AboutLeslie Johnston Expertise I was born and raised in Birmingham and I have traveled extensively throughout Alabama.
Experience MLIS degree from the University of Alabama.
B.A. in English Literature from Spring Hill College in Mobile.
Freelance writer since 1995.
Reference Librarian at Auburn Public Library.
Question We are looking for a good, clean lake in Alabama to buy a house on as a permanent resident. We really enjoy boating, and some fishing so preferably one that's large in size and has a good selection of nice house on it. I was raised on Logan Martin but not completely positive that's the lake i want to move back to or not. I haven't visited most of the lakes in bama. Just wanting your opinion on your favorite lake to live on permanently in Alabama. Thank You.
Answer Dear Justin,
Well, this is kind of a hard question to answer without more information and especially with lake levels being so low due to the drought.
I too spent many summers on Logan Martin. With the Honda plant in nearby Lincoln, that area is growing very fast.
I have spent some time on Lake Martin between Dadeville and Alexander City. It's got some very expensive homes and also more affordable ones.
I went to Smith Lake once, which is about an hour north of Birmingham.
I think Hunstville has some pretty lakes too if you like being up near the mountains. And then, there's always the Gulf Coast--the Fairhope/Daphne area if you want to be on Mobile Bay.
So, it really depends on what part of the state you want to live in, and your budget.
You might want to refer to the www.touralabama.org website and to my archive of questions about lakes that I've answered.
Personally, I think I had the most fun on Lake Martin, but that may be because I was staying in a killer house :) There's also a nice restaurant on the water near Dadeville, and Alexander City is about halfway between Birmingham and Auburn.
Also, if you can give me more details of what you're looking for, I can find out more information.
Thanks for writing and don't hesitate to ask another question.
