Lakemont's rural charm and lakefront properties
In northeast Georgia near the Georgia-South Carolina state line, Lakemont is a rural community where country roads cut through dense patches of trees and wind around Lake Rabun. “Up in Rabun County, north of Habersham, Lakemont is a tiny little community built around Lake Rabun and other lakes in the area,” says Patricia Bower, Team Leader at Keller Williams Lanier Partners who works throughout northeast Georgia. At the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Lakemont is a destination for outdoor recreation, from waterfall hikes to trout fishing. At the center of Lakemont is a small cluster of buildings, including an art gallery, a restaurant and a gift shop. There are no sidewalks or stoplights.
In the early 20th century, European businessman Augustus Andreae fell in love with Lakemont after visiting. He decided to buy up lakefront properties, which were then sold to Atlanta residents who resided there each summer thereafter. Andreae also opened the Lake Rabun Hotel, which still hosts visitors today.
However, Lakemont isn’t only home to part-time residents. “Lakemont is a tale of two markets: rural Appalachian America, where people struggle to live, and then million-dollar second homes around the lakes where the more affluent people from Atlanta come on the weekends,” Bower says. “During the week, it’s a rural town, and then starting on Fridays, Lakemont is full of all the ‘lake people’ – that’s what we call them.” Although Lakemont contains luxurious homes, its overall appeal remains its laid-back, no-frills nature. The rugged landscape, where the sun rises and sets over the Appalachian Mountains, is shared and enjoyed by all.
Hiking, fishing and camping around Lake Rabun
Recreation in Lakemont revolves around the lakes and forested hills, where folks can rent a pontoon from the marina or spend the day hiking to one of the several waterfalls in the area. “It’s a beautiful area with hills and valleys and spectacular views; people don’t realize the views we have,” Bower says. “Sunsets, sunrises, clear waterfalls, lakes, hiking and lots of recreation – that’s what the area’s known for.” Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area is open April through October; here, visitors can camp, fish for bass and trout, and jump off a wooden platform into the lake. Lake Rabun connects to Lake Seed, which provides more opportunities for swimming, camping and fishing. A few miles south, Tallulah Gorge State Park is another destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features waterfalls, a climbing wall, an interpretive center and a suspension bridge with scenic overlooks. Visitors can also explore miles of wooded trails by bike or on foot.
Lakemont’s diverse housing options
Homes in Lakemont include cabins, mountain retreats and custom lakefront properties with private docks. Prices vary widely depending on factors like size and location. Homes under 2,000 square feet tend to be tucked into wooded areas and cost between $230,000 and $480,000, while midsize residences between $500,000 and $1 million typically offer mountain views. Homes between $1 and $6 million boast lakefront views. Land parcels are also available.
Rabun County Schools offer highly rated public education
Rabun County Schools, rated A-minus on Niche, serves the area. Students may begin at Rabun County Primary School and Rabun County Elementary, both rated B-plus, before advancing to Rabun County Middle, rated A-minus, and Rabun County High, rated B-plus. All are clustered together a few miles north of Lakemont. In 2025, the Georgia Department of Education recognized Rabun County High School as a Georgia Math Lead school for its accomplishments in math. Alternatively, Tallulah Falls School, rated A, offers a private option for grades six through twelve.
Lakeside dining and limited retail in Lakemont
In the heart of Lakemont, The Open Door at Alley’s Ol’ Store is a casual restaurant serving sandwiches and beer with a gift shop in the back. The business’ website states, “No Wifi,” “Talk to each other,” and “Pretend it’s 1993.” These sentiments sum up Lakemont’s simple sensibilities. Living by the lake without some modern conveniences, like food delivery services, is part of the community’s rustic charm. “There’s no pizza delivery in Lakemont,” Bower confirms. “But the pizza place on the lake has been there for years.” Max’s Lakeside serves pizza, sandwiches and salads by the shores of Lake Rabun. Underneath the pizza restaurant is The Swing Bar, where folks at the bar can sip cocktails while sitting on rope swings that hang from the ceiling.
In terms of retail, Rabun Beach Grocery has a limited grocery selection, which is convenient for those who live on the lake. The town of Clayton sits about 8 miles up U.S. Route 23, where shoppers can find more retailers like Walmart Supercenter and Ingles Market, along with upscale eateries like The Vandiver.
Navigating Rabun County and beyond
Lakemont is a car-dependent community about 100 miles northeast of Atlanta. U.S. Route 23 runs through Lakemont, connecting drivers to Atlanta and North Carolina. Air travel requires a bit of a drive, as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is 110 miles away. But emergency services are much closer at hand, with Mountain Lakes Medical Center about 10 miles north.
