If you have considered escaping the hustle and bustle of city life but want to maintain your high standard of living, Lake Oconee is an ideal choice. Surrounded by the lush Oconee National Forest, Lake Oconee is the second largest lake in Georgia with more than 370 miles of idyllic and pristine shoreline.
Lake Oconee is roughly 85 miles from metropolitan Atlanta and the classic golf locale, Augusta. This quaint community of around 3,000 residents enjoys a private, laid-back lifestyle nestled among the rolling hills of central Georgia lake country. This prominent area is perfect for a stunning primary residence, a refined vacation home, or an enticing investment property.
Luxurious lake life
Lake Oconee real estate is highly sought-after for its expansive and opulent homes, charming and exclusive neighborhoods, and the unmatched beauty of Lake Oconee’s emerald waters. Homes for sale in Lake Oconee attract prominent entrepreneurs and executives, affluent retirees, and young up-and-coming families. This area provides the perfect blend of a relaxing yet active lifestyle.
Reynolds Lake Oconee is a private resort, club, and gated community boasting more than 12,000 acres of breathtaking lakefront property. Reynolds Lake Oconee stands out as one of Georgia’s most iconic luxury communities. Homeowners here enjoy access to exclusive amenities, including six golf courses, six resort-style swimming pools, 16 tennis courts with stadium seating, and four full-service marinas, to mention a few.
Georgia’s mild and comfortable climate allows locals to take advantage of the coveted lake life and its numerous activities year-round. Residents treasure this community for its unhurried, friendly, and sophisticated atmosphere and often refer to “the rhythm of Reynolds” when describing their casual yet elegant lifestyle.
Riezl Baker is an award-winning luxury realtor specializing in the Reynolds Lake Oconee market. She has over 20 years of experience providing top-tier professional service to discerning clients. Her guide below highlights the best activities and amenities you can expect to enjoy as a member of this upscale enclave.
1. Hit the green
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
Reynolds Lake Oconee is a golfer’s paradise boasting six championship courses designed by renowned golfers such as Jack Nicklaus, Bob Cupp, and Tom Fazio. With a combined 117 holes of the greatest game on Earth, Lake Reynolds Oconee has been named one of the 25 best golf communities in North America. Two of its premier courses also consistently rank in America’s Top 100 courses.
Each golf course offers unique challenges, from rolling topography to forested doglegs and over-inlet shots. Yet each course is inviting and accessible to golfers of all skill levels. Even if you have not mastered your swing or perfected your putt, The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee offers residents state-of-the-art club fitting and private instruction.
These world-class courses are as distinct in their design as they are in their captivating views and exquisite scenery. Residents enjoy unfettered access to all courses, including the private members-only Creek Club. Homes here are also perfectly situated for attending the prestigious Master’s Tournament in nearby Augusta.
2. Get your hair wet
There is something special about spending the day on the water, cruising among lavish homes, and relaxing as the sunset paints the sky. Water sports are a favorite of Reynolds Lake Oconee residents. From skiing and tubing to boating around the lake with friends and family, community members enjoy an active life on the lake.
Many of the homes here have private docks, but lake life can be effortless with four full-service marinas providing ample boat storage. These resident marinas also offer watersport rentals for everything from paddle boards and kayaks to jet skis and canoes. However, If you truly want to enjoy the lake in style, coast smoothly in a handsome wooden boat captained by Oconee Classic Boats.
Recreational fishing is another favorite pastime of community members who periodically organize and participate in friendly fishing tournaments. Lake Oconee water levels rarely fluctuate, and the Georgia weather keeps residents out and about on the lake nearly every season. Lake Oconee is the centerpiece of this community and one reason why you will love living here.
3. Go sporting
If you want to spend a day finding your land legs, Lake Oconee has plenty of other opportunities to revel in the unspoiled scenery and nature surrounding the lake. Residents enjoy hiking or biking along one of many wooded trails or visiting the outdoor classroom, Rock Hawk, with the family. Reynolds Lake Oconee residents also have access to 16 tennis courts and 11 pickleball courts.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
If you’re ready for a unique outing, Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds is an exciting adventure for all ages. This relatively new amenity spans 100 acres of countryside and offers clay shooting, an air rifle range, and an archery range, among other sporting activities. This facility, in true Lake Oconee fashion, was designed by champion shooter Justin Jones and provides professional instruction.
4. Shop and dine
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
Lake Oconee residents also wander into nearby vibrant towns for unique boutique shopping and classic southern hospitality. Whether you are looking for elegant home accents or art and attire for your next event, quaint shops line the downtown streets of surrounding historic and charming towns like Greensboro and Eatonton.
Access to exquisite dining options, meaning dinner and drinks, is always on the table. Reynolds Lake Oconee offers 11 on-site restaurants, each with a distinctive atmosphere and sophisticated menu. The National Tavern, with its rustic elegance, is a local favorite and The Landing, overlooking the golf course, is an ideal spot for a hearty southern brunch.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
In addition to Reynolds Lake Oconee restaurants, community members often visit the world-class Ritz Carlton Resort for a casual lakeside lunch at Gaby’s by the Lake. For a more sophisticated affair, locals enjoy top-of-the-line steak and seafood at Linger Longer Steakhouse, followed by a satisfying glass of rare bourbon at the cozy Barrel Room.
5. Relax and rejuvenate
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
After long days adventuring on the lake with friends and family, you may need some peace and tranquility. Locals frequent the award-winning spa at the Ritz Carlton luxury resort and relax with custom treatments before hitting the steam room or sauna. This full-service spa provides impeccable services with the finest products.
Reynolds Lake Oconee community members enjoy many on-site wellness activities such as yoga, spin, and cardio classes. The newest amenity, Richland Pointe, provides state-of-the-art fitness programming with an on-site health coach and infinity pool. These amenities and services epitomize Reynolds Lake Oconee’s philosophy, “an active life well-lived.”
6. Sit back and socialize
One thing is true about homeowners in this community — they value a friendly and close-knit atmosphere. With a healthy blend of full-time residents, active retirees, and young families maximizing their vacation time, homeowners love to gather and socialize. Luckily, there is no shortage of local events to entertain.
The Lake Oconee Food and Wine Festival takes place annually in the spring. This three-day affair highlights renowned local chefs and hundreds of unique spirits in conjunction with hosting a charity auction. Since its inception in 2008, this beloved festival has donated more than $1.2 million to the local community and attracts more than 1,500 attendees each year.
Another cherished event is the Rhythm & Brews Festival held every fall. This festival gets locals on their feet as they dance to live music, sample different craft beers, and fill up on tasty food offerings. Whether you enjoy attending festivals or performing arts events, the spirit of this community shines through its diverse entertainment options.
A curated lifestyle
Communities like Lake Oconee are rare. From unparalleled beauty and full-service amenities to gorgeous homes on private estates, there is no better place to get away from it all and live a life of comfortable luxury. There are some things you can’t put a price on, and life at Lake Oconee might be one of those things.
Whether you are interested in an 8,000-square-foot lakefront property or a charming four-bedroom vacation cottage on the course, there is a new home waiting for you. This prominent community also has undeveloped acres begging for a newly-built spectacular custom home.
The charm and allure of this upscale community are unmistakable. Whether you want to stay for a weekend or a lifetime, premier luxury realtor Riezl Baker will connect you with the perfect property to complement and enhance your lifestyle. With so many amenities in Lake Oconee, the most exciting activity will be finding your next dream home.
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
