We always give so much credit to those big, beautiful Georgia cities. It’s high time we pay the same attention and gratitude to those little not-so-known towns that pepper the state. While many people enjoy living in a sprawling city, it’s the small towns that live at the heart of it all. We positively adore those small towns where everyone knows your name and greets you with a tip of the hat. Take a look at a few that made our list, with a populations less than 6,000.
1. Blairsville
Blairsville is a natural wonderland, carefully nestled in between the Chattahoochee National Forest and North Georgia Blue Ridge mountains. There is a wonderful up-and-coming cultural scene, mixed with old school charm, which makes this small town one of the best. Check out the monthly schedule for any one of the featured festivals Blairsville hosts, or plan a weekend to climb Brasstown Bald, the highest natural point in the state, which Blairsville is the gateway to.
2. Madison
Madison has received a whirlwind of praise over the years from being named "The Prettiest Small Town in America", to one of the Top 16 Most Picturesque Villages in the World. Once you visit, you'll know exactly why. Madison is a truly authentic Southern town, featuring old Antebellum-style architecture and a flourishing historic district. Not to mention some of the nicest people around.
3. Forsyth
It's a wonder why the town of Forsyth has such a low population of under 4,000, especially considering it's been around since 1822. It's a quaint town which still boasts a lot of the same land and architecture as it's earlier years of growth.
4. Blue Ridge
If you're looking for an artistic, quiet, cultural mountain town then Blue Ridge is your place. With a popular of less than 2,000, you can both feast at gourmet restaurants as well as take a historic tour of the town. It's a beautifully small town, with a gaggle of friendly residents just waiting to say hello.
5. Senoia
Visitors love Senoia because it's a charming town with all the right amenities. You can stay at one of the beautiful bed and breakfasts, visit the old buggy museum, and also see where they shot both Driving Miss Daisy and The Walking Dead, all in one shot.
6. Jasper
Why do people love the small town of Jasper, Georgia so much? The history for starters. Old Pickens County Jail was built in 1906, not to mention the Historic district is absolutely worth a tour. But also, Jasper hosts a Marble Festival during the first week in October, because the town is known as the Marble Capital of the state.
7. Chatsworth
Chatsworth, Georgia is just shy of 6,000 inhabitants, making it one of the bigger small towns on our list. If you're passing through make sure to check out the large column Murray County Courthouse, a beautiful structure that is one of the town's main attractions. The town has been around since the early 1900s, and does a great job preserving the architecture throughout.
8. Ellijay
This beautiful north Georgia town has everything you could possibly want—a charming downtown area, an up-and-coming commericial hot spot, and of course, the autumn Apple Festival. Downtown Ellijay is a draw for most, as it features eateries, sweet shops, antiques, and many more.
9. Dahlonega
This small town has a claim to fame of being the site of the first major gold rush! Visitors flock to this beautiful place to get a taste of history, all while taking in the small-town-vibes. Maybe a gold rush isn't your thing, which is OK, because Dahlonega is also officially recognized as the ‘heart of the North Georgia wine country’. Cheers!
10. McCaysville
What makes McCaysville unique is that it's part of a twin town bordering Tennesee. It's a great town to visit for the weekend to get in some good antique shopping, peruse a few art galleries, and check out some specialty shops. Make sure to bring your appetite, because McCaysville also features a ton of great dining options to choose from.
11. Plains
Plains is not your typical Southern Georgia town, with the up-and-coming technology and touristy attractions. In fact, Plains, which is also the birthplace of U.S. President Jimmy Carter, prides themselves on remaining "country" rather than modernizing at all. Kudos, Plains!
12. Ball Ground
This small town is really a hidden gem among metro Atlanta. The population sits less than 2,000 residents, which may be why downtown is so pictueresque. There is an adorable Southern charm to this town that anybody visiting can feel. Plus, it's home to the magnificent Gibbs Gardens.
13. Helen
You can't talk about small towns in Georgia without mentioning Helen. The small town renovated itself into an Alpine-style village in the 1960s, and has been a huge tourist attraction since. Not to mention Helen hosts one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the world every year.
14. Suches
Most residents love the small town of Suches, Georgia because it's partially in the middle of nowhere. You may need to drive 15 miles just to get to the store of bank, but this is also what makes this small town a paradise for hikers, fishermen, and mountain climbers. This is true Georgia nature at its best.
15. Young Harris
This small town is notably located in the more scenic, agricultural part of Georgia which makes it absolutely beautiful. Young Harris is teaming with lush wildlife, streams, and an abundance of waterfalls. It's no wonder that people call it "enchanted".
Do you live in any of these small towns? Perhaps you have more awesome small towns in Georgia you’d like to share for our next list! We’d love to hear from you.
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