The post Harbor Pointe Price Drop | $559,900 Lake Martin Condo appeared first on Lake Martin Voice - Lake Martin Real Estate - Waterfront Homes, Lots, Property For Sale.

The post Nolabama Bistro Is Back Open appeared first on Lake Martin Voice - Lake Martin Real Estate - Waterfront Homes, Lots, Property For Sale.

Get Ready for RXR Fest 2026 — Your Lake Martin Memorial Day Music Destination!

If you’re like us here at Lake Martin Voice Realty, you know that summer on the lake isn’t officially underway until the first notes of live music fill the warm Alabama air. That’s why we’re excited for one of the best Lake Martin season kick-off events happening soon in 2026, the RXR Fest!

Mark your calendars for May 22, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Russell Crossroads. The RXR Fest 2026 is a free, family-friendly live music event. It is back and ready to set the tone for a summer of unforgettable evenings on the lake.

Event Details

RXR Fest brings together great tunes, good company, as well as that one-of-a-kind Lake Martin vibe we all love. Held on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads, this two-night celebration of live music is perfect whether you’re sipping a cool drink on the lawn, dancing with friends and family, or just soaking up the relaxed lake lifestyle with neighbors and visitors alike.

Past years have seen a mix of fantastic regional and local talent — from beloved cover bands to dynamic acts blending rock, Americana, as well as blues, and more. So, you can expect the same high-energy, feel-good performances that make RXR Fest a Memorial Day Weekend staple.

This year’s lineup is a good one! First taking the stage on Friday is Josiah Rodda Band followed by Wax Monkey at 8 PM. On Saturday, Russell Craig will play at 6:30 PM, and Erin Mitchell Band will close out the festival.

Bring Your Own Lawn Chair

One of the best parts about RXR Fest? It’s totally free. Bring your lawn chair, picnic blanket, a cooler of your favorite treats, and settle in for a laid-back evening of music. Whether you’re a longtime local or making your first trip to Lake Martin, this event is a perfect way to kick off the season with friends and family.

More Fun Around the Lake

While you’re here for RXR Fest, take advantage of everything else Lake Martin has to offer. Make sure to explore waterfront dining and local favorites. At Russell Crossroads, you can enjoy great food and drinks at Fanny’s or grab a pastry and coffee inside Catherine’s Market. You can also hit the water for a day of boating or swimming or browse shops around Lake Martin.

Lake Martin truly comes alive this time of year. RXR Fest is one of the best ways to celebrate being home on the lake. Or, you could fall in love with this place as your next home.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Lake Martin Real Estate

If you’re thinking about making Lake Martin your forever getaway spot, then reach out to me! I’m John Coley with Lake Martin Voice Realty, and I’ve been a realtor on the lake for 20 years now. I’d love to help you find the perfect home near all your favorite summer spots.

To reach me, give me a call at the number on the top of this page, shoot me an email, or use my Contact Page. I look forward to hearing from you!

Interested in learning more about Russell Crossroads? Then, visit the links to the blogs listed below:

Fanny’s Near Lake Martin

Lots to Do at Russell Crossroads at Lake Martin

The post RXR Fest 2026 appeared first on Lake Martin Voice - Lake Martin Real Estate - Waterfront Homes, Lots, Property For Sale.

Mother’s Day at The Social

Looking for something fun to do this weekend for Mother’s Day? With a full weekend of fun live music events, The Social at Lake Martin is a great spot to celebrate Mother’s Day with the moms in your life.

Weekend Full of Fun

Starting on Friday, May 8th, they will have live music featuring Smith & Buck from 6 PM to 9 PM. On Saturday, Suzanne & Dan Adams will take the stage at 6 PM. So, there is definitely a great lineup of music to check out this weekend at The Social.

To finish off the weekend and to help celebrate, they will have their Beignet Bar for Mom all day Sunday. This will be a great way to celebrate and treat all the moms in your life to something sweet. If you’re on Lake Martin this weekend, definitely go by there for some fun and great food and drinks.

The Social

This is a great spot on the lake that has a variety of food items and drinks. It’s located at the old Castaway Island location, aka Anchor Bay Marina, in Eclectic, Alabama. They’ve recently rebranded to The Social Lakeside Cantina, so they still have a lot of the same great menu items but have added some new offerings as well.

Right now their hours are Thursday 3 PM – 8 PM, Friday 3 PM – 10 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 10 PM, and Sunday 10 AM – 8 PM. Make sure to download my free Lake Martin Voice app to stay up to date on hours and new menus. Also, check out their Facebook Page for more information.

Real Estate on Lake Martin 

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate on the lake, then I would love to help you out. I’m John Coley with Lake Martin Voice Realty, and I’d love to help answer any questions you might have about living on the lake. Please give me a call at the number on the top of this page, reach me through my Contact Page, or send me an email.

I have some great listings right now if you’re interested in purchasing real estate. CLICK HERE to view my current listings. Also, make sure to check out my YouTube channel called Lake Martin Voice to learn more about lake life. I look forward to hearing from you!

Want to read more blogs about restaurants near the lake? Then, visit the links listed below:

Chuck’s Reopening on Lake Martin

Restaurants on Lake Martin with Stunning Views

The Landing Restaurants Now Open

The post Mother’s Day at The Social appeared first on Lake Martin Voice - Lake Martin Real Estate - Waterfront Homes, Lots, Property For Sale.

2025 Lake Martin Market Report

Lake Martin Had a Record Year last year. In this 2025 Lake Martin Market Report, I will tell you what that really means. I’m going to go over everything — home sales, number of homes sold, lot sales, pricing trends, condo sales. We’re just going to hit it all.

The Big Picture: How Many Homes Sold

Last year, Lake Martin had two of the biggest sales ever seen on the lake. The top sale was $8.5 million and the number two sale was $7.7 million.

Now, let’s look at the big picture. How many waterfront homes were sold on the entire lake in 2025? 277 waterfront homes sold across 880 miles of shoreline, three counties, and about 400 real estate agents, and that number is up about 6% from 2024.

I always like to zoom out and remind ourselves how we got here. In 2020, like in any market in America, it was the absolute nutty peak, with 480 homes sold. Then things cooled off in the following years. Now, in 2025, we’ve climbed back to 277, which puts us roughly back around 2018 levels.

So yes, we beat last year, but we’re still below our 5-year average and even our 4-year average if you remove the COVID spike. When people ask me how the market is doing, one of the biggest metrics for me is whether we are beating last year or not, and in 2025, we did.

Inventory and Days on Market

Inventory in 2025 was higher than 2024 in almost every month. Days on market increased about 4%, which means homes are taking longer to sell. Right now, when I talk to sellers, I tell them to plan on about 90 to 95 days, because that’s the reality of this market—it’s not bad and it’s not slow, it’s just normalizing.

Where the Sales Are Happening

A trend that continues is that about 70 to 75% of all sales are happening on the north and east side of the lake in Tallapoosa County. What’s interesting is that we’re still only about 30% developed along the shoreline, which is one of the long-term stories of Lake Martin.

Prices and Cash Trends

The average waterfront home price jumped from about $1.23 million to $1.45 million, which is a pretty substantial increase. Of all those sales, about 36% were cash. For properties over $1 million, that number increases to 41%, and honestly, I think it’s probably even higher in reality.

The Extremes: Lowest to Highest Sales

At the extremes, the lowest sale was a $220,000 condo. The lowest single-family home sale was $500,000, and the highest sale was $8.5 million. That $8.5 million sale, along with the $7.7 million sale, are the two highest sales ever recorded on Lake Martin, which is pretty crazy when you think about it.

Conclusion

When you step back and look at all of this together, 2025 was a really interesting year. We had rising sales compared to last year, higher inventory, and longer days on market. At the same time, we had a big jump in prices and record breaking top end sales. That’s not something you see every year.

To me, what it says is this market is starting to feel more balanced than it has in the last few years, but it’s still very strong, especially on the high end and in the most desirable areas of the lake. And like always, the details matter. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, then understanding these trends and how they apply to your specific property is where the real advantage is.

Contact Information

If you are interested in buying or selling a home on the lake, then I would love to help you out. I’m John Coley with Lake Martin Voice Realty, and I’ve been a realtor for over 20 years now. I would love to use what I know to help you make the best choice in your real estate journey.

Please give me a call at the number on the top of this page, use my Contact Page, or shoot me an email. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Visit my YouTube channel for videos about living on Lake Martin. For more blogs about market reports, visit the links listed below:

September 2025 Market Update for Lake Martin Real Estate

Lake Martin June 2025 Market Report

2024 Real Estate Sales Report

The post Lake Martin Market Report for 2025 appeared first on Lake Martin Voice - Lake Martin Real Estate - Waterfront Homes, Lots, Property For Sale.

Is Chimney Rock on Lake Martin Alabama for Sale?

If you have spent any time around Lake Martin lately, you have probably heard the same question over and over. People want to know if Chimney Rock is for sale. The short answer is yes, Chimney Rock Island is for sale, but not in the way most people think. Much of the concern I see online comes from misunderstandings, so it helps to slow down and talk through what is actually happening.

I also reviewed the publicly approved plans from Elmore County so this conversation stays grounded in facts rather than rumors.

Who I Am and Why This Perspective Matters

My name is John Coley, and I own Lake Martin Voice Realty. We are a small, independent boutique brokerage on Lake Martin. I have lived here my entire life and have sold real estate on this lake for more than twenty years.

I’m not affiliated with Russell Lands and do not work for them. I also do not know their internal plans. However, after decades of watching development happen on Lake Martin, I have a solid sense of how projects like this usually move forward.

Is Chimney Rock for Sale?

Russell Lands owns Chimney Rock Island, and yes, they plan to sell and develop parts of it. That fact alone has fueled most of the speculation.

The real issue is confusion about what Russell Lands actually owns and what they do not. Once you separate those two things, most of the worries disappear.

Clearing Up the Biggest Confusion About Chimney Rock

The most common concern I hear is that people will lose the ability to gather and jump off the rock that has become such a Lake Martin tradition.

Russell Lands owns Chimney Rock Island, which is a large island of roughly one hundred fifty-seven acres. That island includes the actual Chimney Rock formation. People do not jump from that rock. The jumping spot everyone is thinking about is Acapulco Rock, and it sits on a completely separate island.

Alabama Power owns Acapulco Rock. Russell Lands does not own it, and they cannot sell it. The rock where people jump is not going anywhere. Most of the confusion comes from people casually calling Acapulco Rock “Chimney Rock,” even though they are two different landmarks.

Septic System Concerns and Lake Water Quality

Another concern I hear often is that new homes on Chimney Rock Island will dump septic waste into Lake Martin. Based on how Russell Lands has developed The Ridge, that concern does not hold up.

The Ridge uses a private sewer system, not individual septic fields. Homes there pump waste into a centralized, certified system rather than into the lake. I have sold many homes in The Ridge and reviewed these systems during inspections. They work the way they are supposed to work.

I see no reason to expect a different approach on Chimney Rock Island. While it is fair to talk about development density on the lake, septic leakage is not a realistic issue here.

No Public Tax Dollars Are Funding This Development

Some people believe local or county tax dollars will fund this project. That is not the case.

This is a private development. Russell Lands pays for the infrastructure, and homeowners fund the systems, just as they do in the existing phases of The Ridge. The county and local municipalities are not paying for sewer or utilities.

The Bridge to Nowhere Finally Makes Sense

Most long-time lake residents know the bridge to nowhere that Russell Lands built years ago. That bridge connects the existing Ridge development to Chimney Rock Island.

The bridge was never pointless. This next phase of development explains exactly why they built it.

What the Approved Elmore County Plans Actually Show

I went to the Elmore County Commission to see what officials have already approved. That information is public, and anyone can review it. The plat approved in November outlines a proposed layout for what is currently called Ridge Island.

Out of roughly one hundred fifty-seven acres on Chimney Rock Island, the plan plats about forty-nine acres. The plan shows sixteen residential lots, most of them larger than lots in earlier phases of The Ridge. Several lots measure around an acre or more, which stands out compared to nearby development.

The Two Large Lots That Raise Questions

Two of the platted lots measure roughly ten acres each, and that immediately caught my attention. Russell Lands has not typically created residential lots of that size.

Those lots could serve as future HOA land, townhomes, amenities, or something else entirely. Because the plat shows them as individual lots, they likely hold more significance than standard open space. At this point, no one outside Russell Lands knows exactly how they will use them, but they are worth watching.

Will Homes Be Built Right Next to Chimney Rock?

Many people have asked whether homes will eventually sit right up against the actual Chimney Rock formation. While future plans can always change, I would be very surprised if that happens.

The narrow land leading toward Chimney Rock would make road and utility access difficult. More importantly, Russell Lands has consistently protected the character and major landmarks of Lake Martin. Chimney Rock stands out as one of the lake’s most iconic features, and building directly against it would go against how similar landmarks have been handled in the past.

The currently proposed lots sit around the corner, facing the channel and the existing Ridge development rather than the rock itself.

This Is Still a Proposed Plat

Even though Elmore County has approved the plat, it remains a proposed plan. Developers revise plats all the time as projects move forward. If Russell Lands changes the layout or adds future phases, those updates will become public, and they will be worth revisiting.

Final Thoughts on Chimney Rock Island

Chimney Rock Island is moving toward development, but many of the loudest fears simply do not match the facts. No one is selling the rock people jump from. Septic systems are not about to leak into the lake. Taxpayers are not footing the bill.

What we are watching is the next planned phase of The Ridge, something Russell Lands prepared for years ago.

It will be interesting to see how Chimney Rock Island, or Ridge Island as it is currently labeled, develops over the next several years. If you are looking for an independent Lake Martin real estate agent with no ties to large developers and decades of experience on the lake, that is exactly what we offer at Lake Martin Voice Realty.

If you see things differently, I welcome the conversation. Time will tell how this development unfolds, and we will all be watching it together.

For more videos about Lake Martin, make sure to visit my YouTube channel also called Lake Martin Voice. I post a lot of videos that could help you learn more about the lake and its surrounding areas. Interested in reading more blogs about Chimney Rock and Lake Martin? Then, visit the links listed below:

Where is Chimney Rock on Lake Martin?

Jumping Off Chicken Rock: Live Action!!

The post Is Chimney Rock for Sale? appeared first on Lake Martin Voice - Lake Martin Real Estate - Waterfront Homes, Lots, Property For Sale.

Looking for a good sandwich shop on the Eclectic side of Lake Martin? Then, try Little Rippys near Lake Martin!

Little Rippys is an awesome spot near Lake Martin, especially if you’re exploring the charming downtown Eclectic, Alabama, area. This is a new restaurant that I highly recommend. It offers delicious, freshly made sandwiches and so much more.

It can be hard sometimes to find a good restaurant open on a Tuesday during the off-season at Lake Martin, Little Rippys is a great option for a tasty meal when other restaurants might be closed.

I just tried Little Rippys for the first time recently, and I enjoyed their pork and cheddar panini paired with Wickles Pickles. In addition to sandwiches, they also offer Blue Bell ice cream and a variety of gifts inside the shop. This makes it a great destination for both food and shopping.

Conveniently located on Highway 63, right across from the historic Strickland’s Cloth Barn, it’s easy to find and well worth the visit. If you are coming south from Lake Martin or the Kowaliga area, that’s where it is located. 

If you are interested in their menu, then download my free Lake Martin Voice App. This app lists restaurants along with their menus, marinas, events happening around the lake, and much more!

Real Estate on Lake Martin

Planning a stop at Lake Martin or exploring real estate in the area? Don’t miss Little Rippys for an authentic taste of Eclectic, Alabama. For more information on Little Rippys, you can also visit their Facebook by clicking here. 

If you’d like assistance finding your dream home, then l’m here to help you every step of the way. My name is John Coley with Lake Martin Voice Realty. Give me a call at the number on the top of this page, contact me through my email, or reach me through our Contact Page. 

More Blogs on Restaurants Around Lake Martin

Miller’s On Broadnax: A New Dining Hotspot Near Lake Martin

New Starbucks Near Lake Martin

The post Little Rippys Near Lake Martin appeared first on Lake Martin Voice - Lake Martin Real Estate - Waterfront Homes, Lots, Property For Sale.

The Willows Waterfront Neighborhood

The Willows is a gated waterfront neighborhood on the west side of Lake Martin in Alexander City, Alabama. As you might have guessed from the name, it’s close to other subdivisions such as Willow Point, Glynmere, and Willow Glynn. 

The Willows, owned by Russell Lands, is similar to other neighborhoods owned by them. Namely, they have an architectural review committee that you go through. Also, no covered boat docks are allowed. 

The Willows is a gated community with a coded entry way to get in. It is also one of the newer neighborhoods Russell Lands has done.

Neighborhood Page About The Willows in Lake Martin

By the way, if you’re curious about homes and lots for sale inside The Willows, I have a page dedicated to that. Visit the “Neighborhoods” page, scroll down to The Willows, and that’s a page that’s constantly updated multiple times a day with homes and lots for sale.

So if you’re considering neighborhoods around Lake Martin, you might wonder what The Willows is a good fit for. I’d say a lot of different types of folks love this neighborhood. Maybe some want to be close to Willow Point Country Club and golf course. If you like a key coded gated entry or an architectural review standard style, then The Willows is certainly one of the nicest neighborhoods on Lake Martin. 

If you want to be generally on the west side of the lake near Russell Crossroads, then this is a great neighborhood for that. Russell Crossroads includes great spots such as Springhouse, Fanny’s, and Catherine’s Market. It is also close to the other Russell Lands neighborhoods such as Windermere and Windover.

Also, it’s a ten minute drive max to the Publix in Alex City and the strip on Highway 280. By water, it’s close to The Landing at Parker Creek, Kowaliga Bay, and the Kowaliga Restaurant. You can check out the menus for these restaurants and more on my free Lake Martin Voice App.

Real Estate on Lake Martin

I’m on a mission to be the most helpful real estate agent here at Lake Martin. I’ve been a realtor for 20 years now. If you would like to buy or sell real estate on the lake, then please give me a call at the number on the top of this page or reach me through my Contact Page. I look forward to talking with you. 

For more helpful information about living on the lake, visit my YouTube channel. I post a lot of informative videos about the lake that you might find helpful. 

If you would like to read more blogs on Lake Martin neighborhoods, then visit the links listed below: 

Discover Trillium on Lake Martin

The Heritage at Lake Martin

The post The Willows Waterfront Neighborhood appeared first on Lake Martin Voice - Lake Martin Real Estate - Waterfront Homes, Lots, Property For Sale.

In-Water Boat Show at The Ridge on Lake Martin

Boating season is upon us, and there is an event you need to check out if you live near Lake Martin! The Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show at The Ridge on Lake Martin will take place April 24th through 26th at The Ridge Marina. Here, you will be able to see and demo new boat models from 9 AM until 5 PM on Friday and Saturday and 9 AM to 4 PM on Sunday. Definitely make sure to attend this awesome event if you are looking for that perfect boat for Lake Martin!

At the In-Water Boat Show you will be able to see many different kinds of boats. There will be boats from Godfrey Pontoon, Nautique, Sea Ray, Key West, and many more. Mark your calendars so that you don’t miss out on this boat show!

To learn more about events happening around the lake, make sure to download my free Lake Martin Voice App. This app is always being updated with the latest events as well as information on marinas and restaurants. 

If you are looking to move to Lake Martin, then also check out my YouTube channel. I upload a lot of videos that can help make your move be a smooth process. If you have any questions about the lake, then feel free to call me! I’d love to help you out.

Real Estate on Lake Martin

I’m John Coley with Lake Martin Voice Realty, and I have been a real estate agent here on Lake Martin for 20 years now. If you are moving to the lake or would like to in the future, then I would love to answer your questions. Also, if you are looking to sell your property, then I can help you out with that as well.

Contact me via my Contact Page, at the number above, shoot me an email, or schedule a Zoom call today!

To read more blogs about The Ridge or boats, visit the links listed below:

Best Boat for Lake Martin

Top Ranking Lake Martin Neighborhoods

The post In-Water Boat Show at The Ridge appeared first on Lake Martin Voice - Lake Martin Real Estate - Waterfront Homes, Lots, Property For Sale.

451 Hagan Road: Waterfront Home with Kowaliga Bay Views 

If you or someone you know have been looking for a waterfront home on Lake Martin with great views, then 451 Hagan Road is worth the look.

It sits looking out over Kowaliga Bay, and if you know the lake, you know that’s a great spot to be. Big water, long views, and a convenient location close to so many Lake Martin favorites. This lot also has 0.73 acres and 181’+/- of waterfront, and it gives you that wide-open look across the bay. A view that will never get old.

Set Up for Easy Lake Days

Down at the water, the set up is the way you want it. There is a covered dock with a boat lift as well as two slips. Your boat stays protected and ready for you whenever you want to get out on Lake Martin.

Right in the Middle of the Lake

One of the things I like most about this spot is how central it is by water. For instance, you can ease over to The Social for brunch or dinner and check out their live music. Chimney Rock is close for fun lake filled days.  The Ridge Marina is right there also when you need to grab some lake essentials.

It’s also just a short boat ride to Kowaliga Restaurant and Kowaliga Marina, which means dinner, fuel, or other neccesities are always close by. That’s the kind of convenience that makes 451 Hagan Road so great.

A Layout That Keeps the Water in View

The house itself is approximately 2,876 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. It’s laid out the way a lake house should be. 451 Hagan Road is built around the idea that you’re here to spend time together and keep the water in view. Big windows, open living spaces, as well as room for everybody to relax after a long day outside.

But the part you’ll remember is the deck.

This is the perfect place to sit, relax, and take in the view. If you’re here on the Fourth of July, then you don’t even have to leave. You’ve got a front row seat to the fireworks at The AMP, right across the water.

Contact Information

If 451 Hagan Road sounds like what you are looking for, then please give me a call at the number on the top of this page. You can also reach me through my Contact Page or email. I would love to help you make that move to Lake Martin.

To see more details about this listing, CLICK HERE. Also, visit my YouTube channel for information about living on Lake Martin.

Interested in more blogs on available listings on the lake? Then, visit the links listed below:

Harbor Pointe Condo D102: Lake Life Made Easy

284 Harbor View Blvd

Lot for Sale: 889 Driftwood Point

The post 451 Hagan Road appeared first on Lake Martin Voice - Lake Martin Real Estate - Waterfront Homes, Lots, Property For Sale.