Market Report - Lake Lanier

" A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature." Henry David Thoreau

As Georgia continues to reduce and phase out state income tax on retirees, we find the area to be increasingly popular for retirement. Lake Lanier is Georgia's largest lake and is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Within a one hour's drive of Atlanta, residents can access world class medical care, an international airport, sports amenities and extensive shopping if desired. Here's the latest information about Lake Lanier neighborhoods we're monitoring:

CHESTATEE ON LAKE LAKE LANIER - Dawsonville

Lake Lanier’s first master-planned community looked great, for the most part. The lakefront community is home to an award winning golf course designed by Denis Griffiths. Architectural styles include Arts & Craft, Cape Cod cottage and Craftsmen-style homes. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, lakeside pavilion and community boat docks. Social club activities include wine pairings, golf tournaments, and holiday events. According to our trusted Gainesville GA realtor, homes begin in the $300k’s and reach up to over $1 million for Chestatee homes on the lake. Wooded lots start in the mid $100k’s and lakefront lots are available. HOA fees are low around $1,000 per year. On a disappointing note, the 46 lots at the Linkside neighborhood are still left uncared for and the road desperately needs a top coat. We imagine the handful of homeowners in that Linkside are pretty unhappy. 

Golf membership dues are reasonable, around $250 a month plus a $7,000 initiation fee which can be waived with a 12 month commitment. Chestatee Golf Club members are also now Mosiac Explorer members allowing access to 907 Mosaic Clubs and Resorts across the country. Clubs include The Georgia Club, Canyon Ridge Golf Club, Bear Creek Golf Club and more. Club members have the option of upgrading their membership to the National Alliance of Private Clubs for $30. This expands dining privileges at 30 clubs in the Atlanta area, VIP seating at cultural venues, and access to another 650 private clubs across the U.S. and abroad. A social club membership at Chestatee Golf Club is $50 a month.

HARBOUR POINT YACHT CLUB - Gainesville 

Folks searching for Lake Lanier homes for sale on the north side of the lake with an excellent view will find Harbour Point Yacht Club offers quite a selection of resales and homes by new home builders. The rolling hills provide ridge line views of the mountains and of Lake Lanier. Boat slips at their private Lake Lanier marinas are available for purchase from the HOA for $35K. There were 3 homes under construction during our visit. 230 homes have been built to date of the 320 planned. According to our trusted Gainesville GA realtor, the development is sitting financially strong with approximately $750K in cash reserves. Amenities are owned by the HOA and are debt free. Over the past year, the interior of the clubhouse received a makeover along with the addition of Scott’s Cafe which operates on the weekends during the summer months. The developer has an incentive program underway offering final phase close out lots discounted up to 50% (31 lots). Discounted lot prices range from $42K for private wooded to $442K for lakeview. Amenities include a hilltop clubhouse, resort-style swimming pool, tennis courts and community boat docks. 

CRESSWIND AT LAKE LANIER - Gainesville

For an active senior living community, Cresswind at Lake Lanier takes the cake for high quality, affordable new homes in the heart of Gainesville. Kolter Homes is in the process of prepping Phase 3 - another 150 lots located across the street from the main entrance. Home prices begin at $237,990 plus the lot. Cresswind at Lake Lanier has a large ‘model row’ where buyers can tour almost a dozen floor plans. Standard features include granite counters, ceramic tile bathrooms, hardwood flooring, Energy Star windows, and 11 foot great room ceilings. Lots range from $10K-$35K. For just $269 a month, fees include full access to comprehensive amenities and lawn maintenance. Amenities include a grand 40,000 square foot clubhouse, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, community boat docks, tennis courts, bocce ball courts and more. Retirees are drawn to the Lake Lanier neighborhood for retirement because of the maintenance free lifestyle, strong social infrastructure and mild weather. 

MARINA BAY - Gainesville

From the moment we arrived at Marina Bay, we knew we’d found something special. This Lake Lanier gated community’s rolling topography showcases long distance views of the mountains and of the lake. Architectural styles Country French and Craftsman. The community participated in the 2008 Street of Dreams with five mountain top homes on display. Approximately 399 homes are planned with about 100 built to date.

The waterfront clubhouse with resort-style swimming pool exuded charm. Amenities include a fitness center, tennis courts, community parks and a private deep-water Lake Lanier marina. At the project’s completion, the marina is scheduled to accommodate 280 boats. Lots are available from just under $100k to over $600k ready for the new home builders. Boat slips can be purchased around $10k. Our trusted Gainesville GA realtor can show you homes at Marina Bay or anywhere in the area. 

HAMPTON GOLF VILLAGE - Cumming

We were happy to see the golf clubhouse improvements since last year. The interior was refurbished and is comfy and cozy. Other than that, not much has changed. Hampton Golf Village is an established Lake Lanier golf community with mostly Craftsman style homes. Additional amenities include an 18 hole golf course, community clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts and children’s playground. Homes for sale begin in the the low $300k’s and HOA fees are low at around $600 per year.  

ST. MICHAELS BAY ON LAKE LANIER - Cumming

What a surprise since our last visit! There were 10 homes under construction. Approximately 54 homes are built to date by new home builders. By our estimation, 80% of the roads had recently been resurfaced and looked great. St. Michaels Bay is a tad bit off the beaten path and spreads across 125 acres. When the project is complete, the gated Lake Lanier community will have 126 homes. HOA fees are low at $1,100 a year and include amenities such as a community clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts and 28 boat slips at their private Lake Lanier marina. A second floating dock with 10 boat slips is planned. Boat slip owners pay an additional $1,200 a year for the maintenance. Peachtree Residential is the custom home builder Atlanta GA with homes beginning in the mid $400k’s. 

STERLING ON THE LAKE - Flowery Branch

It was great to see all the preparations underway for the community’s annual Harvest Balloon Festival benefitting two local charities: The Hall County Animal Shelter and Challenged Child and Friends charities. All in all, the community raised $16k! It was a picture perfect day during the festival. Families of all ages enjoyed the warm sunshine on the great lawn and plethora of kids activities. Food trucks were on hand to keep folks energized. 

Sterling on the Lake has its own private lake providing scenic views throughout the community. Amenities include a lakefront clubhouse, swimming pools, tennis courts, lakeside pavilion and walking trails. There were approximately 40 homes under construction built by new home builders which include Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods, CORE Homebuilders, D.R. Horton Homes, Home South Communities, Peachtree Residential, Stonecrest Homes, and Vanderbilt Homes. New Craftsman-style homes are priced from the $180k’s to the high $300k’s. 800 homes of the 2,000 planned are built to date. Priced under $200k, the small foot print new homes can be ideal for retirement. On the horizon, a new swimming pool and clubhouse. 

LAKE LANIER ISLANDS - Buford

We wondered if this luxury golf and lake resort offered property for sale. Unfortunately, it does not. If you haven’t been to Lake Lanier Islands, it reminded us of a high quality Disney-style resort with every activity a family could desire to enjoy on vacation. An impressive water theme and beach, world class golf, a decadent spa, dining and even horseback riding. Half backs from Florida who desire the cooler summer temperatures found in northern Georgia, would find this a great alternative beach-style escape if they got home sick. Lake Lanier Islands was in full swing preparing for Snow World and Christmas. 

If you’re searching for an attractive lakefront area in the Southeast, Lake Lanier is an excellent place to consider. Ask us to introduce you to our trusted Gainesville GA realtor who can show you any of these communities and more. Write info@communityfinder.com

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