The Most Expensive Lakes in Missouri to Buy a Second Home

Missouri is recognized as one of the states with the lowest cost of living in the entire country. The state is also home to many beautiful lakes to explore. You’ve more than likely heard of the Lake of the Ozarks, thanks to the Netflix series named after the lake, but this body of water is far from the only expensive waterfront real estate in the state.

Quite a few lesser-known lakes boast beautiful, expensive houses. Whether you browsing for a second home or simply curious about expensive properties in the state, sit back and relax as we take you through Missouri’s most luxurious lakefront properties.

1. Lake of the Ozarks

Fans of the hit Netflix series Ozarks won’t be surprised to find Lake of the Ozarks on this list. Located in the center of Missouri, the Lake of the Ozarks was formed when the Osage River was impounded in the early 20th century. Today it’s home to some of the most expensive properties in the state.

Fishing: The Lake of the Ozarks offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the country and a variety of ways to make an impressive catch. Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers boat ramps, dock fishing, and crappie beds.

The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, blue catfish, paddlefish, walleye, and bluegill, according to the area’s website. Add on the abundance of bait shops and marinas in the area and you have an anglers paradise at Lake of the Ozarks.

Outdoor Exploration: The area is home to both Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The Ozarks boast hundreds of miles of trails for hikers of all skill levels. Some even allow visitors to explore the area by bicycle or horseback.

The beautiful state parks also offer ample opportunity for birdwatching and spotting wildlife such as deer, groundhogs, raccoons, foxes, and squirrels.

Swimming, Boating, and Watersports: The Lake of the Ozarks offers numerous opportunities for enjoying the lake. Visitors can take a boat, kayak, or canoe out on the water, or sign up for something a little more adventurous, like waterskiing, jetskiing, or parasailing.

The Lake of the Ozarks State Park is also home to two sandy beaches, with picnic areas and playgrounds nearby. However, keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty at these swimming locations.

Average Cost to Live on the Lake of the Ozarks

The average cost to live at the Lake of the Ozarks depends on a variety of factors. Compared to the rest of the country’s lake homes, it’s not really as expensive as you might think. In fact, the cost of living in the state of Missouri is 9% lower than the national average.

However, buying a home in Lake of the Ozarks is more expensive than living in other parts of the state. Zillow estimates that the average home value in the area is around $352,757, while in Missouri as a whole, the number sits at around $238,055.

The Most Expensive Home on the Lake of the Ozarks

Of course, if you’re looking for the most luxurious spot in the Lake of the Ozarks, the price for homes soars astronomically. One of Missouri’s most expensive homes is nestled near the shores of the lake on Arrowhead Estates Road.

According to Fox2now, the property is an 11,200-square-foot mansion, complete with an accompanying guest house. The main residence includes five suites and 10 bathrooms, including a third-floor penthouse master bedroom.

If that’s not enough, the mansion is complete with an indoor and outdoor pool, tennis court, putting green, and a dock with room for multiple boats. Back in May of 2022, the property was for sale at a price of $9.99 million.

2. Table Rock Lake

Located in southwestern Missouri, Table Rock Lake is another spot in the state for luxurious lake living. The lake was created in the 1950s when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers impounded Table Rock Dam. Table Rock Lake is located near Branson, a town known for its family-friendly attractions.  

Fishing: Like the Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake boasts ample opportunities for fishing. According to Table Rock’s website, the water on the main lake never freezes, allowing for fishing all year round. Fish are abundant in the lake and Table Rock is especially recognized for its bass fishing. Species such as black, smallmouth, spotted, and largemouth bass abound.

Beaches and Swimming: Table Rock Lake offers some of the cleanest and clearest lake water in the state. Whether you’re staying at a lakefront resort or roughing it at the US Army Corps Of Engineers’ campgrounds, taking a dip in the lake is a popular activity.

Located near Branson, Moonshine Beach is the area’s public sand beach, complete with a volleyball court and picnic areas.

Boating and Water Sports: With 14 public marinas and 24 boat launches, there’s ample opportunity to set sail on Table Rock Lake. Plenty of rental boats are available and visitors to Table Rock Lake can also try their hand at paddleboarding, water skiing, and wakeboarding.

Average Cost to Live on Table Rock Lake

Like the Lake of the Ozarks, properties around Table Rock Lake are more expensive than in the rest of the state of Missouri. According to Lake Homes Realty, the average list price for Table Rock Lake homes for sale is $383,000. 

The Most Expensive Home on Table Rock Lake

The most expensive home on Table Rock Lake sits on a private 24-acre peninsula, with waterfront views in almost every room in the house. The 4 bedroom 5 bathroom home is nearly 11,000 square feet and includes an indoor pool, downstairs game room with a full bar, and a designer workout space.

If you have any doubts about the level of luxury of this property on Table Rock Lake, Zillow reports that Johnny and June Cash even lived on there when they had a theatre in Branson. The property’s current listing price on Zillow is $5,450,000.

3. Lake Lotawana

Lake Lotawana is a city in Jackson County, the same county that includes Kansas City. It is the largest private lake in the Kansas City area, with 480 acres of surface water with 27 miles of shoreline, according to the city’s website. Established in 1958, the city and lake share the same name and offer small-town charm near big-city life.

Lake Activities: Lake Lotawana offers a variety of unique opportunities to enjoy the water. Activities include sailing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, tubing, swimming, and fishing.

Community: Lake Lotawnaa is its own small town with restaurants, civic organizations, a church, and sporting events. It’s also a short drive to larger cities such as Lee’s Summit, Independence, and Kansas City.

Average Cost to Live on Lake Lotawana

The average Lake Lotawana home value is higher than the Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake, perhaps due to its location within the more expensive Kansas City area. According to Zillow the number currently sits at $593,047.  The outlet also reports that the home value in this area is down 5.3% over the past year.

The Most Expensive Home on Lake Lotawana

One of the most expensive lakefront properties on Lake Lotawana is a charming, custom-built 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home. The house measures 4,312 square feet according to Zillow and includes a large yard and easy access to the lake. The house is also equipped with an attached garage and a large driveway. The property’s current listing price is $1,475,000.

4. Lake Winnebago

The Renee Amey Realty Team calls Lake Winnebago the “best-kept secret for wonderful lake communities to live in.” The area is located in southern Lee’s Summit, though Lake Winnebago is actually its own city. The lake itself is a 252-acre lake privately owned body of water. Lake Winnebago is part of Cass County, which is less than an hour’s drive away from Kansas City, MO.

Lake Activities: Lake Winnebago offers a variety of lake activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, and jet skiing. Swimming is allowed in certain areas, though it is always at your own risk since there are no lifeguards present. The water is regularly tested for bacteria. Lake Winnebago is also home to a fishing competition known as the Bass Buddy Tournament.

Clubs and Community: Lake Winnebago is a unique, small community in Missouri with a variety of community events centered around holidays and other celebrations. One of the largest gatherings takes place on the Fourth of July. Community members can also join many different clubs in the area centered on skiing, sailing, gardening, and more.

Average Cost to Live on Lake Winnebago

It may surprise you to learn that the average cost of living on Lake Winnebago is the highest on this list. While Lake Winnebago doesn’t have the recognition that the Lake of the Ozarks or even Table Rock has gained, it’s certainly a prestigious and expensive place to live. Zillow places the average Lake Winnebago home value at $764,851.

The Most Expensive Home on Lake Winnebago

The most expensive home on Lake Winnebago is a 3 bedroom 4 bathroom 5,995 square foot property that sits right on the waterfront. The property is complete with a hidden wine cellar and tasting room and outdoor pool, according to Zillow.

This beautiful home was designed with Hawaain inspirations, a beautiful serpentine stairwell, wide hallways, and an elevator. The property’s current listing price sits at $5 million.

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

Conclusion

To wrap things up, Missouri offers many more attractive lakefront properties than the average person might realize. Owning a second home on the water is an expensive luxury, but thanks to Missouri’s lower cost of living, it’s a little cheaper in this state than in many others.

Additionally, there are many other options to buy a second home on a lake in Missouri beside the Lake of the Ozarks. Table Rock Lake offers a similar experience closer to Branson, MO, in the southern part of the state. Lake Lotawna and Winnebago properties belong to a larger community not far from Kansas City.