Reynolds Plantation, Lake Oconee, GA. Anybody?

[Craig T]

Has anybody been to Reynolds, Lake Oconee, GA? If so, what do you think about it?

It's a golf and boating community halfway between Atlanta and Augusta. 85% permanent residents and mostly active retired people.

With all these recent hurricanes and flooding, my wife and I are rethinking our retirement flight to Hilton Head, SC next year. Somebody told me about Reynolds and it looks great on the website...But thats marketing by the developer.

I'd like to hear from the Pelican Brain Trust before I book an exploratory trip.

[Craig T]

https://www.reynoldslakeoconee.com

[VincentVega]

I know a guy that moved to North Georgia, loves it there.

Make sure you understand the rules and fee's at a place like that. Different acquaintance had a pretty bad experience learning what they had access to, couldnt use, what days/time... Looks like a nice place, just make sure you see all the fine print. Different place but glossing through the listings it seems there are tiers of access.

[MBAtarga]

There is some high price real estate in the area. There is actually a Ritz Carlton hotel location - so that gives you an idea. Lots of options nearby that are less expensive, but they aren't in Reynolds Plantation proper.

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by VincentVega

Make sure you understand the rules and fee's at a place like that. Different acquaintance had a pretty bad experience learning what they had access to, couldnt use, what days/time... Looks like a nice place, just make sure you see all the fine print. Different place but glossing through the listings it seems there are tiers of access.

You're not kidding! I just contacted them and got the fee schedule. They advertise a very inexpensive "membership fee", and the monthly association fee is reasonable at $250, but you still have to pay a "reduced activity fee" every time you golf or use the facilities. Then they have several different access/use options that quickly add up $$$. If you want unlimited access to the golf courses, marina, gym, pools, courts, etc, it's a $45,000 initiation fee and about $1,400 per month.

That's almost double the initiation fee and unlimited monthly access fees of Moss Creek Plantation in Hilton Head. I imagine it creates a social-economic class separation in the Reynolds community...and that would suck.

[cairns]

$45,000 plus $1,450 per month? Ridiculous waste of money- there are free lakes all over the South and plenty of golf courses that cost a lot less. No wonder they have so many houses for sale.

[VincentVega]

social-economic class separation in the Reynolds community

I think thats the point, at least for some. Unfortunate. No free lunch.

I was in Maine a few weeks ago and rode my bike to the point. Really nice beach, dock and small boat launch. Folks were coming and going in a mix of kayaks, skiff's... people fishing off the pier. Nothing like that around here, just about all waterfront is private or at least belongs to a neighborhood. Got me thinking that I might not need to own waterfront to be happy, might have to move where its more accessible.

[Seahawk]

Here is what I would do: Find a really nice place in or around Aiken, SC.

https://www.visitaikensc.com/

Get a membership at Palmetto (I am), one of the oldest Golf courses in the country.

https://www.golfcourseranking.com/courses/South%20Carolina/Aiken/usa/Houndslake%20Country%20Club/14381/

My sister still lives there right down the street from the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame, 1/2 a mile from Palmetto.

Then, get a small place near Edisto Island or close environs...2 1/2 hour drive away.

Or get a small place in the Smokies, like Brevard, NC which is 3 hours away.

Easy.

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Here is what I would do: Find a really nice place in or around Aiken, SC.

https://www.visitaikensc.com/

Get a membership at Palmetto (I am), one of the oldest Golf courses in the country.

I met a guy playing golf in Kiawah three years ago who is from Aiken. We've since become friends. He belongs to Palmetto CC. He loves it there, but not for me due to lack of water. I want a place where I can walk (or golf cart) to water for fishing and paddle boarding. I don't care if its fresh or salt, as long as the fishing is good. Lot's of affordable options in hurricane zones.

Edisto has some great inshore fishing, and used to have dock access homes for cheap. Not anymore. Plus, insurance for storms is almost unobtainable, and certainly pushes the cost of ownership up significantly.

[Chocaholic]

Lots of lakes, golf and outdoor activities all around without the cost of the snooty clubs.

My backyard...monthly fee: $0

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by chocaholic

lots of lakes, golf and outdoor activities all around without the cost of the snooty clubs.

My backyard...monthly fee: $0

perfect!

[tevake]

Hey Craig, the more that you get to explore the south east part of the country the more you will realize just how much water there is. Rivers, year around streams, lakes big and small. Big contrast to the west and southwest.

This offers so many choices to check out. From exclusive upmarket places like the Renolds Plantation to much less developed areas along nice lakes or along rivers.
Some are communities of folks from all over the country, others mostly locals that may be a little slower to break into socially.

I'm looking forward to getting to know the mountain areas of eastern Tenn, western north and South Carolina better once Ive gotten better settled in here in the Fla Panhandle.
They seem like nice areas to spend the hot mid and late summer months, in cooler mountain areas.
Lots of exploring to be done.

Sweet looking spot you have there Chocaholic!

Cheers Richard

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by tevake

Hey Craig, the more that you get to explore the south east part of the country the more you will realize just how much water there is. Rivers, year around streams, lakes big and small. Big contrast to the west and southwest.

This offers so many choices to check out. From exclusive upmarket places like the Renolds Plantation to much less developed areas along nice lakes or along rivers.
Some are communities of folks from all over the country, others mostly locals that may be a little slower to break into socially.

I'm looking forward to getting to know the mountain areas of eastern Tenn, western north and South Carolina better once Ive gotten better settled in here in the Fla Panhandle.
They seem like nice areas to spend the hot mid and late summer months, in cooler mountain areas.
Lots of exploring to be done.

Sweet looking spot you have there Chocaholic!

Cheers Richard

Are you liking the Panhandle so far?

[VillaRicaGA911]

lake Sinclair is just down the road, much lower cost.. btw look up the as far as know still unsolved double homicide that happened a few years ago at Reynolds. Older husband and wife, I forget which ones head they found in bottom of lake Oconee. The others head never been found, not sure what bad stuff those folks were into but it caught up to them big time. Also just down the road is the town of Millidegville, very nice small town south. Also the place a few years back Big Ben (of the Steelers) put little Ben somewhere it shouldn’t have been....

[tdw28210]

If you want a lake in the mountains I'd look at Keowee just north of Clemson, SC. Stays a little cooler than Reynolds and you can see the mountains. Reynolds is nice, but it is hot. The Cliffs properties are pretty nice. No idea on club costs though. Here is a link:

https://cliffsliving.com/community/the-cliffs-at-keowee-springs/

[tevake]

Originally Posted by Craig T

Are you liking the Panhandle so far?

Yep, it's good. I grew up in the space coast area, so Fl is not new to me.
But this area offers more diversity. The coast like most of fl is very developed and bustling with tourist and resort activity, and offers many sorts of water sports and fishing opportunity, Both salt and fresh water. Some of it in season is pretty outstanding.

Where Im located about 15 miles inland from Panama City Beach is poised between two worlds, that of the modern fast paced world along the coast. And a very different one of old Florida little Townes, open forested country morphing into gentle rolling small hills with cotton and peanut farms just a bit to the north of me. The towns seem stopped in time somewhere in the 50s or so
With most of the folks having lived here all their lives, actually for generations. In some ways very friendly with southern hospitality and in other ways closed to strangers and protective of their lifestyles. That they feel is threatened by the growth from the coast spreading inland.

In most ways Im pretty stoked to be here. Will be more so once the hottest of summer weather is done. I actually prefer the humidity here over the dryness of Az and the desert SW. Except for when its very hot, then it's pretty muggy and hard to do much activity / Work with any comfort.

Having spent the last 4 years traveling all over the country looking around for a new place to settle. This area fits my situation pretty well. The cost of living and property being quite reasonable. Plus my brother is here and is teaming up with me on our place. It will be good to be near to each other as we slide into the years where health can become an issue, actually already is for my brother so it's good to be close by.

Sorry to ramble so, but there are so many factors that go into where is a fit. As we have seen on other recent retirement threads.

Yep I like it here.

Cheers Richard

PS, do have potential hurricane exposure here for sure.

[ben parrish]

I live very close to lake Chatuge in the mountains of North Ga; about 1.5 miles. We chose not to look on the lake because we wanted a little land. Chatuge is one of the most striking lakes with blue water surrounded by mountains. Hiawassee is a SMALL town but I love that. Quiet, no real crime and I have 10 acres of flat property. Unbelievable scenery and wonderful driving roads.
I am an ocean lover...lived in the Bahamas for a few years and sailed through the Caribbean I have lived in Colorado and traveled extensively throuought the US and must say that there are few places in the us that rival the beauty, climate and affordability of the southern Appalachian mountains. The corners of Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina offer so much. Lakes are everywhere, property is reasonable and stress is low. I would seriously look between Greenville, SC an Knoxville, TN...no further than Boone, Nc and no lower than Blueridge Ga. that is the sweet spot IMHO
I think you may struggle with the humidity and bugs of the coast of Carolina; I grew up down there and love the beauty and winters but the heat/ humidity and bugs are pretty intense. Even down around Lake Oconee is really hot and humid in the summer.

[Chocaholic]

I concur with Ben. What he describes is my go-to motorcycling destination usually starting in Clayton and heading into the mountains. Warwoman Road is my path of choice for returning home...I’m guessing Ben knows it well!

[ben parrish]

Very well. One of my favorite fly fishing areas is out Warwoman; left at the bridge that crosses over the Chattooga to the next bridge...serious serenity for me...not so much for the trout.

[KFC911]

Listen to Ben....take your time and find your paradise..a bit less $ than HH, etc. too .