Top Lakes Within One Hour’s Drive of Columbus Ohio
Since we have so many potential lakefront buyers from the Columbus area it’s important to discuss the top lakes within one hour’s drive of Columbus Ohio. Since the Lakefront Living Realty Ohio branch is located on Hoover Reservoir, in the heart of Columbus Ohio, it’s only right that we as a company are experts in all the lakes within one hour’s drive. As it is the one hour drive can fluctuate depending on what side of Columbus you live on, but for the sake of this blog article we’ll list the ones that fringe on that one hour drive.
Located in Mount Gilead, just one hour north of Columbus, Candlewood is a 250 acre private lake with no horsepower, this lake is the perfect combination of wilderness feel brought on by extra sized wooded lots, and a residential community with modern day amenities. Although no jet skies allowed, the lake is calm and quiet and perfect for pontooning and fishing. The lake is private and gated with a beautiful lodge and a newly added walking trail. With lakefront homes between $400,000 and $550,000 on average this lake is great for second homes and permanent residences.
2. Hoover Reservoir.
Hoover has the best location out of any other lakes on this list as Hoover is located within Columbus itself. With a horsepower limit, this large lake is primarily known as a sailing lake with great fishing. With over 3,000 acres of water this lake has wonderful and beautiful panoramic lake views. Hoover gives residences the great opportunity of living in Columbus and enjoying the city life while enjoying the lakefront lifestyle. With Lakefront homes ranging between $600,000 and over $1,000,000 Hoover Reservoir is a great place for primary residents in Columbus.
Apple Valley lake in Howard Ohio is the second largest private lake in Ohio at 511 acres, with a maximum depth of 68 feet. Apple Valley is one of the top lakes within 1 hour drive of Columbus due to it’s large size and ample amount of amenities. This private lake has great opportunities for water sports but also has an indoor pool, outdoor pool, community center, baseball field, dog park, three beaches, a club house and an 18 hole golf course. With impeccable water quality, this lake is one of the most popular lakes in Ohio. An average lakefront home costs between $500,000 and $800,000.
4. Buckeye Lake
If someone is looking for more of a active lake with plenty of things to do around the lake Buckeye Lake is a great lake option. Buckeye is only 45 minutes from downtown Columbus; that combined with it’s awesome lakeside restaurants and bars make it one of the top lakes close to Columbus. With it’s large size over 3,000 acres Buckeye has some of the best views around. Local residents have to make sure to check out Papa Boo’s for a great time! Price on Buckeye can range from $100,000 $1,000,000 depending on location. Since Buckeye has a lot of lakefront shoreline there are a lot of cove front and channel front that give people the opportunity to buy water access lots for a reasonable price.
One of the more rustic lakes in the state of Ohio, Hide-a-way Hills has an abundance of wildlife and wooded hills that provide the foundation of it’s name. As one of the top lakes near Columbus Hide-away Hills, besides it’s beautiful wooded atmosphere, has all the amenities a lakefront owner could ask for. With a main lake of 110 acres, the main lake isn’t the biggest but the community has a 9 hole golf course, restaurant with a micro-brewery, amphitheater with concerts, swimming pool, disc golf course, ATV track and much more. This lakefront community is only 1 hour south of Columbus and gives residents the opportunity to have a great cabin in the woods for a weekend get-a-way. With lakefront homes between $300,000 – $500,000
6. Shawnee Hills
A more residential lake only 1 hour south west of Columbus, Shawnee Hills has some of the lowest lake maintenance and HOA fees. At 250 acres and little cove front, Shawnee has wonderful lakefront views. With great fishing and no horsepower limit, Shawnee Hills has awesome water sports at the lake. An easy drive down the interstate, Shawnee Hills offers residents a great location and great opportunities for lakefront living. With Lakefront homes between $275,000 – $600,000 the lake offers a wide variety of lakefront homes, both for primary and secondary residences.
7. Choctaw Lake
One of the more popular top lakes close to Columbus, Choctaw lake is a 285 private acre lake that is only 35 minutes from downtown Columbus. With it’s close proximity to to the city and it’s awesome boating, Choctaw Lake is a prime lake for potential buyers. With a 24 hour private security force, a lodge, beach, tennis courts and full service marina Choctaw Lake has plenty of amenities for it’s full time residents. Residents will find Choctaw Lake a great place to have live and enjoy the lakefront lifestyle! With lakefront Homes between $400,000 – $600,000 Choctaw Lake is a great place for permanent residents who also want a lakefront lifestyle!
8. Indian Lake
Indian Lake is one of the largest lakes in Ohio over 5,000 acres and has a great lakefront lifestyle with plenty of active areas and lakefront restaurants and bars including the famous Cranberries, Tilted Hilton, and Indian Head Roadhouse. The lake is renowned state wide for it’s fishing, especially ice fishing, as well as great hunting and trapping opportunities for local sportsmen. The lake also has great water sports opportunities with no horsepower limit or size limit on boats. The lake has several bike trails around the lake and has several attractions near the community including the Zane Shawnee Caverns. With homes ranging between $100,000 and $1,000,000 Indian Lake has an area for everyone.
In summary, there are 8 top lakes within 1 hour’s drive of Columbus Ohio, all of which have their own unique opportunities for residents to enjoy the lakefront living lifestyle. If you want more information about any of these lakes please check with your lakefront specialist about each lake to see if they are the right fit for your family. Just remember this is the year to Buy The Lake House!
Written by Justin Shelton Lakefront Consultant – The Lake Team