Dahlonega

America’s first gold rush took place in Dahlonega which may explain why banks have a presence on every corner. Only one hour north of Atlanta, this best small town in Georgia is located in the foothills of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains. Dahlonega is rich in culture, home to Napa-style wineries and exciting hiking in Georgia. Mountain peaks, meadows and crystal clear streams are just waiting to be explored while you're searching for Dahlonega neighborhoods. You won’t believe how much this region has to offer! Feeling lucky? Yes, folks still find gold in Dahlonega Georgia and modern treasures at the Tanger Outlet in GA.

19th century buildings line the downtown streets of Dahlonega leading to its historic Square. You may see newlyweds walking around the Square three times, honoring a timeless tradition hoping for good luck in their marriage. Brick sidewalks are pathways leading to outdoor cafes, art galleries and museums. Folks love to be outside in Dahlonega and entertained by music festivals in GA which include the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, Mountain Flower Fine Art Festival and Mountain Top Rodeo. U.S. News and World Report named Dahlonega Georgia as Best Value Retirement City. Confirming Baby Boomer’s interest in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a number of 55+ communities have been built in Dahlonega and in the neighboring city of Gainesville on Lake Lanier.

If you’re searching for the best small towns in Georgia, here are reasons to consider Dahlonega neighborhoods:

ARTS AND CULTURE

The Dahlonega Arts Council is actively involved in promoting art in the local community. Calendared events include the Mountain Flower Art Festival, Dog Days of Summer Art Show and Holiday Market. The Olde Cannery Arts Center is located in the arts council building. Rotating art exhibits are showcased year round. Since 1915, the Historic Holly Theatre has been hosting concerts and plays. Holly Theatre is home to one of Georgia’s top performing theatre companies. Bluegrass and mountain music festivals in GA remain staples in the community.  Musicians often congregate for impromptu picking and singing. You can hear a variety of music styles live each weekend at venues on the historic Public Square. 

CLIMATE

At an elevation of 1,454 feet, the average temperature December through February is in the 30’s. The average annual snowfall is 3 inches. May through September, the average temperature ranges from the high 60’s to mid 70’s. Dahlonega’s temperate climate attracts outdoor enthusiasts to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking in Georgia. Tornados are Georgia’s biggest weather hazards.

LIFELONG LEARNING CENTERS

North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) is Georgia’s second-oldest college public university. NGCSU offers courses in art, history, photography, ecology and computer skills to inspire lifelong learning. The university is one of six Senior Military Colleges in the United States. Gainesville State College and Lanier Technical College offer continuing educational programs. Brenau University Lifelong Learning Institute (BULLI) in Gainesville offers courses specifically designed for mature adults over age 50 to enjoy during retirement. Courses include studies in music, the arts, social sciences, history and wellness.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE

Chestatee Regional Hospital in Dahlonega is a 49 bed private room acute care facility. Specialties include emergency care, surgical services, imaging, diagnostics and pain management. CRH underwent renovations in 2007 which include a new Maternity Services Unit. 

557 bed Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville was named one of the Top 100 Hospitals by Thompson Reuters and is Georgia’s #1 Heart Hospital. Northside Hospital Forsyth specializes in cancer care, diagnostics, rehabilitative care and surgical services.

RECREATIONAL SPORTS

Cycling is a popular sport in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Six Gap Century and Three Gap Fifty are two of major cycling competitions passing through the best small town of Dahlonega. Scenic winding roads provide exciting roadways for motorcycle rides through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rock collecting and panning for gold are still popular hobbies in Dahlonega. Hiking in Georgia by foot for 2,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine beginning near Dahlonega. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has 96 defined hiking trails of all levels, only 28 miles north of Dahlonega Georgia. Fish, kayak or tube in the Chattahoochee, Chestatee and Etowah River to enjoy crystal clear water on hot summer days. Northwest of Dahlonega, Amicalola Falls State Park is home the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall.

Lake Sidney Lanier is a 38,000 acre lake located 20 miles south of Dahlonega with an abundance of Lake Lanier marinas which include Port Royale Marina, Aqualand Marina and Holiday Marina. Emerald green Lake Sidney Lanier is Georgia’s most visited boating lake. 

SHOPPING AND DINING

Downtown is where you’ll find more than 50 unique boutiques, antique stores and art galleries. A Wal-Mart Super Center is the only big box store in Dahlonega. Tanger Outlet in GA is located 15 miles to the south and is home to 140 brand name stores offering the latest in fashion and home decor. According to Yelp, there are 60 restaurants in Dahlonega and more than half of them are rated 4 stars or higher. Local wineries such as BlackStock Vineyard, Wolf Mountain Vineyard and Montaluce are also delicious dining venues and at times, host music festivals in GA. The Dahlonega Farmers Market is a weekly event on Main Street from May to October. Here you’ll find the finest quality vegetables, fruits, honeys, culinary herbs (as well as decorative flowers and plants) jams, jellies, honey, dried flowers, and garden seeds.

HOME AFFORDABILITY AND TAXES

Dahlonega homes for sale average in the mid $100's making the region very popular for retirement. Dahlonega neighborhoods are located in Lumpkin County. The estimated real estate tax millage rate is 32 mills per 25% of $1,000. Visit our library to learn how to calculate real estate taxes in Dahlonega Georgia.