The Great Escape - Retiring to Dahlonega

--from 400 Edition, December/January 2007 issue

by Beth Snider

For metro Atlanta commuters, the average drive is 45 minutes. That’s 195 hours a year or just about one year of travel time in a 30-year career. It’s a considerable portion of time to consider applying to other activities when you are approaching retirement. If you have spent over fifty years in constant activity—at work; raising a family; and serving your community—retirement may seem like a distant, foggy dream. Time has a way of sneaking up on the most thorough planner, though, so it is important to envision what life will be for you when your time is your own.

The Appalachian foothills of North Georgia have become one of the prime destinations for a retirement escape plan. The small communities dotting this scenic area are far enough from the big city to avoid traffic, noise, and congestion, but close enough to enjoy convenience, quality health care, and access to travel. The beauty of the area provides an endless supply of new discoveries: scenic mountain views; the rushing rapids of rivers, streams, and waterfalls; and preserved forested lands with a bounty of plant and animal life. North Georgia towns are definitely growing, but most civic leaders are focused on building infrastructure without destroying the natural surroundings.

Many Atlanta-area residents are familiar with Dahlonega—a true gem in North Georgia—as the setting of the first U.S. Gold Rush, but there is more to this town than panning for gold. The Historic Dahlonega square offers boutiques and galleries filled with local artists and craftsmen who have achieved global acclaim. The quality of restaurants and fine arts rivals many metropolitan cities—without the traffic and over-crowding that accompanies urban venues. Less than fifteen minutes from Dahlonega, the North Georgia Premium Outlets attracts visitors from all over the world with a wide variety of stores and name-brand boutiques.

The resort-like quality of the town inspires an array of festivals and community activities that provide an almost endless opportunity for involvement. If continued education is a retirement passion, North Georgia College and State University (NGCSU) is one of the fastest growing accredited university systems in the state. For those who require the stimulation of outdoor endeavors like bicycling, hiking, fishing, and kayaking, there are ample opportunities in Lumpkin County, which has hosted a leg of the Tour de Georgia, contains part of the Appalachian Trail, and is home to the Etowah and Chestatee Rivers.

In addition to developing a schedule for future activities, a solid retirement plan has to include access to state-of-the-art healthcare. Dahlonega offers Chestatee Regional Hospital and the network of specialty physicians associated with the Chestatee system, as well as Northeast Georgia Regional and Northside Hospital facilities within a 30-minute drive. On-going medical treatment, emergencies, or well-care services are easily accessible to Dahlonega residents.

If travel is in your plans, North Georgia offers easy access to major U.S. highways for road warriors. Simply seeing what North Georgia has to offer via scenic highways and mountain passes could consume a lifetime. For those with more far-flung destinations in mind, Hartsfield Airport, a major hub for domestic and international travel, is a snap with a 45-minute drive to the North Springs MARTA station and a 30-minute train ride into the airport. With all of these offerings, North Georgia could not remain a secret for long and finding affordable property is becoming more difficult as each year passes. Don’t wait too long to look for your piece of paradise!