Many prospective home buyers look at Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair when looking for lakefront property. This begs the questions, Why is Lake Oconee more expensive than Lake Sinclair, and what is unique about each one?
Nestled amid the picturesque landscapes of Georgia lie two gems of lakefront living: Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair. As aspiring homeowners contemplate their dream abode on the waterfront, a pivotal question arises: What sets these two lakes apart? Delving beyond mere geography, this revamped blog embarks on a journey to unveil the subtle nuances that distinguish Lake Oconee’s allure from that of its counterpart, Lake Sinclair.
For starters, Lake Sinclair has a more residential vibe. Lake Oconee has a lake resort feel. But what about specific differences? Here’s what you need to know.
Location — Lake Oconee & Lake Sinclair
Lake Oconee is roughly 70 miles from Atlanta, making it more desirable for many buyers from the Atlanta Metro. Lake Sinclair is around 90 miles from Atlanta. Twenty miles may not seem like much, but Lake Oconee is much more developed than many parts of lake Sinclair outside of Milledgeville. The northern parts of Lake Sinclair are very rural. In many cases, you’ll need to take winding roads to reach your destination, adding time to your drive. On the flip side, Lake Sinclair extends much further south. It’s been our experience that buyers coming from Macon, Savannah, and other parts of Georgia and Florida may end up preferring the location of Lake Sinclair due to distance.
Difference in Lot Types — Lake Oconee & Lake Sinclair
The most significant difference between Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair lot types is no-one owns property up to the water on Lake Oconee. Around the lake, there are yellow markers that denote the boundary to where Georgia power owns the lake. Each year, Georgia Power charges a nominal $100 fee to access the lake.
All Lake Oconee lots are fee simple up to those mentioned Georgia Power boundaries. It’s important to know you must contact Georgia Power before making any changes to the land passed these yellow markers, such as removing trees or building a dock. Our skilled Lake Oconee real estate agents will help you navigate this with ease to ensure you’re working within the guidelines.
Lake Sinclair has over 6000 lots that are full fee simple, meaning you own property to the seawall. Roughly 15,000 lots on Lake Sinclair have some type of lease access based on a 340 contour line. Depending on the lease lot, there may be a transfer fee and an annual payment required for access to the lake. In either case, the expert agents at Kim and Lin Logan Real Estate are well versed in the specifics of Lake Sinclair.
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home on Lake Oconee or Lake sinclair the expert agents at Kim and Lin Logan Real Estate are well versed in the specifics of each lake. Our team will help you navigate each type of property as needed.
Exploring Nearby Towns & Communities — Lake Oconee & Lake Sinclair
Lake Oconee spans across three Georgia counties—Morgan, Greene, and Putnam. Conveniently situated in close proximity to historic towns — Madison, Greensboro, and Eatonton. Lake Oconee is just 12 miles from Eatonton, Georgia, in Putnam county. With winding roads and scenic views, one can revel in the serenity of lakeside living while still enjoying the amenities and conveniences of shopping and dining in Eatonton, Georgia.
Lake Oconee is just a short 13.5 miles from Greensboro, Georgia, in Greene county. With its rich historical heritage and small-town charm, Greensboro beckons with its idyllic ambiance and welcoming community spirit. A treasure trove of local shops, cafes, and vibrant dining and entertainment life.
Venture a further north, and you’ll encounter the historic town of Madison, GA, nestled 23 miles from Lake Oconee in Morgan County. Renowned for its antebellum architecture and timeless elegance, Madison transports visitors back in time to a past era, where Southern hospitality reigns supreme. Amidst its lake and recreational activities, one can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of history and culture that defines this charming town.
While none of these towns sit directly on the shores of Lake Oconee, the surrounding lakefront communities and developments along Highway 44 have fostered the growth of infrastructure, culminating in the vibrant Lake Oconee Village. In the heart of Lake Oconee, you’ll find the Lake Oconee Village, which brings Publix along with many restaurants, small shops, and a movie theatre to the Lake Oconee area where residents and visitors alike can experience the epitome of lakeside living.
Lake Sinclair is surrounded by three counties—Baldwin, Hancock, and Putnam, with the closest city being the college town of Milledgeville. Milledgeville has a population of over 18,000 and served as the state capital of Georgia from 1804 to 1868, notably during the American Civil War. The metropolitan area of Milledgeville has a population of 54,776. Milledgeville is much more of a city than you’ll find at Lake Oconee, so there are more restaurants, shopping, and the like than in Lake Oconee. Lake Sinclair has a more established city in the lake area but also extremely rural areas on the eastern part of Lake Sinclair. Lake Sinclair stands as a testament to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Georgia has to offer. With its scenic landscapes and abundance of leisure activities, Lake Sinclair invites you to embrace the joys of lakeside living and create lasting memories with family and friends.
Exploring Water, Docks and Boathouses — Lake Oconee & Lake Sinclair
When it comes to waterfront living, the amenities available on Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair offer distinct experiences for property owners. From water levels to dock options, each lake presents unique opportunities for enjoying the water.
Water Levels and Stability: Georgia Power owns both Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair, and water levels are controlled by the Wallace Dam. This leads to stable water levels year-round, even in the case of drought. You will get some lower water levels in extreme drought, but not in comparison to many other Georgia lakes.
Dock Regulations: For those purchasing property on either Lake Oconee or Lake Sinclair, understanding dock regulations is essential. A minimum of 100 feet of private frontage is required on both lakes to install a maximum-sized dock. These max docks are highly desirable as they allow for multiple boat lifts, providing optimal protection for your watercraft.
Boathouse Regulations: One significant differentiator between Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair lies in the allowance of boathouses. While boat houses are a common sight on Lake Sinclair, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits, they are not permitted on Lake Oconee. This distinction offers a unique aspect to Lake Sinclair living, as boathouses serve as a quintessential feature of lakeside retreats, offering additional storage and shelter for boats while enhancing the overall ambiance of the shoreline. For many, having the boathouse adds a lake getaway touch and an aesthetically pleasing option to protect your boat and experience lake life.
Golf — Lake Oconee & Lake Sinclair
Lake Oconee is a golfers paradise. The world-class golf and the surrounding communities of the Lake Oconee golf courses is a huge differentiator between Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair. Lake Oconee is well known for its golf and upscale golfing communities like Cuscowilla, Harbor Club, and Reynolds. Kim and Lin Logan are Lake Oconee’s top real estate agents for golf community homes and lots. If you are interested in living in a golf community on Lake Oconee, the Kim and Lin Logan team can help you find your perfect golf course home.
Cuscowilla Lake Oconee Golf Course
Cuscowilla is home to a highly acclaimed course designed by two-time Masters winner Ben Crenshaw and architect Bill Coore. Cuscowilla ranks as the one of the top golf cCourses in the state of Georgia, according to the top 100 Golf Courses.
This well-groomed location is challenging for players at all levels. It is designed to play into the natural beauty of the property. This private course is now offering a select number of non-resident golf memberships. Learn more about playing golf at Cuscowilla by visiting 126 Cuscowilla Dr, Eatonton, GA 31024.
Harbor Club Lake Oconee Golf Course
Harbor Club sought the expertise of Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish when designing their course, which opened in 1991. For the past 25 years, The Harbor Club on Lake Oconee golf course has earned a prestigious reputation and won many awards. This challenging yet enjoyable design has received multiple awards by Golf Digest for the past three years and ranks 4.5 of 5 stars on its “Best Places to Play” list. The Harbor Club Course was recently ranked fourth on Golfweek’sGolfweek’s 2017 State-by-State Best Courses You Can Play in the State of Georgia. Play at The Harbor Club, located at 1111 Polo Circle · Greensboro, Georgia 30642.
Renyolds Lake Oconee Golf Courses
Reynolds Lake Oconee currently offers six courses for play, designed by five of the most talented architects in the world. From Bob Cupp’s “The Landing” and “The Preserve,” to Jim English Scottish-inspired “Creek Club” and Jack Nicklaus’ course at Great Waters with its stunning lake views along every hole on the back nine, each location provides a distinctive experience in this private, unique retreat.
The six Reynolds Lake Oconee courses are:
The Landing opened in 1986 originally as Port Armor Golf Club, designed by Robert E. Cupp. The Landing golf course offers 7,048 yards of golf across an 18 hole championship course. This was the first golf course built on Lake Oconee and remains a top choice of Golfers from around the country, Visit The Landing Course at 1104 Landing Drive Greensboro, GA, 30642.
The Preserve Course is also a Robert E. Cupp design and is located in Reynolds Plantation. The Preserve golf course was the first course at Reynolds and was established in 1988. In 2016, The course underwent extensive renovations from tee to green. Renovations also included a new “Quick-Six” unique flexible course. Play at the Preserve, located at 1091 Clubhouse Drive Greensboro, GA, 30642.
The Great Waters Course, designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, opened in 1992. The golf course spans across natural rolling hills and along miles of lake shoreline. Nicklaus renovated the course in 2010 and again in 2019.
The Oconee Course was designed by Rees Jones and has provided an idyllic Lakefront setting for golfers since 2002. The Oconee course is a par-72 course that plays to a maximum of 7,029 yards. Play at The Oconee Course, located at 1031 Cottage Cove Greensboro, GA 30642. The pro shop is within walking distance from The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee.
The National Course is a 27-hole course designed by Tom Fazio. The National offers three nine-hole layouts, The Ridge, Bluff, and Cove, and are all 36-par courses. The National Course was completed in 2000 and recently renovated in 2014. Each of The National nines describes the land and surrounding views along Lake Oconee and the Oconee River Valley. Play at The National Course, located at 1130 National Drive Greensboro, GA 30642.
The Creek Club is a member-only golf course. Designed by Jim Engh, The Creek Club is the newest course in Reynolds, which opened in 2007.
The Club at Lake Sinclair is a great golf course.
The Club at Lake Sinclair has over 50 great years of tradition filled with lots of change and growth. Older than any of the Lake Oconee Courses, the Club at Lake Sinclair continues to grow, adapt, and offer great amenities.
If you love golf, Lake Oconee is the better option for you. If you’re not interested in golf or rarely play, you might be more inclined to search the Lake Sinclair area.
Hotels and Amenities — Lake Oconee & Lake Sinclair
The biggest difference between Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair resides in golf (as mentioned above), hotels, communities, and amenities.
Lake Oconee brings luxurious communities with tons of amenities, from fitness centers and community events to golf and fine dining. You’ll find world-class dining, hotels, spa services, and events set against the rustic backdrop of Lake Oconee. Lake Oconee also sports 9 marinas with one more on the way and a dozen or so restaurants reachable by boat. If you’re looking to indulge, I recommend the BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos from Gaby’s.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills and serene waters of Georgia’s Lake Oconee, a haven of luxury awaits discerning travelers seeking relaxation and indulgence. From elegant resorts to charming boutique hotels, Lake Oconee offers an array of accommodations to suit every preference and pamper every guest.
Most Notably, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee: Perched majestically on the shores of Lake Oconee, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds offers an unparalleled luxury experience. With elegant accommodations, world-class dining, and a plethora of amenities, this iconic resort beckons guests to unwind in style. Enjoy sweeping views of the lake from your well-appointed room or suite, indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, or tee off on the resort’s championship golf courses. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a family retreat, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds promises an unforgettable stay.
Lake Sinclair does not sport resorts, high-end hotels, spas, or fine dining directly on the lake as Lake Oconee does, but Lake Sinclair exudes a charming simplicity, with a focus on laid-back hospitality and natural beauty. While Lake Sinclair may not boast high-end resorts or fine dining establishments directly on its shores, it offers a different kind of allure. With four inviting marinas dotting its shoreline, Lake Sinclair provides a haven for boating enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visitors can explore the lake’s tranquil waters by renting paddleboards, jet skis, or pontoon boats, immersing themselves in the serene surroundings. While indulging in lakeside amenities may be more understated at Lake Sinclair, the sense of tranquility and natural beauty is unmatched.
Fishing on Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair
Both Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair are known for their fishing, bass in particular. Both Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair hold dozens of fishing tournaments, often battling for the second or third most fishing tournaments in the entire state.
Lake Sinclair has always had a 12-inch size limit on bass, but at Oconee, there is a slot limit from 11 to 14 inches, meaning you can keep bass over or under that length. Slot limits were implemented to keep down the population of small bass.
Both lakes have a ten bass daily possession limit, according to local expert Ronnie Garrison.
Lake Sinclair is known for consistent fish populations rather than record-breaking size; the lake record largemouth bass weighed more than 13 pounds. Anglers can expect good action from 1- to 2-pound bass, though. Crappies are also popular with Sinclair anglers and provide better-than-average harvests.
Navigating the Market — Lake Oconee & Lake Sinclair
When it comes to choosing the perfect lakeside retreat in Georgia, Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair both offer unique advantages and opportunities. Understanding the market dynamics and costs associated with each destination is crucial for making an informed decision, and that is where the Kim and Lin Logan Real Estate Team can help you.
Despite the challenges faced by real estate markets nationwide, Lake Oconee continues to experience growth and expansion. In 2023, the average home sale price was $810,000.
Typically, Lake Oconee is more expensive than Lake Sinclair, particularly waterfront property. The golf course communities and world-class amenities are the primary differentiators of the areas. Lake Oconee has more uniformity when it comes to real estate, meaning homes of similar value will be placed together. This stems from community standards and regulations and other areas on the Lake following suit. Uniform housing values beneficial in terms of strategic negotiation, market analysis, and assessing long term values.
Conversely, Lake Sinclair has more variability. You’ll get more property for your money, but you won’t have as many amenities or prestigious communities, and there aren’t as many communities with covenants. While not having restrictive covenants does give you more flexibility to do as you please, it does allow the same flexibility to everyone else.
In either case, it’s hard to go wrong in either community—both Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair sport growing communities with plenty of room for recreation and outdoor activities. As with most things, finding the best fit for you will come down to your budget, preferred location, and the activities you’ll be enjoying when at your Lake Oconee or Lake Sinclair home.
Common Questions
Are Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair connected?
No, they are separated by the Wallace Dam.
Is Lake Oconee or Lake Sinclair bigger?
Lake Sinclair has 417 miles of shoreline and covers 15,330 acres. Lake Oconee has 374 miles of shoreline but covers 19,000 acres.
Is drought an issue at either Lake?
No, not compared to other lakes in the state of Georgia. The Wallace Dam controls water levels. Conducted as a pump-back operation, water is released through the Dam from Lake Oconee into Lake Sinclair during times of peak electrical demand. Conversely, Wallace Dam turbines are reversed at times of low demand and pump water from Lake Sinclair back into Lake Oconee. This means the current can flow either way in Sinclair, depending on the operation of Wallace Dam.
Contact Kim and Lin Logan Real Estate
Looking ahead, the positive trends driving Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair’s market show no signs of diminishing. With the market projected to remain attractive to buyers and sellers, it is important to secure the expertise of seasoned agents to navigate the competitive landscape successfully. At Kim and Lin Logan Real Estate, we have a proven track record of excellence, with over two decades as the top-selling realtors in the Lake Oconee market. Learn more about our agents and reach out to us today!
