Why You Should Live in These Blue Ridge Mountain Communities
A lot of retirees and active adults seek communities with warm year-round weather in the desert southwest or coastal communities. Some, though, prefer the fresh air and unspoiled wilderness of mountain communities—and there are plenty of benefits to living in the mountains. Blue Ridge Mountain communities in particular have their own special charm and allure.
Covering 550 miles of stunning peaks and vistas with an unmistakable blueish hue, the Blue Ridge Mountain range starts in southern Pennsylvania and ends in Georgia—covering six other states in between.
In this article, we’ll tell you why setting down in a Blue Ridge Mountain community is so desirable and rewarding. From the Commonwealth of Virginia to the Carolinas, and through Georgia, these communities in the Blue Ridge Mountains offer unrivaled real estate, amenities, and recreational opportunities.
Waterfall at Lake Burton- Clayton, GA
This northeast Georgia retreat is a luxurious gated golf community in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Members gain exclusive access to championship golf, four onsite restaurants, an athletic center, and outdoor leisure throughout the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest. Comfortably nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Waterfall at Lake Burton was named as one of five “Best of the Best” private golf courses in Georgia by Georgia Golf News—this community is perfect for mountaineers, outdoor enthusiasts, and golfers alike!
Grandview at Gateway- Jasper, GA
Located in north Georgia on the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grandview at Gateway is a 55+ active adult retirement community in Jasper—a quaint town that’s considered “The First Mountain City.” Residents can take in all the mountain range has to offer with nearby attractions and recreational opportunities including orchards, wineries, gardens, waterfalls, and lakes. Within the gates of this Blue Ridge Mountain community is an expansive clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, pickleball courts, a private community lake, and walking and nature trails.
Heading into western North Carolina you’ll find Chinquapin, a gated conservation community situated at 4,000 feet in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a stunning backdrop of Panthertown Valley in the Nantahala National Park and one-third of its 2,000-acres placed in permanent conservation, this North Carolina mountain community is perfect for residents seeking adventure, recreation, and relaxation. Both families and retirees looking to settle down in the Blue Ridge Mountains prefer Chinquapin for its abundance of amenities geared toward outdoor enthusiasts: fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming—not to mention the community adventure trail with zip line and obstacle course, cabins for camping, FAA certified helipad, and air rifle range.
Set in the foothills, this Blue Ridge Mountain community in Brevard, NC, is home to an 18-hole golf course and other established lifestyle amenities that are fully owned and operated by the residents. The 3,800-acre development has half its land set aside for conservation and is surrounded by thousands of acres of scenic high country terrain in DuPont State Forest, Pisgah National Forest and other public parklands. Residents are treated to four season recreation with spectacular mountain views and fall foliage as well as endless opportunities for hiking, camping, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
The Cliffs: Mountain Region- Travelers Rest, SC
This collection of communities on the leading edge of the Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains is surrounded by thousands of acres of protected forests. Consisting of The Cliffs at Glassy, The Cliffs at Mountain Park, and The Cliffs Valley, a single club membership provides access to the amenities at all the communities, each located between 5 minutes to an hour’s drive away. Among those resort style amenities are several championship golf courses, grand clubhouses with fitness, swimming, dining options, sports courts, and an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking/biking trails, community gardens, dog parks, equestrian activities, wildlife viewing, playgrounds, fishing, and numerous clubs and activities.
The Reserve at Lake Keowee- Sunset, SC
With grand views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and 30 miles of shoreline on the majestic Lake Keowee, this 3,900-acre private community is mountain—and marina—living at its best. Lake Keowee is over 26 miles long and 4 miles at its widest points and the 18,500-acre lake is noted as one of the purest on the eastern seaboard. The marina has 200 wet slips and includes concierge watersports such as kayaking, boating and jet skiing available for residents and guests. Aside from the boating, fishing, and overall mountain vibes, this community in the Blue Ridge mountains also features an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course offers year-round play and features oversized practice facilities.
Trilogy® at Lake Frederick- Lake Frederick, VA
Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this amenity-rich lakeside community is about 90 minutes west of Washington, D.C. in Virginia's scenic Shenandoah Valley. The area blends a wealth of historic sites from the Colonial period through the Civil War with access to extraordinary wilderness areas, including hiking and camping in Shenandoah National Park, driving the 105-mile Skyline Drive along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, wine tasting, visiting Luray Caverns, and rafting and kayaking on the Shenandoah River.
