Lake Waynoka is a gated community stocked with amenities
Lake Waynoka is a gated lakeside community about an hour outside of Cincinnati. It's a place where residents spend their weekends relaxing on the water and can drive golf carts to get around instead of cars. There are plenty of private amenities, including a full-size fitness center and a restaurant with poolside service. "My wife and I have always said it's our little piece of heaven," says Ron Garland, a Realtor with Comey & Shepherd Realtors and a local resident. "It's just a getaway. It's far enough to be away from the city, but not too far to be unable to go and come as you please." About half of the residents are vacation homeowners, while the other half stay here year-round. Though part of the lake is open as a campground, no short-term housing rentals are allowed, leading to a tight-knit community.
There are several similar lake communities in the Cincinnati area, notably Lake Lorelei and Lake Lakengren. In comparison, Lake Waynoka has more extensive amenities, but also slightly higher prices.
Open lots and homes that range from $200k to $1 million
When Lake Waynoka was first established in the 1970s, the developer encouraged many families to invest in the land as campsites, even if they couldn't afford to build yet. As a result, the age of homes varies greatly, with properties still being built today. The neighborhood has a relatively even mix of established homes and plots of land for sale. "On the water, land will probably be above $100,000, depending on location, and over $200,000 if it's a really good location and has a great dock," Garland says. "Something off the water could be around $7,000." All plots of land and existing houses are part of the Waynoka Property Owners Association, which has annual dues and regulations.
Prices for inland homes are typically between $200,000 and $450,000 and often come with an acre of land or more. Lakefront properties start at around $450,000 and go all the way up to $1 million. Garland says it's important to get an agent who knows the lake when buying a waterside home, because details about location and depth can impact the homeowner's ability to use a boat. According to FirstStreet.org, the community's risk of flooding is moderate.
Year-round recreation at the lake, pools and indoor fitness center
The lake is the community's headline attraction, with 290 acres open for boating, swimming and fishing. Lake Waynoka differs from other regional lake communities because it does not allow jet skis. For those who don't have waterside homes, Waynoka Marina has boat slips for rent, a sandy beach area and a community event space. "It has almost an outdoor brewery feel, with string lights, a fire pit, and corn hole," Garland says. "And there's a little harbor there that we use as a stage for live music."
The Waynoka Health & Recreation Center has a game room, a full-service fitness facility and a gymnasium with courts for basketball, pickleball and tennis. There's also an indoor pool, a hot tub and three outdoor pools. The community has regular event programming at the Rec Center, including Zumba and swim lessons.
An active community brought together by clubs and community events
Lake Waynoka is knit together by its clubs and committees. There's a Civic Club to beautify common spaces, a Fishing/Lake Committee to oversee water maintenance and several social groups who share a love for books, gardening or golf. "You can get as involved as you want to," Garland says. "But there are also people who have a house off the water, back in the woods and just want to be more private." He adds that with so many activities, this is a popular community for retirees.
The clubs also help to plan annual events, including the popular Poker Run put on by the Water Sports Club. During the Poker Run, residents decorate their boats and travel to designated stations around the lake to pick up cards to try and get the best poker hand. Other celebrations at the lake include a golf cart parade, a beach party on Labor Day and fireworks for the Fourth of July.
One local restaurant and bar, with more options in Mount Orab
The community has its own restaurant, Angela's Curbside by the Lake, which serves classic American fare like burgers and milkshakes. Right next door, Waynoka Lounge has daily drink specials and stays open late. To pick up ice or snacks, The Outpost is a small convenience store less than a mile from the community's entrance. But Mount Orab, 15 miles away, is the closest place to find city amenities, like a Kroger and restaurants.
College credit opportunities at Eastern High School
Kids are zoned to attend Russellville Elementary School, which gets a B-minus grade from Niche. Then it's on to Eastern Middle, rated C-plus, and Eastern High, rated C. The high school offers College Credit Plus courses in partnership with local universities.
About one hour east of Cincinnati
Residents often use golf carts to get around within Lake Waynoka, but once outside the gate, it's a car-dependent area. Cincinnati is 55 miles away, about an hour trip by connecting with state Route 32. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International is the closest major airport, and the nearest hospital is Mercy Health in Mount Orab, about 15 miles away. Other major cities like Dayton, Columbus and Lexington are just less than a two-hour drive.
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Written By
Catherine Lashley
