Trying to choose between Hiwassee, Nottely, and Blue Ridge? If you live in or around Murphy, you’re lucky to have three great lake options within roughly 30 to 75 minutes. Each one offers a different pace, mix of amenities, and housing styles. The key is matching the lake to how you actually want to live, boat, and spend weekends.
In this guide, you’ll learn how the lakes compare for boating access, community feel, typical homes, pricing dynamics, and practical buyer checks. By the end, you’ll know which lake fits your lifestyle and how to move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Quick orientation from Murphy
All three lakes sit in the southern Appalachian foothills and serve overlapping buyer pools, from local second-home owners to retirees and destination buyers from larger metro areas. Here’s the quick take if you’re starting in Murphy:
- Hiwassee (Murphy, NC): Quieter vibe, strong for anglers and paddlers, limited marina services.
- Nottely (Blairsville, GA): Mid-sized feel with family-friendly recreation areas and a mix of full-time and vacation homes.
- Blue Ridge (Blue Ridge, GA): Most developed for tourism and boating, with multiple marinas and nearby dining and shopping.
At-a-glance comparison
Hiwassee Lake (Murphy, NC)
- Boat access: Public ramps and limited marina services; quieter waters favored by anglers and paddlers. Verify any horsepower limits, speed zones, and seasonal water-level changes.
- Community feel: Rural and low-key, with everyday services in Murphy.
- Typical homes: More modest and rustic cabins or cottages; older inventory; smaller lots.
- Pricing tier: Often the most affordable waterfront options of the three.
- Best for: Buyers seeking calm waters, value, and less seasonal traffic.
Nottely Lake (Blairsville, GA)
- Boat access: Mid-sized reservoir with a more developed recreation footprint, including public ramps, picnic areas, and campgrounds.
- Community feel: Laid-back lake neighborhoods with a mix of long-time residents and vacation homes; Blairsville offers solid services and seasonal events.
- Typical homes: Mix of modest cabins and mid-range homes; some newer builds with private docks.
- Pricing tier: Generally mid-range between Hiwassee and Blue Ridge.
- Best for: Buyers who want a balance of amenities and price.
Lake Blue Ridge (Blue Ridge, GA)
- Boat access: Multiple marinas, rentals, and boater services; busier on peak weekends.
- Community feel: More tourist-oriented with an active downtown scene, galleries, and restaurants.
- Typical homes: Wide range, including higher-end custom homes and properties marketed for short-term rentals.
- Pricing tier: Often the highest, driven by tourism demand and broader buyer interest.
- Best for: Buyers who want amenities, convenience, and stronger rental potential.
Deep dive: Hiwassee Lake
Boating and access
Hiwassee usually feels quieter and more local. You’ll find public ramps, and fewer year-round marina services than larger, busier lakes. Before you buy, confirm public launch options, any boating restrictions, and typical winter drawdowns. For official updates and rules, check agencies like the Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Community and amenities
You’ll enjoy a rural pace with small-town comforts in Murphy. Expect groceries, medical clinics, and local shops in town rather than tourist businesses right on the shoreline.
Homes you’ll see
Many properties are modest cabins or older waterfront cottages on smaller lots. The focus is on simple lake living rather than luxury amenities.
Who it fits
Pick Hiwassee if you love fishing, paddling, and peaceful mornings. It also suits buyers prioritizing value over being close to a marina complex or upscale dining.
Potential trade-offs
You may see fewer full-service marinas and less slip availability. Confirm utility details like well and septic, and verify year-round access on rural roads.
Deep dive: Nottely Lake
Boating and access
Nottely’s recreation footprint often includes public ramps, picnic areas, and campgrounds. It sees regular use for fishing and family boating. Check public ramp density, no-wake zones, and whether neighborhood docks or community marinas allow non-resident access. For regulations and updates, use resources like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Community and amenities
Blairsville offers more visitor-facing infrastructure than Murphy, while keeping a relaxed feel. You’ll find outdoor outfitters, seasonal festivals, and reliable everyday services.
Homes you’ll see
Expect a blend of modest cabins and mid-range homes, plus some newer construction with private docks. Inventory is varied, with options for both vacation use and full-time living.
Who it fits
Nottely works well if you want a little more infrastructure than Hiwassee, without the highest pricing or peak crowds.
Potential trade-offs
Some areas get busier on summer weekends. If rentals are part of your plan, confirm short-term rental rules and HOA covenants before you buy.
Deep dive: Lake Blue Ridge
Boating and access
Blue Ridge commonly offers multiple marinas, boat rentals, fuel, and services. It is popular with weekenders from larger metro areas, so plan for heavier ramp and marina traffic on peak days. Check slip rental availability, fueling options, and operating hours with local operators, and review rules with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Georgia DNR.
Community and amenities
Downtown Blue Ridge has an active, year-round visitor scene with dining, galleries, and outfitters. This supports a strong second-home and rental market.
Homes you’ll see
You’ll find a wide spectrum from renovated historic cabins to higher-end custom homes. Many listings are marketed as move-in ready with features aimed at vacation use and short-term rentals.
Who it fits
Choose Blue Ridge if you want maximum amenities, convenient boat services, and stronger rental demand.
Potential trade-offs
Expect higher prices and more seasonal crowds. If quiet is your top priority, visit on weekends to gauge comfort with traffic and boat activity.
Pricing and availability snapshot
As of January 2026, typical patterns hold: Hiwassee often offers the most affordable waterfront options, Nottely sits in the middle, and Blue Ridge commonly commands the highest premiums. Actual pricing and availability change fast. Inventory, dock rights, road access, and rental allowances can shift values from one property to the next. For a current, local snapshot and private tours, reach out to our team for live MLS access and guidance tailored to your goals.
How to shortlist your lake
Use this checklist to focus your search:
- How often will you use it: weekends, seasonal, or full-time?
- How important is easy public launch or a private dock?
- Are you relying on short-term rental income, and do local rules allow it?
- Do you want town services and dining close by, or a quieter, rural setting?
- Are you comfortable with wells, septic systems, and private road maintenance?
What to verify before you buy
Do a little homework up front so your offer is strong and your purchase is smooth:
- Lake rules and levels: Review ramp locations, boating rules, and seasonal water-level updates with agencies like the Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Boating regulations: Confirm state rules, no-wake zones, and licensing with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
- Flood risk: Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to check flood zones and insurance needs.
- Dock and slip rights: Verify whether a private dock is allowed, how it is permitted, and if a marina slip is available.
- Utilities and access: Confirm well, septic, broadband, and year-round road maintenance.
- Rental rules: Check county ordinances and any HOA covenants in Cherokee County (Hiwassee), Union County (Nottely), and Fannin County (Blue Ridge).
Next steps
You do not have to figure this out alone. A short tour of each lake area usually makes the choice clear. We can help you compare neighborhoods, review dock and rental rules, and line up the right inspectors and lenders for waterfront property. When you are ready, connect with The Randy Dockery Team to see active listings, schedule private showings, and get local guidance from a team that knows these lakes well.
FAQs
Which lake near Murphy is best for full-time living?
- If you want a quieter pace and easy access to daily services in Murphy, Hiwassee is a strong option; if you prefer a balance of amenities and recreation, Nottely fits well; if you want the most dining, shopping, and tourism services nearby, consider Blue Ridge.
Which lake offers the best boating services and marinas?
- Blue Ridge often has the most marina options and rentals, Nottely provides a balanced recreation footprint with public ramps, and Hiwassee is quieter with fewer services; always confirm current facilities and rules with agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Georgia DNR.
How much does a private dock add to a home’s value?
- It varies by lake, neighborhood, and water depth, but dock or boathouse rights can create a noticeable premium; review recent comps and confirm permitting details before you price or offer.
What are the short-term rental rules around these lakes?
- Short-term rental regulations vary by county and by HOA; confirm rules in Cherokee County, NC (Hiwassee), Union County, GA (Nottely), and Fannin County, GA (Blue Ridge) before you buy, and obtain any required permits.
Do these lakes have seasonal water-level changes?
- Many managed reservoirs experience seasonal drawdowns that can affect dock access; review official updates on water levels and ramp status with the Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and ask local marina operators about typical variations.
