F
or those who crave lake life but prefer suburban living over the North Woods, there's a trade-off: metro-area lakeshore properties come with a hefty price tag. However, buying a house with a view of the water instead of private shoreline can be a more affordable option.

    According to Dave Gooden, co-founder of a website dedicated to lakeshore property, houses with water views can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars less than those directly on the lake. For example, a 4,300-square-foot house in Eden Prairie that overlooks Staring Lake Parkway is listed for $824,900 - significantly lower than what it would cost if it were directly on the lake.

    Gooden notes that despite the abundance of small lakes within the metro area, there aren't as many lake-view homes for sale as one might expect. However, here are three options for those seeking close-to-lake living:

    A house in Eden Prairie has a sunroom with views of Staring Lake and parkway. (Spacecrafting)

    The southwestern suburban home offers south-facing views of Staring Lake Park, with year-round peeks at the lake and seasonal views when the trees are bare. The property also features 2½ miles of walking and jogging trails, an amphitheater, pickleball and tennis courts, a sledding hill, and skating rink.

    In Plymouth, a condo with one bedroom and one bathroom recently listed for $165,000 offers tranquil views of Medicine Lake. The homeowners association maintains a dock, and residents can use the dock slips for motor boats for an additional fee.

    The Cloisters is a 24-unit townhouse community in White Bear Lake that takes some of the maintenance needs out of near-lake living. Residents have access to a private walking path along the lake and can launch canoes and kayaks. A sales agent and resident notes that the community has an up-north feel, with trees and ponds creating a serene atmosphere.

    These options demonstrate that it's possible to enjoy lake life without breaking the bank - or hauling out the dock every fall.