Lake Hiawassee (Young Harris: real estate, rentals, condos)

[normie]

Hi--I'm looking for possible places to retire, and have recently heard about the Lake Hiawassee area. Looks like a pretty place. Can you tell me much about the area (and the town)?

1. Do people live there year round, or is it almost all vacation rentals. I don't mind if half the town disappears, but I do want SOME neighbors during the winter!

2. Is there a sense of community in the town, or do people keep to themselves? We want to make friends, maybe join a few clubs or get involved in activities like kayaking.

3. Do the local colleges let locals take classes? That would be a great way to meet people.

4. What are the insects like? (i.e. are there problems with chiggers or some other insect infestation).

5. What is the downside to the area (if any).

6. Are there any 55+ communities? We saw a website for Brassmoor Manor, but that's really for older retirees who need additional care.

7. I notice some of the condos have multiple listing on the MLS. Is there a problem with real estate there as a result of the housing bust? Or is this the normal turnover becuse it's vacation property?

[resolute]

I think you are referrring the Chatugue Lake (which the town of Hiawassee borders). There is a Lake Hiawassee nearby also, but it is over the border in North Carolina near the town of Murphy (between Murphy and the Tennessee Border). It is not as built up as Chatugue, but very nice too...

[normie]

Yes, thank you so much realizing what I meant to say. I used to live in Western North Carolina, and it must have been a Freudian slip. D'oh! I started a new thread in the hopes I can get some responses. Thanks again for your warm and friendly manner, I've really missed the Appalachian way of helping people.

[chuck1]

Well sounds like you already found the correct name. "Lake Chatuge"
I'm in the area and do a lot of boating on Lake Chatuge, I'll try and answer your questions as best as I can. If you need more help email me at chuckx@ssg-i.com.
My web site address is Home Mtn Realty

1. Do people live there year round, or is it almost all vacation rentals. I don't mind if half the town disappears, but I do want SOME neighbors during the winter!

Yes I would say at least 50-75% are year round.

2. Is there a sense of community in the town, or do people keep to themselves? We want to make friends, maybe join a few clubs or get involved in activities like kayaking.

Yes there is a sense of community and there is some good clubs. Not sure about a kayaking club but I've seen quite a few on the lake.

3. Do the local colleges let locals take classes? That would be a great way to meet people.

The local colleges (Young Harris and North GA Tech) do offer continue ed class, plus the regular classes.

4. What are the insects like? (i.e. are there problems with chiggers or some other insect infestation).

Chiggers are only when you sit on decaying wood, The worst insects are the Yellow Jackets bees.

5. What is the downside to the area (if any).

The only downside if you can call it a down side is the lack of some of the city shopping places. You will find that most people make a day of it when they plan to do a shopping trip, with dinner or a show.

6. Are there any 55+ communities? We saw a website for Brassmoor Manor, but that's really for older retirees who need additional care.

Not really any 55+ communities per say in the area. Yes you are right about Brasstown Manor.

7. I notice some of the condos have multiple listing on the MLS. Is there a problem with real estate there as a result of the housing bust? Or is this the normal turnover becuse it's vacation property?

Normal for the area. Our average time on Market in the area is 12-18 months.

Hope this helps.