Lake Lotawana is a popular getaway for Kansas City residents
Lake Lotawana is the largest private lake community in the Kansas City area. For years, it's been a popular escape for weekenders and full-time residents because of its proximity to the metro area — less than 15 miles from Lee's Summit and 30 miles from downtown Kansas City. The lake's private access and yacht club might give the impression that it's an exclusive community, but that's far from the truth. "The community is very open to new people. We're all here to have fun," says Peggy Rudder with Realty Executives of Kansas City, a longtime resident who's been selling on the lake for over 25 years. "Residents are always excited to get new neighbors and have fun on the lake with them. It's an inviting place." Whether they're in a custom mansion or cozy cottage, homeowners are here to make the most of their time on the lake.
Lakefront options include small cabins and modern mansions
Even with the popularity of these waterfront homes, there are usually plenty of opportunities to buy. "It's normal for people to cherish their homes here for decades, then want to sell because it's a second home they don't need anymore," Rudder says. "So, there are always places available." Small cottages across the street from the water can start under $250,000, but many midsize lakefront homes range from $450,000 to $750,000. Larger lakefront homes and cabins can cost between $750,000 and $1 million. Private docks and covered boat slips are standard with any of these homes. The newest custom lakefront mansions with spacious lawns, patios and ample dock space go for $1 million to over $2 million. There are a few new subdivisions south of the lake on state Route 7, within a short drive of the water. These include three-bedroom New Traditional homes in Woodlawn and contemporary Craftsman mansions in Oak Haven, ranging from $300,000 to $1.2 million.
Summers of waterskiing and sailing at the Missouri Yacht Club
Summer is peak season on the lake. Residents set off from their docks to partake in all the lake staples like boating, waterskiing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing, to name a few. "People do all the normal lake activities, but we're best known for being a great sailing lake," Rudder says. "The yacht club hosts big regattas that lake sailors come from all over the country to compete in." The Missouri Yacht Club — on the lake's south end — is built around sailing culture and hosts regattas throughout the year. Members of this private club have access to various vessels, which they can take out at their leisure or with weekly sailing groups. Kids can learn to handle the block and tackle during the club's summer sailing camps.
Students attend the A-rated Lee's Summit R-VII School District
Lake Lotawana is part of the Lee's Summit R-7 School District, which earns an overall A rating from Niche. Students begin at Mason Elementary, located on the north end of Lake Lotawana and rated an A. While at Mason, kids can get a head start on engineering with the Junior Robotics League, which involves a six-week design season ending with a two-day tournament. They carry on with middle and high school about 10 miles west in Lee's Summit. The pipeline typically includes Bernard Campbell Middle, which gets an A-minus, and Lee's Summit North High, which receives an A.
Marina 27 is the only lakefront restaurant
Most residents are only here in the warmer months, so there isn't much shopping or dining. There are a handful of staple establishments on the lake's north side. Boaters can tie up at Marina 27 Steak & Seafood, the only lakefront restaurant. Lotawana Brewing Company is just north, on East Colbern Road. In the same plaza, Bean & Vine offers a classic café setting. Residents drive into Lee's Summit for groceries and other basic shopping needs. Downtown Lee's Summit is within 15 miles of most homes.
Downtown Kansas City is 30 miles northwest
Lake Lotawana is convenient for vacationers and full-time residents because it's just outside Kansas City's metro area. Downtown is 30 miles northwest via interstates 470 and 70. Lee's Summit is the closest town with significant shopping and business. Lee's Summit Medical Center is also the closest hospital to Lake Lotawana, located on the near side of the city.
