Buying on (or near) a St. Joseph County lake? A few things to know

St. Joseph County is dotted with inland lakes — from big, busy Klinger Lake near Sturgis and Corey Lake outside Three Rivers down to dozens of smaller lakes and ponds — and a lot of homes here sit on or near the water. If you’re buying a lakefront or lake-access place, a few things are worth understanding beyond the usual.

First, many of these lakes have a legally set water level. The county’s Drain Commissioner manages the court-ordered levels and the control structures that hold them, so a lake’s depth is managed, not just left to the weather.

Second, lake upkeep often comes with its own bill. To control invasive weeds and algae (and to keep up those control structures), lakes commonly set up a “special assessment district” — a charge added to the property-tax bills of the waterfront and lake-access homes that benefit. So a lakefront home may owe an annual lake assessment on top of its regular property taxes; it’s worth asking what a particular lake’s assessment runs before you buy. Many lakes also have a lake board or association, and boating rules — like no-wake zones — that vary from one lake to the next.

None of this is a reason not to buy on a St. Joseph County lake; it’s part of the deal, and most lake residents think it’s well worth it. Just go in knowing the level is managed, ask the township or seller about any lake special assessment, and check the specific lake’s boating rules.