Lake Lotawana is one of Kansas City's favorite lakefront getaways
Lake Lotawana is the largest private lake community in the Kansas City area. For many 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. This involves swimming, waterskiing, fishing and participating in sailing regattas at the Missouri Yacht Club.
Lakefront cottages, cabins and mansions
The community's inviting attitude also applies to its real estate. 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," says Rudder. "So, there are always places available." Small cottages across the street from the water can start around $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 or covered boat slips are standard with any of these waterfront homes. The newest custom lakefront mansions with spacious lawns, patios and ample dock space go for $1 million to $2 million.
Summers of waterskiing and sailing at the Missouri Yacht Club
Of course, the lake is open year-round, but summer is peak season. 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," says Rudder. "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.
Dockside dining and lake-themed bars
Due to the seasonality of residents, there isn't much shopping and dining around the lake. However, there are a handful of staple establishments on the lake's north side. Marina 27 Steak & Seafood is the only lakefront restaurant. Boaters can tie up on the restaurant's docks to dine on upscale surf and turf. A short drive west on Colbern Road leads to drinking establishments like Lotawana Brewing Company and Captain's Sports Lounge. In the same plaza, Bean & Vine offers a classic café vibe. Residents drive into Lee's Summit for groceries and other basic shopping needs. Downtown Lee's Summit is 10 to 15 miles west, depending on which side of the lake folks drive from. Lake Lotawana's lack of commercial activity may contribute to its 1 out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, in contrast to the U.S. overall score of 4 out of 10.
Schools in Lee's Summit
Lake Lotawana is part of the Lee's Summit R-VIII School District, which earns an overall A rating from Niche. Each school is a few miles away by car or school bus. Students often begin at Mason Elementary and continue at Bernard C. Campbell Middle. They finish at Lee's Summit High School North. Like the district, all three schools receive an A rating.
Kansas City is 30 miles northwest
Lake Lotawana is convenient for vacationers and full-time residents because it's not too far outside Kansas City's metro area. Lee's Summit is the closest town with shopping, schools and businesses. Lee's Summit Medical Center is also the closest hospital on the near side of the city. Many residents travel back and forth from Kansas City, which is 30 miles northwest on Interstate 470 and Interstate 70.
