A New Amish Community Blossoms in North Georgia: Tradition, Enterprise, and Southern Hospitality
In the rolling foothills of northern Georgia, just outside the small town of Ellijay, a quiet but remarkable transformation is underway. Over the past year, a group of Old Order Amish families has established a new settlement in Gilmer County—an area better known for its apple orchards and mountain vistas than for horse-drawn buggies and plain dress. Their arrival is sparking curiosity, economic growth, and a renewed appreciation for rural traditions across the region.
From Pennsylvania to Georgia: Seeking New Horizons
The new Amish community began forming in early 2024, when several families from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and Holmes County, Ohio, sought new opportunities amid rising land prices and crowded conditions in their home settlements. “We prayed for guidance and found north Georgia to be a place where we could farm, raise our families, and live according to our beliefs,” explains Eli Yoder, one of the community’s founding members. “The land is good, and the people have been welcoming.”
The group, now numbering nearly a dozen families, purchased several hundred acres of gently sloping farmland outside Ellijay. Their presence is unmistakable: black buggies on rural roads, neat white farmhouses, and fields alive with the rhythms of planting and harvest.
Adapting Tradition to the Georgia Landscape
Georgia’s climate and soil present both opportunities and challenges for the Amish settlers. “It’s warmer and the growing season is longer than what we’re used to,” says Amos Miller, who manages one of the community’s dairy farms. “We’re learning which crops do best—sweet corn, tomatoes, and even peanuts. The local farmers have been generous with advice.”
The Amish have introduced sustainable farming practices, rotating crops and using horse-drawn equipment. Their methods have drawn interest from neighboring farmers. “I’ve been farming here my whole life, but I’ve learned a lot from watching how the Amish work the land,” says Tom Reynolds, a Gilmer County native. “They’re careful stewards of the soil, and it shows in their harvest.”
Boosting Local Businesses and Markets
The arrival of the Amish community has provided a welcome boost to local businesses. The Ellijay Farmers Market, held downtown every Saturday, now features Amish vendors selling fresh produce, homemade breads, jams, and handwoven baskets. “Their cinnamon rolls and pies sell out every week,” says market manager Linda Foster. “People drive in from all over the county just to buy from them.”
Nearby, Reynolds Feed & Seed has become a regular stop for Amish families buying seed, tools, and animal feed. “They’re some of the hardest-working, most honest customers we’ve ever had,” says owner Mark Simmons. “Their presence has helped our business grow.”
Local restaurants are also benefiting. The popular Southern Table Café now features Amish-supplied eggs and seasonal vegetables on its menu. “Our customers love knowing their food is local and fresh,” says chef Rebecca Hayes. “The Amish take pride in what they grow, and you can taste the difference.”
Building Community Connections
While the Amish are known for their separation from modern technology, they have made efforts to build bridges with their new neighbors. The community has hosted barn raisings, inviting local families to join in, and has participated in Gilmer County’s annual Apple Festival. “We want to be good neighbors and help where we can,” says Mary Stoltzfus, who runs the community’s bakery stand. “The welcome we’ve received has been a blessing.”
Locals have responded in kind. “It’s wonderful to see the land being worked again and new families moving in,” says longtime resident Sarah Johnson. “The Amish bring a sense of purpose and community that’s inspiring. They remind us of the values this region was built on.”
Challenges and Adaptation
Adapting to Georgia’s regulations and climate has not been without challenges. The Amish have worked with county officials on building codes, water rights, and transportation rules. “We do things differently, but we respect the laws,” says Eli Yoder. “The county has been fair, and we appreciate their understanding.”
There have also been cultural adjustments. “It’s a little hotter and more humid than we’re used to,” admits Amos Miller. “But our children are thriving, and we’re learning every day.”
Local Businesses Spotlight
The Amish settlement has already made a mark on the local economy. Their farm stand at the Ellijay Farmers Market features fresh bread, pies, jams, and hand-carved wooden toys. “Their goods sell out fast,” says market manager Linda Foster. “People love the quality and the story behind the food.”
Other businesses have benefited, too:
- Reynolds Feed & Seed: Providing seed, tools, and animal feed to the Amish community.
- Southern Table Café: Now serving Amish pies and breads on weekends.
- Gilmer Hardware: Supplying building materials for barns and homes.
- Ellijay Farmers Market: Hosting Amish vendors and drawing new visitors.
Voices from the Community
“They’ve brought new energy and a sense of community to our area. Their work ethic is something we can all learn from.”
– Sarah Johnson, Gilmer County resident
“We’re grateful for the warm welcome. We hope to be a blessing to this land and our neighbors.”
– Mary Stoltzfus, Amish community member
“Their presence has boosted our business and brought in more customers looking for quality and tradition.”
– Mark Simmons, Reynolds Feed & Seed
Looking Ahead
With plans for a one-room schoolhouse, more farms, and new businesses, the north Georgia Amish community is poised to grow. “We want to stay here for generations,” says Eli Yoder. “This is our home now.”
Their arrival is a reminder that tradition can thrive in new places, and that community spirit knows no boundaries. As Gilmer County’s newest residents settle in, they are not just preserving their way of life—they are enriching the fabric of north Georgia’s rural heartland.