I currently own a house in Lake Havasu, but now that I'm in the midwest have no use for it. hoping to find a comparable lake in the Detroit metro. will be living in Columbus, OH and hoping to keep the drive under 4 hours. so, of all the lakes in SE Michigan, which lakes have waterfront property, at a reasonable price, but are fun lakes primarily for second homes? I know Oakland Co. has several lakes, but those are more full time communities. kind of looking for the destination feel...any input would be greatly appreciated!

Lake st. Clair baby! Theres repo houses everywhere on the lake and canals from what I've seen last few times down there. Muscamoot bay is happening on any given weekend as well as many good boat bars. If I wasnt stuck at my plant in lansing id be living on lsc for sure.

Look at Metro Beach area in Harrison Township or Nautical Mile off of Jefferson. Those are kind of the go-fast hang outs on lake st. clair. Many of the homes are weekend homes. And it's only about a 10 minute run to muscamoot bay and all of the good bars. You can also easily access the detroit river, lake huron, lake erie, etc... MOD220 what boat you running?

Lake Erie Islands, Port Clinton, Marblehead and Sandusky

LSC is great but if you are living in Columbus, OH you are only about 2 hours from some of the best boating in the country in the areas Dd24skater mentioned.

Also in the Columbus area there is Alum Creek (really a lake despite the name), not huge but decent size for an inland lake.

I'm guessing you could be at Lake Cumberland in 4hrs as well from Columbus. I 2nd LSC there's lot's to do on any given weekend.

aside from St. Clair Shores, what are some other cities on the South/West side of the lake I should look up for homes? looking to be on the water. thanks guys!

The north end of the lake / south of river is nice too. New Baltimore, Algonac area. Good deals to be had. My parents have a place up there and I can make it in about 4.5 hours from Cincy area.

I hadnt even thought of Lake Erie, always thought it was a less than desirable body of water, with a limited amount waterfront homes, but will look into it. Any recommendations on doing a home search, i.e. City, zip, etc?

Cities to search, Marblehead, Catawba Island, Port Clinton...

You might try a weekend out on the islands....Put in Bay is never a bad time!