| Name: |
JCat
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/29/2013 10:50:40 AM
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I'm not retired yet, but I am wondering about the wisdom of purchasing a home on Lake Martin with the intentions of retiring there one day.
What are the benefits and drawbacks ?
Anyone care to comment ?
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| Name: |
John C
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/29/2013 11:59:46 AM
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when I help people buy homes or lots around Lake Martin for retirement, I usually ask them what kind of activities they see themselves doing, and what they would want in terms of amenities in a neighborhood. Really, to me, you need to answer the question of:
Around what city will we base our lives?
You might find the below link helpful. I wrote this on my blog last year, it's a video of some recent buyers talking about that decision. I always like to get "real people" talking about their experiences. I think it's helpful to others.
I also run down the basics about the towns around the lake in the post.
If you have any specific questions, I would love to help.
URL: Retiring To Lake Martin
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| Name: |
MartiniMan
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/29/2013 12:01:16 PM
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That would be my plan if my wife wasn't so danged ADHD and always needs to be doing something. Either way I plan to spend a LOT of time after I stop working at Lake Martin while keeping a place in Atlanta until I can convince her otherwise.
If you are determined to retire on a lake and can afford it, now is a great time to buy on Lake Martin. If you have to borrow you can lock in very low mortgage rates and I would go with a fixed rate for sure. Only buy the house you can afford right now. You should also consider what kind of water you want. If you like deep water you will pay more and in most cases will be subjected to more boat traffic. If you like it nice and quiet then go for a house up a slough that may not have water in the winter or during droughts. Always a trade off when it comes to this decision.
Also, recognize that you are not buying a condo in some retirement community filled with a bunch of other seasoned citizens. You are buying a house on a lake that will be used by folks of all ages, including stupid teens playing music too loud, kids on jet skis acting crazy, boats going fast and making a lot of noise, boats going slow and making big waves and so on. Summers will be hectic and fall, winter and spring will be heavenly. But if these things aggravate you I would not buy a house on a lake. It will just make you miserable.
Remember to factor in the cost and hassles of the toys. If you have children/grandchildren they will be drawn to a lake house like mosquitoes to one of those bug lights. They will want to be entertained and that entertainment usually involves burning gas and making Cat wealthy repairing all the toys. Fun, but not cheap.
Tons of other issues/options/considerations but those are primary to my thought process.
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| Name: |
Jester
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/29/2013 12:37:24 PM
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We spend about half of our time at the lake and are trying to decide if we want to move there permanently.
At my retired age I am concerned about quick accessability to medical care. There is a good paramedical unit in our area and they have assured me of quick transport if needed but a trip to Opelika or Alex City is still 30 minutes away.There are some great people around here and it is as private as you want it to be (except for the idiots on the high wave producing water craft). There is nothing so peaceful as looking at beautiful Lake Martin in the morning.
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| Name: |
CAT BOAT
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| Subject: |
MM?
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Date:
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7/29/2013 3:14:05 PM
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How the heck did you drag me into this??????
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| Name: |
Little Talisi
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| Subject: |
MM? I must be crazy, but..............
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Date:
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7/29/2013 3:41:28 PM
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Read carefully what others have posted. Look at the threads about waves, noise, and the rest of the negatives and then consider the following. Most of the negative occurs during June and July. Yes, there will be some on other weekends but during the week and actually starting about mid afternoon on Sundays it is very quite. Listen to what the realtors have to say, in particular John C. Meet and talk to others that have retired here about your concerns and the solutions that are available. If you have questions that you don't want to post on the forum email me or one of the other posters. Disclaimer: I have been bribed not to mention **T.
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| Name: |
CAT BOAT
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| Subject: |
Look Lil' Talisi.....
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Date:
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7/29/2013 3:52:24 PM
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I am fully aware of what will happen if I don't make your boat run properly. I got this. Dont make me stop cooking for you so that you can't take it to Johns and claim it for your own during yalls private meetings.
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| Name: |
MartiniMan
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| Subject: |
MM?
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Date:
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7/29/2013 3:59:16 PM
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Gosh, I thought I was providing free advertising for your excellent boat repair services.....oh wait a second, maybe it was the "boats that go fast and make a lot noise" that you are objecting to.......methinks thou doth protest too much! :-)
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| Name: |
MartiniMan
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| Subject: |
Speaking of which.....
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Date:
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7/29/2013 4:58:43 PM
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is my Yamaha repaired and ready to be picked up? I am coming in Thursday night after hours but can get it on Friday morning......I'll miss not being the redneck with the missing front bumper but I'm sure the girls will appreciate it!
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| Name: |
Summer Lover
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| Subject: |
You mean
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Date:
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7/29/2013 5:08:28 PM
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CAT installs bumpers on boats???? I figured that he would service them, but...
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| Name: |
MartiniMan
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| Subject: |
LOL...I'll let Cat answer that one
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Date:
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7/29/2013 5:21:36 PM
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| Name: |
bama dave
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| Subject: |
Logan Martin
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Date:
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7/29/2013 5:44:53 PM
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Look at Logan Martin Lake before you decide. No restrictions on boat size, less bitching about the boaters, etc.
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| Name: |
CAT BOAT
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| Subject: |
LOL...I'll let Cat answer that one
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Date:
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7/29/2013 5:50:49 PM
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Nope. Would NOT touch that with an 8" pole.
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| Name: |
abc
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/30/2013 8:30:34 AM
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We haved been on the lake for four years and couldnt be happier. Yes you have to factor in time for grocery shopping, doctors visits etc....but you have the time now! We love our highly regarded family physician, Karen Mockler (who doesnt?). Auburn and Opelika are close by, less than an hour away. Montgomery about an hour. Actually Lake Martin is close to eveything!
Waking to the roaring sounds of the cardinals and hummingbirds, watching the bluebirds raise their babies, keeping watch for armadillos, visiting with our neighbors til darkness calls....these are memories forever. Grandkids beg to come and see ya!
If you are addicted to Macys and Trader Joes and finest restaurants down thestreet, then go somewhere like Atlanta. If you love the sounds of sirns and police helicopters, ditto. Dont move before you come and stay at least a month. We like the lake life and stay waaay too busy to complain.
Good luck with your decision.
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| Name: |
lakngulf
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/30/2013 9:21:05 AM
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^^^^ ditto ^^^^^ Except that I retired here before I actually retired
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| Name: |
JCat
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/30/2013 9:27:30 AM
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Thanks for all the responses.
Are the "clowns" on the lake really that irritating ?
(I currently live in metropolitan Atlanta. There are all kinds of clowns and "irritations".)
We have visited Lake Martin many times over the last few years. Recently we stayed at the Creekside Lodge and ate at Nicks on their last night. We had a very nice time.
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| Name: |
Summer Lover
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/30/2013 9:33:39 AM
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Irritating - yes. Enough to pass on Martin - not a chance. Most weekdays you will see very little clowning around, and most of the year there is not that much activity. Evening cruises are the best, come on down and jump in.
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| Name: |
MartiniMan
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/30/2013 9:48:13 AM
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Don't worry about the annoyances on the lake. There are a few posters here that regularly complain about the waves, the noise, jet skis, teenagers, etc. It does happen but it is mostly relegated to weekends during the summer and the vast majority of the time it is wonderful.
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| Name: |
John C
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| Subject: |
Lake Martin is 30% developed
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Date:
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7/30/2013 10:03:31 AM
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According to estimates by the power company and local chambers, etc., Lake Martin's shoreline is only 30% developed. So that leaves 539 open miles of shoreline, so even on so called "busy" days, Lake Martin is no where near the congestion of other lakes. That's why everyone loves it.
I am regularly in my boat during the week in the summer. I might drive from, say, Anchor Bay Marina all the way to the River Bridge and see 4 other boats. That's pretty typical. After Labor Day or before Memorial Day, knock that number down to 2.
For a real perspective on boat traffic, talk to someone like Jackson Dozier, who is the TowBoat US Lake Martin representative. He is on the water more days than anyone on this forum, with the possible exception of the Marine Police.
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| Name: |
JCat
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/30/2013 10:20:29 AM
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One thing that concerns me . . . .
I have been cruising the entire lake shoreline (from Alexander City all the way to Blue Creek) and have noticed what appears to be many ignored/not used/not maintained/empty homes. Many have been on the market for a long time. Also, (to me) the lake and businesses appear to be "not busy". Although that might be a good thing, I wonder what the reasons are.
I know there is probably no MAIN reason, but I can't help but wonder why. Is Lake Martin property a good investment ?, is the area declining in popularity ?, do people get bored eventually ?. . . . are my observations false ?, etc . . . . Perhaps certain areas of the Lake are more desirable than others ?
I realize people are different and their are many reasons why people do what they do. I am just looking at the overall TREND.
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| Name: |
roswellric
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/30/2013 10:28:54 AM
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I don't think the "clowns" are an issue at all. They are everywhere. What you have to understand is if you are coming from Atlanta as a weekender your experience will be totally different from being a resident here. I would make a list of the things you like about where you live now and then compare then to a similar list of where you want to live on the lake. Then take a hard look to see if the tradeoffs make sense to you and your family.
Here's a couple of things to consider:
1. Location: This is trickier than usual here. If you really like the Fellini's pizza and Publix grocery store 5 minutes from your house you definitely won't get that here. You might choose the east side of the lake because its more convenient to Auburn, Atlanta and family but do you like that part of the lake and everything that comes with the area?
2. Neighborhood: I think one of the most important things is the composition of folks in the development you live in. You have to live and interact with your neighbors everyday. Your circle of friends will usually start either here on the streets or maybe in a nearby church you attend. Don't go where you don't think you'll get along with the folks. You'll have to live with them everyday. Living in a neighborhood is a whole lot different than showing up for weekend fun.
3. Personal interests: What are you personal hobbies and recreational preferences? Can they be continued in your choice of neighborhood? Are they available in your area?
4. Medical Concerns: If you have requirements for special medical problems the list of specialists are by nature limited in a smaller population and you may not get the skills you find on "Pill Hill". Check out the local docs.
5. Government and leadership: This is often ignored but do you have competent law enforcement? Municipal services? Well run local governments are important and will affect your daily life and maybe your security.
6. Family: When you first buy a lake home friends and family will be as excited as your are about the prospects of enjoying the lake. But it's a 5 hour round tripper to Atlanta and visits will thin out as the newness wears off. So have reasonable expectations.
7. Talk with transplants: They are one of your best sources for information as to how it will affect your life. Locals are knowledgeable about what's here and how they use it but transplants see the move through a different lens.
Good Luck! Lake Martin is a beautiful place to live!
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| Name: |
roswellric
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/30/2013 10:46:14 AM
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The biggest trend drivers in demand for property here is 1. Atlanta 2. Birmingham 3. Montgomery. Atlanta's lakes are over crowded and over populated. I-85 south is one of the few navigable freeways left. It is the most important growth corridor to the south. LM is the preferred lake for the "Ham" since unlike Atlanta it's a south-north oriented town and 280 runs straight here as well as tradition. Montgomery unlike Atlanta is just the government center and you do get lots of Air force related retirees. Generally the demographics are lower income than the financial centers like Atlanta & Birmingham.
Sales are up and John Coley can give you all the stats or see "lakemartinvoice.com" (Hope I got that right John). The market is much better in the last 24 months. The national economy is the biggest problem. Hard to say if buyer prices are good since the market was way overheated with easy bank money in the bubble.
The area has a problem with job growth and Russell Mills is just a tick of the clock away from being completely out of here. Industrial development leadership is schizophrenic at best and there appears to be no unified voice that represents the Lake Martin area in its entirety. That in my opinion is the biggest challenge the area faces....leadership beyond the old petty differences that go way back between some of the communities. But I think the asset of the lake and demographics will overcome most all of this over time..
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| Name: |
Samdog
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/30/2013 11:02:48 AM
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If you are looking to buy as an investment now may be a good time but who really knows. You say there are alot of not occupied homes. That is because many are owned by weekenders who don't come every week. It is only really busy from Memorial day til about a week after the 4th. Rest of the time it's very peaceful. But unlike many others here I enjoy watching all the activity for the few months knowing they will be gone soon. Rent a place for a month. You'll be hooked.
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| Name: |
Mack
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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7/30/2013 4:33:42 PM
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If you did not continue your cruise beyond Blue Creek, then you have missed the majority of the Lake Martin shoreline and properties.
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| Name: |
roswellric
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LOL...I'll let Cat answer that one
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Date:
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7/30/2013 4:43:35 PM
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You will NOT believe this but I have a new neighbor with a great boat and guess what....the bumpers....are out. Dare I say anything?
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| Name: |
Summer Lover
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| Subject: |
Say anything?
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Date:
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7/30/2013 4:48:20 PM
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A picture is worth a thousand words...
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| Name: |
Mack
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| Subject: |
Another Good Reason??
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Date:
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7/30/2013 5:56:27 PM
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Early mornings on your front porch,,, in your rocker,,, feet on the rail,,,, cup of coffee in hand,,,
Not bad at all.
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| Name: |
spyke420
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| Subject: |
Another Good Reason??
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Date:
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7/30/2013 10:47:18 PM
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Nice picture! But I belive I hear one of those Loud FAST boats coming down the lake!
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I do early mornings in bed, but I'm all in for sunsets and late evenings.....I saw the sun rise for the first time in a long time last Saturday (was working) and I'm still trying to recover.
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| Name: |
roswellric
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| Subject: |
Another Good Reason??
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Date:
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8/1/2013 11:23:42 AM
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When you see that rationale and research go in the lake :-)
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| Name: |
willallie
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| Subject: |
Retire on Lake Martin ??
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Date:
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8/3/2013 9:43:00 PM
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Family has had house on lake 40+ years. Moved here full-time 12 years ago from Birmingham. Miss the grocery stores in city.
I love living here but will say..and I am sure there will be many people who don't agree with me, I love the lake and would not live anywhere else. Right now my husband and I are trying to figure out when we are old...do we want to live to live at the lake or the farm! I vote the lake and he says the farm!
Depending on where you live, the lake can be very very lonely in the winter.
I agree with person who said you think the kids will be there all summer....maybe for a year or two and then it drops off. My child and my grandchildren, who live in Atlanta, come once in the summer.... Baseball, kid activities,etc.
I just read what I posted and I sound very negative! I am not! I love living on the lake and when I take the time to look at my view, I am happy!
Just know the pros and cons!
I have a neighbor behind me who comes down for the summer but would never live here in the winter.
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