This Laidback Lake Redefines What It Means to Escape the City

Lake Oconee is more than just a weekend getaway—it’s becoming a coveted year-round address

Written by Tucker Sarkisian Illustrated by Meredith Gillespie

August 2025

The Lake Oconee lifestyle revolves around two things: watersports and golf. Atlantans make the easy trip down I-20 to spend the weekend teeing off at one of the many celebrated courses, paddleboarding or wakeboarding, cocktailing on the pontoon, or boating to dinner. The Ritz-Carlton on Lake Oconee adds an elegant touch, drawing visitors for spa retreats, holiday festivities, and lakeside weddings. Yet just down the road, you’ll find classic small-town charm in Greensboro and Eatonton—both steeped in antebellum architecture, charming antiques stores, and local shops. Over the years, Lake Oconee has quietly attracted a mix of prominent Atlantans, professional athletes, and even a few country music stars. Communities like Reynolds Lake Oconee, Cuscowilla, and Harbor Club have attracted both part-time and a rising number of full-time residents for their outstanding amenities, including award-winning golf courses (designed by the top suspects Jack Nicklaus, Rees Jones, and Tom Fazio), racquet sports, and dining that makes you forget about your favorite city chef. But it’s not what you’d call a splashy, bougie location—everyone’s happily in golf attire and boat shoes.

History

Lake Oconee tops the list of weekend retreats for Atlantans, making it easy to forget this beloved destination was only formed in 1979 by the damming of the Oconee River by Georgia Power, creating a 19,000-acre reservoir. The creation of the lake (one of the state’s largest with 374 miles of shoreline) transformed the surrounding counties (Greene, Putnam, and Morgan) by spurring tourism, resort development, and luxury real estate. The name “Oconee” is a Native American word often interpreted as “land beside the water” or “born from water,” and nods to the area’s deep roots in Georgia history.

3,042

Average square footage (for sales last 12 months, single-family homes)

$779,294

Average sale price (last 12 months, single-family homes)

$8.5M

Highest sale (last 12 months)

“Lake Oconee has become a desirable place to live for all ages due to the strong sense of community. It’s easy to feel like I’m living at a resort with the championship golf courses, picturesque lake views, or amenities at The Ritz- Carlton, plus the local restaurants and boutiques around every corner.” —Kristy Holcomb, Designer & Lake Oconee Resident

Future

The real estate market at Lake Oconee ranges from cabins to sprawling lakefront estates with private docks and infinity pools. Prices have extreme variations, with many waterfront homes in the multimillions. Lake Oconee continues to grow, though thoughtfully. Recent expansions and new home builds at Reynolds and Harbor Club are drawing full-timers from all over the country and positioning the lake as not just a weekend destination.

IYKYK

The Silver Moon has no sign, so unless you’re with someone in the know or are curious as to why so many cars are crammed into a parking lot next to a relatively nondescript building along Greensboro Road in Eatonton, you’d miss it. But this local institution is arguably the best in the area (and has an impressive wine list to boot). Get there early, write your name on the chalkboard (in lieu of a hostess stand), and embrace the unpretentious vibe.

BIG BRAG

Reynolds Lake Oconee hosted the 2024 PGA National Club Championship in March 2025. This prestigious event brings together amateur club champions from across the United States to compete in various divisions, including Open, Senior, and Legend categories. Lake Oconee’s selection as a venue for significant LPGA and amateur championships underscores its status as a premier golf destination.

HOLIDAYS

Summer isn’t the only time to visit—the holiday season is a magical time on Lake Oconee. The Ritz-Carlton’s events have become can’t-miss traditions for locals and resort guests, starting with the annual Lighting at the Lake tree lighting with thousands of twinkling lights. Visitors may also buy tickets to skate the 5,000-square-foot ice rink nestled in The Winter Forest, warm up in the cozy Ice Lounge with seasonal drinks, and capture memories at the Snow Globe Photo Booth.