Grand Lake O' the Cherokees
Fly Away Home
Kansas Citians shed their city feathers and head to Grand Lake for an ideal retirement home.
BY
Taylor Engler
PHOTOGRAPHY
Matt Kocourek

Homeowners whose children have flown the coop don’t need to travel far for the perfect retirement nest. Grand Lake in Oklahoma is a booming community for permanent residents or weekend dwellers with ideal amenities for retirees.

Janice Elder of Elder & Co. Realtors says that homes being built on the lake are selling quickly, while existing properties are being snapped up by newcomers from near and far looking for a change.
“We have people with weekend cabins here from way up north, such as northern Minnesota, and they think we’re in the tropics. They love it,” Janice says. “Then we have people moving up from Florida because they want some snow — more winter.”

The picturesque four seasons aren’t the only perks that make Grand Lake stand out against other bodies of water. Janice says this lake is unique because it is one of only two lakes in Oklahoma where residents can own property right down to the water’s edge. The majority of Grand Lake waterfront homes have their own dock on part of the 1,300 miles of shoreline, so travel to the family boat is just a backyard away.

The close proximity and cleanliness of water on man-made Grand Lake makes it the perfect place for swimming, water-skiing and other activities visiting kids and grandkids are sure to enjoy.

“When the lake was built, they cleaned out all the trees and debris,” Janice says. “It’s also fed by several springs and creeks, so there is constantly fresh, clean water. It’s just a fabulous lake.”
Grand Lake also boasts a low crime rate and low taxes that make retirement more serene. Janice says another important amenity for retirees is the great health care system the lake has despite its remote location. A new hospital is currently under construction and nearing completion.

Fly down solo or bring your entire flock to Grand Lake for just the right retirement nest.