Lake living questions around Atlanta (Gainesville, Snellville: affordable houses, apartment complex, travel)

[jfw432]

I will most likely being moving to Atlanta to work around the airport. I would like to live on the lake but clearly the lake options in that area are pretty limited. I am willing to drive around an hour to and from work but too much more than that wouldn't be worth it. I've seen affordable houses on Lake Jackson and Lake Allatoona. Lake Lanier seems a little more expensive but possible. Before buying I'd like to live around one of these areas to get an idea of the atmosphere/neighborhoods.

Does anyone know if there are apartment complexes on any lakes near Atlanta?

[gt6974a]

Originally Posted by jfw432

I will most likely being moving to Atlanta to work around the airport. I would like to live on the lake but clearly the lake options in that area are pretty limited. I am willing to drive around an hour to and from work but too much more than that wouldn't be worth it. I've seen affordable houses on Lake Jackson and Lake Allatoona. Lake Lanier seems a little more expensive but possible. Before buying I'd like to live around one of these areas to get an idea of the atmosphere/neighborhoods.

Does anyone know if there are apartment complexes on any lakes near Atlanta?

No apartment complexes but there are 'cottages', cheap too, but you get what you pay for. They're usually like 2br/1bath small areas on leased land from the corp.

[atlantagreg30127]

Typcially there aren't any apartment complexes "on" the lake, though there are some NEAR lakes. A good resource is the "For Rent" magazine that's in stores here, or you can go online and get a copy at: Find Apartments For Rent, Rentals, Roommates, Moving Companies and More - ForRent.com

Keep in mind that we are experiencing what is being called the worst drought in more than a century here - there really aren't many lakes LEFT! Allatoona is nearly dried up, and Lanier at last count I think was 16+ feet below normal and boats were having to be removed from docks. This Winter is expected to be warm and dry (again), and forcasts say the drought might very well last through next year, too.

If you want water, in those rent magazines there are usually numerous apartment complexes that advertise they are on or next to the Chattahoochee River parks. You'll get parks, trails, and at least some water.

[OhioNative]

There are a couple of apartment complexes with lake views in Gainesville. Not sure of names, sorry.

[dlh891]

You can also check out Norris Lake in Snellville (and it is an actual boating lake), there are some rentals there. When it is not rush hour, it only takes 1/2 an hour to get to the airport, I do it quite frequently.

[goozer]

If you are working at the airport (south of Atlanta) you would have a rough commute if you are looking to live in a lake community in North Georgia (e.g., Allatoona or Lanier). Your better bet might be to look for a community near a lake or river to the south. If you are willing to commute an hour or so, there might be some options on West Point Lake, near La Grange. It is definitely not considered metro Atlanta, however.

[swissroger]

i dont live there now but spend an lot of time there during teh last 10 summers.

driving all day tru atlanta, from allatoona down to the airport is no fun. maybe with the marta train, at least part of the travel?

allatoona is verry nice as the lake in gainseville.

but i would look closer to the airport, south or so, good luck!

[jfw432]

Thanks for all the input so far. I guess the general recommendation is to stay away from north Atlanta if I work in the southern part. Norris Lake in Snellville looks like it might be good plan. I'll just have to find some place that actually sells or rents property in the area.
I know Lake Jackson is kind of a hike as well but would that be a relatively easy commute or not worth it?