When you ask about Braselton, it’s not unusual to be regaled with stories about its rich heritage and delightful small-town charm. Today, though, there’s actually very little that’s “small” about this burgeoning metro Atlanta locale along the I-85 corridor in North Georgia.

In fact, Braselton’s explosive growth has been the talk of the town for years, as an exciting mix of new residents and major businesses continue to make their move to the 12.5-square-mile community, which sits at the crossroads of Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties and will boast a population that tops 12,000 in 2020. What makes that growth even more impressive is the fact that it encompasses residents of all ages. And while people choose to call Braselton home for different reasons, the result is always the same, as they become part of a truly welcoming community that really does offer something for everyone.

“Braselton actually has been one of the fastest-growing areas in the country for two decades, and it is a mecca for active adults and families. Many retirees move here to be closer to their children’s families in the metro Atlanta area, and while most of the tourist amenities are adult-focused, the community itself is more family friendly,” says Nikki Perry, tourism director with the Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority. “And there are no strangers in Braselton; local residents readily accept newcomers.” What’s more, she adds, Braselton is a town “where you can find everything at your fingertips.”

That’s an important distinction, as Braselton has been synonymous with North Georgia tourism hallmarks like Château Élan Winery & Resort and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, which attract more than one million visitors per year. Yet, there’s so much more to the town, including a wide array of reasons that make it an incredible place to live for everyone from the young to the young at heart.

Take It Easy

Located approximately 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, Braselton is actually one of the easiest areas to both reach and traverse in metro Atlanta. According to Perry, the town claims two exits off of Interstate 85, which is a prime connection between Atlanta and the Carolinas. In fact, the main thoroughfare leading to Braselton is ideal for both traveling and commuting, and several additional state highways crisscross the town and lead to neighboring Gainesville, Lawrenceville and other city centers.

Big Business in a Small Town

When big-name businesses call a townhome, they bring so much to the area, including a steady stream of job opportunities. In Braselton, residents have access to companies like Panoz Auto Development, as well as distribution centers for such organizations as Amazon, Havertys, Mizuno, Whole Foods, Hitachi, Williams-Sonoma and PetCo. Additionally, Year One and Peachtree Tooling have located their corporate headquarters within the town limits. What’s more, Braselton’s healthcare sector found itself exploding onto the health and wellness map three years ago when Northeast Georgia Medical Center opened a new state-of-the-art hospital along the Georgia State Route 347 corridor, leading to other medical-related offices and facilities setting up shop throughout the area. And Braselton continues to welcome a host of industries into the local business community.

“Braselton’s investments in infrastructure have helped to strengthen the backbone for such development to better serve the growing community,” Perry notes.

A House is a Home

With so many people being drawn to Braselton and its booming business sphere and its refreshing community atmosphere, the housing market has grown exponentially to keep pace with the demand for new residents. “The housing market has exploded in Braselton over the past decade as Atlanta has moved outward,” Perry explains.

Today, the town offers a wide variety of housing opportunities for newcomers of all ages. From sprawling estates to single-family neighborhoods to urban-style townhomes, there is a residential option for every taste, budget and lifestyle need. Furthermore, Braselton is dedicated to ensuring that all homes built are of the utmost quality and strive to maintain very high standards for development within the area.

Amenities for All

“High-end amenities and a rich quality of life are the expectations that Braselton meets on a daily basis,” Perry asserts.

For instance, the Mulberry Riverwalk, a 2.5-mile multiuse trail that sits along the banks of the Mulberry River, is a fantastic locale for young families, active adults and everyone in between. Braselton Park, located downtown, features a splash pad and playground for little ones, as well as tennis courts, a pavilion and more for everyone from teens to seniors. All of these residents also can be found enjoying Braselton’s LifePath, an extensive network of golf cart paths that connect neighborhoods and shopping and dining areas throughout the town.

The Future is Bright

Perry states, “Braselton has done a phenomenal job of planning for the future.” From the continued expansion of the highway system and the area’s infrastructure to the effort to support continued residential and commercial growth, the town has instituted an array of initiatives to ensure that the overall community remains in a forward-thinking position. However, the town never fails to look back and honor its history, as it endeavors to preserve its historic buildings and structures while finding ways to breathe new life into them. It also works hard to keep its downtown, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as the center of community activity. And that is something that can be enjoyed by every resident of Braselton, regardless of age. As Perry concludes, “We focus on small-town values, ensuring positive, smart growth into the future.”

For more information, visitbraselton.net.