Water Oaks (Collis), Lake Oconee | Neighborhood Guide
If you have heard of this neighborhood at all, you have probably heard it called Collis — after Collis Circle and Collis Marina next door. The sign at the entrance says Water Oaks, and that is the name on the plat, but almost nobody uses it.
Water Oaks is one of the flattest subdivisions on Lake Oconee, which is rarer than it sounds: flat lots mean home builds can support a main-level walkout straight to the lakefront, something few other communities on the lake can offer. Originally platted in the 1980s, the subdivision has been through every up and down the lake has seen since, with home construction starting in the late 1980s and a handful of lots sitting vacant until fairly recently.
Water Oaks is now nearly built out, minus a few long-term holders. Homes here tend to run a bit smaller than in some other communities, and the flat lots make this a subdivision where renovators can find real opportunity.
Quick Facts
| County / city | Putnam County — Eatonton, GA 31024 |
| Streets | Collis Circle and Collis Road |
| Also called | Collis, after Collis Circle and the marina. Almost everyone uses that name rather than Water Oaks |
| Getting there | In beside Collis Marina, off Collis Road onto Collis Circle |
| Time to grocery | 5 to 10 minutes to the new Publix in Putnam County |
| Gated | No |
| HOA | None of any sort. No dues, no restrictions |
| Terrain | One of the flattest subdivisions on the lake, so main-level walkouts to the water are possible |
| Size | Roughly 60 lots, platted in the 1980s and now nearly built out |
| Nearest marina | Collis Marina, immediately adjacent |
| Schools | Putnam County School System |
Where Water Oaks Is Located on Lake Oconee
Water Oaks sits on Lake Oconee, immediately adjacent to Collis Marina, which offers boat ramps, docks, storage, and the other amenities of a modern marina. The subdivision is also close to several major developments: The Len Resort and Residences, slated to arrive soon, along with The Enclave and The Waterfront on Lake Oconee, two condo projects that are already complete and sold out. See the rest of the lake’s communities on the Lake Oconee neighborhoods page. For the full picture of this stretch of the lake, see the Lake Oconee homes in Eatonton guide.
Homes, Prices & What’s Nearby in Water Oaks
Water Oaks does not have an HOA of any sort. Inventory here is tight — roughly 60 lots, and very few of them come to market in a given year, so homes do not change hands often.
When they do, the spread is wide. Interior properties have mostly landed in the mid six figures. Lakefront has moved a long way, from around $1 million a few years ago into the high $2 millions, which is the top this street has produced so far.
Being right next to Collis Marina is a real advantage for Water Oaks — residents get boat storage, ramps, and docks without needing their own private setup, and the upcoming Len Resort and Residences, along with the completed Enclave and Waterfront condo communities nearby, are steadily raising the profile of this stretch of the lake.
County property records also turn up a notable name in the subdivision’s history: Bruce Arians and his wife Christine bought a lot on Collis Circle in 2011, while Arians was still an NFL assistant coach. He became the Indianapolis Colts’ interim head coach in 2012 and the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach in 2013, and the Arians family sold the completed home in Water Oaks in 2015 for $425,000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Oaks
Where is Water Oaks located on Lake Oconee?
Water Oaks is on Lake Oconee, immediately adjacent to Collis Marina. See more communities on our Lake Oconee real estate FAQs page.
Does Water Oaks have an HOA?
No. Water Oaks does not have an HOA of any sort.
What do homes cost in Water Oaks?
Interior properties have mostly landed in the mid six figures. Lakefront has climbed from around $1 million a few years ago into the high $2 millions, which is the top this street has produced so far. For a read on a specific property, get in touch.
Why is Water Oaks known for flat lots?
Water Oaks is one of the flattest subdivisions on Lake Oconee, which is rare and allows many homes to have a main-level walkout straight to the lakefront.
What developments are near Water Oaks?
Water Oaks is adjacent to Collis Marina and close to The Len Resort and Residences, slated to arrive soon, as well as the completed Enclave and Waterfront condo communities.
Did an NFL coach ever own a home in Water Oaks on Lake Oconee?
Yes. County property records show Bruce Arians and his wife Christine owned a home on Collis Circle in Water Oaks from 2011 to 2015, spanning the years he went from NFL assistant to interim Colts head coach to Arizona Cardinals head coach. He has since transitioned to Reynolds Lake Oconee.
Interested in Water Oaks?
If flat, walkable lakefront lots, marina access next door, and real renovation potential sound like your kind of subdivision on Lake Oconee, Margie Sorrell knows Water Oaks and the entire Lake Oconee market inside and out. Contact Margie to talk through your options.