Georgia County Government - February 2008 - (Page 13)

Panoramic mountain vistas, affordability, a distinctly rural way of life, and increasing access to big-city amenities like top-flight health care are making the Georgia Mountains region a draw for retirees and many others. Whether the affected counties can adequately prepare for incoming growth – and avoid adverse impacts – are questions officials are addressing as a unified region. By Deborah Dewberry, Editor N ortheast Georgia represents, perhaps, the best of southern Appalachia, and the mountain counties of Rabun, Habersham and Stephens occupy what many might call prime territory in this scenic corner of the state. Here, one finds four distinct seasons, winters less harsh than at higher elevations and topography accessible via a comprehensive network of scenic roads, from four lanes to winding byways. The “country” atmosphere is an antidote to city life – hence all the tourists. And in the autumn, with trees ablaze with red, gold and colors that might not even exist outside the Northeast Georgia mountains, it’s reminiscent, many think, of a warmer New England. The natural resources here are extraordinary by any account. Appalachian foothills rise from the landscape in all directions, encompassing hundreds of square miles of pristine national forests, dotted by placid lakes, hikeable terrain and some of the world’s best trout streams – not to mention the occasional “wild and scenic river,” with rapids that attract rafters throughout the eastern seaboard. For newcomers just acclimating to rural life, the towns are quiet, quaint and unhurried, yet offer no shortage of opportunities to shop. The region is something of a mecca for antique enthusiasts, a lucrative business with a long tradition here. There’s always something new happening, creating something of a renaissance in mountain communities increasingly attractive to artisans. Galleries and showcases for them are abundant, and coffeehouses are even springing up. Meanwhile, the festivals you could always count on in these parts are more exceptional, and it seems, numerous, every year. Altogether, the quality of life in the Northeast Georgia mountains is quite outstanding, and the word has gotten out. Not surprisingly, then, comes the news that the region is seeing a very pronounced population influx, comparable with that of the metro region and the coast, in step with the rest of southern Appalachia. While new residents are moving into the metro region for economic opportunities, the mountains here are attracting people – more or less – for reasons similar to those attracting them to coastal Georgia. What it boils down to is that the allure of the mountains is most prevalent among retirees, individuals relocating from Florida and those seeking vacation or second homes to live in for part of the year. There are plenty of factors that will ensure this newer population growth steps up too, which officials have pinpointed. NORTHEAST GEORGIA continued on page 16 FEBRUARY 2008 www.accg.org 13 http://www.accg.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - February 2008

Georgia County Government - February 2008 Contents President's Message County Matters Regional Focus on the Georgia Mountains: Rabun, Habersham and Stephens Counties DNR Commissioner Noel Holcomb Solid Waste Management in Georgia: New Challenges Ahead Essential Elements of Negotiating Professional Service Firm Contracts The Walker County Courthouse at LaFayette Extension News: Partnerships are Key to Conservation Education Research Corner: Interns: An Asset to Every County NACo News: Counties and Climate Change FAQs Georgia Flag to Travel to All 159 Georgia Counties State Announces Regional Recycling Hub Grant Awards Abraham Joins ACCG Support Staff County Parade ACCG Launches e-Magazine Index of Advertisers

Georgia County Government - February 2008

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