Situated in Georgia’s rolling hills, Lula is known for its hometown feel and Southern attitude, with an old downtown area, woodlands, creeks, and serene pastureland. Those living in Lula GA experience a small-town charm, beautiful parks, and picturesque walking trails that give this thriving community a relaxed atmosphere residents love.
Lula was established as a railroad junction between Atlanta and Athens, completed in 1874, which is commemorated every year in May at the RailRoad Days festival. The town engineers named it after Lula Phinizy, whom they admired. Lula was incorporated as a town in 1905. The Old Cornelia Highway has played a significant role in Lula's development, with new residential subdivisions like the 98-home Rivermist subdivision emerging along this historic road.
The nearby cities of Gainesville and Cornelia provide lots of shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. Outdoor lovers can enjoy Belton Bridge Park and Boat Ramp, as well as Lake Lanier, hiking trails, and wildlife, all against a stunning mountain backdrop. For families, Lula has great schools and an array of recreational activities for adults and kids.
Lula is mostly in Hall County, but a small part on the east side of the city is in Banks County. Lula is about a 66-mile drive northeast of Atlanta and around 41 miles north of Athens.
The Lula area is experiencing significant growth with upcoming residential, industrial, and commercial developments, enhancing the region's economic and community prospects.
The Lula population is 2,880. Hispanics make up the largest ethnic group in Lula, 10% of the population, and the Hispanic Alliance of GA celebrates the Hispanic culture in Hall County every year in nearby Gainesville with Latino Fest. The festival features local Latino culture, art, music, and food. Local businesses are also showcased to the community. Proceeds from the event support scholarship funds for Latino youth. For those living in Lula, you can expect a diverse community welcoming of everyone!
Here's an overview of Lula's demographics:
Safety is of the highest importance to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, and they are committed to keeping the residents of Lula safe. The crime rate in Lula is 1,028 per 100,000 people, which is 56% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate in Lula is 50% lower at 367 crimes per 100,000 people. Lula is much safer when compared to nearby Atlanta crime.
Lula is an affordable city to live in. With aThe cost of living in Lula is that is 8% lower than the US average, Lula is an affordable city to live in.. For those who want to commute but save money, it’s much cheaper living in Lula GA, than the cost of living in Atlanta. Housing costs in Lula are very affordable at 17% lower than the US average. The median sale price of a home in Lula is $289,900. The median sale price per square foot in Lula is $199.
Even better, the housing costs have dropped 0.78% over the last year, making this a great time to buy one of the many current houses for sale in Lula GA. About 33% of the housing units in Lula are rentals. The average rent in Lula is $1,950, according to Zillow. This rent is about $200 less than the national average, making rents affordable in Lula. You can find apartments for rent and homes for rent in Lula GA on Rent Cafe.
Source: Numbeo, Gainesville, GA
Lula offers small neighborhoods that are safe and quiet. Cornelia Highway is a key route providing access to various neighborhoods and amenities in Lula, enhancing the convenience and appeal of living in the area. You’ll find well-established, newer, and new construction neighborhoods with a mix of architectural styles, including ranch and Craftsman. Here are some of the most popular neighborhoods in Lula:
An established neighborhood with quiet streets, cozy homes, and affordable prices. The variety of styles includes ranch and split levels. The community is close to schools, shopping, dining, and parks.
Rivermist is an affordable community offering an assortment of one and two-story home styles, with various sizes and prices to choose from. The lot sizes are modest, and the neighborhood has easy access to highways, parks, and other amenities.
This neighborhood consists of newer homes and townhomes built from 2021 to 2024. These larger homes on more expansive lots feature various styles, but most homes in the community are Craftsman style. Magnolia Station is conveniently located just east of Highway 52, with easy access to shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.
Lula has a humid subtropical climate, which translates to hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters. Those moving to Lula Georgia will experience the same climate as Atlanta. Summer temperatures regularly climb to over 90 degrees, and temperatures in the winter rarely fall below freezing. The high humidity during the summer months can make outdoor activities uncomfortable during the height of the day. Lula gets an average of 54 inches of rain per year, which is much higher than the US average of 38 inches.
Snow falls rarely in Lula and accumulates to only about 1 inch per year. On average, Lula gets 220 sunny days per year, higher than the US average of 205 sunny days. The best time of year to visit Lula is from early May to mid June and from mid August to early October to avoid the hot, humid summers and colder winters.
The area around Lula offers a number of fun and exciting activities for those of all ages. In addition, there is convenient shopping at Lula Mercantile, Lula Country Store, and Lakeshore Mall. Downtown Lula's Main Street is a hub of activity, featuring charming shops, local eateries, and community events that retain the town's small-town charm amidst ongoing developments. Here are some of the best things to do near Lula:
The Lula Bridge Wildlife Management Area is a 513-acre property offering lots of outdoor activities. Waterfowl and small game hunting are popular on-site. A boat ramp provides access to the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier for water activities. The area has hiking trails that are great for viewing wildlife. Fishing is allowed in the lake.
7000 Lula Road, Lula, GA 30554, (770) 535-5700
The Yonah Mountain Vineyards is a family-owned and operated, 200-acre winery tucked into the base of Yonah Mountain. The rolling hills and sandy soil make for a perfect combination for their handcrafted wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more. Plan a tour, wine tasting, wedding, or other event on-site.
1717 Hwy 255 S, Cleveland, GA 30528, (706) 878-5522
This six-generation family-run farm is known for its peaches and apples but has expanded to include strawberries, blackberries, Concord grapes, watermelon, squash, tomato, zucchini, pumpkins, and more. In the summer, you can pick your own peaches and strawberries on select days.
Jaemor Farms is conveniently located on Old Cornelia Highway, making it easily accessible for visitors looking to enjoy fresh produce and family-friendly activities.
5340 Cornelia Hwy, Alto, GA 30510, (770) 869-3999
Looking for more to do? There are 27 parks in Hall County, covering 2,133 acres, that offer a wide range of activities for all ages. The county park facilities include three community centers, two amphitheaters, three dog parks, an agricultural center, a campground, a disc golf course, a wildlife sanctuary, boat ramps, fishing piers, a soccer complex, walking trails, a splash pad, playgrounds, and more.
Lula and the surrounding area offer a variety of dining options, from tasty pizza to authentic ethnic restaurants to high-class steak houses. You’ll find something for every taste in Lula. Lula's dining scene is complemented by various resources that support local businesses, ensuring a thriving culinary community.
Enjoy delicious dishes at popular dining establishments such as:
Napoli’s is known for its Sicilian and New York-style pizzas, but the calzones, stromboli, and pasta are just as delicious. They also serve hot and tasty meatball parmigiana, chicken parmigiana, and cheese steak subs.
6018 Athens St, Lula, GA 30554, (770) 691-7075
Los Arcos serves up authentic Mexican cuisine in a cozy atmosphere with friendly service. Chips and salsa are complimentary. The extensive menu includes burritos, fajitas, crunchy and soft tacos, enchiladas, and more.
6031 Main St, Lula, GA 30554, (770) 691-7045
In nearby Cornelia, Community Brew & Tap is an award-winning classic steakhouse serving world-class steaks, seafood, cocktails, and a wide selection of wines imported from around the world. The restaurant is set in an elegant, prohibition-style atmosphere for an unforgettable dining experience.
125 N Main St, Cornelia, GA 30531, (706) 903-2080
Hall County provides job opportunities in fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Its proximity to downtown Atlanta and Athens offers additional employment opportunities. One of the major employers in Hall County is Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC). Employing over 9,000 people in Hall County, NGMC is part of North Georgia Health Systems, one of the fastest growing health systems in Georgia and the #1 hospital for overall hospital care in the state for surgical care, heart care, orthopedic surgery, women’s care, and more.
Other major employers in the county include the Hall County School System, Gold Creek Foods, and Kubota Manufacturing of America. If you’re looking for a job in Lula, check out Indeed and the City of Lula Career Opportunities.
Families in the Hall County part of Lula are zoned to the Hall County School District. Elementary students attend Lula Elementary School. Middle and high school students attend East Hall Middle and East Hall High in nearby Gainesville, GA. The district incorporates innovative educational choices for students and families, such as a dual language immersion charter school and over 30 highly personalized education pathways that include magnet schools and programs of choice.
Residents in the Banks County portion of Lula are in the Banks County School District. The district is made up of Banks County Primary, Banks County Elementary, Banks County Middle, and Banks County High. Banks County Schools is continually working to implement educational strategies to enhance student learning and achievement.
Private school options in Lula include Lakeview Academy, Genesis Academy, and White Creek Christian Academy.
For further education near Lula, students can attend Brenau University, the University of Georgia, Gainesville State College, and Lanier Technical College.
At any one of the Hall County Library’s five branches, you can check out books, magazines, digital media, music, and more.
It's clear that living in Lula GA comes with immense amenities that other towns in Northeast Georgia simply don't have. If you're planning on relocating to the city of Lula, you'll need help. Wirks Moving has the best Lula movers ready and willing to help you move. Contact us for a free quote at 404-635-6683.
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