Georgia’s summers are famously hot and humid, and that’s exactly what makes living near one of Atlanta’s lakes such a game-changer. Air conditioning and community pools only go so far when the heat index climbs. But a lakeside breeze, a morning kayak, or an evening on the dock can make summer much more enjoyable. For active adults exploring 55+ communities in the Atlanta area, the lakes surrounding the city open up a lifestyle with year-round outdoor recreation.
Two of the largest lakes near Atlanta are Lake Lanier and Lake Oconee, and both have nearby 55+ communities. Lake Lanier is about an hour’s drive northeast of Downtown Atlanta, while Lake Oconee is a 75-minute drive southeast of Downtown Atlanta. They are both artificial reservoirs with many outdoor activities on offer, including golf resorts, watersports, fishing, hiking, and biking. Lake Lanier and Lake Oconee are holiday destinations in their own right, so a home in a 55+ community close to these Atlanta lakes is like being on permanent vacation.
But they’re not the only lakes drawing active adults to the area. Communities near Lake Redwine, Bradshaw Lake, and other scenic waterways offer even more options for lakeside living.
Let’s explore some excellent options for active adults seeking a 55+ community with lake access!
Cresswind at Lake Lanier – Gainesville, GA
Mid $300ks – High $700ks
Cresswind at Lake Lanier is a gated 55+ community with 934 single-family homes. It stands right on Lake Lanier, and it’s a 10-minute drive from Downtown Gainesville. There are also woodland and lakeside parks nearby.
Amenities include a 42,000-square-foot clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, art studios, a ballroom, a library, six tennis courts, pickleball and bocce ball courts, an outdoor amphitheater, fishing lakes, and a 70-slip marina on Lake Lanier. Many of the lifestyle activities naturally center on the water, with a fishing club and a kayak group. Other groups, classes, and activities include card and board games, a cooking club, a golf group, a gardening club, a piano club, and a travel club.
Home models at Cresswind come in eight collections, starting at 1,275 square feet. These models have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. The largest homes are 2,964 square feet, and these offer four bedrooms, a den, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and a two-car garage.
Del Webb at Lake Oconee – Greensboro, GA
Low $300ks – Low $600ks
Del Webb at Lake Oconee is one of the few Del Webb communities that’s located right on a navigable lake. It’s a gated 55+ community with 866 attached and single-family homes. It’s a 15-minute drive from Downtown Greensboro’s shopping, banking, and dining options. There’s also a hospital less than five minutes from this Del Webb community.
Amenities include a clubhouse, a fitness center, a ballroom, an arts and crafts studio, and an aerobics and dance studio. Outdoors, there’s a pool, six pickleball courts, four clay tennis courts, four bocce courts, a croquet field, gardening plots, a playground for visiting grandkids, eight miles of walking trails, a lakeside pavilion with a grill, a boat and kayak launch, and a 38-slip marina.
Residents enjoy a very active lifestyle, with dozens of clubs, groups, classes, and activities on offer. These include numerous card and board game clubs, groups for all the arts and crafts you could imagine, sports clubs, jet-skiing, dancing, music, fishing, gardening, and even a Harley owners group.
The smallest models offer 1,109 square feet, one or two bedrooms, one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a two-car garage. The largest models offer 2,597 square feet, three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and a two-car garage. Other models are available that are smaller but have up to four bedrooms and a den.
The Springs – Flowery Branch, GA
Mid $400ks – High $500ks
The Springs lies on the shores of Lake Lanier in Flowery Branch, a city of about 14,000 people (with the much larger city of Gainesville only a 15-minute drive away). The Springs is a small community of 275 single-family homes with no age restrictions.
Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, a 27-seat movie theater, a catering kitchen, a cafe, and a library. Outside, there are two pools (including an infinity pool), eight lighted tennis courts, a basketball court, a lakeside pavilion with an outdoor grill, a community fire pit, three children’s playgrounds, a community dock, and rentals for canoes, kayaks, and rowboats.
Within this community, there’s no shortage of groups, activities, clubs, and classes organized by and for its residents. These include aqua aerobics, yoga, book club, cooking classes, holiday parties, hiking trips, jazz nights, tennis groups, trivia nights, and more.
The smallest home models in this community offer 1,716 square feet. These have three or four bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and a two-car garage. The largest homes are 2,782 square feet with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and a two-car garage.
Lakecrest – Buford, GA
Low $400ks – Mid $600ks
Built by Pulte Homes, Lakecrest is a 55+ community of 77 single-family homes in Buford. This community gives residents direct access to Lake Lanier via a walking path that connects to the lake and its many recreational opportunities, including boating, hiking, and horseback riding. Buford Dam Park and East Bank Park are also close by for even more time on or near the water.
Homes at Lakecrest are ranch-style designs ranging from 1,872 to 2,236 square feet, with two to five bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. Features in some homes include en-suite owner’s bathrooms, screened patios, sunrooms, and fireplaces. Some plans also offer loft and basement options.
McEver Mill – Oakwood, GA
Mid $200ks – Low $300ks
McEver Mill is a 55+ community of 105 low-maintenance attached homes in Oakwood, less than 10 miles from Gainesville and 45 miles from Downtown Atlanta. Lake Lanier is just five minutes away, offering ample opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and water recreation.
While McEver Mill itself focuses on a lock-and-leave lifestyle, the surrounding area is rich in recreation. Nearby greenspaces include Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, Balus Creek Park, and Don Carter State Park. Also, golfers will find several courses close by, including Chicopee Woods Golf Course and Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course.
Homes at McEver Mill are one-and-a-half-story villas and ranch-style townhomes with approximately 1,450 square feet, three bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and an attached one-car garage. The homes feature spacious open floor plans, first-floor owner’s suites, covered front porches, private rear porches, and charming farmhouse-style exteriors.
Stephens Point – Gainesville, GA
Mid $400ks – High $500ks
Stephens Point is a 55+ community of 174 single-family homes in Gainesville, about an hour from Atlanta. What sets Stephens Point apart is its direct lake access, complete with a boat dock featuring 14 boat slips available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities include a clubhouse with an activity room, a meeting room, a covered pavilion, a swimming pool with a cabana, and pickleball courts. The homeowners’ association (HOA) handles common area maintenance, giving residents more time to enjoy the lake.
Stephens Point offers four unique floor plans ranging from 1,683 to 2,084 square feet. Homes have two or three bedrooms (some with a den), two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. Features in some homes include walk-in closets, fireplaces, kitchen islands, tray ceilings, and dual vanities in the master bath.
The Cottages at Lake Redwine – Newnan, GA
Low $600ks
The Cottages at Lake Redwine is a 55+ community of 57 single-family homes in Newnan, about 50 minutes from Atlanta. This community sits alongside the 300-acre Lake Redwine, which residents can use for fishing, boating, and swimming. For those looking for lakefront retirement communities in Georgia, this is a standout option.
Amenities include a clubhouse that can be reserved for private events, two pools (a junior Olympic lap pool and a splash-free quiet pool), and pickleball and tennis courts. Also, community events like boat and bike parades, Oktoberfest, and Food Truck Fridays keep the social calendar full.
Homes range from 2,118 to 3,601 square feet across three models. Floor plans offer three or four bedrooms, two-and-a-half to four-and-a-half bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. Standard and optional features include gourmet kitchens with quartz counters, gas fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and private back patios.
The Gardens of Harmony North – Canton, GA
Low $400ks – Low $500ks
The Gardens of Harmony North is a charming 55+ community in Canton, nestled within the master-planned Harmony On The Lakes neighborhood. Bradshaw Lake is just across the road, offering greenspace and a lakeside gazebo. The larger Harmony on the Lakes community provides access to a 38-acre lake for fishing, canoeing, and sailing, along with an observation park with an amphitheater and boat dock.
Amenities include a spacious clubhouse with multi-purpose rooms, a pool, eight lighted tennis courts, a basketball court, and walking trails. Community activities range from game nights and movie nights to a fishing derby and Fourth of July Parade, with regular groups for bridge, bunco, tai chi, fitness classes, and Zumba.
Homes are single-level designs ranging from 1,562 to 2,117 square feet, with two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. Every home includes features such as granite kitchen countertops, an island kitchen, a screened back porch, and an elegant owner’s suite. Basement and loft options are also available.
FAQ: 55+ Communities Near Lakes in the Atlanta Area
What are the best lakes near Atlanta for 55+ communities?
The best lakes near Atlanta for 55+ communities are Lake Lanier, Lake Oconee, Lake Redwine, and Bradshaw Lake. Located about an hour northeast of Downtown Atlanta, Lake Lanier has the highest concentration of active adult communities, including Cresswind at Lake Lanier, The Springs, Lakecrest, and McEver Mill. Lake Oconee, roughly 75 minutes southeast of Atlanta, is home to Del Webb at Lake Oconee. Lake Redwine in Newnan and Bradshaw Lake in Canton each anchor their own 55+ neighborhoods as well.
How much do homes cost in lakeside 55+ communities near Atlanta?
Homes in lakeside 55+ communities near Atlanta range from the mid $200ks to the low $600ks. For example, McEver Mill in Oakwood offers the most affordable options starting in the mid $200ks, while The Cottages at Lake Redwine in Newnan starts in the low $600ks. Cresswind at Lake Lanier spans the widest range, from the mid $300ks to the high $700ks.
Do any 55+ communities near Atlanta have direct lake access?
Yes, several 55+ communities near Atlanta offer direct lake access. Cresswind at Lake Lanier has a private dock and 70-slip marina. Del Webb at Lake Oconee features a 38-slip marina and a boat and kayak launch. Stephens Point in Gainesville includes a boat dock with 14 slips. The Cottages at Lake Redwine provides onsite marina access for electric boats and other water vessels.
What amenities do lakeside 55+ communities near Atlanta typically offer?
Lakeside 55+ communities near Atlanta typically offer clubhouses, fitness centers, swimming pools, pickleball and tennis courts, walking trails, and waterfront amenities like marinas, boat launches, and kayak rentals. Many also include social programming such as cooking clubs, game nights, fishing tournaments, arts and crafts studios, and organized interest groups. Larger communities like Cresswind at Lake Lanier and Del Webb at Lake Oconee feature resort-scale amenities including ballrooms, amphitheaters, and bocce courts.
What is the smallest and most affordable 55+ lake community near Atlanta?
The smallest 55+ lake community near Atlanta is The Cottages at Lake Redwine, with just 57 homes, though it starts in the low $600ks. The most affordable is McEver Mill in Oakwood, with 105 attached homes starting in the mid $200ks and located just five minutes from Lake Lanier.
Are there 55+ communities on Lake Lanier?
Yes, there are several 55+ communities on or near Lake Lanier. Cresswind at Lake Lanier in Gainesville sits directly on the lake and offers a private marina. Lakecrest in Buford provides walking-path access to the lake. Stephens Point in Gainesville features a boat dock with 14 slips. McEver Mill in Oakwood is located just five minutes from Lake Lanier. The Springs in Flowery Branch, while not age-restricted, is also on the lake’s shores and popular with active adults.
What outdoor activities are available near Atlanta’s lake communities?
Outdoor activities near Atlanta’s lake communities include boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and golf. Also, many communities are close to state and county parks. Lakecrest is near Buford Dam Park and East Bank Park, while McEver Mill is close to Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve and Don Carter State Park. Lake Lanier and Lake Oconee both function as full resort destinations with golf courses and extensive water recreation.
Do lakeside 55+ communities near Atlanta include boat slips or marinas?
Several lakeside 55+ communities near Atlanta include boat slips or marinas. Cresswind at Lake Lanier has a 70-slip marina and private dock. Del Webb at Lake Oconee offers a 38-slip marina along with a boat and kayak launch. Stephens Point in Gainesville provides 14 boat slips on a first-come, first-served basis. The Cottages at Lake Redwine includes onsite marina access for electric boats.
What is the average home size in 55+ lake communities near Atlanta?
Home sizes in 55+ lake communities near Atlanta generally range from around 1,100 to 3,600 square feet. The smallest floor plans are found at Del Webb at Lake Oconee, starting at 1,109 square feet, and McEver Mill, at approximately 1,450 square feet. The largest homes are at The Cottages at Lake Redwine, which go up to 3,601 square feet, and Cresswind at Lake Lanier, topping out at 2,964 square feet. Most communities offer ranch-style or single-level designs with two to four bedrooms.
Are there gated 55+ communities near lakes in Atlanta?
Yes, both Cresswind at Lake Lanier and Del Webb at Lake Oconee are gated 55+ communities near lakes in the Atlanta area. Gated communities offer added security and a sense of privacy, which many active adults find appealing. Other communities in the area, such as Lakecrest and Stephens Point, are not gated but still offer HOA-managed maintenance and a close-knit neighborhood feel.
What is the HOA like in 55+ lake communities near Atlanta?
Homeowners’ associations in 55+ lake communities near Atlanta typically handle common area upkeep, landscaping, and lawn maintenance, giving residents a low-maintenance lifestyle. At McEver Mill, the HOA manages exterior maintenance and landscaping. The Cottages at Lake Redwine includes weekly lawn care for each cottage. Lakecrest’s HOA covers common area upkeep and lawn maintenance. HOA fees vary by community and generally fund amenities, shared spaces, and grounds maintenance.
Are there any non-age-restricted lake communities near Atlanta that appeal to active adults?
Yes, The Springs in Flowery Branch is a community on Lake Lanier with no age restrictions, but its low-maintenance homes and resort-style amenities make it especially popular with active adults. A full-time activities director keeps the social calendar active with events ranging from jazz nights to fishing tournaments.
Can you go boating and fishing from 55+ communities near Atlanta?
Yes, boating and fishing are among the most popular activities at 55+ communities near Atlanta’s lakes. Communities like Cresswind at Lake Lanier, Del Webb at Lake Oconee, and Stephens Point provide marina access and boat launches directly from the neighborhood. The Cottages at Lake Redwine allows electric boats on its 300-acre lake. The Springs offers complimentary rowboat, canoe, and kayak rentals, along with 75 acres of community lakes open for catch-and-release fishing.
Find Your Perfect Lakeside Community Near Atlanta
With so many 55+ communities near Atlanta’s lakes, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re drawn to a bustling resort-style neighborhood with a full marina or a quiet, low-maintenance cottage community where you can fish right from your backyard, a local real estate expert can help you sort through the lakefront retirement communities in Georgia and zero in on the community that matches your lifestyle goals.
Contact 55places.com today to connect with a local real estate expert who knows these communities inside and out and can guide you every step of the way toward your dream lakeside home.
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