Lula has large lots and a country atmosphere
Lula is a rural area with a variety of homes that often sit on multi-acre lots. Residents often make the short drive to Gainesville for work. The community is home to Jaemor Farms, a beloved stop for produce and baked goods, and is close to several green spaces, including a state park.
What buyers can expect to pay for homes and townhouses
Housing in the area can vary greatly in style and price. Ranch-style homes, bungalows, manufactured houses, Craftsman-style homes and New Traditional properties can sit on multi-acre lots. They often range from the mid-$100,000s to the mid-$500,000s. Larger homes that sit on lots of 10 acres or more can run from the lower $700,000s to the upper $900,000s. There are a handful of townhouses that usually sell from the lower $300,000s to the lower $400,000s. Many homes are not part of an HOA, though houses in the Magnolia Station subdivision carry monthly fees of around $50. Lula properties tend to be slightly less expensive than those in nearby communities like Gainesville and Lake Lanier. Around 80% of residents are homeowners.
Life in the rural community is changing
Lula began as a simple railroad stop in the late 1800s, and it has kept its sense of community. “It’s still rural,” says Jason Buffington, a Realtor and the team lead at Jason Buffington Realty. “I mean, it’s a small, small town. There are occasionally tractors still on the road. There are good people and good churches.” Buffington says growth is coming in the form of the Blue Ridge Connector, an inland port designed to generate traffic and attract new businesses, but the area has kept its country spirit. Homes generally sit far from one another, and woods and open fields typically surround the community’s winding roads. The city keeps its train history alive through its Railroads Days Festival and Parade, which brings food vendors and fun to the area each spring.
Jaemor Farms is a community highlight
Lula’s most famous food stop is a farm. Jaemor Farms has run its market for more than 100 years, and people drive from across the region to try it. “Fruits, fresh-baked pies, homemade ice cream, they have everything you want,” Buffington says. The farm also has a casual eatery with sandwiches, salads and desserts. In downtown Lula, Napoli’s Pizza serves Sicilian and New York-style pies, while Los Arcos has authentic and modern Mexican dishes. Gillsville Cafe is a Southern-style breakfast and lunch spot. The area also has a DG Market for essentials.
Commuting to Gainesville and other cities
Getting around the area is usually a breeze. “If there’s traffic in Lula, you’ve got problems,” Buffington says. “Three or four people at a stoplight is a big deal.” Lula’s downtown is less than 15 miles from Gainesville, where many residents work in the town’s poultry industry. Athens, home to the University of Georgia, is around 40 miles away, and Atlanta is about 65 miles out, a drive that can take close to 75 minutes in midday traffic. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is roughly 75 miles away.
Area green spaces include hiking, sports and fishing spots
Lula is a small town, but there are several places in and around the area where people can spend time outdoors. Green spaces include:
- Don Carter State Park, which has hiking and horseback riding trails and a beach
- Rafe Banks Wellness Park, which has a dog-friendly walking trail and sports courts
- Lula Veterans Park, which hosts community events and has a splash area
- Another Round Lula’s two disc golf courses, O.G. and Red Hawk
- Cedar Creek Reservoir, a quiet spot known for its fishing
Students are split between two school districts
Students in the western half of the area attend Hall County Schools, while students to the east are zoned for the Banks County Schools. Hall County’s Lula Elementary School sits along Main Street. Lakeview Academy, in Gainesville, is a highly rated private school offering prekindergarten through 12th grade. The Georgia Promise Scholarship awards participating families up to $6,500 to cover private school tuition and other expenses.