Insights on STR Investing in Blue Ridge, GA

Insights on STR Investing in Blue Ridge, GA

Rental Property Investor 路 Gulf Shores, AL 路 Member since 2020 路 25 posts 路 20 votes

Looking for input from an STR investor in the Blue Ridge, GA area. Hoping to gain some insight on the local area and if any of the towns are more preferable than others (Blue Ridge, Cherry Log, Ellijay, Morganton, Epworth). Also wanted POV on riverfront property vs property with mountain views in regards to occupancy rate and ADR. Appreciate any insights.

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Realtor 路 Decatur, GA 路 Member since 2017 路 135 posts 路 92 votes
5y

We are under contract on a cabin in Blue Ridge - it's a GREAT area for short-term rentals. Only about 1.5 hours from Atlanta so you'll get a lot of folks coming up for the weekend. Would also recommend Cherry Log and Ellijay. Clayton and Helen are also popular areas. Keep in mind these markets are just as hot as anywhere else right now :) 

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  • Investor 路 The worst town to live in, KS 路 Member since 2016 路 4k+ posts 路 4k+ votes
    5y

    <banjoes playing>

  • Rental Property Investor 路 Gulf Shores, AL 路 Member since 2020 路 25 posts 路 20 votes
    5y

    Really helpful, thanks Paul. 

  • St. Johns, FL 路 Member since 2018 路 23 posts 路 5 votes
    5y

    @Chris McKenna I just saw Blue Ridge listed as one of the 10 best places for short-term rentals somewhere. We drive through there a couple times a year but have never stopped. It's a beautiful area, very hilly, and there's a lake there that I hear good things about but I've never been on it. It's pretty close to Atlanta so an easy weekend getaway spot for folks. 

  • Realtor 路 Decatur, GA 路 Member since 2017 路 135 posts 路 92 votes
    5y

    We are under contract on a cabin in Blue Ridge - it's a GREAT area for short-term rentals. Only about 1.5 hours from Atlanta so you'll get a lot of folks coming up for the weekend. Would also recommend Cherry Log and Ellijay. Clayton and Helen are also popular areas. Keep in mind these markets are just as hot as anywhere else right now :) 

  • Investor 路 Orange County, CA 路 Member since 2019 路 34 posts 路 11 votes
    5y

    @Sara C. Hello! Do you mind if I reach out to you? Looking forward a STR in blue ridge, looking forward a team for self remote management. 馃槈

  • San Diego, CA 路 Member since 2019 路 37 posts 路 17 votes
    5y

    Hi, how is the blue ridge STR doing? I read your post. Im planning to 1031 exchange and pick a STR in blue ridge? Is it profittable? Are there enought resources to find a cleaner or Prop manager? Are there lots of regulation restrictions in Blue ridge? How is the occupancy rate? I am trying to start my STR in Ble Ridge, any input is appreciated. Thanks. Sally

  • West Palm Bch, FL 路 Member since 2017 路 1 post 路 0 votes
    5y

    @Sara C.

    Hi Sara, I would to learn more about the area. Im very interested in buying in that area. Thanks Mike.

  • Realtor 路 Decatur, GA 路 Member since 2017 路 135 posts 路 92 votes
    5y

    Hey @Mike Jones! It's a great area. We are still getting our Airbnb off the ground but it's coming along. Here is the link. There's lots to do like fishing, hiking, dining out, tubing, boating etc. But a lot of people just like to rent cabins and chill out. It is heavily saturated with short-term rentals as it's a vacation town, but I would still recommend it. 

  • Investor 路 Greater NY Area. 路 Member since 2019 路 56 posts 路 31 votes
    4y

    I'm seeing that most 3/2's in this area will gross $60k-$80k. My biggest question is determining operating costs? Utilities, incidentals, internet, etc. Any advice?

  • Property Manager 路 Marietta, GA 路 Member since 2021 路 9 posts 路 3 votes
    4y

    Hi @Salome D. - I'm a PM in the area and I agree with the others about the area being great for short term rentals.  I've had realtors pull up listings for investors that turned out to be active short term rentals with proven track records.  It's very popular with people in the Atlanta area for weekend getaways.

  • Real Estate Agent 路 Atlanta, GA 路 Member since 2014 路 683 posts 路 317 votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Ralph Auriemmo:

    Hi @Salome D. - I'm a PM in the area and I agree with the others about the area being great for short term rentals.  I've had realtors pull up listings for investors that turned out to be active short term rentals with proven track records.  It's very popular with people in the Atlanta area for weekend getaways.

    Hey Ralph, do you see townhouse in blue ridge rent well as STR?

  • Property Manager 路 Marietta, GA 路 Member since 2021 路 9 posts 路 3 votes
    4y

    Yes, I would say that it would rent well as long as it's up to date on its decor and in a good neighborhood. Be sure to check if there are any HOA restrictions on STR in the subdivision too. If you have one in mind feel free to PM me and we can connect to look at it more specifically. I'd be happy to give you my opinion.

  • Laguna Niguel, CA 路 Member since 2017 路 24 posts 路 1 vote
    4y

    Hi Sara, do you use PM to manage your airbnb? If yes how much is your pm charge and will you recommend your pm? How is your cabin perform so far?

  • Investor 路 Atlanta, GA 路 Member since 2021 路 46 posts 路 15 votes
    4y

    Hi @Sara C. Beautiful cabin! We just went under contract for one in the area. I would love to chat it you about your experience thus far and specifically what tools you are using for self management.

  • Investor 路 Fort Lauderdale, FL 路 Member since 2019 路 124 posts 路 68 votes
    3y

    Looking for an update on this as they banned STR within the city limits in the Blue Ridge area. Everyone here seems to not have any issues though, can someone with some rentals weigh in here? Next beer/s are on me in Blue Ridge for the help!!

    Cheers!

  • Real Estate Agent 路 Atlanta GA burbs 路 Member since 2022 路 9 posts 路 7 votes
    3y

    I would say there is a split in the type of properties up there.  Blue Ridge, Cherry Log, Ellijay are a mix of older cabin type or even really rustic properties and the newer trend are the more modern, angular vibes with walls of windows.    The higher end cabins (furnishings) seem to cash flow better and having a hot tub is a must.  People travel there from Buckhead, Atlanta, Canton locally but there is also a lot of draw for events like the Ellijay Apple Festival, Jeep Fest, many local wineries, the views, weddings, etc.

    You do have to be careful about some properties road access when there is ice as the driveways and roads can be steep. Overall, my connections with STR there stay booked. We were up there over Thanksgiving break and I think we were one of the only in state license plates lol.

  • Real Estate Agent 路 Atlanta, GA 路 Member since 2014 路 683 posts 路 317 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Ralph Auriemmo:

    Yes, I would say that it would rent well as long as it's up to date on its decor and in a good neighborhood. Be sure to check if there are any HOA restrictions on STR in the subdivision too. If you have one in mind feel free to PM me and we can connect to look at it more specifically. I'd be happy to give you my opinion.

    Hi Ralph! I didn鈥檛 see your respond until now. Yes i have a community in mind would like to pick your brain.. Send you an request. 
  • Real Estate Agent 路 Atlanta, GA 路 Member since 2014 路 683 posts 路 317 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Sara C.:

    Hey @Mike Jones! It's a great area. We are still getting our Airbnb off the ground but it's coming along. Here is the link. There's lots to do like fishing, hiking, dining out, tubing, boating etc. But a lot of people just like to rent cabins and chill out. It is heavily saturated with short-term rentals as it's a vacation town, but I would still recommend it. 

    Hey Sara, how鈥檚 your cabin doing? 
  • Rental Property Investor 路 Suwanee, GA 路 Member since 2022 路 48 posts 路 38 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Reese Newell:

    Looking for an update on this as they banned STR within the city limits in the Blue Ridge area. Everyone here seems to not have any issues though, can someone with some rentals weigh in here? Next beer/s are on me in Blue Ridge for the help!!

    Cheers!


     Hi Reese, 

    The Blue Ridge City limits are very small, so there aren't too many issues with restrictions.  You would just want to be 100% sure before buying.  Incorporated Blue Ridge is fine, you just need a permit from Fannin County.  Also look at Mineral Bluff, Cherry Log, Morganton as they are close enough and if you have the right property it will cash flow.  I'd be glad to chat if you have any more questions.

    Best,

    Neil

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