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Best lakes in michigan for lake front property?

teamtrinity

Apr 23, 11 13:19

Post #1 of 25 (9171 views)

Best lakes in michigan for lake front property?	Quote \| Reply

Ok...I live in SE Michigan. Wife and I are looking to buy a smaller, weekend getaway sort of home. We're looking for lakefront...no more than 4-5 hours from SE Michigan (Farmington). Lake must be nice and clean for swimming...would prefer wake-free but not necessary...nothing too busy. Subjectively 'cute' town would be great. Nice running and cycling routes would be superb! We ain't rich, so no million dollar listings at Higgins Lake or something crazy like that! So we've looked at places around Torch Lake, Lake Charlevoix, and Long Lake. But it's become intimidating looking around because there are so many freaking lakes around! Suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks!

(This post was edited by teamtrinity on Apr 23, 11 13:20)

tjtryon

Apr 23, 11 13:28

Post #2 of 25 (9161 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Might be on the long side of your distance traveled, but Fife Lake is an incredible little town and lake.

Im-a-miler

Apr 23, 11 13:41

Post #3 of 25 (9143 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [tjtryon] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Lake Lapeer
Lake Metamora
Lake Orion
Standford lake
The twin lakes in Lewiston

------------------------------
A milers kick does the trick

ShoMyOFace

Apr 23, 11 14:47

Post #4 of 25 (9105 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Torch is clearly the best, but just behind is Elk Lake - property is cheaper and Elk Rapids is a nice little town......have you thought about Lake Michigan......VERY NICE

http://theworldthroumyeyes.tumblr.com/

knewbike

Apr 23, 11 14:55

Post #5 of 25 (9099 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Check out the mutitude of lakes around the Waterloo and Pinckney rec areas near Chelsea. Most are clean to swim in, great trails for running/ hiking, and good cycling in the area. If I could swing it I would have a lake house. Plus only an hour drive. Good time to buy!

teamtrinity

Apr 23, 11 14:55

Post #6 of 25 (9099 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [ShoMyOFace] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

ShoMyOFace wrote:

Torch is clearly the best, but just behind is Elk Lake - property is cheaper and Elk Rapids is a nice little town......have you thought about Lake Michigan......VERY NICE

so far, the only properties we've been able to find that actually has lake frontage onto lake michigan are all very very expensive...all 7 figure or close. BUT...we just started looking a couple days ago.

FLA Jill

Apr 23, 11 15:40

Post #7 of 25 (9082 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Does it have to be actual lakefront? Because good view + deeded access would be a lot more affordable.

My parents have friends who live on the dunes/bluffs in Grand Haven within walking distance to the the state park, and they're very happy there. You're not paying for Lake Michigan frontage, only a state parks pass for a good beach access point right down the way

wellmanadam

Apr 23, 11 16:26

Post #8 of 25 (9046 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

On the far edge of your drive time limit but Cedarville in the UP has been hit hard by the recession and there are many, many places going for an absolute steal. Look here:

http://www.johngriffinrealestate.com/

I went down Lakeside Dr. a few weeks ago and about every third house was for sale.

Iron Buckeye

Apr 23, 11 16:53

Post #9 of 25 (9027 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I paid a visit to Big Blue Lake last summer and had a couple of fantastic open water swims. Lake is technically open to boats but there are very few there and the population there is unlikely to grow since much of the land is occupied by boy scout camps. There are some good rural roads there too for rides. I'd buy there if it was closer to home.

Only down side is no nearby towns. If you're looking for parties it might not be the place, but if you want to chill I'd recommend it.

Jon h

Apr 23, 11 23:57

Post #10 of 25 (8960 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Port Austin. 2-3 hour drive from SE Michigan. Lake Huron!

We just got 6 foot shoulders for bikes!

Rocky M

Apr 24, 11 0:22

Post #11 of 25 (8957 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Hubbard Lake. South of Long Lake by about 30 miles. Clearest water you'll swim in, great fishing & quiet. Surrounded by hills & lots of woods--all paved so you can swim, bike & run out there all while enjoying the beauty of Northeastern Michigan.

Tin Cup

Apr 24, 11 4:00

Post #12 of 25 (8937 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Glen Lake

MAnton

Apr 24, 11 9:01

Post #13 of 25 (8873 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Walloon lake, Crooked Lake, Silver Lake, Thumb Lake, Mullet Lake, Burt Lake. Honestly, look at at Northern Michigan. It is a completely different world up there, nothing like any part of southern Michigan and all their crowded lakes and suburbs.

locluke02

Apr 24, 11 11:48

Post #14 of 25 (8814 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [ShoMyOFace] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

You are correct -- Torch is CLEARLY the best. My family has been going up there since the 1950s (I'm only 23), and it is just stunning every time I see it. The sandy bottom, the crystal clear water, never heavy on boat traffic, the sand bar at the South end if you're looking to party, Dockside for some lunch....man, can't wait to get back up there. Plus, for you endurance nerds, the ride around Torch is a great one.

Tin below mentions Glen, which is also a beautiful place, and I like the parks area around Glen, some cool hiking and things you can do as far as Dune and the like....but it ain't no Torch.

You can find a house on Torch with 50-100 of frontage for under a million easy. Just look hard and be willing to sacrifice some house for the fact that you're on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Luke

Ti T'war

Apr 24, 11 12:01

Post #15 of 25 (8805 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I've been spending my summers on North Lake Lelanau for the last 34 years. Beautiful lake, Leland is a great little cozy town and the riding is supurb. If you go further to Northport you can get on lake Michigan for cheap, but that town is dying a bit.

Perks are it's close to Traverse you can actually get stuff when you need it, but you don't get any city feel.
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Mc B

Apr 24, 11 12:41

Post #16 of 25 (8788 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [MAnton] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

MAnton wrote:

Shhh! Chino, you're giving away all our secrets!

http://www.bnutstrailmix.com "Premium, Nutritious Products Made In Petoskey, MI."
http://benmcmurraytri.blogspot.com/

Jim Mishler

Apr 24, 11 16:00

Post #17 of 25 (8716 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

get a realtor. a seasoned one who can give you some good references who match your circumstances.

even in today's somewhat depressed market, the best properties quite often don't even get listed. the good realtors have a solid network built up and let everyone else know what you are looking for. when one that fits the bill is being reviewed for a listing by one of those networked realtors, your realtor is the first call they make. even before listing. if you like it and everything works, the place is sold without a listing.

so get a good realtor who is connected.

and that is assuming you are already set up for financing, or will write a check. don't bother messing around without one or the other.

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MAnton

Apr 24, 11 16:49

Post #18 of 25 (8679 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [Mc B] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

My bad, my bad

vhanchon

Apr 25, 11 10:37

Post #19 of 25 (8614 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [MAnton] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

For "bang for your buck" I would humbly suggest you avoid the Western side of the Northern Lower. I own a small place just north of Roger's City. In the area, there are several inland lakes that are in the category you are looking for. Look at Long Lake, Grand Lake and a bit further north Black Lake Lake. You can also go the route I did and buy on on Lake Huron herself...no you won't have the sunset's of Lake Michigan, but it is far less crowded and the fishing is arguably better.

triscooteremu

Apr 25, 11 10:42

Post #20 of 25 (8611 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [ShoMyOFace] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Southwest Michigan is pretty good for all that. Indiana is busy where I live but I run into Michigan and it gets quiet and relaxing, the water is nice and calm, the people are friendly and the summers are a good time. Start around Grand Beach MI and run north and those areas of small towns tend to be good places for a getaway cottage.
Scooter
Long Beach, IN

I've gone crazy, couldn't you tell.

Kring

Jul 18, 12 13:26

Post #21 of 25 (5258 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Torch Lake is great although very crowded. Lake Allegan near Grand Rapids is beautiful. It's large so doesn't feel crowded. great for swimming, boating, skiing, fishing. The Allegan Forest is there too with 50,000 acres for recreation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Allegan

Sideways

Jul 18, 12 14:18

Post #22 of 25 (5220 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Several people in my girlfriend's extended family keep cottages right outside of Lexington. Most of the cottages are typical small summer up north type places but they are in associations with easy access to multiple beaches right on Lake Huron. Granted its not the sunset side but you get the up north feel, miles of open roads in farm country for clean riding or M25 all the north to Port Austin, plus just over an hour north of Detroit.

You can't beat Lake Michigan, especially any where from Sleeping Bear Dunes to Traverse City and furhter north, but it is a considerably longer drive. I've spent considerable time at Torch Lake, Walloon Lake, and Lake Charelvoix...some of the best in the world but talk about $$$.
_____________________
Fester from Detroit, Mi

Dilbert

Jul 18, 12 14:21

Post #23 of 25 (5211 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Baltar's house before it got nuked by the Cylons? How do I buy it? :)

PS: that was a real house near Vancouver BC.

(This post was edited by Dilbert on Jul 18, 12 14:23)

Tri-livin

Jul 18, 12 14:54

Post #24 of 25 (5161 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Lived in Bay City whole life... Best spots on Eastern side I can think of

Caseville (lake huron)
Tawas (lake huron
Houghton Lake
Higgins Lake
Clear Lake

All have great cycling also... and all are perfect in the summer... and winter if you like a little pond hockey!! speed skating.. cross training!!
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rontroversy

Jul 18, 12 17:50

Post #25 of 25 (5101 views)

Re: Best lakes in michigan for lake front property? [teamtrinity] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I live in SE MI and think that all of the areas mentioned are great. That being said, if you want great cycling and running, you should consider going 4-5 hrs south. There's some really great riding in southern Ohio and northern Kentucky. Unless you're into snowmobiling and want the winter up north that is!