Lake Burton
Nudging up against the south side of the Blue Ridge Mountains is one of the charming best small towns in Georgia. At an elevation of 2,000 feet, Lake Burton spreads across 2,775 acres and has 62 miles of shoreline. Elevations here along the Eastern Continental Divide reach over 4,600 feet. Lake Burton is a favorite among anglers because the lake holds the state record for the largest spotted bass and yellow perch. Lake Rabun, Lake Seed and Lake Burton are three Georgia mountain lakes in Rabun County created by the Georgia Power Company.
The natural beauty of the area has attracted movie producers for decades. More than 20 movies have been filmed in the region. Rushing rivers, rock gorges, layered mountain views and Appalachian heritage dating back to the 1800‘s define the beauty of the area. Toccoa Falls cascades 186 feet and is located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College. This is just one of 38 waterfalls in Rabun County. Cooler summer months have gained Clayton the reputation of being 'where spring spends the summer' and is known for its scenic mountain golf courses. More than 4,200 plants and flowers have been catalogued in the area. Lake Burton is located less than an hour from the North Carolina state line and is 15 minutes from downtown Clayton. Homes for sale in northern GA can be quite a bargain here.
LaPrade's Marina is the only full service marina on Lake Burton. LaParade's was originally a fishing camp in the early 1900's. Waterfront dining, boat rentals and boat storage are offered at LaPrade's Marina. Folks who become a little to tipsy while having fun can take a chauffeured ride home on the Miss LaParade, a Venetian water taxi imported from Italy. The well drained mountain hillsides and mild summer climate compliment growing conditions for wineries and orchards. Award winning Tiger Mountain Vineyard and Persimmon Creek Vineyards are the regions most visited vineyards. Waterfront homes and boat houses on Lake Burton can average over $1 million to $10 million. Many wealthy Atlantan's and celebrities have mountain rustic homes on this beautiful mountain lake.
If you’re searching for the best small towns in Georgia, here are reasons to consider Lake Burton:
ARTS AND CULTURE
The hills are bursting with live music and art festivals. The Rabun County Music Festival held during the summer months features headliner’s like the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Georgia Philharmonic at Rearden Theater. The North Georgia Community Players is Clayton’s theatre based company showcasing theatre productions year round at The Dillard Playhouse. The North Georgia Arts Guild coordinates art festivals, art classes and studio strolls. Hambidge Center for Creative Arts & Sciences is one of the first artist in residence communities. Events at the center include artist lectures, nature hikes and photography workshops. The Sautee Nacoochee Center is where you’ll find more art, theatre, music, pottery, dance and art education.
CLIMATE
At an elevation of 1,925 feet, the average temperature December through February is 40 degrees. The average annual snowfall is 5 inches. May through September, the average temperature ranges from the high 60’s to mid 70’s. Clayton offers four distinct seasons. Tornados are Georgia’s biggest weather hazards.
LIFELONG LEARNING CENTERS
Hambidge Center for Creative Arts Sciences is an artist in residence community. The campus includes 9 artist studios, a working grist mill, an old weave shed turned into a gallery and a modern pottery facility.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE
Mountain Lakes Medical Center in Clayton is a 25 bed acute care hospital and is a level 3 trauma center. Specialties include imaging, surgical services and pain management. Stephens County Hospital is the 2nd closest hospital. The hospital is a 96 bed acute care and surgical facility. Angel Medical Center is located just across the North Carolina State line and is a level 2 trauma center. Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, one hour to the south, has been named Georgia’s #1 Heart Hospital. The Toccoa Cancer Center is an extension of the Northeast Georgia Medical Center offering cancer care closer to Clayton.
RECREATIONAL SPORTS
White water rafting, horseback riding, boating and mountain golf are popular outdoor activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. Southeast Expeditions offers a wide range of whitewater sports. Rabun Bald is Georgia’s second-highest peak for white water rafting expeditions down one of the nation’s wildest rivers. Dillard House Stables and Full Stride Farm offer horseback riding, lessons and even yoga on a horse. LaPrades is a full service marina on Lake Burton providing boat rentals on the lake. Mountain golf courses in the area include Lake Burton Club, Sky Valley and at Kingwood Resort. Or you can push your limits by mountain biking or hiking one of the three local Georgia state parks. Bartram Trail stretches across 37 miles. Tallulah Falls in the area is nicknamed 'The Niagara Falls of the South'. Camp High Harbour is a YMCA youth camp on Lake Burton.
SHOPPING AND DINING
Big box stores in Clayton include a Wal-Mart Super Center. The nearest Sears and Belk are located in Toccoa, about 40 minutes to the south. From fast food joints to family-style restaurants like The Dillard House, there are more than 40 places to dine in Rabun County. Clayton’s southern cooking and barbecue will keep you coming back for more or Zeppelin’s Pub & Grill hippie-style restaurant. Waterfront restaurants include Lake Rabun Hotel and Louie’s on the Lake. Orchard farms and U-Pick Farms are delicious places to shop for home grown fruits and vegetables.
HOME AFFORDABILITY AND TAXES
Homes for sale in northern GA at Lake Burton average in the low $200's and are located in Rabun County. The estimated property tax millage rate ranges from $25.25 per $1000. Visit our library to find help and learn how to calculate property taxes in Clayton Georgia. If you're searching for the best small towns in Georgia to retire, we find a number of neighborhoods of interest in the area.
