I posted a blog the other day on my friend and fellow agent Steve Hafle's awesome Lakengren-dedicated website, www.lakengrenhomes.com. I hope you will check it out. During that blog I brought up the question "Should the Realtor you work with live in the area you are buying?" I think it helps. That being said, a good Realtor takes the time to educate his or herself on MANY areas, as most folks don't pick just ONE to start off. Except for maybe someplace like Lakengren. Let's face it, some people are very opposed to the idea of a gated community and the rules and regulations therein. To be honest with you, when my husband and I started house hunting way back in 2000, I was very specific that I did NOT want to live in Lakengren. And where am I now? Never say never I guess.
Anyways, I digress. In that past blog, Does Your Realtor need to live in the neighborhood you are buying? , I brought up a few things about Lakengren. Namely:
Are the dues worth it?
What are the advantages/disadvantages to living on one side of the main lake vs. the other?
How good is the "24 hour" security?
How are the politics out in Lakengren?
And now I aim to answer those very questions. I guess I should preface this by saying that PLEASE, keep in mind...this is a BLOG. As in, MY PERSONAL OPINION. It doesn't represent anyone else; it doesn't mean it is right or wrong, and most importantly, if you like it or don't like it, I'm OK with that. I invite your comments, criticism or questions.
So, are the dues worth it: I honestly believe they are. Many studies have been done comparing Lakengren Dues and Assessments to other gated communities in the area. I'm not getting into all that. But bottom line, yearly dues for property owners equals out to around $50.00 per month. Hey, guess what else? Lakengren is NOT within the City of Eaton. So, unless you are an employee in the City, no City of Eaton taxes. Sort of evens itself out looking at it that way. I think far $50.00 bucks a month; we are definatly getting what we pay for. As in:
Gated security
Swimming pool with free access
Tennis courts
Lodge with restaurant and meeting rooms
Marina
Recreation areas. Some of which are spectacular by the way.
2 large lakes and five small.
Snow removal on roads
Over 230 acres of water and 10 miles of shoreline.
West Side vs. East Side: Well, I will inject a little more personal opinion in this one and say that I PREFER the East Side. Why? The streets are much more wooded and tree-lined. Feels a lot more rustic. I think the views onto Lake Lakengren are stunning form the east side. Which I suppose is a compliment to West Side architecture.
How about the sunset over the Lake? Sure, the West side gets to see the sunrise but not many folks are up that early. East side also offers two gates for much quicker access in and out of Lakengren; the south gate located at the end of Brande Dr. and Lakengren Dr., and the east gate, which is located in the middle of Brande Dr. Honestly, using the East gate cuts about 7 minutes off my drive to town.
The recreation areas on the East side are hands down the most beautiful and picturesque. Lakengren Cove is essentially a huge peninsula reaching out into Lake Lakengren. Most people who live on Lakengren Cove have the distinct advantage of being able to view water from both the front and back of their homes. Vinland Offers sweeping views of the main lake, and Baltic Cove is very private, and heavily wooded.
Biking is great on the East side, as there are many hills and rest areas scattered about. So, I guess you can tell which side I live on huh?
Does "24-hour" security exist: Yes, and no. I'll be honest here. I don't rely on the security. That's not to say I don't see them out there doing their jobs, because they do. But we still must all be responsible for our own personal safety. I DO feel pretty secure knowing that most people can't enter Lakengren without permission, but it's not stopping everybody. It never will. The security trucks do make rounds in Lakengren. They patrol day and night. They are also unarmed. And if a situation was to arise, security cannot do much more than call the Sheriff's department, and hey, I can do that.
They can't control the traffic, other than to call the Sherriff. This I really hate, since for some reason lots of folks adopt a lead foot going up and down Lakengren Drive. They can't control who decides to reside in the community, any more than you or I. So don't be fooled into a false sense of feeling safe. Yes, the gates are helpful. Yes, the patrol vehicles are out day and night doing what they can to keep Lakengren safe. And YES, it is still ultimately up to you and me to do our part as well.
Politics in Lakengren: Why not? Do you honestly think that with a Property Owners Association; a BUSINESS, that politics would not come into play? They do. We have our own little world out here. And people who run and regulate it. The biggest issue I have seen, and heard many others comment on as well, is that the powers that be in Lakengren are, dare I say it? Members of the "Old Boys Network". Lakengren is over 30 years old now. Many things have been run the same way for this many years. The Old Boys Network is happy to keep things status quo. I guess there would be nothing wrong with that, except that residents are looking for change now. Changes in fund allocation. Changes in roads. Changes in playground equipment and kids areas. If It works don't fix it is a great quote. But some things cease to work.
Bottom line, if you come out to Lakengren and can ignore the politics and just enjoy Lakengren at face value, which honestly does offer a tremendous lot, you will be FINE. If politics are your game, more power to you. Be prepared for a fight.
I'd love to answer more questions about Lakengren if you have them, or see what your thoughts are. Thanks for reading!
Kelley Weimer
A house "SOLD" name!
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