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Blairsville Georgia
moves at a slow, easy pace, has friendly neighbors and gorgeous scenery. It’s a small town with a population of less than 1,000, but thousands of visitors come through the area each year. Between 1990 and 2000, the city experienced a population growth of 16.8 percent, and Union County was named the fastest growing county in Georgia in 1999. Blairsville is the only incorporated town in Union County, and is one of the oldest communities in the state, founded in 1835. Its historic courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town’s location in the Appalachian foothills puts it in the center of one of the state’s most scenic regions. Outdoor recreation abounds in the pristine lakes, mountains and rivers in the area, including fishing, boating, swimming, golf, hiking and backpacking. Of Union County’s 204,000 acres, 97,000 are located within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Several other State Parks are located just a few miles from Blairsville, as well. Brasstown Bald Mountain Visitor Center is located on the highest mountain peak in Georgia at 4,784 feet. This center offers films, exhibits and an observation deck with a panoramic view of four states. There are other notable scenic centers in the Blairsville area, as well, including High Shoals Scenic Area, Mountain Crossings at Walyasi-yi, Russell Brasstown Scenic Highway and Sosebee Cove Scenic Area. Vogel State Park, one of Georgia's oldest and most popular state parks, is located in Blairsville and offers camping, swimming, hiking and fishing. The town also hosts several special events throughout the year, including the Sorghum Festival in October. Blairsville likes to say it is “off the beaten path, away from others, but still central to many activities. A well-kept secret, away from the crowds, but still accessible to all.”
With all the amenities of a larger city, yet still retaining its’ small town charm, Blairsville has a lot to offer families with small children and those looking for a peaceful place to retire. The community has an award winning hospital, excellent schools, an 18-hole golf course, convenient shopping, good restaurants and much more to offer its residents. In 2003, Union County’s third grade students finished first in the Stanford Achievement Test (reading and math,) that compares student scores in third, fifth and eighth grades to students nationwide. Union General Hospital was named Georgia Rural Hospital of the Year in 2001 and Small Hospital of the Year in 2000. Among the wide range of services offered: chronic dialysis clinic, 147-bed nursing home, and a new cancer treatment center. Union County has fifty manufacturing firms, and tourism has an annual economic impact of $37 million, supporting 23 businesses and 541 jobs. Homes vary greatly in price and range depending on location and size of the property. Whether you’re looking for a family home in town, acreage, river or lake frontage, a secluded valley home, vacation property or rental, the choices are endless in Blairsville.
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