Buyers looking for a home on a lake near Atlanta usually head north to Lake Lanier or Lake Allatoona. Until recently, Lake Jackson, an affordable and closer alternative for those living south of town, was rarely considered. Why? Most people didn't know it was there.

"I lived in north Fulton for 15 years and never even heard of Lake Jackson," said Susan DeBoldt. "When I discovered how close it was to Atlanta, I couldn't believe it. I've lived on the lake for two years now -- and love it!"

Created by Georgia Power Co. in 1910, Lake Jackson -- about an hour south of Atlanta -- is one of the oldest man-made reservoirs in Georgia. Waters from the South, Yellow and Alcovy rivers and Tussahaw Creek feed the 4,750-acre lake with 135 miles of shoreline in Butts, Jasper and Newton counties. There are several marinas and public ramps, but because of the lake's size, only recreational, fishing and pontoon boats are allowed.

The hottest-selling homes cost $150,000 to $250,000, said Carolyn Perry, a Re/Max Advantage agent.

Perry can remember when people bought or leased lake lots and put up a fishing shack or trailer as a vacation home. Some bought second homes in the community of Turtle Cove, which offers lake access, a nine-hole golf course, pool, clubhouse and tennis courts.

Joyce McDonald of Joyce McDonald Realty in Monticello said the population of part timers is gradually turning to full-time retirees or residents commuting to Atlanta, Macon or Athens.

"The price of waterfront property has doubled in the last three to four years," she said. "Ten years ago, you could buy a waterfront lot for $10,000; now it's $150,000."

Lake homes sit on deeded or Georgia Power Co. and privately owned leased lots. Georgia Power leases run for 15 years and are renewable, with the lease and taxes totaling about $2,000 a year.

"There's not much undeveloped land available, but more people are buying up the smaller, older places to tear them down and build larger homes on the lake," said Bill Beck, treasurer of the 565-family Jackson Lake Homeowners Association. Old fishing shacks are being replaced with lake houses costing up to the $800,000s.