Best large inland lake community for second home
 

I've asked this question on specific state forums and I thought I would throw this out as a general question.

We are in our late forties and would like to begin visiting an area more frequently in hopes of purchasing a second home. The trick here is it might have to be a rental property which in that case would probably have to be in a somewhat touristy place.

Here is our preferences: Large lake (not the big lakes such as Michigan, Ontario etc.) for sailing, fishing, it would probably be a plus if it had a yacht/golf club to meet people as our children are in their teens.

We enjoy most outdoor sports.

We have considered the Montana area around Flathead for the summers but from Chicago, it is a two plane change to get there. And we wouldn't want to be living there in the winter months. We have considered the Carolinas but do not want to be on the ocean. And does it get too humid down there?

We love Texas as our son wants to go to UT @ Austin very badly. But are there large lakes around?

I read on this forum under Arkansas there is a wonderful large lake community but I invision Arkansas as being very "red-neck".. True or not?

We're looking for a friendly, social community where the residents are from all over and are looking for the same social and community feel as we are.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks

Why would you imagine an entire state being redneck?

Arkansas has some gorgeous areas.

If you are skipping humidity, give Texas a pass.

I would find out which areas have direct flights to and search out lakes from there.

Lake Keowee in South Carolina is drop dead gorgeous. Also close to Greenville SC and Hendersonville, NC.

GoTravel

I knew when I said "red neck" I would catch some heat. I'm from a very rural/red-neck town so I felt comfortable using the term. Obviously, not every town and person in a state has the same personality. It was used as a general term.

Thanks for the Lake Keowee suggestion.

See?

For very upscale, I think it is The Cliffs at Lake Keowee.

You should not have a problem finding direct flights. Isn't O'Hare a United Hub?

There are numerous communities forming or formed in KY, TN, AK, Missouri on lakes right now, and in the USA literally thousands of lake choices. Those with country club, sailing clubs, golf courses etc. are already very built up- and extremely high end costs and taxes.

Do you want to be on a spring-fed lake, full recreation lake, fishing diverse, no-motor, man-made, glacial? You need to be very careful, as they are quite different one lake from another even in fairly close proximity.

I can't say "best", but Diamond or Magician in MI are high end with the clubs etc. Ours has a golf course now, but is far from having a social set yet.

You need to say how much you are considering to spend and what level. And then visit areas that have different kinds of lakes at different levels of development.

Your question is almost impossible to answer unless I know what you consider high end or "touristy". You can rent a lake house if it's the wild, 60 miles from anywhere, you know- and easily. It's the cleaning etc. services that could become problematic.

Would you consider 1000 acres too small? Ours is 600 acres and there are lots of places I've not yet explored in 4 years of summers.

Lake Geneva area of WI is big bucks, their taxes are also very high. MI and MN have 100s of free water spring fed lakes but all are different- some weed up- some great for fishing, etc.

Our friends just went into a lake house in Alabama on a huge lake. Large to us is over 10,000 acres. What is large to you? That's very relative. Friends think our lake large because they have stayed on 200 or 300 acre lakes. LOL!

The best buys and the greatest lake places are most probably still in the undiscovered areas and that is where the highest profits in equity will be made. KY has some beauties. Lake Barkley I think is one tending in your social set direction.

If you are interested in Michigan lakes-try www.jerdon.net

They are genius in knowing lakes in MI. Peruse that web site and you will see what I mean.

I myself would never do a lake house that I couldn't get to in under 3 hours unless I had my own plane. I do know those who fly their own plane out of a rural airfield who go about 500 miles to their lake house.

Each state has different second home tax structures and/or other regulations-the Southern states have much less tax on lake property overall as a generalization.

Great questions... thanks

Let me look over all the questions and see what I come up with in terms of location and desires.

Thanks again

Don't forget to look into the possibilities of "lakes" that are formed by dams. Some of them are quite large.

There may be some areas in the Poconos that would appeal to your interests. In addition to lakes for summer sports, there are of course endless winter sport options in the mountains. In addition, it is definitely a tourist destination that would work for your rental needs. Another advantage is the easy driving distance to several other cities and attractions, including NYC.

One area in particular you might consider is Lake in the Clouds, a very nice residential community.
http://www.lakeintheclouds.org

Go Travel

Are the chain of lakes near Austin also humid in the summer? Are we talking humidity like the Carolinas? I'm from the southern mid-west and it gets pretty steamy also.

Just wondering.

I'm not Go Travel, but I can tell you that it is HOT in the summer in Austin but the humidity is not as bad as Florida (where I'm from). Temperatures get much higher here but it doesn't feel as uncomfortable (to me) because the humidity is lower.

I would avoid lakes that are too far north, just because you can't enjoy being IN the water very long. However, if you only want to be ON the water (boating, etc) then there are plenty of lakes all over the country.

My choices would be in the Carolinas and Georgia: Hartwell, Keowee, Chatuge, Murray, and in Virginia the lake near Roanoke whose name escapes me.

In Roanoke you would be talking about Buggs Island, Kerr Lake, or Smith Mountain Lake.

I think they are all part of the same body of water.

Let me defend Arkansas--it is a really beautiful state. You're probably referring to Hot Springs Village, a gated community about 15 miles from Hot Springs. We have 8 golf courses and several lakes of varying sizes. Monthly property owner assessments are an amazingly low $32 a month, which gives you full access to all amenities (golf, tennis, pools, etc.). We have 26,000 acres (40 square miles), about 5,000 homes, and 13,000 permanent residents. Many people have second homes here and plan to retire here in the future. Because HSV is gated, it's a great place for a second home as you never have to worry about security.

Lake Ouachita, nearby, is about 40 miles long, and considered the second cleanest lake in the US, behind Lake Tahoe. We keep a boat at the state park marina and can be on the lake within 30 minutes of leaving our house.

BTW, more residents came here from Illinois than any other state. In your last statement, you said you were looking for a friendly community--this is it! If you're interested in more information, email me at [email protected].

TAHOE!

Lake Tahoe has immense property restrictions. For one thing, lakefront Lake Tahoe property would be in the over 5 million dollar range. Also the properties are highly regulated to the point of inspectors coming to check what kind of natural flowers might be growing in your mulch, mulch-type, treefall etc. Even off lake, but in Lake Tahoe, the inspectors regulate style, natural habitat etc. etc.

Lake Tahoe is a glacial lake and at any time of year is almost unswimable as it is extremely cold. Good for fishing, terrible for swimming. My guy's aunt and uncle won a lotto in the 1940's for the chance to buy an off lake lot. They did, they rent it out through an agency. They can't afford to live there themselves. They tried for a 9 month period once. Maintenance costs and taxes are prohibitive unless you're getting $3000 or $4000 a month rentals.

The attraction at Lake Tahoe is the society, casino, winter sports/skiing, mountain views, history/beauty and it's not a typical lake living situation in any sense. Aspen & Lake Tahoe, you practically have to register and put up proof of millions (similar to a pre-approval) BEFORE the existing properties become available. Undeveloped property is restricted and lots are released for sale only every few decades with a lottery type drawing, the last I heard from these folks who own there.

ydoc, you never returned beyond that one answer, and this is an old thread, but I'm curious. What do you consider a large lake? You mention sailing.

I still think AK, KY and TN are the real undiscovered gems.

Have you considered Crystal Lake in Frankfort, MI? It's a beautiful large blue lake, close to Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Sand Dune area.

The other thought I had was Pentwater Lake in Pentwater, MI. Pentwater's a neat little town with all kinds of shops down the main street area. The lake offers direct access to Lake Michigan too. From Chicago, it's probably a little over a 4-hour drive.

I love this site! You have given me so much information.. Thanks!

I wish I could click my fingers and I would be in a community on a large inland lake where everyone was new to the area and we all enjoyed our lives.

Decisions, decisions. Okay, I know I want to be in a warmer climate state. I love Texas as I think Texans seem to be so outgoing. It could just be the people I've met over the years. I love the south also since I'm basically a southern/small town girl. Montana was a choice around the Flathead lake area but it is a two plane change to get there. I can't see us taking many trips out there with a two plane change.

When I say a large lake, I mean, large, so you could sail a twenty-thirty foot sailboat. Or when motor boating, there would be restaurants to go to.

Good fishing, sailing, boating, golf, hiking, tennis, great interesting nearby towns, within 45 minutes of major airport.

Am I being too picky?

The only reservations I have with Tenn, Ark, ..... the more inland states is do those lakes have good winds for sailing?

I don't know about TX but do think there would be some that fit your description exactly in TX or KY and yes, they would have winds for sailing.

But possibly you would be happier with some of the huge Alabama or TX bass lakes. I know there's one in AL that hosted the biggest bass ever caught in the USA. This is a real Southern Lake, I think it was Smith Lake, but I'm not sure.

If you google AL lakes or TX lakes you will see what you are up against. I found my state and then found my lake.
It didn't happen by wishing. I spent 3 years or so just visiting lakes about every third weekend. Small town lake life is awesome, by the way. My overall view from experience is that if you want established golf courses, restaurants, clubs galore on your lake, it will already be pricey for entry and you won't actually have a small time feel. Much more likely a feel of townies against resorters. Not that that mix can be bad, but it is different.

JJ5

You've got me so curious as to what town and lake did your long investigation finally take you to.

Unfortunately, since our kids are in baseball and football, we are limited to two weeks at the end of July for our hunts.

I'm hoping with research on this site, I will be able to plan our vacation for this coming summer.

I don't think trophy fishing is the priorty for us, we want a clean,large lake with great boating.

There is a huge difference in sailing a twenty foot sailboat vs. sailing a thirty foot sailboat.

A twenty foot sailboat will have a two to three foot draft and you can sail one almost anywhere and they are strictly day sailors.

A thirty foot sailboat (or anything above 28 feet) will have a 4-6 foot draft limiting where you can dock and sail the boat. I know it doesn't sound like much but a boat that needs that much water is hard to dock on a lake.

That much sailboat will also be a live aboard. If you want a live aboard, I suggest the Atlantic or Intracoastal waterway.

By comparison most thirty foot speedboats only have a two foot draft.

Can you guess I'm not the sailor in the family.

Thanks for the information.

It would be a lake which can accomodate 28Ft and smaller. The boat would not be for living on. Just for great leasure sailing and for my husband to be able to race on a somewhat larger boat instead of sunfish, etc. He races on Lake Michigan now and has a 55 ft. boat but for a second home/vacation spot, a much smaller sailing fleet is just fine with him.

I'm glad you pointed out the size of the boats... that makes a huge difference in the size of the water!

I bought at Big Fish Lake between Marcellus and Lawton in MI. We connect to 2 other lakes through channels and are across from Michigan wetlands that can not be developed. That is what I wanted.

We have a new golf course (2nd one within a 5 miles area) a new country club with comedy shows etc., and are within the wine tasting belt/vineyards of SW to South Central Michigan. My town, Marcellus, has 20 lakes surrounding it within a 20 mile circumference. You need to go about 10 to 12 miles to the better restaurants and areas that you sound like you prefer. But if you get those, ydoc, you aren't going to get an ideal small town life feel or connection in my life experience.

You can sail, waterski, fish, swim (May to Oct. I do- others only do to end of Sept.)

Fishing is important at almost all the kinds of lakes you describe. Boating and sailing, fishing under permit of all kinds are allowed on all-sports lakes.

Those MI lakes mentioned above by the other posters in Pentwater and near Sleeping Bear are awesome- but you don't want Northern forested and wet land spring fed lakes. You want warm. It's an entirely different animal.

Regardless of where you choose, you must obtain a lawyer FROM the state of purchase for your final choice. Do not forget that. Each and every state is different in their 2nd home and/or real estate ordinances etc. And do not forget about the importance of ownership or use/rights of access roads.
That's the biggest mistake lakefront rookie purchasers make.

If your husband already races a 55 foot, he'll know the depth issues right off.

The overall acreage of a lake, doesn't have a whole lot of relevance to its depth. For instand, Indian Lake in MI is exactly the kind of lake you describe as far as social, high end, size, but it is very shallow.

If you find your preferred warm weather state you can google the county lake or boat launches and get a good list of lakes with depths and water quality and might be able to start from there. That's one aspect I always had in hand.

Exactly JJ5. Some smaller mountain lakes are very deep while larger lakes in flatter areas are shallow.

Points all taken!

I know the lakes you are talking about in Michigan very well. My husband races in the Mackinac Race and we have spend many years up in Michigan at some very beautiful lakes. My favorite is Torch Lake.

But, yes, as you mentioned, we are interested in pursuing the warmer climate states.

In my opinion, it is impossible to find what you are looking for in the Southern or Midwestern and Eastern States. You say you don't like too much heat and humidity and don't want cold winters. The only areas that might fit the bill would be California, Oregon and Washington. You might also consider the Couer d'Alene area of Idaho, however the winters there will also likely be too cold for you.

Actually, heat was never an issue. Severe humidity was the only concern.

It gets very hot where I live now so I'm not with issue.

I'm a little late joining this but I do have a great lake suggestion.

Deep Creek lake - western Maryland - fantastic summer spot in the mountains and great skiing in the winter. Should be about a 2 hour drive from Pittsburgh airport.

Lake Wallenpaupack - northeastern Pennsylvania - again another huge lake built by Pennsylvania power and dammed. Both lakes have about 600 miles of shoreline and are pretty free of humidity.

Lake Gaston Va is a beautiful lake also but I'm not certain of its depth. It is south of DC off Rt I-95.

South Carolina has some beautiful lakes in its western region - one near Greenwood SC is especially pretty but has a humidity problem.

If heat isn't an issue but humidity then Lake Havasu, AZ. Warm winters and hot dry summers.

I came across this thread while looking at Lake communities. I live in Texas and visited Lake Tahoe and Grand lakes, CO recently. I liked both of them very much for both summer fun as well as winter skiing. I read about Lake tahoe at this site. I did not hear any one mention Grand lake. I am really impressed by the Grand lake, Co. It has beautiful lake. I am little worried about pine beatles and risk of wild fires due to that. I was surprised at the housing prices in Grand lakes. Many houses have not sold for more than 2 yrs, but they insist on unrealistic high asking price. Any thoughts on that? Also what do you guys think of long term potential of this lake?
Any other suggestions for lake with skiing near by?
Thanks.

Hi ydoc,

You have the wide US to look for a lake that would suit your live style.
I live in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and we have beautiful lakes here. Being part of a national park, you will find everything you would need to have a second home. Hot Springs is set, literlly, in the middle of mountains and has a long history. It's hot and humid here in the summer, as is most of the South. We have mild to cold (but not as cold as the north) winters, gorgeous springs and falls. Sailing, fishing, mountain trails, lots of outdoor activities to keep you busy. We love lots of art gallerys and great places to eat, local and chains, etc. There is a beautiful Country Club that I can vouch for; my family is a member. Tennis, golf and a pool are used by my daughter in the summer with her friends. There is a lot of golf played here. Shopping has tripled in the last ten years.
We aren't far from Dallas. My family makes the trip in five hours from our home. Austin would be a little further. The Little Rock Airport is only about a 45 minute drive.
"Redneck" isn't a term I would use for Arkansas any more than I would use it for residents in Montana or Michigan. I can assure you that residents here are well educated people who are forward thinking and are willing to work toward a brighter and better future. We've given the world a president, have world famous hot springs, and have a colorful past for that sinful activity of gambling in the early 1900's. In the spring we have world class horse racing track that has produced some terrific winners.
I have lived in Europe, Japan, the west coast and the east coast, and I choose to live here for the beauty and the wonderful people. In Hot Springs, we have many people move here for the growing community and the activities. Happy Tourist is right. This is a wonderfully friendly place. Hot Springs is a tourist town, so we are extra friendly!!
A word of caution about housing prices. They follow the nation. The closer to the lake you get the more expensive. My family owned a lake home until a few years ago and the prices have shot up. The lake is popular. The house next door to us (and we don't live on the lake but next to the country club in town) just sold for 480,000. And it was only on the market for three weeks! Crazy!
Any place you choose to call a second home,it is what you make it. Hope you find your special place.

girlwilltravel: Ydoc asked the question <b>thirteen months</b> ago. mbate topped it w/ new questions (which I really can't answer)

mbate: You will probably get better response if you start a new thread w/ your specific questions.

SOOOO Sorry, janisj.

mbate, if you read this: I was a teenager last when I had the pleasure of enjoying a holiday at Grand Lake with family. Housing is out of site, I hear from friends, but the nightlife and activities, even outside of the lake life is growing. I remember it being a nice charming place. We spent most of our time in and on the water, which I also remember being super cold. Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby aren't too far. You don't say if you are interested in a second home or willing to locate to Colorado. As I mentioned lake houses are expensive in Hot Springs and I can only imagine what they would be in Colorado. Good luck in your search. Of course, you can always try Hot Springs. You didn't say what part of Texas you lived in (I spent a few years in El Paso and Ft. Worth) so Arkansas isn't that far. Good Luck!!!

It's too bad I didn't see this earlier.

You had originally asked about the Austin area and I can answer your questions.

Austin is mainly a dry heat - the humidity is lower than the rest of the Southeast and some of the Midwest. Some days now and then are humid.

There are plenty of lakes nearby: Lake Austin, Lake Travis, Lake LBJ, Lake Buchanan, etc... The lakes are all created by dams for flood control and because of the hilly topography and rocky soils, the lakes are mainly clear.

Boating season is from late March until November. Swimming is from May until late October. The winters are mild.

If your son is attending UT Austin, I'd recommend you coming on down and checking stuff out. I think it just might fit the bill.

Love Coeur d’Alene, Idaho..
Lots of friends have second homes there and they love it..
Great golf courses and the lake for water skiing/fishing is fab.
Fly into Spokane..about an hours drive.

www.haydenlakecc.com

Austin...&quot;dry&quot; heat?

You're joking, right? Or is it &quot;dryer&quot; there than in San Antonio where I enjoyed one of the most humid summers ever?

Dukey,

You to remember my comparison metric is New Orleans for humidity.

I agree with the person who mentioned that Crystal Lake Michigan would be a good choice. Crystal Lake is located just outside of a very quaint Middle American town (Frankfort). The town has all the amenities you would need for a summer place, unless you are some high maintenance family. Crystal Lake is the cleanest lake I have ever been to. On a calm day, you can go a couple hundred yards of the west shore and still see the bottom. There is a yacht club (not superficial or fancy) on the west shore, which has a junior fleet (16 and under) so your kids can have a chance to meet people. Also, the CSA has many events for young people to attend. It’s a private membership place, but know cares if non member participate in the activates they offer. Buying a place up there might be kind of hard, since many of the houses have been in families for generation. In the seldom go on the market, and if they do you will probably have to pay 800,000+. There are tons of places on the water available to rent. You want to rent on the west shore if possible; if that’s not available I personal would rent on the south shore before renting a place on the North shore. The south shore is closer to town. The Fishing on Crystal is not great, but if you are lucky enough to catch a salmon or trout, I guarantee you it will be some of the best tasting fresh water fish you've ever had. If you have additional questions please feel free to contact me 312-698-0533