Gary Hardina Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Realtor Associate: New Buffalo, Mich; Broker Associate: Chicago/Lincoln Park Plaza Office In Southwest Michigan, the popular second-home meccas for Chicagoans have been New Buffalo, Union Pier and Lakeside. However, many Chicagoans are now opting to move further north up the lake shore to the communities of Saugatuck and Douglas. Still within about two hours from Chicago, these communities afford numerous housing options from homes directly on Lake Michigan, historic in-town homes and also secluded country retreats. Saugatuck and Douglas have an active arts community, giving second-home dwellers some additional activity options, including a live local theater, an annual summer film fest and numerous classes taught by local artists in painting, pottery and photography. Patricia Kappeler- Agent RE/MAX Advisors Lake Villa We have seen an upsurge in interest recently in waterfront homes, especially from buyers in the 55-plus category. Prices on second-home properties are probably down 25 percent from their peak a few years ago, and today’s buyers are often those who in the past felt that a waterfront weekend home or summer home was out of their financial reach but now see a chance to realize that long-time goal. Younger families are also interested, but the 55-plus buyers have been the most noticeable. They see the second homes as places to share with their children and grandchildren.
