Dawsonville, GA is BOOMING. Here's why.

by Sarah Maslowski

Dawsonville might just be North Georgia’s best-kept secret—or at least, it used to be. Located about 20 miles north of Cumming along Georgia 400, Dawsonville is nestled in Dawson County, which recently ranked as one of the fastest-growing counties in the entire country. In 2024 alone, it saw a population growth of over 6%.

So, what’s behind the boom in Dawsonville? And why are so many people flocking here?

A Legendary Racing Town

Believe it or not, Dawsonville is considered the birthplace of stock car racing. Its ties to moonshining during Prohibition helped spark the racing culture, and it’s also the hometown of NASCAR legend Bill Elliott, famously nicknamed “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville.” Today, racing is still part of the town’s DNA, and nearby Atlanta Motorsports Park keeps the adrenaline alive.

Location, Location, Location

Dawsonville offers a strategic location—about 20 miles east of Gainesville and right at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Want to explore scenic trails or sip wine at a local vineyard? The charming town of Dahlonega is just a short drive away.

Thanks to its position at the northern end of Georgia 400, Dawsonville is also convenient for commuters heading south to Alpharetta or Cumming. It’s a great choice for those seeking a more affordable, less congested area that still offers access to major job centers.

Pros and Cons of Living in Dawsonville

Pros:

Highly rated schools. Dawson County schools are small but mighty. Dawson County High School, for example, holds a 9/10 rating on GreatSchools.org.
Low property taxes. The effective property tax rate here is 0.6%—lower than in neighboring Forsyth County.
New home options. The area is seeing a surge in new construction, offering everything from entry-level homes in the mid-$300s to luxury homes on spacious lots.

Cons:

Lack of diversity. The area lacks a wide variety of international cuisine and amenities like H Mart.
Rural feel. Beyond the commercial hub, the surroundings are quiet and spread out—great if you want privacy, but less ideal if you want walkability.
Longer drive times. Even short distances can take longer due to the winding, rural roads.

Growth and Development

The growth is visible everywhere. From new neighborhoods to major builder announcements like the upcoming Cresswind active adult community by Kolter Homes—which will include over 800 homes and top-tier amenities—Dawsonville is expanding in every direction.

The shopping scene is thriving, too. The North Georgia Premium Outlets draw shoppers from all over the metro area with stores like Lululemon, Kate Spade, and J.Crew. Clustered nearby are restaurants, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Marshalls, Hobby Lobby, and more.

While you’ll find just about everything here, one popular chain is noticeably missing: Target. The nearest location is 20 minutes away in Cumming or Gainesville.

Noteworthy Neighborhoods

One standout community is Chestatee—a picturesque neighborhood on Lake Lanier with unique architecture, fantastic amenities, and even boat slips at the community marina. Homes here range from around $600,000 to over $1 million for lakefront properties.

Small-Town Feel, Big-Time Convenience

Dawsonville doesn’t have a bustling downtown square like Dahlonega or Gainesville, but its charm lies in the blend of small-town character and growing convenience. Whether you want wooded privacy or access to big-box retail, Dawsonville offers both.

KeyPoint

Dawsonville is booming—and for good reason. With its proximity to the mountains, access to Georgia 400, excellent schools, and low property taxes, it offers a rare combination of affordability and livability. If you’re looking for that sweet spot between rural peace and modern convenience, Dawsonville might just be the perfect place to call home.