A Georgia community along Lake Hartwell
Lavonia is a rural city on the edge of the Georgia-South Carolina border. Lake Hartwell, an artificial reservoir, reaches almost 50 miles along the state line. "Lavonia is a really good location with a lot of amenities. The lake is going to be your biggest draw. But it's close to Greenville and Atlanta," says Laury Gardner, the broker and founder of Living Down South Realty. Lavonia was incorporated in 1880 after the railroad extension in Southeast Georgia. The city earned its name from Lavonia Jones, the wife of a railyard official. "It really embodies a small town feel that a lot of people are leaving the city for. It's still an active, vibrant area with things to do, even though it's not a big city," Gardner says. The area also includes the unincorporated community of Gumlog to the north.
Outdoor retreats in the Appalachian foothills
Franklin County is settled on the gentle slopes of the Appalachian foothills. "We have hikers and boaters. You can get to the mountains quickly, and you can get to the beach," Gardner says. Tugaloo State Park offers direct access to Lake Hartwell for fishing and boating. The sandy beachfront is a popular spot for swimming and lakeside picnics. The wooded section of the state park is full of walnut, oak and cherry trees. The unspoiled landscape also contains camping sites and hiking trails. Lavonia City Park was renovated in 2023 to include a splash pad and updated playground equipment. Poplar Springs Recreation Area has a courtesy dock and boat ramp farther north. Harbor Light Marina provides boat rentals and storage. Lavonia Motor Speedway hosts events on a dirt clay track between March and September.
Businesses on the lake, downtown and off S.R. 17
Locals enjoy dining near Lake Hartwell for waterfront views. "Harbor Lights Marina has a restaurant called Tilly's Tiki Bar and Grill. It's right on the lake. People can go by boat or land," Gardner says. Off the Interstate, along State Route 17, are LongHorn Steakhouse, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and other national chains. Lavonia Antique Market and Dill's Food City grocery store are also off the state road. "The downtown area has a lot to offer," Gardner says. "There's restaurants and a brewery. It's such a cute town." Locals can walk down a few restricted blocks in the Entertainment District with open drink containers. The Downtown Development Association is inside the historic Lavonia Depot building. The association hosts events throughout the year, including the summer series Music on Main, Hippie Fest and the Christmas Tree Lighting and Night Market.
Housing styles and market trends in Lavonia
Lavonia has a mix of housing styles from the 1930s to new constructions. The most common are ranch styles, New Traditional homes and cabins. According to Gardner, Lavonia homes sell slightly faster than in Hartwell and Toccoa. The area has a median single-family sale price of around $360,000. "The lake properties [to the north] will greatly impact the median home price in Lavonia," Gardner says. Waterfront properties can range between $525,000 to over $1 million. Gardner says there's an influx of people from Charlotte, Atlanta and Greenville during the holidays and summertime. "Some buyers purchase vacation homes and others will rent. Short-term rentals are not allowed in some Lavonia communities," Gardner says. The region is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, which may cause wind damage and flooding.
Learning with Franklin County Schools
Lavonia Elementary sits inside the community and has a B grade on Niche. The district offers one middle and high school. Franklin County Middle has a B-minus. Franklin County High receives a B-plus. The area is also home to the faith-based boarding school, Shepard's Hill Academy. High school seniors might enroll in one of the colleges located within an hour of Lavonia. "It's centered between Clemson University and the University of Georgia. So, if you're an empty nester, it's a great place to be if your kids go to those schools," Gardner says.
Local industries and travel routes
"We have two hospitals, so many people work in the medical industry. We have the major St. Mary's Hospital system and big industrial plants here," Gardner says. S.R. 17 reaches across Lavonia; the route leads to Toccoa, around 15 miles away. Interstate 85 connects major cities. Greenville is about 50 miles away, and Atlanta is around 100 miles.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
