Five lakefront locales for buyers seeking the tranquility of water beyond their backyard.
There’s nothing quite like life at the lake. The calming aura, the soft sound of wind-churned water, the idea that at any moment you can rent a kayak or paddleboard for an afternoon of aquatic fun. As the latest Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties market reports show, lakes are becoming increasingly popular among buyers foregoing expensive oceanfront properties and opting for lakeside retreats instead.
A recent study of more than 1.2 million residential properties found that while waterfront homes fluctuate in price, they consistently sell higher than homes not on the water. If lake life in Georgia is calling your name, these five lakes offer an idyllic waterfront setting for your next luxury home:
Lake Rabun | Rabun County, Georgia
Twenty-five miles of winding shoreline define this quiet mountain lake that covers a total of 835 acres. On the Fourth of July, the Lake Rabun Association puts on an elaborate celebration, complete with an antique boat parade and fireworks. Boat rentals are available, and a slice of thin-crust pizza from Louie’s on the Lake is the perfect way to end a day on the water.
Lake Blue Ridge | Blue Ridge, Georgia
A lake with rich history, Blue Ridge was originally created in 1930 when Blue Ridge Dam was built on the Toccoa River. Today, the 3,290-acre lake is known for its sparkling waters and stunning mountain views.
The Lake Blue Ridge Recreational Area includes a free boat ramp, a leisurely hiking trail and a paved walking loop. For swimming or lounging, Morganton Point Recreation Area is perfect for family fun. And after a day of exploration, dine at the Boat Dock Bar and Grill at Lake Blue Ridge Marina, where dogs are welcome, too.
Lake Seed | Lakemont, Georgia
Located between Lake Burton and Lake Rabun in the northeast corner of Georgia, Lake Seed covers 13 miles of placid, water-lined shoreline. The 240-acre lake, located 1,724.5 feet above sea level, checks all the lake-living boxes with swimming, boating, a picnic area plus camping at Seed Campground. For the fishing enthusiast, Lake Seed has unique angling opportunities to catch trophy walleye, yellow perch, and other local fish.
Lake Burton | Clayton, Georgia
Measuring a total of 2,775 acres, Lake Burton is the biggest of the five North Georgia lakes. It is home to traditional lakefront activities like boating, camping, paddleboarding, picnicking, swimming, lounging, and fishing.
Jones Bridge Park saddles the northern section of Lake Burton and is a famed scenic stop for travelers driving down U.S. Highway 76. Moccasin Creek State Park, with 54 campsites on 32 acres, is also the site of Hemlock Falls, two majestic cascades that spill into the water.
Lake Lanier | Buford, Georgia
Over 11.8 million people visit Lake Sidney Lanier each year to enjoy its 690 miles of turquoise blue shoreline and its 40 parks and campgrounds and 10 marinas. As the largest lake in Georgia, Lake Lanier is located just a half hour drive from Atlanta and is tucked into the scenic foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.