Hart County, located on the Georgia–South Carolina border, surrounds Lake Hartwell and has Hartwell as its county seat. It is a semi-rural lake community popular for fishing, boating, and retirement living. The economy is a mix of manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. Housing options include ranch-style homes, waterfront houses, and new custom builds. Existing homes generally sell for US $220,000–$380,000, while lakefront properties or new construction can reach US $400,000–$700,000+. Its location near I-85 makes it convenient to Athens (~40 miles) and Greenville, SC (~60 miles).