Our Experts Share Why You Should Consider a Second Home at the Lake
With year-round activities, picturesque views and proximity to several major cities, Lake Anna has become a popular location for a second home. Owning a second home may seem daunting to some. There are options for buyers to turn their second home into an investment property by renting it out most of the time or keeping it as their private getaway. I spoke with local realtors about why you should consider purchasing a second home at Lake Anna.
Liz Wilson, Long & Foster
I have lived at Lake Anna for 33 years and the greatest memories I have are spending time with my husband and our daughter water skiing, boating, jet skiing and sitting on the dock with family and friends. It makes it even better when our daughter makes rewarding comments like “I want my children to have the same wonderful experiences that you gave me.”
Lake Anna was once one of the “best kept secrets” for many years, but now, it is the hottest vacation spot for Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., Richmond, Charlottesville and outlying areas for visitors due to its location being approximately an hour and a half away. The real estate market is on fire and investments made purchasing a waterfront or access home have proven to routinely increase in value. There is a high demand for rentals as buyers want to enjoy the Lake Anna experiences and afford a home using the rental income to offset mortgage expenses.
Since I’ve moved here 33 years ago, Lake Anna has also grown more commercially with resources like grocery stores, restaurants and entertainment, but it still offers the feeling I love, which is country living. It is a place where people can relax and get out of the hustle and bustle of city living. It’s the perfect place for a second home.
Lake Anna now offers many fun activities for all ages. Most restaurants have bands on weekends, as well as cornhole tournaments. On weekdays you can enjoy karaoke and trivia night, and the latest fun activity to me has been playing darts on Wednesday nights for charity! There is always plenty to do throughout the entire year. Lake Anna is definitely the happening place to live and enjoy!
Angel Hough, Long & Foster
Having been born and raised in the Lake Anna area, I can think of several reasons why owning property at Lake Anna is a good investment. The first is due to the location. We are centrally located just a short distance from several major cities like Charlottesville, Richmond, Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. and Fredericksburg.
The second reason would be for the memories that you will create. I have so many from my childhood of being on the lake with my family. As a mother of now grown children, the memories that we made over the many years; teaching them to swim, jet ski, tube, jump off the roof of the boathouse, swing from the rope swing, those are all memories that we will treasure forever and over our lifetime, will continue to add to.
The third reason is due to the income possibilities. Property management in this area has become extremely popular over the past decade. People interested in looking for a nice place to host a wedding or have a reunion are drawn to Lake Anna because of its natural beauty. Once they decide to visit, they’ll need to find a place to stay for the weekend or all week. As you can tell, if you are the owner of a rental property, you are looking to make some good money year-round.
The final reason a second home in Lake Anna is a good investment is that the area is just beautiful! I can’t think of a better place that I would like to spend my time looking over the lake, a backdrop of greenery against a blue sky with a glimpse of the mountains in the background. Lake Anna gives you a place to escape the city, get away from the noise and just relax and enjoy the scenery. With many local restaurants, you won’t need to worry about cooking or having to travel far for a good meal and with all the activities and events in the area, there is always something to do.
Kristie Cooke, Lake Anna Property Management
Here at Lake Anna, there is truly “something for everyone.” I think that’s what I appreciate most about our area. You expect fishing, boating, water sports, and maybe even the beautiful sunsets, but the Lake Anna area offers so much more. Just to name a few, you can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, wonderful area wineries, breweries, historically rich Fredericksburg, a fishing pond for children and those with disabilities, and even gold mining!
I think sometimes people are surprised by the unique ruralness of Lake Anna and I believe many are drawn to the area for the sense of community, that feeling like you are not just welcome, but that you belong. Suddenly, regardless of whether you are here full time, weekends or only seasonally, you are a part of the Lake Anna community.
When you begin your search for a home, you’ll find once again, there is “something for everyone.” I often get asked “what type of home do people prefer or which side of the lake do most people prefer?” The answer is simple – there is no right answer – everyone is different, and every home isn’t for everyone, each individual or family has their own needs and wants and appreciations.
Whether you are looking for a blank canvas to build your own home or choosing from the various sizes and shapes of homes already built – come and make Lake Anna home!
