Welcome to Lake Lanier — Georgia’s crown jewel for lakefront living, recreation, and investment. With over 11 Million annual visitors each year, Lake Lanier stands alone as one of the best destinations in the USA even surpassing Yellowstone National Park! But why limit yourself to a vacation when you can own a lake property where your dream getaway is also a protected financial investment. Whether you’re searching for your permanent paradise or a peaceful weekend escape, Lake Lanier offers unmatched beauty, lifestyle, and value.
Location: Northeast Georgia, just 45 minutes from Atlanta
Created By: Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River (Completed in 1956)
Surface Area: ~38,000 acres (59 sq. miles)
Shoreline: ~692 miles
Topography: Rolling hills, wooded shorelines, deep coves, and mountain-fed waters
Homes Around the Lake: 10,000+
Property Types: Cabins, condos, bungalows, single-family homes, luxury estates
Average Price Range: - Lakefront with dock: $900K – $3M+ - Interior with access: $500K – $900K
Counties: Hall, Forsyth, Dawson, Gwinnett, Lumpkin – Many homes located in HOA communities have community docks with either deeded or rentable boat slips.
Pro Tip: Homes with dock permits are highly valuable due to the ongoing moratorium. The value of the lot typically outweighs the value of the home depending on factors like view, walk to the dock, and water depth. Example: A desirable lot with a private dock with a tear down home may sell for more than a newer home on a less desirable lot. You can get “more” in a home with a deeded slip than you can with a private dock for the price.
Buford
View moreCumming
From a pristine lake to mountain peaks, you can find adventure at every altitude in nature-loving Cumming, Georgia. The city is located north of Atlanta on GA 400's Hospitality Highway. The jewel of t ...
View moreDawsonville
View moreFlowery Branch
View moreGainesville
Click HERE to explore Lake homes in Gainesville!
View moreLocation: Near Gainesville, Dawsonville, Oakwood, Murrayville
Features: - Can find lower price point homes - More peaceful and wooded - Shallower coves and quiet inlets - Larger lots and acreage available - Less commercialized - Ideal for fishing, kayaking, quieter boat traffic and nature lovers. Home to two premier Country Clubs- Chestatee and Chatahoochee Country Club
South End
Location: Near Buford, Cumming, Flowery Branch
Features: - Deep water - Larger homes and higher property values - Proximity to Atlanta and shopping centers (e.g., The Collection, Cumming City Center, Halcyon, Avalon, Mall of GA) - More boat traffic and high speed water activities in addition to a vibrant social scene - Close to Margaritaville and Lanier Islands Resort and many of the on-water restaurants.
Enjoy food and drinks right on the water! Here are some of the top lakeside spots:
Known for seafood, casual lake vibes, and cocktails
Pelican Pete’s Tiki Bar (Port Royale Marina)
Floating tiki bar with burgers, tacos, and live music
Twisted Oar (Holiday Marina)
American grill with patio dining and dock access
Pig Tales on Lanier (Aqualand Marina)
BBQ, smoked meats, and Southern favorites
Skogies on Lake Lanier (Gainesville Marina)
Waterfront seafood and brunch spot
LandShark Bar & Grill (Margaritaville at Lanier Islands)
Family-friendly beach bar experience
There are currently restrictions on Airbnb and short term rentals in Forsyth County which accounts for 30% of the lake. Only properties zoned to A1 or AG-Res are allowed STR with a conditional-use permit. Hall County is the easiest county for STR, making up about 60% of the lake. They are allowed in all residential zoning districts. Hosts must register, obtain a business license per home, appoint a 24/7 contact, and pass safety inspections. STR Regulations are currently being evaluated for Gwinnett, Lumpkin and Dawson County. Check with local jurisdictions regarding specific properties.
Permitted Docks: ~10,615
Dock Moratorium: In effect since 2008; no new dock permits are being given unless one is transferred or retired as maximum permits have been reached. The waitlist is extremely long and rarely changes.
Managed By: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Important Note: Homeowners do not own the land below the 1,085 ft elevation line — this is controlled by the Corps. Homeowners do not own list land and either lease it or have rights via specific permits.
Regulations include:
• No cutting, trimming or removing trees below the Corps line
• Strict guidelines for dock maintenance, erosion control, path maintenance and shoreline stabilization
• Website: https://www.sam.usace.army.mil → For dock permit and lake level info
Marina and Boat Rental Options:
• 10 + Marinas including: Aqualand Marina (largest inland marina in the U.S.), Sunrise Cove, Holiday, Habersham, Bald Ridge, Gainesville Marina, Port Royale, and more
• Boat Rental Clubs: Freedom Boat Club
Lake Lanier is an extremely niche market with a lot of factors to consider. Working with a Realtor who is an expert on the lake is crucial not only to finding the right property but knowing the lake layout and coves, legalities with the Corp, and understanding accurate property and dock values. Our office does over $1 Billion a year on Lake Lanier and many of the best lake properties sell OFF MARKET. We have a plethora of pocket listings and off market gems just waiting for the right buyer. Give us a call today, and we can make your Lake Dream a reality! 
