Overview
A northeastern suburb of Atlanta, Braselton is a town in Northern Georgia popular for Château Élan, a resort with a golf course, spa, and restaurants. In addition, residents love its vibrant downtown featuring a local farmers market, boutiques, and seasonal events. With its long summers and nearby green spaces, Braselton is a popular retirement destination for active adults.
Climate & Geography
Braselton, located in a transitional area between the mountains to the northwest and the ocean to the south, has a mix of subtropical and continental climates. Summers are long with prolonged heat, and winters are short with occasional cold spells. There is more than average rain, barely any measurable snow, and around 214 days of sun a year.
The terrain is gently hilly, as the region is located in the foothills of the southern tip of the Appalachian Mountains. This range helps mildly regulate temperatures by blocking much of the harsh, northern cold winds.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Braselton is located near several natural spaces that provide plenty of outdoor recreation. Lake Lanier is northwest of the city, which has fishing and boating. The Chattahoochee National Forest north of Lake Lanier offers miles of hiking trails through multiple waterfalls. Closer to the city are Little Mulberry Park and Cherokee Bluffs, two expansive wooded parks with trails and fishing areas.
Braselton’s entertainment is split between the historic downtown area and Château Élan. Downtown Braselton is a cultural hub with a farmers market, local restaurants, an antique mall, and boutiques. In addition, the area is host to community events like the Antique and Artisan Market, Movies Under the Stars, and holiday parades. Château Élan is a premier resort and winery with several restaurants and cafes, a world-class golf course, tennis courts, and a high-end spa.
In addition to its local offerings, Braselton is a half-hour from historic Gainesville and under an hour away from Atlanta.
Cost of Living & Taxes
Braselton’s cost of living is just above the national average because of higher housing costs. All other factors, including groceries, transportation, health care, and utilities are below average.
Georgia does not tax Social Security, and the state also offers large deductions for retirees on all other forms of retirement income. Property taxes are below average, and retirees are eligible for a double homestead exemption. Sales taxes are somewhat higher than average, and groceries are taxed at the local rate of 3 percent.
Health Care
The Atlanta metro area scores well on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 60 communities across the country.
The only hospital in Braselton is Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton. Nearby hospitals that U.S. News rates as high performing include Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville, and Northside Hospital-Forsyth in Cumming.