Year-round waterside living in Lake Lakengren
Anchored by its namesake body of water, Lake Lakengren is a planned, private community 30 miles from Dayton. Lakengren, a Norse word roughly translating to “lake of the emerald green hills,” perhaps best captures what the community presents to new residents. It was designed to have natural green scenery in every direction, and the social fabric is woven by the lake’s role in daily life. “It’s designed for people who want the lake experience without relocating. You’re so close to Dayton and Cincinnati, and it’s unparalleled as a water-focused community, in my opinion. In terms of maintenance, how it’s run and community, Lakengren is unmatched,” says Andrew Gaydosh, a Realtor with eXp Realty who’s been selling homes in the Dayton area for over 30 years. “It’s both residential and a resort. Some people live here full time with their families or after they retire, some buy here for second homes. It’s a great mix.”
Ranch-style homes, custom builds and waterfront properties
While Lake Lakengren was founded in 1969, construction continued over the decades. The community is characterized by abundant foliage and wide, quiet streets. Most homes in the area are ranch-style and New Traditional properties, alongside some large contemporary homes. Houses along the lake feature boat launches, enabling early-morning and late-evening fishing trips right from the backyard, although it's rare for waterfront homes to go on sale. “When it comes to pricing, it’s like thinking of beachfront versus off-beach. You can get something great here between $250,000 and $350,000,” Gaydosh says. “Anything close to or on the lake, you’re looking at anywhere from $500,000 to a million, but those are less common.” The CAP Index Crime Score for Lake Lakengren is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Endless water recreation and well-maintained parks around the community
Outdoor recreation is essential to life here, with the main draw anchored right at the heart of the community. The namesake Lake Lakengren covers just over 230 acres of water and is host to activities year-round. “This community attracts people who love water activities. Almost everyone is a boater, and we have very active fishing clubs,” Gaydosh says. “The lake informs the community fabric, and of the seven that American Realty developed back in the '60s and '70s, it’s by far the best.” Aside from the main lake, there are a handful of smaller lakes, and the area also includes baseball fields, disc golf, a pool and dog parks. Beyond the community, the Woodland Trails Wildlife Area borders Lake Lakengren to the south, offering 700 acres of forest and marshland, including seasonal hunting.
Weekly community activities and lakeside concerts
Regarding the event calendar, residents of Lake Lakengren can always find something that suits them. “There’s a very strong social committee that comes up with activities weekly,” Gaydosh says. “And, of course, a lot of activities are based around the lake. There are concerts every Friday in the summer at the marina. You’ll see kids running around, playing volleyball while the parents are drinking cocktails.”
Deciding between two local school districts
Two different school districts serve Lake Lakengren. The northern portion is served by the Eaton Community City School District, which receives a B-minus from Niche. The southern portion is served by the C-minus-rated Preble Shawnee Local School District. Ohio offers open enrollment periods for parents to apply for a school district other than the one their children are zoned to.
Heading to nearby Eaton for errands and good eats
On Lake Lakengren’s north side are a couple of locally owned and operated stores, such as Worley’s Country Store, which stocks fresh flowers and produce. Residents can drive roughly 7 miles to Eaton’s north side for errand runs and dining out. It has a significant commercial area featuring big-box stores such as Walmart and Tractor Supply, grocers and restaurants.
Getting around via golf cart, boat or car
State Route 732 skirts around the community, connecting Lake Lakengren to nearby Eaton, 6 miles away. Cars are the norm, but it’s just as common to see golf carts zipping around the streets, a popular method of transportation anywhere in the community. “There are over 300 registered carts; it’s one of the biggest golf carting communities in Ohio,” Gaydosh says. Kettering Health Preble, located on Eaton’s northside, is the closest medical center, offering standard and emergency services.
Photography Contributed By
Kayleigh Ulrich
