Lake Lanier in Gainesville GA

Why Gainesville is Your Hub for Discovery

Gainesville GA downtown
Photo courtesy of Explore Gainesville

Gainesville is a vibrant city known for its charming culture and rich natural landscapes. With dozens of shopping, dining and entertainment options downtown and tranquil outdoor recreation aplenty, this city is a popular destination for settling in metro Atlanta.

The Artisan Built Communities team compiled a list of the top reasons to call this historic city home:

Eat Local

Residents enjoy proximity to dozens of local restaurants with small-town flair. From the eclectic options in the downtown area to premier dining on the edge of Lake Lanier, Gainesville has exciting opportunities tailored to your taste buds and interests.

Atlanta Highway Seafood - Located on Atlanta Highway at Hazel Street, this spot offers an authentic American taste with delicious options like po-boys, gumbo, sandwiches and wraps. Other popular choices on the menu include homemade eggs rolls and refreshing key lime pie.

Atlas Pizza - Serving a mix of Italian favorites and hearty pizza portions, this is a great spot for a midday lunch or casual dinner out with family and friends.

Luna's Restaurant - Spend an evening downtown and enjoy casual fine dining at this Gainesville restaurant. Popular items on the menu include prime steaks, New Zealand lamb, locally caught seafood and homemade soups. Reservations are encouraged.

Collegiate Grill - This local spot brings the diner experience to Gainesville residents. Located right on the downtown square, diners enjoy a blast-from-the-past with self-serve fountain drinks, generous portions and traditional diner treats like milkshakes, burgers and hot dogs.

The Collegiate Grill in Gainesville GA
Photo courtesy of The Collegiate Grill

Avocados - Located on Bradford Street, locals rave about Avocado's breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Breakfast items include gourmet omelets, pancakes, French toast, breakfast quesadillas and more! Lunch and dinner are complete with American dishes, salads, sandwiches and specialty options like cranberry coconut chicken and salmon beurre noir.

Fish Tales at Hideaway Bay Marina - Enjoy lakeside dining at this local favorite, located on the edge of Lake Lanier. The restaurant is known for its quality service and fresh dishes such as fish tacos, fried grouper and its own "Fish Tales" fried grouper fingers.

Shopping Galore

Downtown Gainesville is a treasure trove of artisan goods, clothing, wellness items and more.

Main Street Market is a one-stop shop for used books, fine art prints, kitchen items and so much more! The market houses multiple small businesses including Sweet Magnolias, Cork It, Gallery on the Square and Next Chapter Bookstore.

Other downtown shopping can be found at Garment + Grace Boutique, Image Boutique, The Iron Rose and Gypsy Threads.

Explore Rich Culture and History

Gainesville is home to an array of museums, parks and other attractions that will fill your weekend with adventure! The well-known Atlanta Botanical Gardens - Gainesville is visually stunning and inspired by the larger gardens in Atlanta. Showcasing seven acres of gardens, dozens of woodland trails and a 2,000-seat amphitheater, this is a destination for visitors of all ages. Families with children should check out Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, a children's museum full of whimsical displays and educational opportunities.

The city's unique history can be explored at the Northeast Georgia History Center. Wander through the detailed exhibits and make sure to visit the functional blacksmith shop for daily demonstrations.

Outdoor Adventures Await

Seeking outdoor recreation opportunities? Don Carter State Park is nearby, full of tranquil walking trails, kayaking and boating on Lake Lanier, and areas to picnic and gather with friends and family.

Gainesville is nestled alongside the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, putting residents close to miles of recreational trails and natural streams and rivers.

The city also has many local parks with well-maintained sports amenities, picnic areas and refreshing waterways, including Cool Springs Park, Laurel Park, North Hall Community Center and Park, Linwood Nature Preserve and the Highlands to Islands trail system. The Rock Creek Greenway and Gainesville Marina are great opportunities to experience Gainesville's natural landscape on land and lake.

At the Manor, residents will have access to The Coop, or more officially the J. Melvin Cooper Youth Athletic Complex, complete with baseball and softball fields, a multipurpose field for football and soccer, a playground, batting cages and a walking trail.

Within the community, homeowners will have access to an incredible array of amenities, including a state-of-the-art clubhouse and swim center with lap pool and children's play area. Other amenities under construction include a tennis center, pickleball courts, disc golf course, pocket parks, dog park, trail system and a great lawn with a pavilion for hosting community events.

Just a Short Drive from Atlanta

Situated northeast of Atlanta, Gainesville is a hub for residents looking to escape the bustle of the city while maintaining comfortable proximity. With Atlanta just one hour away, the metropolitan culture and professional opportunities are within reach. Gainesville Township is located just minutes from I-985m U.S. 129 and Athens Highway, making commuting throughout the region a breeze.

The Manor at Gainesville Township

Move to the quiet atmosphere of northeast Georgia without sacrificing affordability! The Manor at Gainesville Township presents homes that start in the $400,000s, offering large, luxury residences with modest price tags. Homes feature three to five bedrooms, up to four baths and spacious two-car garages with the option to upgrade to accommodate three cars. Inside, open interiors, luxury kitchen details and large gathering spaces await! Outdoor living spaces such as covered front and back patios are also available in select homes.

Find your perfect fit at The Manor at Gainesville Township by visiting the onsite sales center, located at 2480 Old Cornelia Highway in Gainesville. The sales center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 6 p.m. A model home is now under construction and scheduled to be open before the end of the year - stay tuned for more information! For additional information, reach out to the sales team at gainesvilletownship@discoverartisan.com or call 678-515-9526.

Certifications & Affiliations

the Equal Housing Opportunity logo
the Certified Professional Home Builder of Georgia logo