Cedar Lake

Cedar Lake
Quiet scale with classic Leelanau County appeal

Overview

Located in Leelanau County within a reasonable drive of Traverse City, Cedar Lake offers a quieter alternative to the region’s larger destination lakes while remaining well connected to everyday amenities.

Cedar Lake is a modestly sized inland lake known for its calm atmosphere, clear water, and low-density shoreline. Lakefront homes here tend to be traditional cottages and year-round residences, appealing to buyers who value simplicity, privacy, and long-term enjoyment over high activity levels.

Lake Character & Lifestyle

Cedar Lake supports a relaxed, understated lakefront lifestyle.

The lake is well suited for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and light boating. Activity levels remain manageable throughout the summer months, contributing to a peaceful environment that many owners value for both seasonal and full-time living.

Cedar Lake attracts buyers seeking balance — lake access without congestion, and a setting that feels residential rather than recreationally driven.

Shoreline & Water Considerations

Shoreline characteristics on Cedar Lake vary by property.

Water depth, frontage width, and bottom composition differ depending on location, making dock placement and shoreline usability important considerations. Evaluating exposure, vegetation, and long-term maintenance needs helps ensure a good fit for intended use.

Location & Nearby Amenities

Cedar Lake offers convenient access to the heart of Leelanau County.

Residents enjoy:
• Proximity to nearby villages and local dining
• Access to regional recreation and trail systems
• Reasonable driving distance to Lake Michigan beaches
• Straightforward access to Traverse City for shopping, dining, and healthcare

This combination of calm lake living and practical proximity defines Cedar Lake’s appeal.

Zoning, Preservation & Long-Term Value

Cedar Lake is governed by local township and county zoning regulations that support controlled shoreline development.

Its limited size and steady demand contribute to stable long-term value, particularly for buyers prioritizing usability and simplicity over scale.

Is Cedar Lake Right for You?

Cedar Lake is best suited for buyers who:
• Prefer a quieter, low-traffic lake environment
• Value privacy and a residential feel
• Seek year-round livability as well as seasonal enjoyment
• Appreciate Leelanau County’s natural character

For buyers looking for a practical and peaceful lakefront experience, Cedar Lake offers enduring appeal.

Lake Size & Key Facts

• Surface area: approximately 800 acres
• Shoreline: approximately 7 miles
• Maximum depth: approximately 45 feet
• Water type: clear inland lake
• Drive time to Traverse City: approximately 30–35 minutes

Cedar Lake’s manageable size and central location make it a compelling option within the Leelanau County lakefront real estate market.

 

Cedar Lake vs. Lime Lake: Which Leelanau County Inland Lake Is the Better Fit?

Buyers considering smaller inland lakes in Leelanau County often find themselves comparing Cedar Lake and Lime Lake. Both offer a quieter alternative to larger destination lakes, both are within a reasonable drive of Traverse City, and both appeal to buyers seeking a more residential, low-key lakefront experience.

While similar at first glance, each lake offers a slightly different daily rhythm and ownership experience.

Overall Atmosphere

  • Cedar Lake tends to feel slightly more established, with a broader mix of year-round homes and a traditional residential character.

  • Lime Lake feels more intimate and tucked away, with a quieter, almost private-lake atmosphere.

Both attract buyers who value calm surroundings over activity, but Lime Lake often appeals to those seeking the most understated setting possible.

Lake Size & Scale

  • Cedar Lake is modest in size but larger than Lime Lake, offering a bit more open water and shoreline variety.

  • Lime Lake is smaller and more compact, which contributes to its consistently low boat traffic and close-knit feel.

Buyers who enjoy a little more space to move around the water may lean toward Cedar Lake, while those prioritizing tranquility often favor Lime Lake.

Water Use & Recreation

  • Cedar Lake comfortably supports swimming, paddling, fishing, and light boating, with activity levels that remain manageable throughout the season.

  • Lime Lake is particularly well suited for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and quiet enjoyment, with minimal wake and limited boating activity.

Neither lake is oriented toward high-energy boating, making both well suited for relaxed daily use.

Shoreline & Property Feel

  • Cedar Lake offers a mix of frontage styles and slightly more variation in lot sizes and home types.

  • Lime Lake features a more uniform shoreline character, reinforcing its intimate and residential nature.

Both lakes are governed by zoning regulations that support long-term water quality and shoreline preservation.

Location & Access

  • Cedar Lake is centrally positioned within Leelanau County, with convenient access to nearby villages, trails, and Lake Michigan beaches.

  • Lime Lake offers a similarly reasonable drive to Traverse City and surrounding amenities, while feeling a bit more removed from through-traffic and activity.

Neither location sacrifices convenience, but Cedar Lake may feel marginally more connected for everyday errands.

Which Lake Is Right for You?

Cedar Lake may be the better fit if you:

  • Want a quiet lake with a slightly more established residential feel

  • Value a balance of privacy and everyday accessibility

  • Plan for year-round or long-term ownership

Lime Lake may be the better fit if you:

  • Prefer the smallest, calmest lake environment possible

  • Value minimal boat traffic and a very peaceful setting

  • Are drawn to an intimate, low-profile lakefront experience

Final Perspective

Cedar Lake and Lime Lake both represent the kind of lakefront living many buyers are seeking today: quiet, usable, and enduring. The difference is less about quality and more about scale and feel.

 

Buyers who take time to understand these nuances are better positioned to recognize the right opportunity when it becomes available — especially in markets where listings are limited and timing matters.

Cedar Lake

$585,000
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 1947439 MLS ⋅ Lakewood Shores BLDG.
Welcome Home to this peaceful parklike setting with a sense of privacy and relaxation! This lovely lot was the perfect choice for building a custom home perched up on a natural ridge to show off the beauty of the architectural design and textures of this Cedar sided ranch, dressed up with the perfect combination of brick & stone accents. The finished walk-out basement doubles your living space and makes it the ideal choice to entertain family & friends! The landscape stands out and draws you in, certainly not a drive-by only! Step inside and you will feel comfort in the spacious foyer, a wonderful blend of openness through-out the home, that offers cathedral ceilings, recessed lighting, some hardwood floors, skylights & more! There is just enough separation in the flow to make you say, this is it, I love it! The tastefully designed powder room is perfectly located; there is a full-size mudroom with extra storage, then a main level laundry area with utility sink, the washer & dryer stays! The living room is a showstopper featuring a large custom built-in, massive windows for wonderful natural lighting and a stone gas fireplace with new hearth! The eat-in kitchen has recently had a makeover with refaced quality cabinets, a snack bar peninsula, a coffee bar/wine cabinet, pantry & newer appliances! Easy access to the upper-level deck for grilling out! There is a formal dining room with custom built in cabinetry or you may choose to use this space as an executive office! The master bedroom has double closets, a large ensuite with spacious vanity & double sinks, separate shower and jet tub! Main level living has everything you need day to day! Lower level has an awesome family room, a happy hour bar, walk-in pantry, storage, two bedrooms, and a full bath. New furnace & AC just installed 07/01/26! Outside entertaining space is above par, canal frontage on Cedar Lk, campfire friendly, massive brick patio & deck! Beaches nearby! Lakewood Shores amenities!

7021 Lakewood Drive, Oscoda
$329,900
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 1944095 MLS ⋅ Lakewood Shores No. 3 BLDG.
QUALITY WORKMANSHIP throughout this lovely home in Lakewood Shores that offers sandy beach lake access to Lake Huron and Cedar Lake for residents and guests! Enjoy the wonderful view Overlooking Kingswood Park Pond where you can watch the birds and other wildlife from your raised rear deck! You can tell the sloped landscaping was one to be proud of with the perennials just starting to bloom, so the garden lover can spruce it back up to be a masterpiece once again! The modified Cape Code style home has a two-car attached finished garage and the main entrance to the home greets you with a brick paved covered front porch! Step inside and you will instantly feel how well this home has been cared for and how well it flows from space to space! The foyer features a beautiful oak stairway, coat closet and powder room nearby! The living room is spacious for entertaining with a natural fireplace, plenty of large Anderson windows dressed in wood shutters to keep the home light and inviting! A dining space right off the living area with sliding glass doors out to the deck! The kitchen offers plenty of cabinets, some lighted with glass doors to feature your precious pieces and there are ceramic tiled counters and backsplash! There is a center island for gathering around, this duals as a wonderful baking space as you open the cabinet that can house your mixer! The kitchen appliances are top notch Professional grade that include a stainless dishwasher, built-in oven, six burner gas cooktop, a stylish fan hood, built-in microwave, and refrigerator. There is also pantry space and beautiful oak floors! The laundry room is complete with a washer & dryer, utility sink, closet space and shelving! Upstairs the master suite is oversized with a walk-in closet and ensuite! Two additional bedrooms a full bath and an upper-level family room with fireplace and built-ins! The attached garage is finished, plus there is an additional garage used as a workshop! Truly a lovely home!

4722 Kingswood Lane, Oscoda
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