Michigan Lake Property - Lake Homes, Cottages, Lake Lots

Mounds of sun-baked dunes. Enchanting Caribbean blue-green water. Miles of sugar sand beaches. Surf-size waves pounding the shore. Sailboats and fish trawlers floating across bays. Groves of towering, vintage pines. Vivid watercolors, unique artisan cottages, luscious vineyards, crackling campfires and breathtaking views of open water as far as the eye can see.

This is Michigan. The only state in America to boast nearly the same amount of shoreline as the entire U.S. Eastern seaboard. The coastlines of Lake Michigan entice millions of visitors each year to their pristine shores. Nearly 11,000 inland lakes offer privacy, outstanding fishing and an intimate atmosphere in their tucked-in bays, quiet peninsulas and easy boat access. With miles and miles of paths, snowmobile trails, golf courses, hills to climb, slopes to ski and water to enjoy, Michigan is a natural playground.

That's one reason generations of families have owned Michigan lakeshore property and every year new families continue that tradition by purchasing cottages, lake lots, vacation homes and lakefront estates. What size lake you desire, how you plan to spend your time there and your vision of a lakeside lifestyle will all determine where you invest in Michigan.

What are some of the most sought after lakes prized for their beauty, great fishing and vacation popularity?

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan has been called America's inland sea. Its spectacular coasts, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, islands, inlets and bays give it a distinct ocean feel. Famous for historic Mackinac Island which boasts five-star resorts and a five-mile suspension bridge joining Michigan's Upper Peninsula (Michigan UP) and Lower Michigan - Lake Michigan has numerous towns along its shorelines that offer unique flavors for all types of lakeshore visitors. Expect to pay upper tier prices for Lake Michigan property. Many lakeside estates sell for over $5 million.

Torch Lake

National Geographic magazine deemed Torch Lake the "Third Most Beautiful Lake in the World," for its rare, turquoise-blue-green water. At 18 miles long, Torch Lake is Michigan's longest inland lake and second largest lake covering approximately 29 square miles. It's located in Lower Michigan's northwestern lakes region. Torch Lake runs a deep—an average of 200 feet—making it an excellent trout lake. Nearby towns include Alden, Traverse City, Charlevoix, Gaylord and Petosky. Prices range from $400,000 to plus $3 million.

Lake Bellaire

A small, but deep lake, Lake Bellaire is part of the Lower Chain O' Lakes in Antrim County, which include Intermediate Lake, Bellaire, Clam Lake, Torch Lake, Lake Skegomog and Elk Lake. Popular for its trout, walleye, bass, pike, perch and panfish, Lake Bellaire property ranges from $300,000 up.

Houghton Lake

Located in the heart of Lower Michigan, Houghton Lake is Michigan's largest inland lake covering 22,000 acres. A popular tourist lake, it boasts excellent fishing, including walleye, pike, bass and bluegill. The lake is seven miles long by 11 miles wide, with a maximum depth of 35 feet. It is the headwaters of the Muskegon River and is feeder stream fed. Lakeshore frontage begins around $3900 per foot. Properties range from $200,000 to $700,000.

Higgins Lake

Not far from Houghton Lake, lies Higgins Lake, designated as the sixth most beautiful lake in the world. A sizable lake at 11,000 acres and spring fed, Higgins is over 100 feet deep, has mesmerizing swirls of light green, light blue and dark blue color and crystal clear water. Lake trout, bass, pike, perch, small mouth bass, rainbow trout and smelt populate the waters. Renowned as a historic lake place, Higgins has generations of cottage owners and offers a well established lifestyle. Shoreline starts at $6500 per foot and properties begin at $400,000 to $1 million plus.

There are thousands of lakes to choose from in Michigan, with prices to match a wide range of budgets. Which lake you choose will be decided based on personal preference and dreams.

What to Consider Before Buying Michigan Lakeshore Property

Before you purchase MI lake property, consider how you envision using your lake home. Do you want a large body of water? A small, intimate bay? A medium size lake with high summer traffic or a private lake where deer still sip from the shoreline? What size home do you intend to build or buy for your family? Are there grandchildren or great-grandchildren that will need room for a nursery or are your kids comfortable in a bunkhouse over the garage? Do you want a large patch of yard to care for or is a smaller lot in an association that offers grounds maintenance a better choice? Do you need a swimming beach or are lake views (and perhaps a bluff) more valuable to you? Will you retire at the home year-round or just spend a few weeks there? Do you want it to be rented out while you are not using it?

As you survey MI lake lots and lake homes, keep in mind that there are individual lake, township and/or county zoning ordinances that include specified restrictions on setbacks, placement of wells and septic accommodation. Some lakes are moving toward municipal sewers, levying taxes and fees over a period of time. You'll want to find out if your lake is in this process before you buy. Also keep in mind lake association covenants as some lakes have wake restriction hours on boat usage at certain times of day. Other developments have protective covenants that guide building and land use.

Your choice of Michigan lake property should reflect your individual goals and dream for life at the lake. If you plan with the future in mind, you'll create a legacy your family will enjoy for years to come.

For more information on Michigan lake property, please contact LakePlace.com online.