Lake living isn’t just for the weekend— it’s a way of life across the metro.
Words by Megan Felling
he benefits of lake living are endless, including all the activities that are part of a quintessential lake lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts can find a surprising number of lake communities right here in Kansas City, where lakefront property owners are having fun boating, fishing, skiing and swimming any day of the week.
Many popular communities are becoming increasingly more resort-like with world-class amenities, including golf courses, elaborate clubhouses and restaurants, yacht clubs, beaches, marinas, fishing docks, walking trails and a full social calendar of events year-round.
Homeowners Candace and Tom E. have lived at both Lakewood and Raintree Lake. “We really enjoy the atmosphere of a lake community, whether that’s being out on a boat, fishing from the shore or just taking a walk in the evening,” Tom says. “It’s always fun watching the fireworks over the water on the Fourth of July. A nice feature at Raintree Lake is the ability to rent the clubhouse and a pontoon boat for a holiday or family gathering.”
Lakefront property buyers have different considerations than buyers of typical suburban neighborhood properties. For example, flood insurance may be required, and taxes may be higher. If your property has a private dock, it will require regular maintenance, and overgrown lake weeds and algae can require additional time and energy to clean up. Homeowners must also be aware that tracking sand and water into the house may cause damage, especially over time.
Competition for lake houses is high in many communities—especially for new or remodeled homes—and price ranges vary. While most lake homes in the metro are primary residences, Tommy Needles, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Platinum Partners, notes that the majority of homes at Lake Lotawana are second homes or weekend getaways. Yet, at Riss Lake, Janet Agron with the The Rob Ellerman Team at ReeceNichols says that most homes are primary residences, with many homeowners being “snowbirds”—residents who have a second home elsewhere.
Whether you’re looking for a part-time cabin or a waterfront location to build your dream house, there are a multitude of options for lake-life enthusiasts around the metro area. Moreover, each community features its own distinct style and array of amenities. Check out some of KC’s premier lakeside communities, and you’ll be on your way to listening to the soothing sound of the water and enjoying glorious sunsets from your new deck.
Be one with nature at these communities:
Cedar Creek
cedarcreek-kc.com, @cedarcreekkc
Located just southwest of K-10 and K-7, six communities of single-family homes and maintenance-provided villas wind through rolling hills, limestone bluffs, treed valleys, tranquil lakes and open green space. Hundreds of acres will always remain in their natural state and preserved, surrounded by abundant wildlife.
The 65-acre Shadow Lake—primed for sailing and fishing—is at the heart of the community. No private homeowner docks are allowed. Amenities include a top-rated golf course, a park and miles of walking trails. The Estates at Canyon Oaks, the newest single-family neighborhood, is now accepting lot reservations.
Lake of the Forest
lakeoftheforestkansas.com
This gated private community features 163 homes surrounding a 40-acre lake for swimming and fishing. It also has a nine-hole golf course, clubhouse and tennis courts. Located between Edwardsville and Bonner Springs, Kansas, off I-435 and K-32, it offers an easy commute to downtown Kansas City, Lawrence and Olathe.
Canaan Lake
Several neighborhoods surround this 55-acre lake in Wyandotte County, Kansas, where private docks are allowed. Residents enjoy proximity to the Legends Outlets shopping and dining district and Dub’s Dread Golf Club.
Black Swan Lake
blackswanlake.org
This private community of 134 homes straddles Shawnee and Kansas City, Kansas. Its 18-acre lake is ideal for canoes, paddle boards, row boats and kayaks.
Creekmoor
creekmoor.com, @highpointcreekmoor
Creekmoor’s maintenance-provided villas and single-family homes are designed around its signature amenities—Lake Creekmoor, a private 108-acre fishing and boating lake, and the 18-hole Creekmoor Championship Golf Course. The sports court, swimming pools and walking paths cater to an active lifestyle. New construction and resale homes are available in this Raymore, Missouri, master-planned community.
Riss Lake
risslakeinfo.com, @risslakelife
Located in Parkville, Missouri, Riss Lake offers easy access to nearby restaurants, grocery stores and shopping, with Kansas City International Airport and downtown KC each less than a 15-minute drive away. The 134-acre stocked lake features a marina with covered boat slips; a fishing dock; three swimming pools; a tennis court; a playground; nature trails; and volleyball, basketball and pickleball courts. The HOA owns approximately 25 feet of land between the shoreline and residential property lines. A variety of new-home sites are available throughout Riss Lake and maintenance-provided Riss Lake Reserve, plus a new community of 38 maintenance-provided twin villas is coming this summer.
Loch Lloyd
lochlloyd.com, @lochlloydcountryclub
This secluded gated community spans both Cass County, Missouri, and Johnson County, Kansas, offering low-maintenance villas, custom-designed homes on the golf course and lakeside estates. A new neighborhood of wooded acreage homesites has expanded the community into the Blue Valley School District, just minutes from the 135th Street corridor, with easy access to shops and dining. The rolling wooded terrain is the centerpiece of Loch Lloyd, showcasing a 110-acre lake and an 18-hole championship course designed by golfing legend Tom Watson. While residents do not have private docks, they enjoy access to two marinas, nature trails, a fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts and a swimming pool—all overseen by a 24/7 security team.
Raintree Lake
rlpoa.com
In southern Lee’s Summit, the privately owned, 235-acre lake community contains more than 2,000 homes in various sizes and price ranges, from new villas to established estates. High-speed boats—ideal for water-skiing fans—are allowed. There’s also an Olympic-sized swimming pool and protected swim docks in this popular community.
Weatherby Lake
cityofweatherbylake-mo.gov
The 274-acre Weatherby Lake in the Northland is an established haven with community amenities that include a private lake with a sandy swimming beach, a waterfront pavilion, a large community center, a soccer field, parks, tennis and pickleball courts, various clubs for all interests and coordinated holiday festivities. The lake offers incredible fishing, boating, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing. Most first-tier homes own property down to the water, and private docks are allowed. Limited new build opportunities and options for resale and teardowns/rebuilds exist.
Lake Quivira
cityoflakequivira.org, @lake_quivira
This gated private community of nearly 400 houses is centered around a 224-acre springwater lake near the Kansas River in Johnson County, Kansas. It was initially established as a vacation spot away from the city. Amenities include the Lake Quivira Country Club, which features an 18-hole championship golf course, beach, state-of-the-art community center, driving range, chipping range, tennis and pickleball courts, playgrounds, hiking trails, waterfalls, park and picnic areas. The last custom-build lot available is for sale and adjacent to a green belt.
Lake Lotawana
lakelotawana.org, @lakelotawanabeautification
Lotawana, which means “sparkling water,” is a manmade lake bordering Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Built in the 1920s, it encompasses 640 acres and is home to 1,179 unique residences. With its own city hall and police and fire departments, the Lake Lotawana Association maintains the water, roads and other services around the lake, including snow removal in the winter and water patrol in the summer. An easement runs around the shoreline, so most property lines extend only some of the way to the water’s edge. Active community amenities include a yacht club and ski club, tennis courts and a playground, as well as many social events and dock parties. Available homes include resale and teardown custom rebuilds.
Gardner Lake
gardnerlake.info
Residents have been enjoying this manmade 125-acre lake in Johnson County, Kansas, since the 1930s. Most homes are lakefront, with gently sloping yards down to the lake. Private docks are allowed.
Lake Tapawingo
laketapawingomo.com
The City of Lake Tapawingo, Missouri, adjoins Blue Springs and Independence. Founded as an “exclusive sports retreat and rest haven,” it was built on 315 beautiful rolling wooded acres. The community has grown to nearly 375 homes—many of which have been owned by the same families for generations. Private docks are allowed. Residents enjoy boating, water skiing, kayaking, swimming and fishing. Waterfront resale homes are available in various price ranges.
Lakewood
lpoa.com, lslakewood
Located within the Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit, Missouri, school districts, this expansive master-planned community on 2,200 acres features a range of homes, from new maintenance-provided villas and family homes to luxurious lakefront mansions. Residents enjoy frequent social events and clubs, in addition to the community’s two marinas, swim beach, golf course, sports courts, clubhouses, swimming pools and hiking trails.
Prairie Lee Lake
woodlandshores.net
Woodland Shores is a community of 200 upscale homes on the northeast shore of Prairie Lee Lake, a 150-acre freshwater reservoir in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Its ideal location—near downtown Lee’s Summit, Fleming Park and Lake Jacomo—is surrounded by thousands of acres of parkland, trails and undeveloped woodlands.
Lake Waukomis
lakewaukomis.org
This highly sought-after community in Platte County, Missouri, surrounds a 90-acre lake with private docks. Amenities include walking trails; a community shelter house; a playground; a disc golf course; and pickleball, tennis and basketball courts.
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