5 Ways Living in Lake Lanier is Like an Everyday Vacation

5 Ways Living in Lake Lanier is Like an Everyday Vacation

  • All Points Team of Compass
  • 03/21/22

Lake Lanier is a beautiful, charming, lake-centric area situated in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located only about 45 minutes from Atlanta, Lake Lanier encompasses a 38,000-acre reservoir with almost 700 miles of shoreline spanning five counties. As the state's largest and most popular lake, residents can’t get enough of the breathtaking surroundings and immediate access to the water. Lake Lanier neighborhoods are highly coveted and well-maintained, making them a fantastic place to live.

Lake Lanier sees 11 million visitors each year—a significant tourist destination—but it has also become an increasingly popular place to live for luxury buyers seeking lakefront estates. What better way to spend your time than by living on the water? Every day on Lake Lanier is like a vacation, and below is what you can expect from an idyllic residency here.

Immediate access to the water

If you love spending time on your boat and engaging in watersports during your time off, then you’ll love living in Lake Lanier. Many properties allow homeowners to walk straight out of their back door and right down to their dock. It could not be easier to board your boat and take off for a leisurely afternoon of fishing or water skiing.

The time you save not having to store your boat at a marina is not insubstantial. We’re all living busy, hectic lives and cherish our free time. Imagine going from your home to the water within a few minutes instead of hauling gear to the car, driving to the marina, and taking your boat on and off the trailer to get to a boat ramp. With such easy access, you’ll be spending time on the water all week, not just on the weekends.

Those who live on the lake have year-round access to the water and appreciate the unmatched serenity they won’t find anywhere else. What better way to relax after a long day of work than by taking a sunset cruise on the placid waters and sipping a cocktail or two as the golden rays reflect off of the scenic surroundings? Some days you might even have the lake all to yourself. You might even catch sight of local wildlife, like deer and beavers.

Outdoor recreation


The abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities in Lake Lanier is endless, both on the water and on land. Whether you and your family hope to go swimming, camping, boating, or some other recreational activity, you won’t have to look far to find it at the lake. There’s plenty to do off the water, too, with dozens of restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment options in the vicinity.

The lake has close to 700 miles of shoreline and is known for its picturesque scenery, wildlife, and unique outdoor activities; there is no shortage of things to do here. You’ll discover numerous parks, campgrounds, marinas, recreational areas, and even a few small islands. Visitors and locals love to hike the trails, play golf at the public courses, and fish. Lake Lanier is particularly popular with people who enjoy fishing with the Bassmaster Elite Series, which often takes place here.

Other fun ways to spend a day include paddling in the quiet coves, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying the many inland and waterfront parks. Here you can participate in some of the world’s best kayaking, waterskiing, and swimming. It’s no wonder Lake Lanier is considered one of America’s favorite lakes. The whole family will enjoy spending time here.

Amazing local restaurants


One of the best parts of vacationing is trying acclaimed restaurants in popular culinary destinations. What if you didn’t have to leave your hometown to dine at exquisite restaurants?

The culinary scene in Lake Lanier is another of the area’s many appealing factors. There are a variety of lively eateries, cafés, and bars for grabbing casual meals with friends and fine dining options for special occasions. Many restaurants feature lakeside views, making them a great place to relax and unwind.
 
Some of the most popular places to eat in Lake Lanier include Pig Tails, Pelican Petes, Skogies and Fish Tails. Also try The Twisted Oar, Sidney’s Restaurant, BullFrog’s Bar & Grille, and LandShark Bar & Grill.

Fun hotspots and events

The lake is the main attraction, but the area as a whole is an entertainment mecca with plenty of hotspots. Perhaps most notably, Lake Lanier is home to Lake Lanier Islands, a lavish lakeside resort accessible by boat with more than 1,500 scenic areas where you can golf, dine, play, and relax. This unparalleled destination offers luxurious amenities all year long, even boasting snow tubing at License to Chill Snow Island in the winter.
 
Photo courtesy of Lanier Islands
 
Lake Lanier is also home to the lakefront paradise Margarativaille, famously inspired by Jimmy Buffet. Here you can soak up the sun on a waterslide, take your boat to the marina, go camping, fish, or try one of the restaurants. Margaritaville is also home to the family-friendly lakeside attraction Lanier Islands Water Park.

Residents love visiting Margaritaville for the dazzling lights of the Lakeside Lights Spectacular during the holiday season. Grab a hot chocolate and walk through with your friends and family while you get into the holiday spirit. And during the summer, Margaritaville hosts full moon parties with fireworks, live music, and great food.

Lake Lanier homes

While there are various things to see and do in Lake Lanier, the beautiful homes make every day feel like a vacation. The lakeside neighborhoods have something for everyone, from elegant estates and lakefront properties to ranch-style homes and homes with acreage. Houses range from $600,000 to more than $3 million. Deepwater, lake views, and an easy walk to the lake are all desirable features of homes along the lake.

There is also an active adult community at Cresswind on Lake Lanier, featuring apartment complexes with scenic views of the water. The community offers an exciting 55+ lifestyle with over 900 homes creating a tight-knit community of friends and neighbors. A three-story, 42,000-square-foot clubhouse with a state-of-the-art fitness center sits at the center of this gorgeous, well-maintained community.

Apart from Cresswind, there are several other unique communities on the lake. Chestatee is a newer, planned golf community amid rolling green hills. Harbour Point is a luxurious gated community featuring an award-winning yacht club and resort-style amenities. Many of the estate homes offer unique lakefront living. WaterMark, a gated community along the Chestatee River, has become increasingly popular. Other neighborhoods include the Marina Bay Club Resort and the Preserve at Thompson Creek. Search for Lake Lanier homes currently on the market.

Are you interested in purchasing a Lake Lanier lake house?

Live every day like it's a vacation by purchasing one of the Lake Lanier waterfront homes for sale. The All Points Team of Compass comprises skilled Lake Lanier real estate agents who can help you find the ideal lake homes for sale on Lake Lanier.
 
Interested in selling or buying a home in Lake Lanier? Please reach out to us today to start your search.



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