In my previous postings I wrote about the location of the sun, parking, lot characteristics, and construction quality. My final criterion for finding the perfect Portage Lakes waterfront home is the lake zone in front of your home.

The whole portage lakes system is designated as a "no wake" zone in all areas outside of the two designated speed zones. Although the limit goes up to 400 horsepower for your boat motor, the speed at which you may go is restricted to driving slowly enough so that you do not leave a wake.

In a "no wake" zone docking is easier and less complicated. You can easily see who is boating by, and you do not have to put up with the roar and wash from speeding boats. However you will have boaters slowly floating by who are checking out your property and looking in your windows at night. Fisherman will be casting their lines under your dock and boat.

In an area where properties face one of the speed zones life is different. You will have noise to contend with during the hours when speeding and skiing are allowed. You will need to have more secure means of stabilizing your docked boat to protect it from the wake. The advantages are that you are on a wider area of the lake with a more expansive view, and you do not need to boat for fifteen or twenty minutes to travel to the speed zone.

Myself, I like the quieter more intimate no-wake zone way of life.

Watch for further postings on waterfront living. For more information on the Portage Lakes area, email me at

Tom@TomMcCombs.com or call at 330-644-2413.