Lake Lanier

Kayak where Olympian’s train, on emerald green Lake Lanier in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stretching across 38,000 acres and 692 miles of shoreline, Lake Lanier is Georgia's most visited lake, attracting millions of visitors each year to enjoy long summer days on the beautiful water. Lake Lanier Georgia hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics which gained the lake national recognition. 

Holiday Marina and Aqualand Marina are the two largest freshwater marinas in the world. One of the best small towns in Georgia, Gainesville hugs the lake in addition to well designed Georgia gated communities. The two biggest towns bordering Lake Lanier are Gainesville on the northeast side and Cumming Georgia on the southwest side near a Tanger Outlet in GA.  

Gainesville Georgia is nicknamed the Queen City of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Poultry Capital of the World and The Great Health Resort of the South because of the high quality of life found in the Blue Ridge mountains. The historic downtown Gainesville Square was originally named Mule Camp Springs used as a trading post between early Settlers and the Indians. Today, more than 50 intriguing businesses still surround the city square; delicious restaurants, ice cream shops, antique stores and boutiques. Festivals, music concerts and seasonal events are held year round in the center of town. First time visitors quickly discover the Solar System Walking Tour, after they find the sun globe in Gainesville Square leading them through the Rock Creek Greenway to Lake Lanier Georgia. 

Lake Lanier is an Army Corp of Engineers controlled lake with 692 miles of protected shoreline which keeps the lake out of view from the majority of the highways. The lake levels can fluctuate up to 20 feet from the winter months to summer months, depending on drought conditions. There are 10 Lake Lanier marinas on lake. Aqualand Marina is the world's largest inland marina. The full service Lake Lanier marina has more than 2,000 boat slips. Floating community boat docks are more common on Lake Lanier than private boat docks. Lake Lanier neighborhoods reflect Nantucket-style homes and traditional Southern architecture. 

If you’re searching for North GA real estate, here's reasons to consider Lake Lanier neighborhoods:

ARTS AND CULTURE

Brenau University is home to the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts, a 350 seat theater and 100 seat recital hall hosting musical performances and classroom education. The Northeast Georgia History Center at Brenau University displays one of the finest art collections in the State of Georgia. The Pearce Auditorium is the primary venue for the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra. Contemporary theatre performances take place at the Pearce Auditorium on campus. Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville is the largest art center in Northeast Georgia showcasing rotating exhibits by local, regional and internationally known artists. The Arts Council at Smithgall Art Center showcases an extensive array of performing, visual, literary and film arts for audiences across Northeast Georgia, offering families one great art experience after another.

CLIMATE

At an elevation of 1,249 feet, the climate is mild to warm in the summers with over 200 sunny days. The average temperature December through February is in the 40’s. The average annual snowfall is 1 inch. May through September, the average temperature ranges from mid 60’s to high 70’s. Gainesville Georgia offers four mild seasons.

LIFELONG LEARNING CENTERS

Gainesville Georgia's roots date back to the early 1800's. Brenau University founded in 1878, laid the foundation for exciting cultural and arts events, gaining the city as recognition as one of the best small towns in Georgia. The campus is a private women’s liberal arts university. The Brenau University Learning and Leisure Institute ( BULLI) offers non-credited lifelong learning courses specifically for mature adults. Classes near Georgia gated communities include American History, Music Comprehension, Social Media, Computer Courses, Painting, Calligraphy and more.

Gainesville State College offers degree and non-degree seeking courses along with Lanier Technical College. Georgia offers reduced college tuition costs for persons age 62 and over through a program called Amendment 23.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE

Northeast Georgia Medical Center has been recognized for providing top cardiac care named number #1 in Georgia and on the list of top 5% cardiac care centers in the nation for six years in a row. The hospital made the 100 Top Hospitals List in 2009. In addition to the main hospital, the North Georgia Health System has three urgent care centers, a substance abuse facility, two outpatient imaging centers, two long term care centers and outpatient clinics. Only one hour north of Atlanta, more best hospitals in Georgia are located just over an hour away from north GA real estate developments and the Tanger Outlet in GA.

RECREATIONAL SPORTS

There are 23 parks and 76 boat ramps on Lake Sidney Lanier and dozens of more parks in the region. As one of Georgia’s best lakes, water sports include fishing, boating or toodling around on a pontoon boat. There are more than 100 small islands to explore on Lake Lanier marinas. Popular events on the lake include Sailing Regattas, Poker Runs and holiday celebrations. Sailing clubs include the Lake Lanier Sailing Club, Barefoot Sailing Club, University Yacht Club and Atlanta Inland Sailing Club. Striped Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch and Catfish are fish species caught on the lake. Land lubbers have the option of adventuring off on hiking trails, horse trails or spending the day on the links at one of several Lake Lanier public golf courses. The Laurel Ridge Trail is a 4 mile hiking trail leading to spectacular views of Buford Dam, Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River. March through October, racing competitions take place at the Lanier National Speedway, a NASCAR-sanctioned short track.

SHOPPING AND DINING

North Georgia Premium Outlets is northern Georgia’s best brand label Tanger Outlet in GA shopping mall. More than 140 outlet stores such as Ann Taylor, Coach, Saks Fifth Avenue and Williams Sonoma are located at the mall. Big box stores such as Wal-Mart, Lowes and Home Depot are easily accessible in Gainesville. The Lakeshore Mall is where you’ll find JC Penny, Belk, Sears and more specialty stores. 

According to Yelp, there are more than 180 restaurants in the Gainesville area and many are highly rated. Our favorites include Scott’s on the Square in historic downtown. Whether you prefer a casual pub or fine dining at Scott’s on the Square, Gainesville Georgia has plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from. 

HOME AFFORDABILITY AND TAXES

Lake Lanier home prices average in the mid $100's and lots for sale average $13,000. One of the states best small towns in Georgia is located in Hall County and Forsyth. The estimated property tax millage rate is $ 5.989 per $1000 of 40% of the value. Visit our library to find help and learn how to calculate property taxes in Gainesville Georgia. If you're searching north GA real estate on or near the lake, there are a number of Georgia gated communities we find interesting.