Buying a permanent, year-round home is different from buying a vacation home or rental property. For one thing, as your primary residence, the house itself becomes far more important than in a vacation purchase. And for another, your location, and proximity to amenities, becomes another major factor. So, here’s what you need to know about buying a lakefront home in Northwestern Wisconsin—and the best lakes for permanent living.
What to Look for in a Permanent Lakefront Home
Proximity to Amenities
You’ll be living in this home in all kinds of weather, at all times of year. You’ll need to have access to things like grocery stores and other conveniences, as well as services and businesses. So while a completely remote location might seem appealing, it might not be quite so great when you’re snowed in and running out of groceries!
A Home You Love
Location, location, location, right? In a vacation home, definitely. In a permanent home, also definitely. But there’s definitely a lot of importance that goes into choosing the house as well as the property. Since it will be your permanent residence, you can’t just fall in love with the property and ignore the house (unless you’re okay with remodeling or rebuilding).
A Lake That’s Everything You Need
Of course, the most important part of buying any kind of lakefront home in Northwestern Wisconsin is the lake! Think about what you need in a lake—how much noise? What types of activities? What kind of shoreline or bottom? Also consider the property around the lake, like how close homes sit to the water line, the height of the water table, and any building or zoning restrictions.
The Best Northwestern Wisconsin Lakes for Year-Round Living
Though there are a lot of really beautiful lakes throughout the Northwestern Wisconsin countryside, we’ve chosen a few that are close enough to amenities, like schools, grocery stores, and service providers, to be convenient, while still offering amazing homes and a plethora of outdoor activities. Here are our top six favorites:
Best Hayward Lakes for a Year-Round House
Nelson Lake, Round Lake, Grindstone Lake, and Lac Courte Oreilles are all within an easy drive of Hayward’s amenities, businesses, and activities, but with tons of boating, fishing, watersports, and even hiking and biking, there’s plenty outdoor recreation to be enjoyed. Plus, hundreds of miles of shoreline offer very diverse living options.
Best Cable Lakes for a Year-Round Home
Closer to the Cable area, we love Lake Namekagon, Diamond Lake, and Lake Owen. Around these lakes, there are tons of lovely homes within driving distance of Cable’s great amenities and businesses, as well as its famous attractions and events. And like the lakes around Hayward, Cable’s lakes offer really outstanding outdoor activities all year round.
Are You Thinking of Buying a Year-Round Home in Northwestern Wisconsin?
If you’re planning on buying a home in Northwestern Wisconsin, then it’s time to contact McKinney Realty. As your guides to lifestyle and real estate throughout the area, we’re here to help you explore the area, discover its amazing lakes, and find the perfect year-round home for sale.