Discover the peaceful neighborhood of Lake Claire that lies between Candler Park and Druid Hills. This small, upscale community is highly regarded and remains a sought after place to call home. However, despite its name, there has never been a body of water called Lake Claire! The neighborhood gets its name from the intersection of Lakeshore and Claire Drives. Located on the east side of Atlanta in DeKalb County, Lake Claire sits on the Gulf-side of the Eastern Continental Divide. To keep the quiet, residential area, there is no commercial district within Lake Claire. Residents visit the surrounding communities of Candler Park, Edgewood, Decatur, and Little Five Points for grocery shopping, restaurants, retail shops, and movie theaters.
The housing market in Lake Claire is very competitive. The median home price is $899K. Homes sell on average in 21 days. Lake Claire’s real estate market is characterized by its charming bungalows, craftsman homes, and newer, modern builds. There are also affordable condos & lofts in the neighborhood. The radiant tree-lined streets and well-maintained properties make it a welcoming place for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. The strong sense of community and the neighborhood’s commitment to preserving its character add to its appeal. Even though the market has slowed, Lake Claire has been steadily growing and seeing a steady incline in property value.
A Unique Housing Option
Lake Claire is home to an urban co-housing community with 12 townhouses and a common house on one acre of land. Co-housing forms an autonomous community of private homes clustered around shared spaces. Each town home has traditional amenities, including a private kitchen. The shared space or common house, includes a large kitchen and dining area, laundry, and recreational spaces. Residents also enjoy shared outdoor spaces that include parking, gardens, and open areas. Additionally, neighbors share resources like tools and lawnmowers.
Twice a week, the Lake Claire co-housing community gather for communal dinners, open to both members and their guests. These shared meals are predominantly vegetarian, with vegan options frequently available. The European-village atmosphere, lush gardens and beautifully designed architecture create a charming and exclusive place to reside. The community dedicates itself to sustainability by practicing recycling, composting, and maintaining a small organic garden. All decisions concerning residents are made by consensus. Co-housing generates an altruistic culture, with design features that encourage frequent interactions and close relationships.
Events
In Lake Claire, community spirit shines through in both informal gatherings and organized events. Block parties, family outings in the park, and individual yard sales are common, while the neighborhood association, with support from smaller groups, hosts several neighborhood-wide events each year. These events range from fundraisers to simple opportunities for neighbors to connect and build community, welcoming everyone to join in the fun.
Here are a few of the annual events in Lake Claire:
The Lake Claire Home & Garden Tour: Usually held in mid-fall, this event invites neighbors from Lake Claire and beyond to “experience life on the ‘lake.’” The tour showcases a diverse mix of homes and gardens, highlighting the eclectic style of our neighborhood.
The Lake Claire Halloween Parade and Party: Usually held on a Saturday afternoon near Halloween, allows kids (and adults!) to parade through the streets of Lake Claire in costume (or not), ending in Lake Claire Park for treats, crafts, and a movie.
Holiday Potluck: The neighborhood association provides the main course, and neighbors bring dishes to share. With music (a DJ or performer) and plenty of time to socialize, it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with old friends and meet new ones.
Neighborhood Yard Sale: Once a year, the entire neighborhood participates in a massive yard sale. Homeowners set up shop in their yards, creating a vibrant market atmosphere. It’s a great way to de-clutter, meet neighbors and visitors, and make a little money.
Lake Claire Community Land Trust
The Lake Claire Community Land Trust (LCCLT) was established by a group of visionary neighbors in 1983. Three years later, the group purchased from MARTA a neglected 1.5-acre plot of red clay, strewn with trash and overrun by kudzu. With dedication, love, and relentless hard work, this land has been transformed into a beautiful haven for the community, embodying the spirit and unity of Lake Claire. It is a neighborhood based non-profit that continues to preserve and nurture the greenspace. The 1 + acres includes over 50 community garden beds, a children’s garden, a playground, a stage, amphitheater and a pond. People gather for festivals, drum circles, community work days, children’s birthday parties, classes and workshops and more.
Schools
Families with children have access to some of the best schools in Atlanta. Here is a partial list of the schools for the area:
Public
- Lin Elementary School – K-5
- Druid Hills Middle School – 6th -8th
- Midtown High School 9th – 12th
Private
- The Paideia School – PK, K-12
- Midtown International School – K-12
Green Spaces
Lake Claire Park – Excellent neighborhood park featuring a shaded playground, a tennis court with permanent lines designated for three pickleball courts, and a basketball court. There is a large open field that is perfect for ballgames or a neighbor get together.
Deepdene Park – 22 Acres of woodlands with .9 miles of trails to hike, run and walk, just outside of Lake Claire.
You won’t have to go far to find good places to eat. Candler Park, Druid Hills, Decatur, and Little Five Points have many good places to please your appetite. Lake Claire is only 3 miles from downtown Atlanta if your in the mood for a night on the town. If you don’t feel like driving you have the option of using Marta to take you just about anywhere in metro Atlanta. Additionally, the neighborhood is bike-friendly, with several bike lanes and paths that make commuting and recreational cycling a breeze.
Lake Claire is a hidden masterpiece within Atlanta, offering a harmonious blend of tranquility and vibrancy. Its rich history, active community, and convenient location make it an ideal place to call home. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny day at Lake Claire Park, participating in a community event at the Land Trust, or exploring nearby neighborhoods, there’s always something to love about Lake Claire.