North Georgia Real Estate Undervalued

In regards to today s ever-changing global market, negative media projections, and the so-called financial crunch, one could only believe real estate is in a state of disrepair around the country. Yes, this may be true when looking at the real estate market at a national level, but when looking at specific markets one may see a very different picture. Take Ellijay, Georgia for an example, located just an hour North of Atlanta, Ga. (Atlanta is one of the fastest growing cities in the country). This quaint town, located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is home to over 30,000 people and visited by over 300,000 people a year. In recent months Ellijay has still appreciated at a rate of 5% - 10% a year, a rate that is above the national average. In addition to its appreciation rates, Ellijay is now home to many new major retail centers beginning to open its doors in the last several months. New retail centers include: Starbucks, Longhorns, Ruby Tuesday s, Super Ingles, and many more. So amongst all this negativity surrounding the real estate market, what would make companies like Starbucks choose a small town like Ellijay, Ga.? Many factors affect growth potential and the local real estate market: affordability, jobs, location, proximity to major cities and airports, local government activities, growth patterns, population migrations, and the spending habits of the over 78 million baby boomers. With North Georgia s close proximity to major cities, major airports, major health care, new retail shopping, a thriving tourism business, great health care, new schools, and much more, it is no wonder that companies like Starbucks have chosen to open its doors in Ellijay. When comparing the medium home prices in Ellijay, Ga. ($250,000) to that of other mountain communities like Ashville, Nc. ($400,000) you will see quite a different picture. With many of the same activities, sites, national parks, shopping, dining, mountain elevations, and much more, Ellijay, Ga. is in comparison one of the top affordable mountain communities in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While states like Tennessee and North Carolina have done a great job marketing their mountain regions, it has opened up a tremendous opportunity for the North Georgia region to be one of the last affordable mountain destinations in the country. Take some time and compare, you will soon see the affordable value and the ease of access to this wonderful part of the country. In just a little time one will quickly realize there is much more to be had for the money in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. Derric Stull is a residential real estate developer specializing in the second home market. To learn more about Derric and the North Georgia market please visit his website at mcadhomes.com or you may email him at derric@mcadhomes.com