The Best Neighborhoods on Lake Lanier
If you’re looking for a gated community on Lake Lanier with a designated boat slip, ample amenities, and convenient access to shopping and dining, your options may be limited—but not impossible! Here’s a look at some of the top neighborhoods on Lake Lanier, each offering unique features and appeal.
1. Marina Bay (Gainesville)
Marina Bay stands out for its private lots, lush trees, and magical atmosphere. This gated neighborhood offers a community marina, where some homes come with their own boat slips. However, boat slips are highly coveted, with a long waiting list.
Marina Bay features homes ranging from the high $700s to $2.6 million, with options for older, larger lots and new construction. Residents enjoy amenities such as a clubhouse, fitness center, pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and green spaces. It’s tucked away yet conveniently located about 25 minutes from Gainesville’s downtown square and other major shopping areas.
2. Harbour Point (Gainesville)
Another excellent option is Harbour Point, a gated community with amenities galore, including a clubhouse, fitness center, six pickleball courts, tennis courts, and a basketball court. The community marina also has boat slips available for a fee, though availability is scarce.
Homes here are generally larger, built between the late 1990s and 2020s, with prices ranging from the upper $800s to over $2.5 million. While lots are smaller, the neighborhood’s elevated position provides stunning lake views. Harbour Point is closer to Gainesville’s main shopping and dining areas, making it a convenient choice.
3. Dockside Cove (Gainesville)
For those seeking a quieter, smaller gated community, Dockside Cove offers newer homes and larger lots. There’s no shared pool or clubhouse, but the community marina includes day-use docks and some private boat slips.
Homes in Dockside Cove are all relatively new, with construction starting in 2019. Prices range from the low $900s to $1.5 million. The community is located on the north end of the lake, just minutes from Marina Bay, and enjoys similar access to shops and restaurants in Gainesville.
4. Chestatee (Dawsonville)
Chestatee is a charming, non-gated neighborhood located in Dawsonville. Known for its tree-lined streets and diverse architectural styles, Chestatee offers a mix of older and newer homes. This community features a marina with transferable boat slips, a clubhouse, pool, bocce ball court, and tennis courts.
Homes range from the low $600s to $1.5 million, with options to build on remaining lots. The neighborhood also sits on an 18-hole golf course, although HOA fees don’t include membership. Its proximity to the North Georgia Premium Outlets and easy access to GA-400 make it a fantastic choice for those needing to commute to Alpharetta or Atlanta.
5. Cresswind at Lake Lanier (Gainesville)
For retirees, Cresswind is a top-rated 55+ neighborhood featuring resale homes built since 2007. This gated community offers resort-style amenities, including a marina, clubhouse, pool, fitness center, and various activities tailored to active adults.
Prices typically range from the mid-$500s to around $900,000. Cresswind’s central location in Gainesville makes it ideal for retirees seeking a social, lakefront lifestyle.
KeyPoint
Whether you’re searching for the charm of Marina Bay, the expansive amenities of Harbour Point, or the peaceful privacy of Dockside Cove, Lake Lanier has something for everyone. Each neighborhood offers a distinct lifestyle, so consider your priorities—be it proximity to shopping, boat slip availability, or community amenities.