OP, do you have ties to anyplace, that you might consider as vacation-worthy? I think that is an important question.

How about places like Fort Washington, MD (like mentioned in the other thread).

It's a Bay house, but close enough that you will use it all the time and the downsides to that part of MD (lack of amenities - stores and shopping, and schools) aren't a big deal when its a weekend home.

I think being close is really important - anything over an hour and it's going to be tough. Then again, maybe it's my perspective - I would want a weekend beach/lake home vs a beach/lake vacation home that you get to 3-6x a year. I would want 15-20x a year usage (twice a month)

We're currently building on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis; we live in Tysons so the house will be about 45 mins away with light traffic. The waves are magical; the swimming is lackluster but proximity is the biggest plus. We have young kids so we can still make birthday parties and such and drive back to the bay house for the rest of the Saturday afternoon. Anyone have real-world experience with homes in Annapolis on the Bay?

Damn, i envy you people! We've thought about a second place-- esp building our own modular type mordernispiece-- but keep getting stuck on one question: how do you justify a second home with young kids? Ours are nearly 3 and 6 and have just one scheduled weekend activity, but will likely have more in tge future. Also do you miss out on pkaydates and birthday parties, or do you not miss these? Also whendo you do the chores and errands for yr main house? Honest questions! I want to live like you!

16:15 here- Our house is on Lake Laura at Bryce Resort in Shenandoah Valley. It's a "resort" area that's a throwback from the 1950's. Very laid back.

Op again, thanks *for* giving, sorry!

Op here. Thanksgiving all the great responses! But I wish you guys weren't so split down the middle! Ha! To answer the pp, we can afford about 800k. Thanks again !

Anonymous wrote:Pros and cons of both? We have always wanted a beach house but suddenly I'm feeling that a lake house might be more economical and get more use. We live in NoVa and would buy in Wrightsville NC if a beach house, or on Smith Mountain Lake if a lake house. Have 2 kids aged 5 and 7. Just looking for some General opinions, thanks so much!!

Depends on several factors, and is not nearly as simple as your question, OP. You know this, right? For example: in this area, you are at least (!!!) 3 hours from salt water; and most people can only afford a condo. Is that something you want? I suppose a lake house would be closer and much cheaper.

How much can you spend?

Anonymous wrote:Our lake house is off of I-81 in the Shendandoah Valley. It's a very easy, fast 100 mile drive. We looked at lake communities off of I-95 south. In retrospect I am SO glad we didn't find anything that suited our needs.

Which lake?

Anonymous wrote:We have a lake house and wouldn't trade it for a beach house for anything. A beach house gets like four months of use per year. A lake house in the right location can get used all year long. We go to the house in the summer for the lake and in the winter for skiing/snowboarding. Lake house was cheaper too. And we don't worry about hurricanes or constant maintenance issues (salt water is horrible for beach houses). Just my two cents.

Hi PP, which lake?

Our lake house is off of I-81 in the Shendandoah Valley. It's a very easy, fast 100 mile drive. We looked at lake communities off of I-95 south. In retrospect I am SO glad we didn't find anything that suited our needs.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about beach VS bay?

The bay is boring and you can't swim in the water. The amateur boaters are dangerous. It's hot with not much breeze. the bay sucks.

The bay is still more interesting than a lake

Lake. I hate sand.

I hate swimming in a lake so I'd go for a beach. But most important I think is what is easier to get to!

Smith Mountain Lake may be an easier commute, plus there's lots to do all year round.

Make the decision based on commute/accessibility. I grew up with a cottage on the lake - loved it. Now my parents have a beach condo - love it. But both of these places are in non-DC areas of the country where I used to live, and were very accessible from our home. Everyone I know with beach houses near DC have to contend with horrific traffic if they want to get out for just a weekend. Not sure if that's the same with lake places around here. Everyone who has ever owned a second house will tell you that you don't use it much if you have to deal with traffic or get on a plane.