential Properties FOR SALE (as of July 20, 2008)
  

Total:  882

ACTIVE

CONTINGENT

PENDING

Sub Area 1

162

2

9

Sub Area 2

140

3

8

Sub Area 3

420

4

25

Sub Area 4

104

3

2

Residential Property Sales (as of July 18, 2008)

Have We Hit Bottom

*Source:  NorthEast Georgia Multiple Listing Data (as of July 20, 2008)

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

JULY
July 21  Arts ‘Round the Square
AUGUST
August 18  Arts ‘Round the Square
August 19  Kamikaze Paintball of Ellijay will be hosting the MSPA's (Mid-South Paintball Association) 6th tournament in the series. They may contact Christine Ashley at 706-698-5264 or kamikazepb@ellijay.com for information.
August (date not known)  Appalachian Regional Fair Presented by Ellijay Lions Club-an Old Timey County Fair. Midway Rides, Food, Display Booths, Crafts, Flower Show, Livestock 706/635-7400 or 706/635-5715
SEPTEMBER
September 1  Southern Outdoor Cinema
September 15  Arts ‘Round the Square
September 15  Apple Pickin' Jubilee held on the last 3 weekends of September. U-pic apples, entertainment, wagon rides, cow milking, pig races, museums, great food, petting farm, pony rides, playground, picnic area, bakery, and farm market.  Hillcrest Orchards, 9696 Hwy 52 East Ellijay, GA 30536, 706-273-3838 applelan@ellijay.com    www.hillcrestorchards.net
OCTOBER
October 12 & 13  Friends of Library Book Sale  Call 706/276-4528 for information
October 13-14, 20-21 Apple Arts on the Square  Sponsored by DEMA 706/635-1826
37th Annual Georgia Apple Festival Sponsored by Chamber of Commerce And Ellijay Lions Club www.georgiaapplefestival.org
October 20  Apple Festival Parade
October  (first three weekends) Community of Cherry Log celebrates the harvest with their Festival Music, food and crafts (706) 635-1933
October 26   7:00 - Musical Guest - Blue Ridge Grass/  8:00 - Jeff Biggers will speak on Cottage Industries in Appalachia
October 27  10:00 - Painting of Quilt Trail Squares; 11:00 - Artist demonstrations; 1:15 - Musical guest Dean Phelps; 2:30 - Curator Anna Fariello will speak  Location: Cherry Log Christian Church, 1149 Cherry Log Street, Cherry Log, Georgia  Admission: The event is free of charge, For more info, call 706-632-1772 or web site.
October 31  Halloween Celebration, Trick or Treat on the Square 
NOVEMBER
November 17  Arts ‘Round the Square, Christmas in Ellijay, Sponsored by DEMA
November 24  Light Up Ellijay Parade, Light Up Ellijay Fireworks
DECEMBER
December  Festival of Trees held all month at Gilmer County Library. Local businesses and civic organizations provide and decorate theme trees for viewing by the public.  706/276-4528
December 15  Arts 'Round the Square, Meet Santa on the Roundabout

 

ATTRACTIONS AND POINTS OF INTEREST

Historic Sites:
Cheiftain's Trail - A tour of local Native american sites; Call Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce for information.  Call:706-635-7400
Downtown Ellijay - The quaint square is lined with historic buildings, antique, craft, & gift shops, as well as eateries of all kinds. Don't miss the Hyatt Hotel, now the courthouse, the Perry House, the Tabor House, and the Dr. Watkins residence.  Website!
Ellijay City Cemetary - Best Panoramic views of the city, valley and mountains; South of the square,
Fort Mountain - Prehistoric rock formations; Highway 52 West.
Gilmer County Courthouse - National Register of Historic Places, built around 1891 as Hyatt Hotel; On the square, Ellijay.
Kell Farm - Built in 1867 by James Kell, the farm is occupied by his descendants. A marker in the cemetary commemorates Kell's Revolutionary War exploits.
Old Cartecay United Methodist Church - est. 1834, oldest Methodist Church in North Georgia. Call to arrange a tour. Highway 52 East & Roy Road.Call:706-276-3703

Places to Visit:
Apple Orchard Alley - Eleven of the county's 18 orchards are spread across the picturesque valley along State Highway 52. Other orchards dot the county's valleys & hillside. Pick up a map at the Chamber Office.
Colonel Poole's Georgia Bar-B-Q, Inc. - A favorite stomping ground for local & national celebrities, the Pig Hill of Fame offers barbecue & a chance to immortalize your name on the fabeled hillside. Craig Street, East Ellijay. Oscar Poole Call:(706) 635-4100
Ellijay Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary - Call for reservations! Craig Cylke Call:(706) 276-2980
Hillcrest Orchards - Baby animals.  Janice Smith Call:(706) 273-3838 applelan@ellijay.com - Website!
Llamas - Off Highway 52 West. Call 706-276-3658 for reservations.
Pink Pig - Jimmy Carter's favorite barbecue place offers delicious food & unique atmosphere with photos of the famous & not-so-famous interspersed among pig memorabilia. Highway 515 North, Cherry Log.
Bud Holloway Call:(706) 276-3311
River Park - A picturesque recreation complex on the banks of the Coosawattee River, the park offers picnic areas, tennis courts, and a walking trail. Old Highway 5 South, along the Coosawattee River. South of the Dairy Queen.

 

RECREATION 

Adventure Trail Rides· Misty Callihan, Call:(706) 258-2276 info@adventuretrailrides.com - Website!
Blanche Manor· Peggy Blanche, Owner Call:423-496-1060 - Website!
Cartecay Bike Shop· Mike Palmari, Owner Call:706-635-2453 mike@cartecaybikes.com - Website!
Carters Lake/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers· Lu Ann Lackey, Park Manager Call:(706) 334-2248 luanne.lackey@sam.usace.army.mil - Website!
Coosawattee River Tubing Company· , Call:706/635-1609 - Website!
Ellijay Outfitters· Anne Micallef, CEO Call:706-698-GEAR annemark@ellijay.com Website!
FUNWORKZ· Anne or Larry Greeson, Owners Call:706-636-4469 Fax:706-636-4499 Anneinellijay@aol.com
Georgia Apple Festival · W. Scott Sharp, Call:706-636-4500 Fax:706-635-7410 gaapplefestival@ellijay.com - Website!
Grandpa Jones Corn Maze & Pumpkins· Scott & Jewell Jones, Owners Call:706-273-2306 scott-jewell@ellijay.com - Website!
Kamikaze Paintball of Ellijay, Inc.· Christine Ashley, President Call:706-698-5264  kamikazepb@ellijay.com - Website!
Licklog Creek Ranch· David & Robin Reece, Owners Call:706-276-3055 drreece@ellijay.com
Mountaintown Outdoor Expeditions· Jay Syrmansky, Call:(706) 635-2524
North Georgia Mountain Outfitters· Gil & Collin, Co-Owners Call:706-698-4453 info@hikenorthgeorgia.com - Website!
Ocoee Adventure Center· Larry Mashburn, Call:888-723-8622 http://www.ocoeeadventurecenter.com/  - Website!
Ocoee Rafting· Angie Arp, Call:800-251-4800 Fax:423-496-3389 info@ocoeerafting.com - Website!
Reece's Corn Maze· David & Robin Reece, Owners Call:706-276-3055 Fax:706-276-3055 drreece@ellijay.com - Website!
Rolling Thunder River Co.· Charles Miller, Call:800-408-7238 rafting@rollingthunderriverco.com - Website!
Ruby's Naturalist Corner· Ruby K. Mithcell, Naturalist Call:706-422-8753 parknature2006@yahoo.com - Website!
*Source: Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce

All information contained herein is deemed reiliable and accurate but is not guaranteed

 JUST GOOGLE:  Lot 23 Ridges Over the Lake, Blue Ridge Georgia
 JUST GOOGLE:  201 Rooster Branch Road, Cherry Log Georgia

Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
Cell:  706-633-0644 (direct)
Office:  706-632-7311
Primarily serving the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
Fannin, Gilmer, Union and Towns Counties


Websites: 
www.move2northgeorgia.net
www.cbhighcountry.com/re/donnayates

Email: 
Donna@DonnaYates.com  

Edited:  August 3, 2008
Edited:  September 19, 2009
Edited: May 20, 2013

 

 

 

 

Comments(49)

C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Donna, I swear you always make this area sound so darn attractive. I've bookmarked this blog for future reference when my husband and I want to take a drive.

Thanks for including all the future activities and the cute pup picture too!

Aug 27, 2008 12:56 AM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains

Cynthia:  Thank you very much for your comment.  I'm happy you felt it was worthy of being bookmarked.  I can't take any credit for making the area sound attractive because the area truly lends itself to great beauty.  I hope to have my favorite - Fannin County posted soon as well as, Union and Towns.

Aug 27, 2008 02:38 AM
Bo Kociuba
McGraw Realtors - Mustang, OK
Realtor - Mustang, Yukon & OKC Metro 405-812-1572

Congratulations on you feature! Great job Cynthia-you gave me a food for thought about my town or area...thanks,

Bo

Dec 01, 2008 02:08 PM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains

Bo:  I am glad I was able to inspire you.  That was part of the goal and to also inspire people to come for a visit or an extended stay.  This one took a lot of time but was great fun creating it and I want to do the same for other counties in my target area; I just haven't found the time as yet.  Come back when you have yours done and give me the link, I would love to read it.

Dec 01, 2008 09:23 PM
Bo Kociuba
McGraw Realtors - Mustang, OK
Realtor - Mustang, Yukon & OKC Metro 405-812-1572

Donna, thanks for your kind words...and I apologize for addressing you Cynthia, I guess I looked at the previous post...My tour will take a little time and I thought about a better weather...meaning more sunshine, colors and not bear trees.

Today is the day when you vote, don't you?

Stay warm and keep in touch!

Bo

Dec 01, 2008 11:42 PM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains

Bo:  No problem, it's easy to do when you see the prior comment.  I've done it myself a time or two.  I should be out getting pictures because we've had snow here yesterday and then some more overnight but it's just so cold.  I don't know about voting today, I haven't kept up.  Guess I better check into it.  See you in the rain.

Dec 01, 2008 11:54 PM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains

Bo:  te he, te he - I just checked and yes today is the runoff - gosh already! 

Dec 02, 2008 12:05 AM
Bo Kociuba
McGraw Realtors - Mustang, OK
Realtor - Mustang, Yukon & OKC Metro 405-812-1572

Go vote Donna ... lol...

Dec 02, 2008 02:29 AM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains

Bo:  Thanks for reminding me.  I've been thinking it was Monday all day long.  I hate that when it happens.  So I ran out to vote.  I would have missed it had it not been for you.  Thanks again.

Dec 02, 2008 11:40 AM
Bo Kociuba
McGraw Realtors - Mustang, OK
Realtor - Mustang, Yukon & OKC Metro 405-812-1572

You are welcomed. You know I remember someone saying that the bad politicians are elected by good citizens who do not vote! Isn't that the truth? well, that is why we are in such mess!

Hugs,

Bo

Dec 02, 2008 12:34 PM
Rodney Mason, VP of Mtg Lending
Guaranteed Rate NMLS# 2611 - Atlanta, GA
AL,AR,AZ,CA,CO,FL,GA,IN,MI,MS,NC,NV,SC,TN,TX,VA,WA

Lot's of great details there!!!

Dec 06, 2008 01:12 PM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains

Bo:  There is a lot of truth in that statement.

Rodney:  This was a lot of work but I really enjoyed writing this post.  Thank you for your comment.

Dec 06, 2008 11:36 PM
Alexsandra Stewart
Remax equity group - Portland, OR
Broker - Portland Oregon Real Estate

Lots of great information about Gilmer County.  Loved the photo too. I can tell you put in lots of time and work - well deserved feature!

May 06, 2009 05:22 PM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains

Alexsandra:  Love the name!  Thank you for the comment.  It was a lot of work but a real labor of love.  I had intended to do this for all the counties in my primary target area but fell off track.  Thanks for resurrecting this one, you've inspired me to get back in the swing again.

May 16, 2009 12:02 AM
CJ Harrington
Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland Southwest - 18318 Pearl Rd.; Stronsgville, OH 44136 - Strongsville, OH
Cleveland OH Listing Realtor Keller Williams Agent

Hi Donna,

 

Awesome BLOG!!! It is great to see another realtor who understands that building an image online is so valuable.  I myself even after 30 plus years of experience would not have had a clue if it weren't for Keller William's technology training.  If you should ever be interested in finding out more about Keller Williams Realty, and the benefits we provide our Realtors (education, profit sharing, commission splits, culture etc.).  I would be more than happy to set aside time for more individuals like you.  Please contact me at 440.336.0612.  I wish you the best of luck with your career, and an awesome week.

Sincerely,

CJ Harrington

Keller Williams Realty

440.336.0612

Jul 20, 2009 07:00 AM
Kent Anderson
Coldwell Banker Resort Realty, Sandpoint, Idaho - Sandpoint, ID
from Schweitzer to the Lake

Great info!  Well done, Donna.  Congrats on being featured.

Aug 04, 2009 07:24 PM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains

Kent: Thank you for your comment.  I've been away from AR for a while but getting back in the game when I can.

Aug 28, 2009 11:50 PM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains

CJ:  Sorry I missed your nice offer and am just now responding.  I appreciate it very much but must say that I am completely happy with Coldwell Banker High Country Realty in Blue Ridge.  That has been the smartest career move I've made and the best decision I've made this year!  Wishing you the best.

Aug 29, 2009 12:01 AM
Tracy Lee Parker
RE/MAX DFW Associates - Royse City, TX
Buy*Sell*Rent

Donna,

You have inspired me to do this for my area! thanks,

Sep 17, 2009 12:07 PM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains

Hi Tracy:   It's a lot of work but was fun putting it all together. 

Sep 17, 2009 08:28 PM