Best large inland lake community for second home
Apr 13th, 2006, 07:49 AM
#21
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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.
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.
Apr 13th, 2006, 07:57 AM
#22
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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!
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!
Apr 13th, 2006, 07:58 AM
#23
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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.
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.
Apr 13th, 2006, 08:08 AM
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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.
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.
Apr 13th, 2006, 08:30 AM
#27
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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.
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.
Apr 13th, 2006, 09:21 AM
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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.
Apr 13th, 2006, 11:05 AM
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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.
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.
May 26th, 2007, 07:03 AM
#32
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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.
Any other suggestions for lake with skiing near by?
Thanks.
May 26th, 2007, 07:59 AM
#33
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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.
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.
May 26th, 2007, 08:25 AM
#34
girlwilltravel: Ydoc asked the question thirteen months 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.
mbate: You will probably get better response if you start a new thread w/ your specific questions.
May 27th, 2007, 11:57 AM
#35
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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!!!
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!!!
May 30th, 2007, 06:05 PM
#36
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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.
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.
May 30th, 2007, 07:09 PM
#37
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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
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
Jun 29th, 2007, 10:50 AM
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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
