Lakefront Homes for Sale in South Lyon, Novi, Walled Lake & Plymouth MI: Your Complete 2026 Buyer's Guide
If you've been dreaming of morning coffee on your own dock, weekend pontoon rides with the kids, and sunsets over the water—you're not alone. Lakefront homes are one of the hottest search trends in Michigan real estate right now.
But here's what most buyers don't realize: Metro Detroit's western suburbs have dozens of lakes, each with its own personality, price point, and lifestyle. Choosing the right lake makes all the difference between finding your forever home and overpaying for a property that doesn't fit how you actually live.
As a local real estate agent who lives in South Lyon and specializes in lakefront properties in Novi, Northville, Plymouth, Walled Lake, and Commerce Township, I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know—which lakes are worth your time, what you'll actually pay, and the insider details that don't show up on Zillow.
Why Waterfront Homes in Michigan Are Trending in 2026
According to Zillow's latest home search data, searches for "lake," "dock," "waterfront," and "beach" surged nationwide. Michigan was specifically named as a top state for waterfront home searches.
The shift makes sense. After years of remote and hybrid work, buyers are prioritizing lifestyle over square footage. They want homes that feel like a vacation—and in Oakland County and Livingston County, you can have lakefront living without the three-hour drive up north.
The best part? Lakes in South Lyon, Novi, Walled Lake, and Commerce Township are still undervalued compared to northern Michigan. You can find a year-round lakefront home here for what you'd pay for a seasonal cottage near Traverse City—with excellent schools, short commutes, and suburban conveniences included.
The Best Lakes for Waterfront Homes Near South Lyon, Novi & Plymouth
Let me break down the top lakes you'll find when searching for waterfront property in our area.
Walled Lake — Metro Detroit's Most Popular All-Sports Lake
Location: Novi and City of Walled Lake, Oakland County
Size: 670 acres
Lake Type: All-sports, natural spring-fed
Home Prices: $350,000 – $1,200,000+
Walled Lake is one of the most sought-after lakes in Metro Detroit. At 670 acres with depths up to 53 feet, it's big enough for serious boating, jet skiing, waterskiing, and fishing.
The lake sits in two communities:
Novi side: Top-rated Novi schools (ranked #1 in Michigan), quick access to I-96, and Twelve Oaks Mall nearby
Walled Lake side: Relaxed small-town feel with a walkable downtown, local restaurants, and community events
What to know: About 40% of "waterfront" homes on Walled Lake sit across a road from the water with a small grass area for your dock. Always confirm whether you're getting true lakefront or lake-access before making an offer.
Best for: Families who want an active lake lifestyle with excellent schools and easy commutes.
Kent Lake — 1,200 Acres of Peaceful Waterfront Living
Location: Milford and Lyon Townships, Oakland and Livingston Counties
Size: 1,200 acres
Lake Type: Reservoir lake, no-wake zones, inside Kensington Metropark
Home Prices: $400,000 – $900,000+
Kent Lake is massive—the largest lake in our market. It was formed by damming the Huron River and sits entirely within Kensington Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation Area.
This lake attracts a different buyer than Walled Lake. No jet skis here. Kent Lake has no-wake zones and a nature-focused atmosphere perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and peaceful mornings watching wildlife.
What to know: Homes near Kent Lake offer larger lots, more privacy, and a feel similar to northern Michigan without the drive. Nearby communities include Milford, South Lyon, and Wixom.
Best for: Buyers who want waterfront serenity over water sports. If your ideal lake day is casting a line at sunrise rather than tubing behind a speedboat, this is your lake.
Silver Lake — South Lyon's Lakefront Community
Location: South Lyon and Green Oak Township
Size: Approximately 90 acres
Lake Type: All-sports
Home Prices: $450,000 – $800,000+
Silver Lake delivers lakefront living with South Lyon Community Schools and a tight-knit neighborhood feel. It's smaller than Walled Lake but still all-sports—you can boat, ski, and fish here.
The community around Silver Lake has a true neighborhood vibe. People know their neighbors, wave from their docks, and organize boat parades in summer.
Best for: Families who want lakefront without the Walled Lake premium, and who value South Lyon's small-town charm.
Island Lake — Novi's Private Waterfront Secret
Location: Novi, Oakland County
Size: Smaller private lake
Lake Type: Private, electric motors only
Home Prices: $500,000 – $1,000,000+
Island Lake in Novi flies under the radar. It's a private lake with electric motors only—no jet ski noise, just peaceful waterfront living. The condo community here offers lakefront homes with less maintenance.
What to know: Newer construction, modern finishes, and homes backing directly to the water with private docks. Novi schools included.
Best for: Buyers who want lake views and kayak access without all-sports chaos.
Wolverine Lake — Affordable Entry to Lakefront Living
Location: Village of Wolverine Lake, Oakland County
Size: 270 acres
Lake Type: All-sports
Home Prices: $300,000 – $700,000
Wolverine Lake is a true lake community. The Village wraps around the water, and the lake association keeps things active with events, fireworks, and gatherings. It's a more affordable entry into lakefront living while still being all-sports.
What to know: Smaller lots, older homes with character, and strong community feel. Many homes have been updated, but renovation opportunities exist.
Best for: First-time lakefront buyers who want an active lake community at a lower price point.
Commerce Lake — Premium Waterfront Real Estate
Location: Commerce Township, Oakland County
Size: 330 acres, connects to chain of lakes
Lake Type: All-sports
Home Prices: $600,000 – $2,000,000+
Commerce Lake is one of the larger lakes in Oakland County and connects to a chain of other lakes for even more water to explore. Homes here trend toward luxury—think canal-front properties and estate-style builds.
Best for: Buyers with larger budgets seeking premium waterfront with serious water access.
What Do Lakefront Homes Actually Cost in Metro Detroit?
Here's the real breakdown of waterfront home prices in our market:
Entry-Level Lakefront ($300,000 – $500,000):
Older cottages needing updates
Lake-access homes (road between house and water)
Smaller, less popular lakes
Condos with lake views or shared dock access
Mid-Range Lakefront ($500,000 – $800,000):
Updated ranches and colonials
True lakefront with private dock
1,500 – 2,500 square feet
Move-in ready condition
Premium Lakefront ($800,000 – $1,500,000+):
Walled Lake, Commerce Lake, high-demand locations
Newer construction or fully renovated
2,500+ square feet with modern finishes
Deep water, sandy bottom, prime lot position
7 Things to Know Before Buying a Lakefront Home in Michigan
Buying waterfront property isn't like buying a regular house. Here's what every buyer needs to understand:
1. Get Specialized Inspections
Standard home inspections miss critical lakefront issues. Add these:
Seawall inspection: Replacement costs $500–$1,500 per linear foot. A failing seawall on a 100-foot lot is a $50,000–$150,000 problem.
Septic inspection: Many lakefront homes use septic. Get it inspected and ask when it was last pumped.
Dock and lift assessment: Confirm what's included and its condition.
2. Understand What "Lakefront" Actually Means
Not all listings are equal. Ask:
Is the home directly on water, or is there a road between?
What's the water frontage in feet?
Sandy bottom, mucky, or rocky?
Water depth at your dock?
3. Check Lake Association Rules
Most lakes have associations governing:
Annual dues and what they cover
Dock size and boat lift restrictions
Rental rules
Weed treatment schedules
4. Factor in Flood Insurance
Depending on FEMA flood maps, you may need flood insurance—sometimes $2,000–$5,000+ annually. Check before falling in love with a property.
5. Know Your School District
The same lake can fall in different school districts depending on which side you buy. Walled Lake spans both Novi and Walled Lake school districts. Confirm before you buy.
6. Consider Sunset vs. Sunrise Views
West-facing lots with sunset views command premium prices. East-facing gives you morning sun. Neither is wrong—just know what you're paying for.
7. Lakefront Homes Sell Fast
The best waterfront properties often sell before hitting public sites or within days of listing. Working with a local agent who knows when properties are coming gives you an advantage.
Which Lake Is Right for Your Lifestyle?
Want action and all-sports boating?
→ Walled Lake, Commerce Lake, Wolverine Lake
Want peace, quiet, and nature?
→ Kent Lake, Island Lake, smaller private lakes
Schools are your top priority?
→ Walled Lake (Novi side), Island Lake (Novi schools)
Looking for best value?
→ Wolverine Lake, smaller lakes in Lyon Township
Want tight-knit lake community?
→ Wolverine Lake, Silver Lake
Why Work With a Local Lakefront Expert?
Lakefront real estate is hyperlocal. The same lake can have drastically different values depending on:
Which side of the lake
Water depth and bottom type
Lot direction (sunset views = premium)
Road access vs. true waterfront
I've helped families buy and sell on these lakes for years. I know which streets flood, which lake associations are well-run, and which "lakefront" listings are actually lake-adjacent with a road in between.
More importantly, lakefront homes move fast. Having an agent who's plugged into this market—and will call you the moment something comes up—makes all the difference.
Ready to Find Your Lakefront Home?
If waterfront living is calling your name, here's your next step:
1. Decide your priorities — All-sports or peaceful? Which school district? Modern or renovation project?
2. Get financially prepared — Talk to a lender who understands lakefront lending. Factor in flood insurance, seawall maintenance, and dock costs.
3. Tour lakes in person — Drive around on a Saturday when people are on the water. Feel the vibe.
4. Connect with me — I live in South Lyon, grew up boating on almost all of the lakes nearby, I know these lakes, and I help families find their waterfront happy place every month.
Let's find yours.
Contact Alli Maher
📞 248-752-7989
📧 allison@ashleyjolley.com
🌐 allisonmaher.com
Alli Maher is a Metro Detroit real estate agent specializing in luxury homes and lakefront properties in South Lyon, Northville, Novi, Plymouth, Walled Lake, and Commerce Township. With 15 years in education before real estate, she brings an educator's approach to helping families find homes that truly fit their lifestyle.
