by Robert Borges on March 22, 2022

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

Waterfall at Lake Burton- Blue Ridge Mountain Community

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!

Connestee Falls- Brevard, NC

Connestee Falls- Blue Ridge Mountain Community

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

The Cliffs Mountain Region- Blue Ridge Mountain Community

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.

Cresecent Communities on Lake Keowee- Seneca, SC

Crescent Communities on Lake Keowee

Lake Keowee is a beautiful place surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy throughout the year. The lake itself is vast with 300 miles of shoreline and offers opportunities for fishing, water sports, and relaxing cruises. Charming towns like Seneca and Clemson are nearby, with shopping, restaurants, and historical sites. The location is convenient for day trips to the Highlands and Cashiers of North Carolina, and for those seeking city life, Greenville and Atlanta are within easy reach.

Trilogy® at Lake Frederick- Lake Frederick, VA

Trilogy at Lake Frederick- Blue Ridge Mountain Community

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.