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Ellijay, Georgia
In the Appalachian Foothills of North Georgia, Cozy Little Ellijay is the "Apple Capital of Georgia" and Has an Apple Festival, Wineries and Antique Stores
About 80 miles from Atlanta, where the Cartecay River and the Ellijay River meet in the lush Appalachian foothills of North Georgia, quiet Ellijay makes its home. This is a rural town, and it is known as the "Apple Capital of Georgia."
In fact, Ellijay is the leading producer of apples and apple related products in the entire state. Every year the town hosts October's Apple Festival, a celebration of all things apple that draws people from around the region. Along with apples, Ellijay has a cute historic downtown with lots of antique shops and eateries. The growing alcoholic beverage scene ensures a good selection of tasting rooms, tasting barns, cideries, pubs, and distilleries (some people call Ellijay a quaint little drinking town with an antiques problem). More restaurants, shops and box stores sit along State Route 515, which runs through town and heads south to Atlanta. The surrounding hills lend themselves to hiking, biking and camping, drawing locals and tourists alike. In the spring, whip-poor-wills whistle, and in the fall, the leaves burst with breathtaking color.
Ellijay has a population of about 2,000 people, with 42% of them age 45 or older. Nearly 30% of residents hold a four-year college degree. The population fluctuates with seasonal farm worker but has grown 18% over the last decade.
The cost of living is on par with the national average, and the median home price stands at $425,000. Real estate prices have risen 5% since last year. The area is popular with weekenders from Atlanta who often rent cabins. Former President Jimmy Carter had a summer home here.
Piedmont Hospital provides medical care. There is no public transit. The crime rate meets the national average. Politically, Ellijay leans to the right. The poverty rate is slightly above the national average, thanks in part to the influx of low-wage migrant farm workers who come each year to work in the apple orchards.
North Georgia is a region of rolling mountains, clear rivers, and small towns that blend Southern charm with a relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle. Anchored by the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains, the area is known for its scenic beauty—hiking trails along the Appalachian Trail, waterfalls tucked into forested valleys, and sweeping views from places like Brasstown Bald, the state’s highest peak.
The climate is milder than much of Georgia, with cooler summers and crisp autumns that bring vibrant foliage, making the area especially attractive for retirees and vacationers seeking relief from the heat of Atlanta or the coast. The area receives about 60 inches of rain and three inches of snow annually.
Culturally, North Georgia has deep Appalachian roots, reflected in its music, crafts, and festivals. With wineries, apple orchards, and a growing cabin rental market, the region has become both a getaway destination and an inviting place to settle down.
Georgia is considered tax-friendly for retirees.
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