Lake Murray, Lake Keowee & Lake Jocassee Names Most Coveted Lakefront Destinations in Survey

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Lakefront homes have long ranked among the most desirable types of second properties in North America, and the numbers back it up; waterfront properties can command a 36 percent price premium on average, according to Zillow.

Calgary Homes, a real estate platform, carried out a survey of 3,007 Americans and Canadians to identify the most sought-after lakefront real estate in North America. The top 5 were as follows:

#1. Big Bear Lake, CaliforniaPerched in the San Bernardino Mountains and just a few hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake is a four-season favorite. Neighborhoods like Boulder Bay offer classic A-frames and modern homes, many with easy access to trails, town, and lakefront views. The blend of walkability and alpine charm makes it a consistent pick for second-home buyers.

#2. Lake Tahoe, CaliforniaLake Tahoe has crystal-clear water and a mix of forest hideaways and luxury retreats. On the California side, places like Carnelian Bay and Rubicon Bay offer direct water access, with homes often passed down for generations.

#3. Shasta Lake, CaliforniaAs one of California’s largest reservoirs, Shasta Lake has a wilder, more remote feel. Properties here often sit above the shoreline with sweeping views of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Because of water level fluctuations, many homes are built with adaptable features like hillside paths and extended docks.

#4. Tracadie Bay, Prince Edward IslandThough tidal, Tracadie Bay feels like a lake - calm, scenic, and low-traffic. Shoreline homes around Brackley and Blooming Point offer privacy, beach views, and quick access to Charlottetown. Most are custom-built with sunrooms and private water access. It’s especially popular among seasonal buyers who want natural beauty with city proximity.

#5. Lake Weir, FloridaIn Marion County, Lake Weir stands out for its sandy beaches and low-key atmosphere. Many homes come with large lots, private docks, and backyard boat access. It’s a peaceful choice for full-time living, close enough to Ocala and The Villages without feeling overdeveloped or crowded.

3 of the nations' most sought after lakefront real estate locations are in South Carolina:

#84. Lake MurrayNear Columbia, Lake Murray stretches across 50,000 acres with more than 500 miles of shoreline, making it one of South Carolina’s largest and most accessible lakes. Homes range from affordable ranch-style properties to modern new builds, many with expansive waterfronts and deep-water docks. The lake supports a vibrant boating scene and year-round community, with infrastructure that includes schools, shopping, and major highways.

#98. Lake KeoweeNestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, Lake Keowee has become one of the most desirable lakefront real estate markets in the Southeast. The water is crystal-clear and emerald-toned, and the shoreline features custom homes with private docks and long-range views. Gated developments like The Cliffs and Keowee Key offer golf courses, marinas, and wellness centers, drawing buyers seeking resort-style amenities. Despite its upscale appeal, Keowee retains a low-density, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for second homes or full-time living with a nature-forward backdrop.

#118. Lake JocasseeTucked into a protected corner of the state near the North Carolina border, Lake Jocassee is a pristine, high-elevation lake fed by cold Appalachian streams. It’s surrounded by thousands of acres of preserved forest, with lake access managed primarily through Devils Fork State Park. Direct homeownership here is limited, with most lakefront homes sitting on hard-to-acquire parcels, many of which feature panoramic views and deep-water access. The quiet, undeveloped shoreline and rigorous conservation rules make it a haven for buyers seeking solitude and long-term natural value.

Infographic showing the most desirable lakefront real estate in North America

“Lakefront homes have a unique way of combining investment potential with emotional appeal,” says a spokesperson from Calgary Homes. “What we’re seeing is that buyers aren’t just chasing scenery - they’re looking for places that support a slower, more connected lifestyle. Whether it’s for seasonal use or future retirement, these properties offer a blend of long-term value and personal meaning that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.”

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