Lake Oconee

19,000 acres of boating bliss is found here at Georgia’s second largest lake built by the Georgia Power Company. Anglers might argue that Lake Oconee is the state of Georgia’s best fishing hole surrounded by Lake Oconee golf courses. As you discover Greensboro, you'll find the lake has so much to offer in the heartland of Georgia. During the summer months, the lake is bustling with Georgians, enjoying every type of water sports imaginable at a golf resort in Georgia.

Lake Oconee is also known as a Premier Golfing Destination in America according to Zagat. There are thirteen golf courses hugging the shoreline. Unlike many Georgia lakes managed by the Army Corp of Engineers, Lake Oconee experiences minimal lake level variations. This is important if you plan to own a lakefront home with a boat house and fishing dock behind it at one of the southern inspired communities. Whether your budget allows for a multi-million dollar lakefront residence or cozy lakefront cottage, there are plenty of Lake Oconee real estate choices in all price ranges.

Lake Oconee’s location is about 75 miles due east of Atlanta. The climate is moderate to hot located in Central Georgia and is located well below the snow line. The charming town of Greensboro is Lake Oconee’s closest town and is surrounded by rural dairy farms and sunflower fields. The historic Greensboro’s shopping district features tasty restaurants, old book stores and art galleries. This cozy small town in Georgia is known for its famous buttermilk pie served at Yesterday Cafe. Eatonton is the next closest city. High quality cultural entertainment, festivals and seasonal celebrations bond this friendly Georgia lake community together. Popular festivals include the Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta and Reynolds Plantation 4th of July Fireworks display over Lake Oconee, an award winning golf resort in Georgia.

If you're searching for southern inspired communities, here's reasons to consider Lake Oconee:

ARTS AND CULTURE

The Oconee Performing Arts Society brings the best in live entertainment to Lake Oconee. Performances take place on the waterfront, at Greensboro’s Festival Hall, Eatonton’s Plaza Art Center, the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, and at Harbor Club’s Polo Arena. The Festival Hall recently experienced a $2.5 million refurbishment. History buffs can enjoy learning about America’s roots at the Madison Morgan African-American Museum and the E.H. Armor Museum. The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center hosts performances by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and rotating art exhibits.

CLIMATE

At an elevation of 550 feet, Greensboro’s average temperature is in the mid 40’s December through February. May through September, the average temperature is in the high 70‘s. Tornado’s are Greensboro’s biggest weather hazards. The last major tornado to hit the area was in 1992. 


LIFELONG LEARNING EXPERIENCES

The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton hosts a variety of artistic activities for all ages and interests including art classes and camps, music instruction, theater performances and productions, and an annual photography show. The Kazanetti String Quartet, appointed Artists-in-Residence at The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton, Georgia, is an award-winning group that has distinguished itself across the country through its diverse programming and its commitment to excellence.

The PutnamARTS program offers classes and activities to light even the smallest artistic spark. The Putnam Alliance for the Performing Arts, the local community theater company, offers performance opportunities for local talent. The annual Photography Show & Contest draws the best photographers from the surrounding areas and Georgia gated communities.

The Howard Community Club in Macon Georgia is where you’ll find monthly dance sessions featuring Ballroom Dancing and Latin dancing at all experience levels. There's also plenty of instructional golf programs at the Lake Oconee golf courses.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE

St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital caters to the region providing emergency care, CT scanning, imaging, surgical services, and more. In late 2014, the new hospital was named 2014 Georgia Small Hospital of the Year. Putnam General Hospital in Eatonton is an acute care hospital providing cardiac rehab, surgical procedures, CT scanning and speech therapy. Saint Joseph’s East Georgia has been voted the best hospital in Greene County by locals living in southern inspired communities.

RECREATIONAL SPORTS

There are eight marina’s on Lake Oconee and four of them are full service marinas. These marina’s offer boat rentals, skiing lessons and fishing guides. Lake Oconee Outfitters can also rig you up with any gear you’ll need for sports on the water or land, including arranging horseback riding excursions. Durhamtown Plantation spreads across 7,000 acres. This ATV resort caters to dirt bike enthusiasts and quail hunters. On the northern part of Lake Oconee is 800,000 acre Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest with 50 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Golfer’s have about a dozen Lake Oconee golf courses to play. Reynolds Plantation is the area's most popular golf resort in Georgia.

SHOPPING AND DINING

Greensboro is one of the stops along the Antiques Trail of Georgia, a 200 mile path of unique gift stores and collectible antique shops in Greene County. Lake Oconee Village is where you’ll find the latest fashions, home decor trends and fantastic restaurants. Fish Tales in Greensboro is a favorite among locals. Spotlight Theatres is the latest addition to the huge Lake Oconee Village shopping complex. Big box stores such as Home Depot and Publix are located in Greensboro. Brand label stores such as Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears and Belk are located at the Georgia Square Mall, about 30 miles to the north, in Athens Georgia.

The hot dry climate during the summer and cooler winter is conducive to growing perennials, fruit trees and tropicals. The Macon State Farmers Market, Lovin Farm and The Village at Harmony Crossing are among the best farmer’s markets in Greene County to find organic herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Whether you desire Georgia’s best barbecue at Holcomb’s Bar-B-Q or a fancy steak at Filet Steak and Seafood in Lake Oconee Village, you will find a plenty of scrumptious choices in this best small town in Georgia.

HOME AFFORDABILITY AND TAXES

Lake Oconee homes for sale average in the mid $300's. Award winning builders on Lake Oconee include Jones and Jones Builders. The Greene County estimated real estate tax millage rate is $32.40 per 25% of $1000. Visit our library to find help and to learn how to calculate property taxes in Greene County Georgia. There are a number of Georgia gated communities we find of interest. Don't be afraid to request a few recommendations.