Tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is Lake Lanier Lanier, the largest lake in Georgia.  This magnificent lake has nearly 700 miles of shoreline spread over 38,000 acres of spectacular scenery.  It has an average depth of 50 feet and a size of 22 miles long and 12 miles wide.  Living here is an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta while maintaining easy access to urban amenities.  It is more than just a vacation spot; it’s home to thousands of full-time residents who embrace the lifestyle of lakeside living.

A Balance Between Nature and Convenience

Living in Lake Lanier means waking up to scenic views every day. The lake’s tranquil waters and wooded shorelines create a peaceful backdrop for a life close to nature. Whether you’re into kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply taking morning walks along the shore, the serenity of the lake is undeniable.

Despite its natural beauty, Lake Lanier is conveniently located. Just 45 minutes from Atlanta, you have access to major highways, shopping centers, and a variety of dining options. Towns like Flowery Branch and Buford are nearby, offering everything from local boutiques to large retailers.

The Real Estate Market

Lake Lanier’s real estate market offers a diverse selection of homes, from charming lakefront cottages to luxurious estates. Whether you’re looking for a cozy retreat or a spacious family home, you can find properties with direct access to the water or with stunning lake views.

However, with the growing popularity of the area, real estate prices can be competitive, especially for homes with private docks.  Home prices continued to rise last year, as home inventories remained low and fewer homes sold. Prices rose 14% on homes with private docks, slightly higher than homes with marina slips. The average sales price for a home with a private dock was $1,225,597 and for all lake homes including marina slips was $1,113,443.

Endless Outdoor Activities

One of the greatest advantages of living in Lake Lanier is the vast amount of outdoor activities available at your doorstep.

Boating:  The Lake is a dream destination for boaters everywhere.  There are seventy-six boat ramps available, not all are free to use; some require a membership or a small user fee.  Enjoy water skiing and wake boarding  in designated areas.  In addition,  the ten marinas on the shorelines offer fuel, bait, tackle, boat repair, boating supplies, souvenirs, and snacks.  Don’t own a boat?  No worries, there are places to rent small boats, yachts and everything in between.

Jet Skiing: A great place to ride your jet ski, rentals also available.

Lake Lanier Water Ski Camp: A family run business that offers instruction in basic skiing, slalom, barefooting, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding.

Fishing:  The best time to fish at Lake Lanier is from April through September. During this time, the water is warmest, and there is plenty of fish to catch.  The most popular fish species is Blue Gill but there are also large mouth & spotted bass, crappie and catfish.

Don Carter State Park:  Enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and more at Don Carter State Park, the only state park on Lake Lanier. The park offers cabins, campsites, picnic shelters, and a gift shop.  There are many trails for hiking and a horse stable that offers trail rides.

Strong Community

Living in a lakefront community fosters a strong sense of belonging. Neighbors frequently bond over a shared love for the outdoors and a relaxed lifestyle. Many neighborhoods around the lake host BBQs and fishing tournaments throughout the year.   The annual Lake Lanier Parade of Boats is a high point of the holiday season, with decorated boats parading around the lake. .The Lake Lanier Association also organizes clean-up events and educational programs to help preserve the lake’s natural beauty. For those who enjoy live music, the Lake Lanier Islands Resort hosts concerts throughout the summer months.

Take a Bite Out of Lake Life

Pig Tales – Dine on great BBQ while taking in amazing lake views.

Pelican Pete’s –  Lake Lanier’s only tiki bar.

Sidney’s Restaurant – Offers a one of a kind Lake Lanier fine dining experience.

Land Sharks – Located at the Margaritaville resort on Lanier Islands.

Visit Lake Lanier Islands

Lake Lanier Islands is a resort complex built on a small group of islands on Lake Lanier.  The resort complex was established in 1974 and includes a hotel, water park,  golf course, multiple conference and meeting venues.  There are beaches, boat docks, and a number of other recreational amenities so visitors never have to leave the island.

 

Lake Lanier offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Between the beautiful surroundings, recreational opportunities, strong community, and convenient access to urban areas, it’s easy to see why so many choose to make this area their permanent home. Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to relax by the water, living in Lake Lanier promises an unparalleled experience.