When trying to find the best neighborhoods in Kansas City, there are many options but here we are going to focus on the most coveted. The most sought-after lake communities of the KC- Metro.
Our team has first-hand experience living, remodeling, buying, selling, and even building new construction in every lake community.
Take a look below at our in-depth reviews of each. We will cover everything from HOA Fees, Amenities, Price ranges, all the way to the culture of the neighborhood.
And of course, schedule a free strategy session if any of these peak your interest.
So…..What are the best neighborhoods in Kansas city with lakes?
The best lake communities are mainly located on the southwest side of Kansas City. Some are still building new construction homes while some like Lakewood are completely out of room to build new custom homes, making it extremely difficult to find the perfect home.
Our top picks are Lake Winnebago, Raintree Lake, Lakewood, Lake Tapawingo, and last but certainly least Longview Lake. I can honestly say that all these are highly sought-after neighborhoods but before you go moving the entire family we feel like we should fill you in on the ins and outs of each.
Article Index for ease of navigation for best lake neighborhoods in kansas city:
COMMUNITIES ARE NOT IN ANY PARTICULAR ORDER
Each Lake community has its different appeal for the stage of life, income, and lifestyle preferences.
- Longview Lake
- Lake Tapawingo
- Raintree Lake
- Lakewood
- Lake Lotawana
- Lake Winnebago
1. Lake Tapawingo
Price Range: 250k-750k
New construction Available: Yes but very limited Lots (2 available as of 2021) Find out what builders you can use here
HOA Fee: $1,200 annually
Schools: Elementary: John Nowlin
Middle: Paul Kinder
High: Blue Springs
Amenities:
Lake Tapawingo Neighborhood Overall Summary:
Some good words for Lake Tapawingo are cute, homey, and scarce. There is no doubt that this is a sought-after neighborhood. It boasts a small but functional lake that has very few homes for sale. When they do pop up you have to act fast. One of the huge draws to this neighborhood is the ability to have your own private dock which is a rarity for our entire list of lake communities. Whats really nice about Lake Tapawingo is that it’s a tight nit community full of families and empty nesters who want to enjoy the lake at every chance they get. It is also is one of the most affordable lakes to live on but thats IF you can find a home thats for sale. One of the best ways to capture one is to find one before its the market and in order to do that you will need a little insider information. Dont worry we can help with that!
I’m interested In Lake Tapawingo.
2. Raintree
Price Range: 250k-700k
New construction Available: No lots Available
HOA Fee: $135 quarterly
Schools: Depending on Neighborhood location
Amenities:
Swim docks; courtesy loading boat docks; playground equipment; an Olympic-sized, zero-entry swimming pool
Raintree Lake Neighborhood Overall Summary:
The Raintree Lake community is unlike any other in the Kansas City area. The community offers a privately owned 235 acre lake (220 navigable acres) stocked with largemouth bass, white crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. One great thing about the lake is that they do allow high-speed boating and skiing!. Swimmers can still enjoy the calmer waters with the no-wake areas along the shoreline, swim at one or our nine protected swim docks. There is also an Olympic sized, zero-entry pool next to the clubhouse. Raintree is a large communitywith older homes as well as new construction properties. There are also multiple play grounds if you’ve got kids or grandkids who need to run out some energy. The community puts out a great monthly newsletter
Some good words for Lake Tapawingo are cute, homey, and scarce. There is no doubt that this is a sought-after neighborhood. It boasts a small but functional lake that has very few homes for sale. When they do pop up you have to act fast. One of the huge draws to this neighborhood is the ability to have your own private dock which is a rarity for our entire list of lake communities. Whats really nice about Lake Tapawingo is that it’s a tight nit community full of families and empty nesters who want to enjoy the lake at every chance they get. It is also is one of the most affordable lakes to live on but thats IF you can find a home thats for sale. One of the best ways to capture one is to find one before its the market and in order to do that you will need a little insider information. Dont worry we can help with that!
3. Lakewood
Price Range: 300k-750k
New construction Available: No lots Available
HOA Fee: $145/month
Schools: Depends on which side of the lake you are on.
Elementary: Chapel Lakes
Middle: Delta Woods
High: Blue Springs South
Elementary: Hazel Grove
Middle: Bernard Campbell
High: Lee’s Summit North
Amenities:
Multiple pools, restaurants, Golf Course, private lake, playgrounds, athletic facilities
Lakewood Neighborhood Overall Summary:
So its not even a question that Lakewood has the most to offer out of all the lake communities. Does that make it the best? Some would would argue yes but it definitely has its type. Very few people move in and then decide to move out. With over 2,400 families, 2200 acres of land, and 2 lakes that just scratches the surface of what it has to offer.
Raintree has 3 private pools, a private golf course, athletic facilities, and restaurants, not to mention dock slips to keep your boats parked year round.
Lakewood has a very affordable HOA for all the amenities it boasts and its definitely attracts young families, and empty nesters who love to golf and enjoy the lake! It truly is the most well rounded lake community in the area.
4. Lake Lotawana
Price Range: 330k-1.5 million
New construction Available: Yes 5+ as of (2021) Find out what builders you can use here
HOA Fee: N/A
Schools: N/A
Amenities:
Lake Lotawana Neighborhood Overall Summary:
This Lake to me is the most unique in our opinion. Every home has its own style with the neighborhood not keeping a true pattern to the home styles. Not to mention you have the option to purchase outdated fixer uppers starting at 350k or brand new construction all the way to 1.5 million.
We love that its not your typical cookie cutter neighborhood. We also love that you can have your own private dock which only a couple of the lake communities allows.
If you want a lake community with character, lake views, and lees summit schools than not checking out Lake Lotawana would be a mistake.
I’m interested In Lake Lotawana.
5. Lake Winnebago
Price Range: 330k-1.5million
New construction Available: Yes, as of (2021) Find out what builders you can use here
HOA Fee: 1170.00 per year
Schools: Elementary: Greenwood Middle: Summit Lakes High: Lee’s Summit West
Amenities: N/A
Lake Lotawana Neighborhood Overall Summary:
With 717 existing homes and new construction homes being built right now Lake Winnebago is still booming with prices increasing every year!
Whether you buy a pre-owned tier one lot or build new construction, Lake winnebago is by far the cream of the crop with it comes to lake neighborhoods.The price point is definitely the highest of all the lake communities but With the option for private docks and backyards that walk out to the lake it is easily justifiable.
The lake is approximately 400 acres and is surrounded by natural wooded areas, a park, walking trails and a stable.
If you have the budget and want to be on the lake then you must give some of these homes a look. If you are interested in the new construction homes then book a free strategy session to discuss which builders are available for lake winnebago.
Im Interested in Lake Winnebago.
6. Longview Lake
Price Range: 330k-1.5 million
New construction Available: Yes 5+ as of (2021) Find out what builders you can use here
HOA Fee: Depends on neighborhood
Schools: Depends on neighborhood
Amenities: Depends on neighborhood
Longview Lake Neighborhood Overall Summary:
Now technically there are no homes directly on the lake like the other communities but we couldn’t compile a list without including Longview lake. So if you want the lake view out of your kitchen window this is probably not the right place.
BUT with that being said this is one of the hottest new areas in Lees summit! New construction is not going up fast enough and the price point is very affordable when it comes to building new homes.
Some popular neighborhoods within a stone’s throw from longview lake are:
- Kessler Ridge at New Longview by Inspired Homes
- Manor at Woodside by Summit homes
- Reserve at Woodside Ridge by The Rob Ellerman Team
- Winterset Valley
This is by far the fastest growing area of all the lake communities and parking your money in a home here is a guarantee that the value will continue to increase.
There is so much to do at longview lake I will let you check it out for yourself at their website here: https://www.makeyourdayhere.com/157/Longview-Lake
If you are interested in any of the neighborhoods above book a free strategy session with us to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for .