The Best Areas to Raise a Family in North Georgia | Best North GA Towns

Alpharetta city center on a Georgia summer day

If you are planning to move to the North Georgia mountains, want to be slightly out of the city, and find the best areas to raise a family, then you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we will be exploring the best North Georgia towns.

Alpharetta

Alpharetta is a thriving city with a diverse range of excellent schools, entertainment options, and a low unemployment rate. In addition to the alluring natural surroundings, Alpharetta is known for its vibrant economy and great opportunities for business owners. Alpharetta is a city with a stable real estate market, and housing costs are quite affordable.

Education

When it comes to education, Alpharetta is an excellent choice for parents looking to raise their children in an intellectually stimulating environment. The city boasts some of the best schools in the state, with highly qualified teachers and a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for college and beyond. The Fulton County School District, which is responsible for the schools in Alpharetta, has consistently ranked high in the state, and the graduation rate is an impressive 93.6%.

Community Activities

Alpharetta’s friendly community is also a huge draw for families. The city hosts a wide range of family-friendly activities throughout the year, making it easy for residents to stay connected and involved. From farmer’s markets to festivals, there’s always something happening in Alpharetta.

Excellent Quality of Life

  • Lastly, the quality of life in Alpharetta is second to none. The city’s beautiful parks and location on the steps of the Blue Ridge Mountains and close proximity to the Chattahoochee River provide numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, while the local dining and cultural scene ensure that there’s always something fun to do. Whether you want to take your family to a museum, go hiking in the woods, or enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant, Alpharetta has you covered.

Blairsville

Are you looking for a city that offers the best of both worlds – urban convenience and small-town charm? Nestled in the heart of Northeast Georgia and just south of the North Carolina border, Blairsville offers picturesque views, a dynamic community, and most importantly, a safe and thriving environment that has made it one of the best cities to raise a family. What more could your want in North Georgia towns?

Affordable Cost of Living

Blairsville’s affordable cost of living is a winning factor for many families. Unlike larger cities, both housing and healthcare costs are relatively low in Blairsville. The area boasts a stable and robust housing market, with a plethora of affordable home options to fit any family’s needs. Additionally, Blairsville’s lower tax rates allow families to keep more money in their pockets to spend on experiences and quality time with loved ones. accordingly.

Some of the best access to outdoor adventures

Blairsville’s location in the North Georgia Mountains lends itself to a wide variety of outdoor activities, from fishing and hiking to camping and boating. With over 100 mountain horseback riding, biking, or hiking trails, hundreds of lakes and rivers (Lake Nottely is right next door), and a vast network of parks, Blairsville has an abundance of opportunities for family-friendly fun and adventure. The community takes pride in its outdoor recreation facilities, which are professionally maintained and provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Health and Safety

Blairsville is an extremely safe city, with low crime rates and a community that looks out for one another. Additionally, the city offers a range of health and wellness resources, including a hospital, local clinics, and specialized healthcare providers. The city has an excellent healthcare system and is constantly expanding medical services to further serve the region’s needs.

Blue Ridge

Finding a place to raise your family can be a daunting task. You want to choose a city that has a good school district, plenty of activities for your kids to participate in, and a sense of community. That is where this quaint mountain town of Blue Ridge stands out from the crowd. One of the best North Georgia towns, this charming and picturesque city is the perfect place to raise your family. From its excellent schools to its vast natural presence, there are several reasons why Blue Ridge, GA should be your next family home.

Check out The Ridges or Big Valley for great and budding communities.

Excellent School District

Blue Ridge, GA is home to an excellent school district. According to Niche.com, Blue Ridge City Schools rank among the top 100 school districts in Georgia. With small class sizes and highly qualified teachers, your children will receive the attention and guidance they need to succeed. The school district also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama programs, that will help your children develop their skills and interests.

Located in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains

Blue Ridge is surrounded by the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest and is home to several parks and outdoor recreational areas, including Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River. Your family can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to trout fishing, fly fishing, and kayaking. The Blue Ridge Mountains also have several family-friendly parks where your children can play and enjoy the outdoors.

Community Events

Blue Ridge, GA is a tight-knit community that values family and togetherness. Throughout the year, the city hosts a variety of community events that bring residents together. From the Blue Ridge Arts in the Park festival, which showcases local artists and musicians, to the annual Blue Ridge Christmas Parade, your family will always have something to look forward to. Even grab a drink at the Fannin Brewing Company or other local distilleries in or near Blue Ridge.
Aerial shot of historic downtown Blue Ridge , Georgia

Canton

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of mid-sized Georgia town that is close to big-city amenities but just a step away from the best countryside in the United States—Canton is definitely for you. It’s the town True Ridge calls home, so we are a little partial.

Excellent Schools

Canton boasts an excellent school system that ensures your children receive a top-notch education. With a graduation rate of 94%, there’s no doubt that students in Canton schools thrive academically. The district also provides a broad range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and clubs, to foster a well-rounded education for your child. 

Proximity to Nature: The Center of Northeast Georgia

One of the most populated North Georgia mountain towns, Canton boasts an abundance of parks, hiking trails, and open spaces. Whether you want to spend a day hiking or simply want to have a picnic with your family, Canton has you covered. You’ll fall in love with the scenic views of vast forests, hills, and streams. Lake Allatoona, located within close proximity, presents even more opportunities to enjoy water sports and fun-filled adventures with your loved ones.

A Strong Local Economy

Canton’s economy is thriving, and this creates an abundance of job opportunities for its residents. The city is home to a variety of businesses ranging from small family-owned shops to global companies and even the bustling industry that is Georgia wine country. There’s no better place to grow your career or to start a business.

Downtown Canton, GA with gazeebo on a North Georgia summer day

Ellijay

Ellijay, Georgia is one of the small North Georgia mountain towns and more popular mountain destinations, just an hour and a half north of Atlanta. It’s known for its stunning natural abundance, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, and family-friendly community atmosphere. Ellijay truly has it all, making it the ideal location for homebuyers and custom home builders alike.

Check out the Vineyard at Yukon for a thriving community with places to build!

Kid Friendly

In addition to great schools, Ellijay has plenty of family-friendly fun outdoor activities to entertain the whole family. Families can visit the apple orchards and participate in fruit picking, the Georgia Apple Festival, and other seasonal events that make North Georgia the apple capital of the south. Plenty of mountain biking and hiking trails, fishing opportunities, state parks to explore, and other fun festivals exist. Or visit the Tabor House and Civil War Museum for some exciting learning.

In the heart of North Georgia, located in the forest

Ellijay’s natural beauty is simply unmatched. The town is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and forests, making it the perfect location for nature lovers. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, camping, biking, and fishing all year round. During the fall, the Blue Ridge Mountains come alive with vibrant colors, attracting visitors from all over the world. Even stop for some wine and views at the Ellijay River Vineyards.

Affordability and variety

Ellijay is an ideal location for homebuyers and homebuilders. The town offers a variety of housing options, from historic homes and cabins to new construction subdivisions and custom-built homes. With its affordable housing prices, low cost of living, and thriving economy, building or buying a home is an excellent investment for your family and your future. It’s for more than just a “let’s visit Ellijay, Georgia”.

Gainesville

Gainesville is a perfect and welcoming home for families who want to experience the warm southern hospitality and enjoy a serene environment. Gainesville is home to Lake Lanier, a beautiful lake for water sports, and a lovely resort and water park providing entertainment options year-round. You also have many top-tier medical facilities available and is just a 1-hour drive from Atlanta.

Low Cost of Living

One of the top reasons that make Gainesville, GA, the perfect city to raise a family is the low cost of living. Compared to other cities in Georgia, the cost of living in Gainesville is reasonable. This is an essential factor to consider when building or buying a home, especially for families on a budget. The low living cost also means that you have more disposable income to save for your kids’ education or invest in leisure activities.

Quality Education

Gainesville, GA, has an excellent reputation for providing quality education for students. The city prides itself on a strong educational foundation that includes some of the best public and private schools. Families can choose from a wide range of schools that offer elementary, middle, high, and post-secondary education. The University of North Georgia also has a campus in Gainesville. This education system guarantees that your children will get the intellectual development they need to achieve their full potential.

Vibrant Community

The people of Gainesville, are known to be friendly, welcoming, and vibrant. The community creates an enjoyable and engaging environment for families in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gainesville has a rich culture, offers historical landmarks for day outings, provides plenty of outdoor activities, and hosts yearly festivals, making it an ideal location for families to build memories.

Growing Economy

The growing economy of Gainesville is another factor worth considering when building or buying a home. There are thriving industries such as medicine, manufacturing, and agriculture that provide the necessary revenue streams needed to sustain the city. The low unemployment rate shows that there are plenty of job opportunities, making it a convenient location for aspiring entrepreneurs or individuals seeking employment.

overhead photo of lake lanier in Gainesville, Georgia

Jasper

Are you looking for an affordable and family-friendly community to call home? Check out Jasper, GA! Located just an hour north of Atlanta, this charming city has a lot to offer. From top-rated schools to recreational activities and affordable housing, there are plenty of reasons why Jasper, GA is an excellent place to raise a family and build a home—even among the excellent selections of small towns in the North Georgia mountains. 

Affordable Housing

One of the top reasons why Jasper, GA is an excellent place to build a home is because of its affordable housing. Unlike many other cities in Georgia, living in Jasper, GA is very affordable. The cost of living is lower than the state and national average, and the housing market is relatively stable. Whether you’re looking to buy or build a custom home, Jasper, GA has plenty of options to suit your budget. 

Safe and Family-Friendly Community

Jasper is a safe and family-friendly community that offers a great quality of life. The crime rate in Jasper, GA is much lower than the national average, and the city has a tight-knit community feel. With plenty of parks, playgrounds, and recreational activities, there’s always something to do in Jasper, GA. Plus, the city is home to various annual events and festivals such as the Georgia Marble Festival, Fourth of July parade, and many more.

Proximity to Nature

Jasper, GA is also known for its proximity to nature. The city is surrounded by the Blue Ridge mountains and scenic countryside, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, or just taking in the views, Jasper, GA has plenty to offer. Some of the popular outdoor attractions in Jasper, GA include the Appalachian Trail, Lake Tamarack, and Amicalola Falls State Park.

Talking Rock

When searching for a place to raise a family in the North Georgia mountains, there are many factors to consider. You want a safe and peaceful community, access to great schools, plenty of outdoor activities, and a place where you can build your dream home. Located in Pickens County, Talking Rock is a charming and quaint town that offers a high quality of life for families. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why Talking Rock is the perfect place to build your dream home and raise your family.

A Peaceful and Safe Community

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a place to raise your family is safety. Talking Rock is known for its low crime rate and peaceful atmosphere. The town has a strong sense of community and residents often look out for one another, making it a great place to raise children.

A Place to Build Your Dream Home

If you’re looking to build your dream home, Talking Rock is the perfect place to do so. There are plenty of custom home builders in the area who can help you design and build the home of your dreams. Whether you’re looking for a spacious family home or a cozy cabin, there are plenty of options available in Talking Rock.

Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard & Winery in Talking Rock, Georgia

What makes North Georgia special?

North Georgia is an excellent place to live, especially for families looking for a city that offers safety, affordability, and a high quality of life. The city’s top-rated schools, scenic beauty, friendliness, and affordable housing are just some of the qualities that set it apart from other cities. Thus, if you’re planning to raise a family or build a custom home, North Georgia is undoubtedly a place worth considering.

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