GA
Jefferson
Jefferson, Georgia, is a delightful blend of history and modernity. Explore its historic downtown, educational institutions, and a community that values progress while preserving its roots.
$636,260
Average Sales Price
$483,145
Median Sales Price
527
Total Listings
9,601
Population
Approximate Effective
Property Tax Rate: .93%
Special Exemptions:
Jackson County Tax Information
LIVING IN JEFFERSON, GA: PROS AND CONS
ABOUT JEFFERSON
Pros and Cons Living in Jefferson, GA
If you have watched my videos before, you have heard me talk about towns like Gainesville, Buford, and Flowery Branch many times in the past. Today we are going to discuss the pros and cons of a town we haven’t talked about much before, and that is Jefferson, Georgia. Jefferson is a small town located in Jackson County, which is the county that sits on the southeast side of Hall County- it’s about 20 miles southeast of Gainesville. The town has a population of about 12,000 people and takes up about 22 square miles, so it’s a pretty small town population wise. Jefferson has an adorable little downtown, where you can find some cool small businesses and restaurants, and appreciate its small town charm. So, what are the pros and cons about this small town? Let’s start with the pros. For starters, there are really great schools in Jefferson. There are two different county high schools in the area, East Jackson Comprehensive High School and Jackson County Comprehensive High School. East Jackson has an incredible graduation rate of 97% and Jackson County has a graduation rate of 95% percent, both of which are much higher than the state average of 82%. There is also Jefferson High school, which is a city school that also has an awesome graduation rate as well. These are some really great numbers and I am confident that your child would have the opportunity to receive a great education. Another great thing about Jefferson is that there is very little traffic. Because the town has a small population but is pretty well spread apart, there is really not a lot of traffic. If you live somewhere like Flowery Branch where there is never ending road work and traffic, Jefferson is a breath of fresh air. State Route 129 runs right through town which definitely keeps things moving. This isn’t a “one stoplight” kind of small town, even though it has a smaller population. There are several bigger industrial companies and manufacturing facilities in Jefferson, so having 129 run right down the center of town is very convenient, and you also have easy access to 985 from Jefferson as well. I know I have mentioned this in plenty of my other pros and cons videos, but living in any metro-Atlanta suburban town is fantastic because you are far enough away to not be affected by the traffic, higher cost of living, et cetera, while still living close enough to enjoy all of the big city perks. Jefferson is a bit farther out from Atlanta, it’s approximately 60 miles north depending on what part of town you are trying to get to, so commute time is around an hour and a half. Again, this depends on what part of Jefferson you’re in and what part of Atlanta you’re trying to get to, but it is a little farther out than say Buford or Flowery Branch. Jefferson is however only 20 miles away from Athens, GA, which is the home of the Georgia Bulldogs, the University of Georgia. Jefferson would be a great spot to live if you had high school kids who were getting ready to graduate and were planning on attending UGA. They could live at home and easily commute in, or live on campus and not have too far to drive when their laundry basket is overflowing and they need you to wash their clothes. Another perk of being close to Athens is the fact that they have the greatest grocery store of all time, Trader Joes. We don’t have a Trader Joe’s anywhere near Gainesville, Flowery Branch, or Buford, so being able to drive 20 minutes from Jefferson to get to one is pretty fantastic. One of the main reasons many of my clients like to look for homes in Jefferson is definitely the affordable homes. Since Jefferson sits off to the east of Atlanta and is not directly north of it, like Buford, Flowery Branch, and Gainesville, it tends have have much more affordable homes since it is not necessarily classified as a commuter town, even though you definitely could commute to the city from there, and plenty of people do. You’ll find that homes are on bigger lots in Jefferson, houses don’t sit right on top of one another in neighborhoods out there, and there are a lot more properties that aren’t in a neighborhood and just sit on their own parcel of land. At the time of filming this video, there are 30 homes for sale in Jefferson. The majority of them are listed in the 2 and 3 hundreds, which is awesome. Many of the homes that are in a higher price point around 5 and 6 hundred thousand dollars are huge homes that are located in Traditions of Braselton (which is actually in Jefferson.. Confusing, I know) which is a beautiful golf course community that I’ve talked about several times before here on my channel. There are also several new construction homes in that lower price point, which lately has become pretty much unheard of. Ok, so what are the cons to living in Jefferson? Well, like any smaller town, there is definitely a shortage of shopping and restaurants. As far as grocery shopping goes, you have one Kroger, one Publix, and one Aldi. Which, when you think about it, should cover most of your bases. There is no Walmart or Target specifically in Jefferson, so you are going to have to go to a different town to access those, but depending on where you live in the town, it might be a lot quicker to just go into another town for your shopping than heading to one of the few stores that are in Jefferson. There’s obviously not a mall or anything like that, but again, you are close to Athens which has some really great shopping. You’re also really close to Commerce, which has a Tanger Outlets, so you have access to a ton of stores that a lot of the bigger towns around here don’t even have. You’re also going to have to head into Commerce, Braselton, Hoschton, or somewhere else for more restaurant options, there is definitely not a lot to choose from in Jefferson. Jefferson spreads pretty far out distance wise, so you are close to a ton of other small towns, and bigger towns, that give you a lot more options for food, for shopping, for activities, everything. Another thing that I would consider a pro about Jefferson is that the majority of the restaurants there are small businesses, locally owned spots that have really awesome food, and provide a lot more diversity than your standard Chili’s or Applebees. Another con to Jefferson is that there is not a hospital in the town. You are going to have to travel to the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Braselton, or down to Athens Regional hospital. If you are medically fragile or would prefer to be close to a hospital just in case, this might be something you will want to keep in mind. So, what do you think? Would no traffic, great schools, and low housing prices beat out this lack of a hospital and shopping options? Think wisely! Want to updated about these kinds of stuff around Georgia? Check out our YouTube channel for more!
Flowery Branch VS Jefferson, GA: Where Should You Live?
Selecting the perfect place to call home is a significant decision. Flowery Branch and Jefferson, Georgia, are two charming towns in North Metro Atlanta that often catch the eye of prospective homeowners. They each have unique attributes, making the choice a bit more challenging. In this article, we will compare these towns head-to-head to help you decide which one suits your lifestyle and preferences. Location The location of a town can significantly impact your daily life and commuting. Flowery Branch, situated in Hall County, boasts a prime location. It's strategically placed between Gainesville and Buford, providing easy access to shopping, dining, and amenities in both towns. Furthermore, residents benefit from straightforward commutes to Atlanta via Interstate 985. In contrast, Jefferson is located in Jackson County, about 20 miles southeast of Gainesville. While it offers proximity to Athens and its vibrant scene, it's not ideal for daily commutes to Atlanta. If you prefer a more rural setting and don't need frequent access to the city, Jefferson could be an excellent choice. Shopping and Restaurants Access to shopping and restaurants can greatly influence your overall experience in a town. Flowery Branch has experienced substantial growth in the past decade, resulting in an abundance of shopping options. You'll find major retailers like Target, Home Depot, and TJ Maxx, as well as grocery stores like Publix. While there may be fewer locally-owned restaurants, you can still savor excellent dining experiences. Jefferson, on the other hand, offers a more quaint and small-town atmosphere. It has local businesses, shops, and restaurants but lacks the extensive shopping options available in Flowery Branch. If you prioritize proximity to well-known brands such as Target and Chick-fil-A, Flowery Branch may be the better choice. Small Town Charm Both Flowery Branch and Jefferson possess a unique charm. Flowery Branch, despite its growth, has managed to retain a part of its small-town character. The ongoing revitalization of its downtown area brings a sense of community with festivals and farmers' markets. However, it's important to note that traffic has become a challenge due to rapid development and road projects. Jefferson radiates small-town charm with its quaint downtown, featuring local businesses and shops. Although recent industrialization has introduced some traffic from Amazon warehouses and manufacturing facilities, it maintains a charming atmosphere. If you prefer a town with a picturesque main street, Jefferson might win you over. Housing Prices One significant difference between the two towns is housing costs. Flowery Branch tends to have higher home prices due to its growth and development. New construction neighborhoods are abundant in this area, and you'll find a wide range of housing options, although they may lean towards the more expensive side. Jefferson offers a more affordable housing market. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for affordability and don't mind a shorter list of housing options. If you prioritize budget-friendliness, Jefferson may be your top pick. Schools For families, the quality of schools is a crucial factor in choosing a town. Flowery Branch has Cherokee Bluff High School and Middle School, which have become popular among local families. While Cherokee Bluff High School has a lower rating on GreatSchools.org, it's relatively new, so it's important to consider other factors, such as community feedback and talking to local parents. Jefferson excels in this category, with Jefferson High School earning a commendable rating of eight. The Jefferson City School system is highly regarded, often ranking among the best in the state. If top-notch schools are your priority, Jefferson might be your preferred choice. KeyPoint Ultimately, the decision between Flowery Branch and Jefferson depends on your priorities and lifestyle preferences. Flowery Branch offers convenience, proximity to Lake Lanier, and a range of shopping options. Jefferson, with its small-town charm and more affordable housing, is ideal for those looking for a quieter, family-friendly setting. Whether you prioritize amenities or a serene atmosphere, both towns have their unique appeal. It's essential to weigh the factors that matter most to you and your family when making this significant decision. For more detailed information and guidance on relocating to Georgia, feel free to reach out to our team.
RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS
- 4 Beds3 Baths2,420 SqFt1/44 44Open Sat 12PM-2PM
- 2 Beds2 Baths1,578 SqFt1/39 39Open Thu 4PM-7PM
$339,000
295 Lakeview Bend CIR, Jefferson, GA 30549
Listed by Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners
- 6 Beds4.5 Baths4,478 SqFt3DOpen Sat 2PM-4PM
LIVING IN JEFFERSON, GA: PROS AND CONS
RECENTLY SOLD
$534,500
$534,500
1494 Cedarwood DR, Jefferson, GA 30549
Listed by Jill Gatlin of Hill Wood Realty, LLC.
$534,500
$534,500
1494 Cedarwood DR, Jefferson, GA 30549
Listed by Hill Wood Realty, LLC.
$870,000
$874,900
0.6%60 Old Traditions PL, Jefferson, GA 30549
Listed by Your Home of Georgia of RE/MAX Legends
MARKET TRENDS
- Average Sold Price
- Median Sold Price
- Highest Sold Price
- Lowest Sold Price
Market Trends are calculated using MLS® sold listing data
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