Retiring to the Mountains

Continued from page 42

It was probably less than five percent when I started in real estate here 14 years ago.”

He added that his clients are typically active retirees who want to take advantage of the hiking, mountain biking and kayaking, and plan to stay physically active well into their retirement years.

Nichols’ primary areas of focus are Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Blairsville and the smaller surrounding towns, and he said that many retirees are initially attracted to the Blue Ridge region simply because of its beauty, the amount of protected land, Lake Blue Ridge and the array of shops, restaurants, breweries and festivals that Blue Ridge offers.

“During the home hunting process, a great number of buyers decide to buy in Gilmer County – Ellijay, East Ellijay and Cherry Log – due to the tax breaks offered to 65-plus retirees,” he explained. “Gilmer County eliminates the school portion of the property tax bill for retirees, and that accounts for roughly 75 percent of the total property tax. This is a huge incentive for my buyers.”

Many of the retirees who are looking for a mountain home tell Nichols the same story. “They start their search online and visit some of the locations to do their own research in person. Blue Ridge, in particular, has been featured in a number of articles focused on best small town places to retire or best mountain towns to live in,” he said. Even though most prefer the rustic mountain home style, Nichols said that they’re thinking ahead, and they want a master on the main, laundry on the main and attached garages. “One level living is highly desired, even though the terrain here often requires multi-level homes,” he added. “Proximity to town, doctors, grocery stores and a hospital are also typically on their list of requirements.”

And one more thing: although the area offers the small town living and more relaxed lifestyle they want, Atlanta is just 90 minutes away. Nichols said that the thought of being so close to a direct flight to almost anywhere in the world adds a lot of appeal.

The next step for many buyers is to visit the area and rent a mountain home for a week to see what it would be like to live there. “Fortunately, we make the top of the list for many of them,” Nichols said. “Overall, the common theme is that they’re looking for a place that’s less crowded, less expensive to live, has low traffic and low crime as well as that small town feel that many parts of the country are losing due to growth.”

Historically, the vast majority of mountain home buyers were coming from the metro Atlanta area or Florida, according to Nichols. Over the last few years, however, he has seen a huge increase in the number of buyers moving to the north Georgia mountains and Blue Ridge area from other states.

“I’ve had buyers who’ve retired here from New Mexico, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York and Nevada,” he said. “And most recently, two couples from the San Francisco Bay Area will be closing on their mountain homes this coming September.”

There are HUNDREDS of ways to enjoy the mountains of Western North Carolina; we just can’t fit them all into one ad! Come to the mountains and discover your own reason to keep coming back. There’s space for the whole family or for just the two of you. Contact Landmark Vacation Rentals today to explore vacation and seasonal rentals in Cashiers, Highlands, Lake Glenville, Lake Toxaway, Sapphire Valley, and Burlingame!

LUXURY HOMES | CABINS | COTTAGES | CONDOS www.LandmarkVacations.com

Scott Nichols and his partner Mark Reeves, known as the North Georgia Mountain Duo, are licensed Brokers who have sold real estate in the area since 2004, successfully closing well over 500 transactions. They’ve achieved the Top Producing Team Award from their Board of Realtors most of the last 10 years. For more info, including reviews and rankings, visit MountainsOfGeorgia.com.

TOLL FREE: 877-747-9234 17 Highway 64, Cashiers, NC 28717

Head for the hills and breathe deeply while you reconnect with nature, with others — and yourself.

A captivating golf and river community, rooted in simplicity, quality, and natural beauty, located a stone’s throw from charming downtown Blue Ridge.

A Golf Experience Like No Other

A very natural, links-look golf course offering manicured zoysia fairways & tees, and undulating bentgrass greens.

9-holes currently open for play

18-holes are scheduled for play in spring 2018

Over 180 members and growing.

OLD TOCCOA FARM REALTY, LLC

Private Residences & Cottages Under

Construction

Canadian Log Home for sale at $649,900 Cottage/lot package from the high $300’s Private Residences from the mid $400’s Cottage & Private Resident lots starting at $65,000

596 Curtis Switch Road, Mineral Bluff, GA 30559 | Real Estate – 706.946-4663 & Golf – 706.946.4653 | www.oldtoccoafarm.com

4,000+ Feet On The Toccoa River

An exceptional trout fishery of native brown & rainbow trout. Fly fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle and more! Easy-to-walk trails and several fire-pit gathering areas.

Planned amenities: River Pavilion, Event Barn, Pool, Tennis, Fitness and more.

FOLLOW US

IS NOT DIRECTED TO ANY PERSON OR ENTITY IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK BY, OR ON BEHALF OF, OLD TOCCOA FARM, LLC OR ANYONE ACTING WITH OLD TOCCOA FARM, LLC’S KNOWLEDGE. NO OFFERING OR PURCHASE OR SALE OF ANY PROPERTY SHALL TAKE PLACE AS A RESULT OF THIS OFFERING, UNTIL ALL REGISTRATION AND FILING REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE NEW YORK MARTIN ACT AND THE NEW YORK ATTORNEY GENERAL’S REGULATIONS ARE COMPLIED WITH; A WRITTEN EXEMPTION IS OBTAINED PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION IS GRANTED PURSUANT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH COOPERATIVE POLICY STATEMENTS #1 OR #7; OR A “NO-ACTION” REQUEST IS GRANTED.