
Finding the right neighbourhood
Choosing the right lake or neighbourhood is an important part of finding your property. If you love the cottage but hate the neighbours, or have the perfect kitchen but have an agonizing commute, you’re never going to feel completely comfortable.
Your best bet is to figure out if the area you are considering is a good fit for your family. Before you start looking for a property and certainly before you put in an offer spend some time there; take a walk through the area, talk to neighbours (whilst physically distancing!) who are out and about, visit local shops and restaurants, go into the local coffee shop and get a sense of the area’s personality and whether it feels right for you.
Here are few questions that can help you figure out if an area is a click for you:
What does the area look like & who spends time there?
Families? Retirees? First-time homeowners? Professionals with no kids? An area populated mainly by multi generational cottaging families, for example, will feel very different from one focused on retirees.
What about convenience?
How long will it take to get to home? Do a dry run of your commute at the busiest times. Does your schedule allow you to be flexible with your commute? Figure out how far you are from a major highway or Muskoka or Lindsay airport. How easy is it to get there?
Property values
You will find the greatest appreciation in our region on waterfront. With over 1400 lakes to choose from in Muskoka plus thousands more through to the Kawartha Lakes region there really is a lakeside option for almost everyone. Lake Rosseau, Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph, Lake of Bays, Sturgeon Lake, Balsam and Stoney Lake tend to be the market leaders. Mid sized options such as Skeleton Lake, Peninsula Lake, Lake Vernon, Fairy Lake and Three Mile Lake will make your dollar go further. Other smaller more remote lakes include Wood Lake, Camel Lake, Leech Lake, McKay Lake. Meanwhile, Leonard Lake and Brandy Lake will put you near Port Carling without the price tag.
For those who want a more urban vibe there are variety of neighbourhoods within Bracebridge, Huntsville, Port Carling, Lake of Bays and Bobcaygeon. Muskoka Bay Club, Devonleigh Homes, Mattamy Homes and Port 32 fall within the higher end but there is plenty to choose from.
Ask Mark or Susan for info on property values and additional analysis for Muskoka and its submarkets for the last 10 years - that way you make an informed purchase decision.
Proposed development
Social or privacy?
Finding neighbours you like is just as important as spending time in a cottage or home that you love. Good people, great amenities, nice schools and cool shops can make or break how you feel about your investment. So talk to a REALTOR® who specializes in the area you’re interested in, do your research, and you should be able to find a community that fits your needs and your lifestyle.
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