In 2005, land speculators paid less than $50,000 per acre for the spectacular views characteristic of Lake Russell.  Last year, they resold those same acres for an average of $110,000.  This year, the average list price is $125,000 - with some lots priced in the $150's and higher.

So, if you are in the market (and you need to be!) it's time to ask yourself: what is it about Lake Russell that's got the money churning?

In my professional opinion, it is the option offered by Lake Hartwell vs Lake Russell which first created the fight for Russell land.  See, Lakes Hartwell and Russell are the same body of water, except Lake Russell is below the Hartwell Dam.  But, the Corps of Engineers has created a nature lover's paradise on Lake Russell unlike any other by setting regulations to keep Lake Russell ecologically pure:

• They have established untouchable buffers from the shore line to assure the continued growth of varied multitudes of fish, birds, and wildlife.
• They monitor the lake levels, and by regulation will not let the level vary more than 2 feet from full pool.
• And, they have forbidden docks except for a few marinas within Richard B. Russell State Park.

Since I sell developmental land and raw lake front lots on both Lake Hartwell and Lake Russell, I've heard the pro's and con's of all of their efforts above.  Those who favor Lake Hartwell obviously prefer to have mown grass all the way to the shore line, with gravel walk-ways, and 2 story docks with lifts for the ski-boats and jet-skis (And, I have that to sell on Lake Hartwell - just ask me!).  To these clients, the Corps of Engineers is wasting space with all of the covenants they have set on Lake Russell.  However, those who favor the amenities of Lake Russell have an entirely different set of preferences.

By-and-large, Lake Russell owners prefer to have large, private parcels.  They enjoy fishing, hiking, hunting, canoeing, bird watching, and camping.  They love the fact that they can have a 2 acre lot, with pristine views of the same lake, for 1/3rd of the price.  The Lake Russelletts prefer log cabins surrounded by hardwoods to elegant and richly designed lake homes with manicured lawns.  I bet most even prefer beer over wine - and not lite beer either, but the good, full calorie stuff!

But, that competition between the conservation minded lake visitors is not the only thing which has made Russell equal in popularity to Hartwell over the past couple of years.  Due to its non-dockability, the pricing of Lake Russell development land is far below that of Lake Hartwell's.  Thus, develoeprs realized they were able to buy enough land for full-scale developments on Lake Russell.  Groups such as the Savannah River Club and Calhoun Falls have taken full advantage of the larger parcels of land to create large resort-style communities with amenities and maintenance packages.

This was the final piece in making Lake Russell a serious contender.  Suddenly, Lake Russell wasn't just for we tree-huggers anymore, it also began to offer life-style choices for active adults and upscale retirees; allowing them all of the benefits we already saw in Lake Russell along with gated entrances, swimming pools, clubhouses, fine dining, walking paths, equestrian centers, golf courses, and even heliopads.

Considering its capacity to serve an array of people in the same small area, it is easy to see how Lake Russell has evolved into one of the hottest investment tickets going.  Considering the vast beauty of its shores, its ecological diversity, and its reasonable prices; it is easy to see how Lake Russell has evolved into one of the best lakes around for a nature lover's second home.  Considering the worry-free amenity packages offered by its newest developers, it is easy to see how Lake Russell has evolved into a preferred retirement area.  And - considering all of the above, how can you justify not yet having invested in property on Lake Russell?

I have some of the best lots and developmental pieces available on Lake Russell.  call me today, because trends indicate these prices are only going to rise from here on out!  Let's work together to find that investment property, nature-lover's log cabin, or elegant home that best suits your needs before the prices are out of range.  I work at All Hart Realty in Hartwell, Georgia, and it is my joyful task to find you the perfect setting for all your heart desires.