For many, lake houses are synonymous with summertime nostalgia. Barbeques, refreshing dips in the chilly water, gorgeous sunsets, boat rides, and fireflies: If you’ve spent any time by a lake in the warmer months, you’re likely well-acquainted with this particular brand of vacation magic. You may even be looking to recreate it for yourself by purchasing your own lake house. If that’s the case, but you’re not exactly sure which lake you want to call your home (or your second home) just yet, we can help.
There are quite literally thousands of lakes with real estate opportunities in the U.S., so we spoke with a few experts to narrow down the selection. Below, they’re sharing their picks for the best places to buy a lake house this year.
If you live in certain parts of California, Nevada, or Arizona, investing in a lakefront property on Lake Havasu might be a good financial move. “Lake Havasu boasts a strong average booked rate of $246/night and an average yearly revenue per listing of $32,000. It has an appeal as a year-round destination, and maintains a 36 percent average yearly occupancy,” says Brinkman. Home prices have decreased slightly in the last year—Zillow calculates the average home price in Lake Havasu City is just over $473,000—and the area’s appeal is multi-fold. It’s great for retirees, remote workers, and anyone who just wants a bit of respite from the powerful Arizona sun.