Waterfront property whats it worth?

[just_because]

Yeah, having to drive and park at the water creates a whole different experience. Even with only a very short distance, 10 foot plus kayaks, a trailer with a couple of jet skis, etc can make a day off feel like it's more work than working. Parking is often very restricted around water and things like parking permit systems, parking zones, etc can change over time, making things even more difficult. Private beaches or places with views and ability to entertain in your own private waterview space, etc are a strong draw.

That said, many people prefer not to live right on the water for reasons other than home price. Flood zones/flood risk and higher insurance cost, higher taxes, sometimes greater environmental restrictions for things like septic systems and wells, stricter building restrictions, maintenance cost of waterfront features like beaches, retaining walls, docks, etc. etc. Erosion problems. More likelihood for problems with trespassers, sometimes less privacy, more noise.

Also, in my experience, 'waterfront issues' and use of the water can be very contentious and emotional in waterfront communities and while often the whole community is involved, those directly on the water often are closer to the contention and disputes. "I've fished here for 50 years", "we've never had a problem walking through here to the water", where swimming platforms are located, that raised deck someone is building over the water, jet skis at night, the fireworks...whatever. Often too many people want to use limited space and naturally many disputes can arise. Often just being a couple houses away from the water can significantly reduce headaches of this kind.

Like a pool, they are great on a sunny day in the summer but it's work and cost to maintain and some people just prefer not to have that worry but rather go to the water when they want to and leave it all behind when they go home.

[pikabike]

Originally Posted by just_because

Yeah, having to drive and park at the water creates a whole different experience. Even with only a very short distance, 10 foot plus kayaks, a trailer with a couple of jet skis, etc can make a day off feel like it's more work than working. Parking is often very restricted around water and things like parking permit systems, parking zones, etc can change over time, making things even more difficult. Private beaches or places with views and ability to entertain in your own private waterview space, etc are a strong draw.

That said, many people prefer not to live right on the water for reasons other than home price. Flood zones/flood risk and higher insurance cost, higher taxes, sometimes greater environmental restrictions for things like septic systems and wells, stricter building restrictions, maintenance cost of waterfront features like beaches, retaining walls, docks, etc. etc. Erosion problems. More likelihood for problems with trespassers, sometimes less privacy, more noise.

Also, in my experience, 'waterfront issues' and use of the water can be very contentious and emotional in waterfront communities and while often the whole community is involved, those directly on the water often are closer to the contention and disputes. "I've fished here for 50 years", "we've never had a problem walking through here to the water", where swimming platforms are located, that raised deck someone is building over the water, jet skis at night, the fireworks...whatever. Often too many people want to use limited space and naturally many disputes can arise. Often just being a couple houses away from the water can significantly reduce headaches of this kind.

Like a pool, they are great on a sunny day in the summer but it's work and cost to maintain and some people just prefer not to have that worry but rather go to the water when they want to and leave it all behind when they go home.

That is why we built a house that was in hand-carting distance from a terrific public beach, yet not right ON the beach. But the house has water views and plenty of natural light/sun/moon (in the PNW, this is nothing to be sneezed at!) from bottom to top, so it feels like a beach house. About 5 minutes of walking across the street and then down a set of stairs to the beach, OR with a 17' sea kayak (cannot carry down those stairs) a 12-minute carting on a side road to the boat launch. I did both several times a week, all year 'round. Carting that kayak was not only simpler and easier than loading and unloading to car roof or trailer, it took less time.

Although we are selling the house, we do miss having the quick beach access. It is perfect for frequent paddlers who want to minimize automobile use.

[just_because]

Originally Posted by pikabike

That is why we built a house that was in hand-carting distance from a terrific public beach, yet not right ON the beach. But the house has water views and plenty of natural light/sun/moon (in the PNW, this is nothing to be sneezed at!) from bottom to top, so it feels like a beach house. About 5 minutes of walking across the street and then down a set of stairs to the beach, OR with a 17' sea kayak (cannot carry down those stairs) a 12-minute carting on a side road to the boat launch. I did both several times a week, all year 'round. Carting that kayak was not only simpler and easier than loading and unloading to car roof or trailer, it took less time.

Although we are selling the house, we do miss having the quick beach access. It is perfect for frequent paddlers who want to minimize automobile use.

That sounds great. I wonder about that hand carting system, especially for a 17 footer. I'll search for a vid of something like that. Maybe a bicycle trailer but not for 17 footer. Needing to transport by car often makes people use the wrong boats.

Many towns allow rack storage a public launches or beaches by permit but often don't allow 17 footers. And often it's just for certain months of the year and, of course, you risk theft and vandalism.