Help! I need a new lake to call home.

[nozhol]

I’d like to ask the experts for their opinions. We do all of our boating on Lake Powell, which is about two and a half hours from where we live in Southern Utah. As much as we love this, we now have a desire to move somewhere on or very close to an inland lake. Surfing around on the internet, I’ve been overwhelmed with information, but can’t really narrow it down too much yet. Based on the following criteria, can you guys suggest locations to look into:

Fresh Water Lake big enough to enjoy our 330 Sundancer, including overnight trips
A lake you can have your own dock or where there is a marina within minutes of home
A town close by with good services (including boat repairs) and employment opportunities
Four Season weather, but prefer more on moderate side and we like trees
Affordable (250K to 350K budget range)

Love to have you post pictures too if you have them. Thanks

 

[ZZ13]

Lake Murray
Lake Lanier
Lake Norman
Anywhere along the Tennessee River (Knoxville/Chattanooga/Hunstville)

These are all in the southeast because that's all I know.

 

[John_Gault]

Really sounds like the Tennessee River Valley. I'm partial to the upper end of the valley, but almost any section would fit your requirements. Knoxville or Chattanooga are probably the best beta for your city requirements.
In the same basin, the Cumberland River has the same environment opportunities and brings Nashville in play. Navigation to the Gulf and world are available from both Rivers.

 

[Smile Maker]

I'm on the TN at Guntersville, and I love it!

 

[Bluto310]

Thought about the Great Lakes? In particular check out the west coast of Michigan, several inland lakes that have access to Lake Michigan. Charlevoix is one of my favorites.

 

[Dave S]

Check out the greater Charlotte (NC) area. Plenty of industry and commerce are here. There are two lakes within a short drive from Charlotte's Uptown area. Lake Norman is by far the biggest Lake in the area but Lake Wylie would also be suitable for your boat as long as you understand you are landlocked in both lakes. The Sea Ray dealer on Lake Wylie has their own Marina (Hall Marine - Lake Wylie Marina) so Techs can service your boat easily both in or out of the water. Our lakes don't freeze so you can use the boat year round.

 

[jobofly]

cayuga lake, its great. 40 miles long, connects to other big lakes via canal and also to the hudson river and NYC then ocean.

 

[chuck1]

north ga mountain lakes. I know a good Realtor. grin

 

[nozhol]

Thanks, so far for the responses. I'm looking closer at the possibilities.