Blue Ridge, GA offers the serene natural beauty that only mountains can provide.
Adapted from "Growth sets national pace," by Dave Koerner
The News Observer, August 25, 2006
Fannin County’s growth continues to draw national attention. According to a report released this week by the United States Census Bureau, Fannin County ranks 14th nationally in housing growth rate from July 1, 2004 to July 1, 2005. (Fannin County ranks 8th nationwide in housing unit rates between April 1, 2000 and July 1, 2005.)
"It continues to be a booming second-home market," Jan Hackett, president of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, said of Fannin County. "I think it’s great. It shows that real estate sales are thriving, that construction is thriving."
Many newcomers are from Florida. June Slusser, incoming president-elect for the Northeast Georgia Board of Realtors, offered several theories why Floridians are choosing Fannin County. She said that they have come to escape "the heat ... the crowd ... and the fear of hurricanes and insurance rates."
It is not new for Fannin County to be among national leaders in growth. In July 2005, the census bureau reported that Fannin was the 10th fastest growing county in terms of population.
Kristin Gunia, executive director of the development authority, commented on Fannin County’s amazing growth. "We have a large second-home population." With it’s beautiful mountains, rivers, lakes, and temperate climate, Blue Ridge, GA proves to be a premier vacation spot. Gunia expects that many vacationers and second-home owners "will become retirees and full-time members of the community."
