The Most Expensive Lakes in California to Buy a Second Home

The most expensive lakes in California to buy a second home aren’t expensive just because they are located in California. Lakefront property is considered a luxury no matter where you live. If you look up a list of the best lakefront properties in the United States, you’ll find that living by a lake is pricey.

There are a lot of reasons to fork over the money for lakefront property in California. First and foremost, despite the high property tax rates, it’s one of the most beautiful states in the country. California is one of those states that has it all, from beachside property, to lakes among rolling hills, to small reservoirs in mountainous terrain.

Fishing, boating, exploring, lounging, and the unique aesthetic are just a handful of the reasons for owning a second home on lakefront property in California. If you’re in the market for a second home and don’t mind the added expense of lakefront property, the following lake is perfect for that second house.

1. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is often associated with Nevada since the majority of the lake is within Nevada’s border. However, it does share a border with California and many of the top California businessmen and women call Lake Tahoe their home. Lake Tahoe is easily number one on our list of the most expensive lakes in California to buy a second home.

Price tags are often in the $50 million to $100 million range. The farther back from Lake Tahoe you go, however, the more drastically the price drops. for instance, there is a beautiful mini-home in Clio, north of Lake Tahoe, that sits on over three acres and will run you a cool $415,000.

If you want a property that sits right up next to Lake Tahoe, you’re looking at a minimum of $25 million. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, but these usually come with caveats, such as “shared” homes and homes that are in serious need of renovation.

2. Huntington Lake

Huntington Lake is one of the most expensive lakes in California to buy a second home, especially since it’s in Fresno. Fresno is a huge tourism hotspot and thousands of people choose this town as their premier vacation spot each year. Instead of vacationing, why not just purchase a second home?

Huntington Lake is a man-made reservoir and large enough that sailing is a common pastime. The Fresno Yacht Club is located here as well. Many of the properties around Huntington Lake are far more affordable than anything you will find on Lake Tahoe.

If $300,000 to $950,000 is well within your price range, Huntington Lake is worth a look. You also get the added benefit of nearby Lakeshore, CA, a hotspot for just about everything you can think of for a family or couples to do in the evening.

3. Donner Lake

if you’re looking for property in or near Truckee, California, you might consider lakefront property on Donner Lake. The median sale price for property on Donner Lake is $1,217,500. However, even as one of the most expensive lakes to buy a second home in California, properties on Donner Lake are not as bad as the median price suggests.

For instance, some homes sell for three-quarters of a million, if you can find one that low while suiting your tastes. It’s easy to see why the prices are so high — the views here are stunning and Donner Lake rests at the bottom of the Sierra Nevada. If you’re in the mood for a little historical haunting, the Donner Party met its tragic and cannibalistic end here (hence the name).

Another reason to look at Donner Lake is the level of competition. Right now, it’s not that hot, so you may be able to find something in your price range without a lot of heat before closing. If you love history, and the stunning beauty of the natural world, and want a suitably comparable home, Donner Lake should be high on your list.

4. Big Bear Lake

The San Bernardino Mountain Range casts its considerable shadow over Big Bear Lake. The surrounding countryside is gorgeous and the homes are equal to their environment. If you like a few palm trees with your mountain view lifestyle, you’ll find that here as well. Big Bear Lake has a decidedly beach/desert/mountain feel, which is as incredible as it sounds.

The median price for a home on Big Bear Lake is $675,000. At least in terms of listing. However, many of the homes purchased there are bought at lower prices, driving down the median sold price versus the median listing price.

If you’re a nature fanatic, one of the best things that Big Bear Lake has to offer is distinctive four seasons. So if you live in southern California, Florida, or the southern part of many states in the south and are deprived of experiencing all four seasons, this is a great lake to enjoy living at year-round.

5. Lake San Antonio

Sure, San Antonio is mostly associated with Texas, but California has a San Antonio all its own — albeit in the form of a lake. Most of the major properties around Lake San Antonio are located in Salinas, California. While Lake San Antonio belongs on the ‘most expensive lakes to buy a second home in California’ list, the prices here are a little more reasonable.

You can find homes in San Antonio anywhere between $499,000 and well over a million. Most of the properties sold for less than half a million are just that, properties — land without a home. Of course, that just provides prospective buyers with the perfect opportunity to purchase beautiful land and build a home to their specifications.

Homes along San Antonio Lake run the gamut from typical, suburban aesthetics to luxury manses and log cabins. So there is plenty of variety to choose from. The median listing price here is $771,000, while the median purchase is $685,000.

Summary of the Most Expensive Lakes in California to Buy a Second Home

Here’s a recap of where the priciest properties around California lakes can be found.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the most expensive lakes in California to buy a second home. Most of these areas are second to none in terms of beauty and the surrounding natural environment. There’s a reason these homes are so expensive. California does have one of the highest property taxes in the country, but there’s more to the price range along these five lakes.

If you’re in the market for a second home and appreciate natural beauty and all of the recreation opportunities a lake has to offer, you would do yourself a disservice to count any of the above lakes out of the conversation.