Lake Life in NEPA

“Lake life” isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Bugs, smells, sounds, dew, and fog—to name a few—keep many people at bay. But these are the exact same reasons some people gravitate towards lakes in Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA). If you own a residence or second home on one of our region’s lakes, you understand the experience as well as the peace that comes with living on a lake.

Benefits of Living on a Lake

There are numerous benefits when living near a body of water in our area of Pennsylvania.

Pros include:

• Wildlife
• Fishing
• Outdoor recreation (Good luck getting the kids to come in for dinner.)
• Sunrises and sunsets
• Relaxation
• Usually located in a private community
• Opportunities to host and entertain

How Much Are Lake Properties Worth?

Property value is a big bonus for homeowners located on the waterfront or near the water itself. Valuation on these homes varies depending on surrounding amenities, lake views, and lake access, which most everyone wants.

In a way, when you sell a lake house, you’re selling a particular lifestyle. Is there an option to entertain outside on a deck with an exterior kitchenette, dock and/or pool? These are amenities that help prospective homebuyers realize they’re buying more than a home, they’re buying a vacation-like lifestyle. And the value far exceeds the lifestyle! While the exact premium depends on several factors, on average, the appeal of a waterfront property can boost a home’s value by nearly 80%!

Disadvantages of Living on a Lake

Besides the sense that you’ve made a good investment and you’re always on vacation, there are definitely cons to buying a lake house. While not all of these are relevant to every lake house, they’re important to identify when considering your purchase.

Some challenges include:

• Lake homes are often exposed to the elements, requiring more regular upkeep and maintenance.
• More money may need to be held in reserve to protect your investment and come to the rescue if storms and natural disasters strike.
• While privacy can be a plus for those living on a lake, some communities have a lack of privacy. Certain times and seasons on a lake pose a threat to tranquility. The summer months will often usher in various forms of commotion and entertainment, not suited for everyone.
• Higher insurance costs and lake association dues can become financial hardships for those not used to lake house living.

This article gives you a deeper glimpse into the advantages and disadvantages of choosing life on a lake.

Ready to Find Your Dream Lake Home?

Whether or not you’ve ever dreamed of living on a lake, we invite you to experience what it’s like. This is what poet Richard Milton Grahn wrote about “lake life.”

Butterflies in brilliant light
What a sight as dreams take flight
Whatever comes, whatever goes
The ripples in the lake still flow

[excerpt from “Lake of Dreams” by Richard Milton Grahn]

As spring emerges, so too does the foliage and critters around the lake. Summer makes way for water play, boats, kayaks, jet skis, swimming, and fishing. Autumn supplies us with brisk, clean air and the sounds of the ripples on the water. Winter invites us to listen to the stillness left behind.

We hope to see you on one of our many beautiful lakes in NEPA. If you’re interested in discovering more about our lakes or would like to purchase a lake house, take a tour here.

Always make sure you have a waterfront real estate professional on your side as you begin to pursue lake living.