[bhamblue]

I am having a hard time narrowing down my search with the vast amount of lakes in the area and specific areas on a specific lake.

Love Walloon and Glenn but the prices are probably a bit out of the price range. I visited Torch lake last summer and it seems very appealing, but the lake is huge! Which areas are the most desirable on the lake?
Also considering Suttons Bay (going to visit this summer) - not an inland lake, but I hear its very nice. I don't know a lot of other lakes in the area and do plan on visiting. I think most important is the lake itself (swimable lake with sandy bottom, nice wooded properties around the lake) and the surrounding community (nice restaurants to walk or drive to, people that care for thier property, etc).

I know that this is very subjective and based on personal preferences, but I was hoping the board could help me narrow down my list.
What I guess I'm really looking for is community profiles of some of the larger inland lakes.

Any comments or websites that discuss the pros/cons/general community vibe would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

[goblue1231]

I moved to that area about 5 years ago and there are alot of options for you. First of all Torch lake is amazing, the water is beautiful and it is always a great time. The lake is huge 21 mile I think, Alden is a small town and that is where the sand bar is (probably the busiest spot on lake) but the bellaire area is supposed to be nice to. It is at the other end of torch. Long Lake is a little west of Traverse and it is also a great lake and probably a little cheaper. It looks small at first but then it keeps branching off in different directions. It is also nice because of how close it is to TC. Both North and South Leelanau are beautiful. They have some nice land and houses and it is close to Suttons Bay and Leland and Lake leelenau are pretty cool little towns. In Interlochen they have a smaller lake called Silver lake . It is probably the most affordable but not quite as large as others but it is still very nice. Any choice is going to be a good one they are all so nice and each one has its pro and cons.

If you are looking further north like Petoskey or so check ouot Burt and Mullet lake in Indian River. Small town but the lakes and rivers are amazing. I was lucky enough to live on the river in the summer of 03 and after that we decided we could not move back down state. they are both huge 3 and 5 biggest in Mich.
Well Hope that helps and good luck, By the way where are you moving from.
Phil

[suydam]

Walloon is my favorite. If that's too pricey, try Lake Charlevoix maybe? Similar vibe, but busier lake, and more proximity to towns (Charlevoix, Boyne City)

[bhamblue]

Great feedback - thanks! I grew up in southeast michigan, moved out west, then found my way back. Live in Birmingham now and looking for a place on the water to spend during the hot humid summers.

[Iggs]

I am partial to Crystal, Glen and Torch but less expensive alternatives may be Platte Lake or even Bear Lake. Both are with in driving distance to Frankfort/Beulah and Manistee. I haven't been in the water of Bear Lake but we drive past it on the way to Manistee and the size looks ample without being overwhelming. I believe they are less than a 4 hour drive from where you are.

[Rapunzll]

Bass Lake might be more affordable as would Silver Lake. They are both SW of TC. Cedar lake might not be so bad either and that is just NW of TC in Leelanau county, where the taxes tend to be a little less.