If you’ve been searching for the ideal community to call home, we’re sharing 10 great reasons why you should take a close look at Big Canoe; a private award-winning residential community situated at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, only one hour north of Atlanta, Georgia.
Spread across seven mountains and 8,000 acres, it’s the perfect place for weekend getaways, summer vacations, fall retreats and holidays in the mountains because it’s so close while still feeling far removed from the pressures of the every day. Here are 10 qualities that make the Big Canoe community an ideal choice for many to call home, especially if you are seeking resort-style amenities, an active lifestyle and the natural, serene beauty of the great outdoors.
#10: Quality development and collaborative management.
Big Canoe Company (the Developer) continues to invest in the community through its financial commitment to infrastructure, neighborhood development, home construction and powerful marketing and real estate sales programs directed toward both resale and new product. Big Canoe Company works effectively and harmoniously with the Big Canoe Property Owners Association (POA), which creates value for owners and visitors via its adept management of amenities and delivery of exceptional customer service. With over $40 million in assets, the POA has been judicious in maintaining Big Canoe’s facilities and infrastructure.
An example of excellent management is the Insurance Service Organization (ISO) rating of 3. Not satisfied with the already impressive rating of 4, the POA and Developer together worked to lower the rating even more; only 3.6% of all communities in the United States have an ISO Class 3 rating. Having an ISO rating of 3 is great for the Big Canoe property owners who save hundreds of dollars when it comes time to pay for homeowner’s insurance. Local ratings outside the gates of Big Canoe range from 6 to 10 (worst). Simply put, the Developer and the POA ensure that the community is current, fresh and viable.
#9: Wildlife is respected and preserved.
A paradise for birds and other wildlife, Big Canoe is registered with the Atlanta Audubon Society as an official Wildlife Sanctuary. There are many different species of birds found throughout the community such as bald eagles, quail and wild turkey. You’ll also see black bear, deer, rabbits and squirrels frolicking about. Big Canoe is a place where residents and wildlife live in harmony so all can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
#8: Reasonable POA (Property Owners Association) fees.
For 2017, Big Canoe’s dues structure is just under $3,040 annually for Homes/Condos, and just under $1,970 for Lots. Given that these dues include access to an impeccably maintained, gated community, with its own fire and public safety department, postal facility, clubhouse, 20 miles of trails, and more, we believe that this very reasonable!
#7: Dog and pet friendly.
Big Canoe is undoubtedly a wonderful place to raise a family, but we also have a special place for your pets. Within the community, there are three, fenced dog parks for your favorite four-legged adventure buddy to enjoy. These well-maintained parks are a great place for residents to start their day with their furry friends, or meet up with fellow neighbors. We also have our very own no-kill animal rescue shelter called Big Canoe Animal Rescue (BCAR). More than 50 volunteers work at the shelter three times a day, seven days a week, caring for homeless strays until they are adopted into their forever loving new home. In 2016 alone, BCAR found homes for 92 dogs/puppies/cats/kittens!
#6: Mild, all-season climate.
The generally mild climate in the North Georgia mountains is another compelling reason to choose Big Canoe. Winter, spring, summer and fall are each to be enjoyed, but without the transitional extremes from one to the other. The higher mountain elevation naturally leads to lower humidity compared to neighboring Atlanta, yet the elevation is not so high that residents experience severe winter weather all season long. This means that a variety of outdoor activities and clubs can be enjoyed year-round.
#5: The raw beauty of the land, and a commitment to conservation – so it stays that way.
Big Canoe is situated in a beautiful mountain environment, rich with history dating back to the Paleo Indians. What is Big Canoe as we know it today was once referred to by Native Americans as “The Enchanted Land”. With striking mountain peaks, rushing streams, lush valleys and soaring hardwoods, Big Canoe encompasses 8,000 acres; 2,000 of which are preserved greenspace. Development is always undertaken with a fierce commitment to sound land stewardship that preserves nature, with minimal disruption to wildlife. We believe that nature’s landscaping cannot be improved upon, resulting in residential homes that are set in their own forest, and blended into the natural environment with minimal disturbance to the larger forest. To preserve the natural beauty and ambiance of the lake, only electric – powered vessels are permitted at Big Canoe.
#4: Wide variety of home styles, home sites, sizes and pricing – appealing to today’s real estate buyer.
From weekend retreats to year-round estates, Big Canoe offers an assortment of distinctive neighborhoods and property types to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Whether you’re after the perfect lakefront property, wooded privacy with mountain views, or dream of long-range views of the Atlanta skyline, we have a home that suits your housing and lifestyle choices. Home styles follow architectural guidelines that are authentic to the mountainous region, and are situated amongst golf courses, lush forests, babbling brooks, wildflower meadows, lakes, and walking trails. These architectural guidelines help protect the beauty and integrity of the community and the property values of Property Owners. In addition to resale homes, Big Canoe has home sites available from $40,000 to $300,000+, and new homes from $400,000 to $3,000,000+. Big Canoe Building Group can build you the custom mountain home of your dreams, and they even have a custom in-house design center to make the entire creative design process a breeze.
#3: A socially active, welcoming community.
Big Canoe has more than 50 social clubs and volunteer organizations, and activities from A to Z. Throughout the year, there are social gatherings and community events, many of which are complimentary. Enjoy annual events like the Easter Egg Hunt, Summer Concert Series at The Terraces, Fourth of July Fireworks Show, Oktoberfest, Trunk or Treat, Brunch with Santa, etc. Participate in social clubs such as the Wildflower Bunch Garden Club, Canoe Cubs, Photography Club, Acoustic Jam, Dinner for 8, Artists Club, Trails Committee, Men’s Golf Association, etc. There is always something to do in Big Canoe, and someone to welcome you with open arms. If it’s new friends you want to make, there will be plenty of opportunities to find them in this active and fun-loving community.
#2: Abundant resort-style amenities to choose from, with convenient à la carte memberships.
Big Canoe offers a robust array of amenities in a private setting, typically only found in resorts. In addition to 27 holes of championship golf and a driving range, you can take advantage of the lake-front clubhouse, fitness center and spa, indoor and outdoor swimming, onsite dining and shopping, walking, biking and hiking trails, a racquet club with tennis and pickleball, three dog parks, a marina and three lakes for fishing and boating, bocce ball, playgrounds, and even more. Best of all? Unlike other master-planned communities where there are mandatory membership fees for property owners, Big Canoe is structured differently. As a resident, you can tailor amenity usage based on your interests and only pay for the amenities that you want to use. There are a variety of membership levels available, as well as the option to pay daily or weekly rates. It’s no wonder that the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association awarded us with an OBIE Award in 2012, for Best Amenity Package for 500+ Units!
#1: Great location and convenient living.
Big Canoe’s convenient-yet-secluded location means less time spent driving to your mountain retreat and more time spent breathing the clean mountain air, teeing off, casting a line, lounging lakeside, reading a favorite book and sharing moments worth remembering with the ones who matter most. As a vibrant, year-round community, Big Canoe is made up of 60% full-time residents, many who commute to work in Atlanta just one hour south. GA 400 and other major highways provide easy access to the Big Canoe gates, and the surrounding charm of North Georgia is always in full swing. Neighboring towns like Dawsonville, Dahlonega and Blue Ridge offer even more adventure and southern appeal outside the gates.
With all these attributes, it’s understandable to see why Big Canoe has become one of the most desirable communities in the Southeast. We believe that Big Canoe, with its great location, strong sense of community, active lifestyle, and focus on conservation – is a worthwhile visit for those who are looking to relocate to the North Georgia Mountains. Contact us to book your Discovery Package visit, and experience the Canoe Life® firsthand. You have to see this place!