Secondary home locations around Atlanta? (Sandy Springs, Cleveland: bank owned, sale, real estate)

[ClevelandtoAtlanta]

So my wife and I are looking to purchase a secondary home when we move to Atlanta. We have a secondary home where we currently live (we live right outside of Cleveland) so we want to purchase one by Atlanta. We are looking at Reynolds Plantation, Lake Burton, and Lake Rabun. What is the difference between Lake Burton or Lake Rabun, because they are right next to each other? We were wondering what one do you think is a better investment and more people who vacation there from Atlanta(We are looking in the Buckhead/Brookhaven/Sandy Springs(ITP) areas). We also have three children so we want there to be fun things for them too do, that is why we are interested in lake properties. I know there is Waterfall Country Club up by Lake Burton/Rabun so if we choose there, there would be other activities other than the lake. The nice thing about Reynolds is all the amenities, but we love the rural feel up by Burton/Rabun. So we would love some opinions, and also what area do more people from Atlanta own homes at Burton, Rabun, or Reynolds?
Thanks!

[Mattie]

Although we know people with homes on Lake Oconee, Reynolds Plantation itself is largely retirees. I recently spent some time visiting the area, and was amazed at these huge (gorgeous) homes, but no sign of children around. I asked, and the answer I got was that grandchildren visited, but very few actually lived in Reynolds. Outside of Reynolds Plantation, but on the lake, there were more signs of kids.

[ClevelandtoAtlanta]

Well we will live primarily in Atlanta but we will go to the secondary home on weekends, summers, and holidays.

[go falcons]

One of the differences I have noticed between Lake Burton and Lake Rabun is size. Lake Burton is a lot bigger than Lake Rabun.
Have you also looked at these mountain lake areas in Georgia
1) Lake Chituge (Towns County )
2) Lake Blue Ridge ( Fannin County )
3) Lake Nottley ( Union County )
4) Carters Lake ( Gilmer County )

All are within a 2 to 2 1/2 hour drive of Atlanta and all are beautiful areas to be in.

[rabun]

Lake Rabun and Lake Burton have been considered to be the premier lakes in Georgia since their impoundment, beginning with Lake Rabun in 1915. Each has it's own character and feel as well as various amenities. Lake Oconee is more of a full-time/retirees lake and is MUCH hotter in the summer than Rabun or Burton. For more information on the North Georgia lakes visit www.burton-rabun.com
There hasn't been a better time to buy property on these lakes in the past 15 years than there is now.
Lake Rabun and Lake Burton are within 90 minutes to 2 hours from Atlanta.

[rabun]

Burton also has Camp High Harbour. Depending on the age of your children, they can go for to sleepover camps or day camps (your can drop them off and pick them up in your boat). The camp has been a great place for children to meet each other and form life long friendships on the lake. Also, children tend to meet at LaPrades marina as well as Anchorage marina. The area also offers the Chattooga River for rafting and kayaking as well as some amazing hiking opportunities.

[AnsleyPark]

ClevelandtoAtlanta - Our family has spent much time at Lake Oconee and recently decided to purchase a secondary home. Here are my two cents: Lake Oconee is very nice, but its real estate is very expensive compared to Lake Rabun, Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Nottely and some other N. Ga. lakes. Lake Oconee does have the advantage of having a beautiful Ritz Carlton. Lake Oconee, however, is not in the mountains. As a result, the lake is not particularly deep and thus its water not particularly clear. But it is a beautiful location. After much looking, we decided on Lake Blue Ridge. We love the mountain vistas and the very deep and clear lake (over 150 feet and more in most areas). The town of Blue Ridge is absolutely charming. We also found the home prices to be a bit more affordable in the area. I can certainly recommend a very good real estate agent should you care to speak with a professional.

[ClevelandtoAtlanta]

What about Lake Keowee in SC I used to go with my parents tell I was about twelve, before they divorced they owned a home there? I remember how much I loved it but then when I was thirteen my mother bought a home on Lake Burton. I have not been back to Lake Keowee since and I am now 33 so I do not know how much it has changed. I also do not know if buying there might cause some family drama, so it may not be a good idea. My mom found out he had a mistress there for years(he would see her every weekend and holiday we went there, when he said he was golfing or on the lake) and had children with her while he was married to my mom so Keowee might not be a good idea(she received the house in the settlement and sold it right away and has never been back), but I did love it when I was young I had so much fun with my siblings there. But I do really like Burton and Rabun since my mother has a house there and my siblings all do and other family from my mothers side. So it might make sense to go with one of them.

[rabun]

I have spent some time on Keowee and really don't think it holds up compared to the charm of Burton, Rabun or Seed. The permanent boathouses and deep clear water of the these 3 lakes make them the premier lakes for Georgia. There are a few bank owned and distress sale properties on Burton & Rabun at the moment at prices that we haven't seen in years. Please take a look at my website to learn more about these lakes and what is available now. www.burton-rabun.com
Let me know if you need any help. I would be happy to show you around.
Michael McGaughey