Finding a Lake Home
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the mainstreaming of remote work, more people are looking to trade city life for lake life. Historically 80% of lake homes were vacation homes, however, that trend is shifting. Nearly half of lakefront properties are now being utilized year-round as primary residences. With Wisconsin being home to 15,000 lakes, the opportunity to enjoy lake life is more accessible than one might think.
Is Lakefront Property a Good Investment?
While there are many things to consider when purchasing any property, the average appreciation of lakefront property averages 4% annually in the United States. Compared to standard property growth rates of 1% to 2% annually, those choosing lake life can experience a healthy growth in equity. Tourists and vacationers are naturally drawn to bodies of water and can also provide an additional revenue stream on properties that are not occupied year-round.
Finding Lake Property with Adashun Jones
The first step in learning about properties, locations and other aspects of lakefront property is:
Call Adashun Jones!
Establish a relationship with a Buyer’s Agent and begin your search.
Determine your Budget
Lay out your financial goals and determine what locations and property types best support those goals.
Find the Perfect Location for you
Work with your Adashun Jones agent to determine a location based on your Lifestyle. While there are many lakes to consider throughout Wisconsin, the following southern lakes are popular lake home options:
Green Lake
Green Lake is the deepest lake in Wisconsin at 237 feet deep, making it one of the best lakes for fishing. Anglers will find largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, crappie, and trout. With 27 miles of shoreline and vibrant surrounding communities such as Green Lake, Ripon and Princeton, Green Lake is a great place for a lakefront property.
Geneva Lake
Lake Geneva is spring-fed and therefore is one of Wisconsin’s clearest lakes. At 8.17 mi2 it is large enough to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and all your water sports without running across much boat traffic. There are also six public beaches on the lake that offer great spots for lake life activities like picnicking, hiking, and swimming.
Lake Wisconsin
A reservoir on the Wisconsin River, Lake Wisconsin is south of the Wisconsin Dells and right on the shores of Merrimac. In the heart of Wisconsin’s wine country, it’s a perfect destination for wine lovers and foodies alike. A popular destination for boating and fishing, with lots of entertainment options for the whole family a short car-ride away.
Lake Winnebago
The largest Wisconsin lake and one of the largest inland lakes in the United States, Lake Winnebago is sure to have something for everybody. It’s large enough to boast several larger towns like Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, and Neenah on its shores, along with many smaller towns. With 13 public parks and beaches and fishing festivals such as Walleye Weekend and Sturgeon Spectacular, Lake Winnebago has something for everyone.
Okauchee Lake
Okauchee Lake is located in an area referred to as “Lake Country”. One of 140 lakes within the county, it fed by the Oconomowoc River and is the third in a chain of lakes on the river with Freiss Lake and North Lake upstream and Oconomowoc Lake, Fowler Lake and Lac La Belle located downstream. Okauchee is an active lake with yacht clubs, sailing races, water sports, fishing and boat tie-up parties, making it ideal for a lake home.
Top 5 Lake Life Considerations
After finding an agent, establishing a budget and settling on a general vicinity, there are a few more things to think through when looking for your lake front property:
Lake Quality & Nature Conservations
Support local conservation efforts by living near floodplains and wetlands. Although this usually comes with extra restrictions and limitations, these areas also provide stunning landscapes & diverse wildlife.
Recreational Activities
Different lakes & river bottoms cater to a variety of recreational activities. Lakes with “no wake” offer a calm and peaceful environment, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding or simply enjoying the beauty of the water. No matter what activity you like, there’s always an ideal spot for you!
Distance from Amenities
Your lake home should offer the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Proximity to local attractions provides opportunities for community engagement. Even in remote locations, essential amenities like grocery stores, restaurants and medical care are often within a reasonable distance.
Unique Landscaping
Living near a body of water means being surrounded by unique ecosystems, providing endless opportunities for spotting wildlife and cultivating native vegetation. The opportunity to create a beautiful and sustainable landscape not only enhances the natural beauty of your property but also supports local biodiversity.
Hobbies
Based on your personal interests, it is important to consider the additional costs associated with lakefront properties such as a private dock, erosion control requirements, additional insurance coverages and reliable utilities. You may also have recreational costs to consider such as a boat, fishing gear or community membership fees in some cases.
Once you have worked through all of the considerations with your Adashun Jones agent and you have found the best lake home to meet your needs, it’s time to make your offer and schedule the movers so you can begin your next chapter on the water. Let your life on the water begin!
Connect with Adashun Jones
Whether you are buying a home, selling your home or simply interested in a free market analysis to see what your home is worth, please contact us and we’ll answer all your real estate questions.