Vacation Home or Forever Home? Why Lake Oconee Is a Golfer’s Dream Destination
Spring is here and in the Lake Oconee area, that means two things: the real estate market is about to be in full swing and it’s time for the Masters!
If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s important to know that Lake Oconee is a true golfer’s haven and being only about an hour away from Augusta National Golf Club, where The Masters Tournament is hosted every year, the season draws in so many golf lovers and oftentimes makes them face the question: should this just be a vacation spot or is it the perfect place to call home year-round?
In addition to being a top-tier golf destination, Lake Oconee is also of course known for its pristine lake views and numerous luxurious amenities all across the community.
So, if you’re a golf lover considering a home or cottage in the area, this blog post will provide you with everything you need to know about vacationing here versus making it a place that you call home!
Let’s dive in.
The Appeal of a Lake Oconee Golf Vacation Home
For those who aren’t ready to make a full-time move, a vacation home in Lake Oconee offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. Many golfers choose to invest in a second home here for various reasons, including:
Access to Championship Golf Courses
As mentioned above, Lake Oconee is known to be a true golfer’s haven, making it home to world-class golf communities like Reynolds Lake Oconee (featuring 7 courses!), Cuscowilla, Harbor Club, and more.
When you purchase a vacation home in one of these communities, you can have the opportunity to join one of the clubs and enjoy the courses whenever you visit without having to commit to a year-round residency.
Perfect for Short-Term Escapes
Like many of us, you’re likely already planning vacations throughout the year anyways, so why not invest in a vacation home that you can access at any time without having to plan the trips months in advance and worry about finding rentals?
Whether you’re coming from Atlanta, Augusta, or beyond, Lake Oconee is a convenient retreat where you can unwind on the greens, enjoy the lake during warmer months, and simply relax and reenergize when life feels a little hectic.
Potential for Rental Income
One of the best parts of investing in a vacation home in the Lake Oconee area is that it has potential for rental income in specific areas. Lake Oconee is made up of four counties: Greene, Morgan, Hancock, and Putnam County.
If you’re looking to purchase a vacation home that you can also use as a rental, it’s important to know that Greene County has 3 areas all within the Reynolds Lake Oconee community that allow for short term rentals, while Putnam County as a whole has a limited amount of permits.
There will likely be plenty of times throughout the year that you won’t be using the home, but that doesn’t mean it has to sit empty.
With rental demand peaking around major golf events, like The Masters, and summer holidays, like July 4th, renting out your vacation home can help offset costs, while still allowing you to benefit from the home yourself!
Low-Maintenance Lifestyle
Many times when people are thinking of purchasing a Lake Oconee vacation home, a huge concern is being able to maintain the property even when they’re not there.
Just like you have regular maintenance for your primary home, owning a vacation home adds another layer to your home maintenance checklist, and while this concern can be valid, it’s important to know that there are many communities within the Lake Oconee area that include property management, lawn care, and other services, making ownership stress-free.
While all of these are of course benefits to people who live here full-time, it’s the perfect scenario for those looking to buy vacation homes because it takes the stress off and gives you peace of mind that your home is staying in tip top shape even when you’re not around!
Making Lake Oconee Your Forever Home
If you’ve visited Lake Oconee for vacation before, then you might’ve found that it was hard to leave. Between the golf, tennis, and fitness amenities, lake life, and the people within the community, many find themselves drawn to the idea of living in Lake Oconee full-time.
If you’re considering it, but you need an extra push to make it your primary residence, here’s a few reasons why it can be smart choice:
A Year-Round Golf Community
If you’re an avid golfer, then there’s a chance you’re looking for an active golf community full of regular tournaments, member events, and social gatherings. If that’s what you’re looking for, then look no further than Lake Oconee.
Each year, the community looks forward to annual golf events like The Linger Longer Invitational at Reynolds Lake Oconee and the Sweet Tee Off Golf Tournament at Harbor Club, as well as other community events, like the Lake Oconee Food and Wine Festival and Southland Jubilee!
While you can definitely get a sense of what that kind of living is like when you own a vacation home here, there’s just something about that type of life being your full time reality!
Resort-Style Living, Every Day
In addition to finding a top-tier golf community that fits for you, you also get to experience resort-style living every single day when you decide to make Lake Oconee your forever home.
While golf is a huge draw for the area overall, so many communities at Lake Oconee include additional benefits, such as private marinas, spa facilities, fine dining, and social clubs.
It’s a lifestyle that blends leisure and sophistication and when you choose to live here full-time, you don’t have to wait for a vacation to experience either of those things – instead, you can live more of a “staycation” life right in the comfort of your own home!
A huge plus is that your home on Lake Oconee can become the go-to spot that other family members want to visit! When working with real estate buyers in the area, we often hear that they’re looking for a home where they can host visitors and welcome them into the community on a regular basis.
And trust us, it won’t take long for your family and friends to fall in love with the area, too. We lovingly call those who start visiting over and over “repeat offenders” because they can’t get enough of the lifestyle that Lake Oconee has to offer! How cool will it be when YOUR home and community is the one that brings others so much joy?
Lake Lifestyle
It’s clear that golf is a big draw for the area, but it’s important to know that that’s not all you’re getting when you choose to make Lake Oconee your home. Residents can take advantage of the beautiful lake with boating, fishing, and paddleboarding, or explore scenic hiking and biking trails nearby.
The area also boasts a thriving social scene with community events, waterfront dining, and boutique shopping. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or a relaxing evening by the lake, living in Lake Oconee provides a well-rounded lifestyle beyond the greens.
Tax Benefits and Cost of Living
Lastly, and maybe most importantly, Georgia’s favorable tax structure for retirees, including exemptions on Social Security income and reduced property taxes for seniors, makes it a financially savvy choice.
Additionally, the cost of living at Lake Oconee is lower compared to other high-end golf destinations like Florida or Arizona, meaning residents can enjoy a luxurious lifestyle without the hefty price tag.
Overall, from lower home prices to reduced insurance costs, making Lake Oconee a primary residence can be a smart financial decision for golf lovers seeking long-term affordability.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Deciding whether to buy a vacation home or move to Lake Oconee permanently ultimately depends on your lifestyle and long-term goals.
If you’re looking for a seasonal retreat that doubles as an investment property, a vacation home might be your best option. But if you’re ready to embrace a golf-centric lifestyle year-round, making Lake Oconee your forever home offers unmatched benefits.
No matter which path you choose, Boatright Realty Group is here to help you explore your real estate options in the Lake Oconee area and find a home that best suits your needs!
Get connected with one of our agents to find the vacation home that makes golfing in a luxurious community something that you do regularly OR to find your forever home that lets you live a resort style life, every day.