fisherman7 Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 I have a lot of respect for the opinion of the members of this board. My wife and I are about 2 years away from our dream of retiring to a waterfront property but we can't decide between either the Chemong/Buckhorn lakes chain or Sparrow Lake/Port Severn/Honey Harbour area. Chemong/Buckhorn has great affordable waterfront communities and easy access to the 401 but I'm a little concerned about the blue/green algae in Pigeon and maybe will get to Chemong and Buckhorn. Sparrow Lake/Port Severn/Honey Harbour - I like the area, it has great fishing but the homes are more expensive and access to the GTA is on the very busy hwy 400. So, opinions anyone? If the blue/green algae wasn't an issue I'd head for Chemong or Buckhorn. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishing n autograph Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 If money was the issue I would choose the kawarthas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinker Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Kawarthas all the way! Moskoka is full of city riff raff. Kawarthas have some too, but still mostly good country folks here. The algae is nothing to worry about. Dont let that scare you away. Never heard of it on chemong or buckhorn anyways. You'll get more value for your money in the kawarthas too. I cant believe the prices of homes/cottages in muskoka. You could get a home with 100 acres here for the price of a dive in muskoka. Muskoka is catered to the city slickers. S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lew Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 I'm retired and live about 10 miles east of Chemong at Clear Lake and would highly recommend this area to anyone. I don't fish the tri-lakes nearly as much as I used to but always enjoy them when I do. I don't find the algae to be a problem at all and wouldn't be the least bit concerned about it, but that's just my opinion. You'll be close to Peterboro and they have most things anybody could want. And if you settle in Buckhorn, Cody Inn has about the best Chinese food around Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancur373 Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 amen to the Cody Inn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moxie Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 (edited) Years back my parents owned a few building lots on the shores of Buckhorn Lake and as a teen spent a lot of time in and around that region fishing the tri lakes. Absolutely loved it. Surrounded by water and just about everyone you came across was friendly and helpful. Fantastic area to wind down and enjoy the sunset of your years. Kawarthas all the way. Edited February 7, 2014 by moxie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porkpie Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Buckhorn without hesitation. I have spent many a fun filled trip in the area, and on lower buck. It is one of my favorite destinations. Muskokas not so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angler management Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 It all depends on budget and lifestyle. I like both but for different reasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squid Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Cheaper houses in the K's. You should also look at the georgian bay area it is beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adempsey Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 I'd start looking at the properties first. You've narrowed down your regions enough IMO to start to check some places out. I think once you start comparing all the factors like price, property lines, population density, accessibility, building regulations, waterfront regulations, elevation, water source etc.. that will likely make you decide where to focus on more. Although, personally I'd have a hard time narrowing it down as much as you already have. There are far too many nice lakes to consider! Especially around Haliburton, Bancroft/Maynooth, and the Rideau Lakes. There's a lot of appeal to the Kawarthas, but I wouldn't overlook the Muskokas. Although, Muskokas has a reputation for being more expensive and full of us "city slickers" [or is it citidiots?], I bet there are some really nice hidden gems to be found. I am not sure what to think about the blue-green algae blooms that have occurred in the past couple of years. It's generally a natural phenomenon in these eutrophic lakes when the weather gets really hot [and in still water]. However, if it becomes a stigma it may affect your property value [or you can get a real bargain!]. Is it something to worry about, I don't know. I suppose that depends on the future weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 I don't think you can go wrong with either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darsky Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 North of Kawarthas is very nice too-Apsley area. A bit more rustic and less populated. I found many Kawartha lakes to be shoulder to shoulder with homes-esp Pigeon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irishfield Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Sparrow Lake/Port Severn/Honey Harbour ..is not Muskoka, just to help you in your MLS search. Before you make the leap in either direction, be sure to check the MPAC assessment and mill rate of the township it's in... you may get sticker shocked on yearly taxes eating a large hole in your funds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kickingfrog Posted February 4, 2014 Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Sort of like asking for opinions on a woman. Good luck, and enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iFish4real Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 Bahamas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crappieperchhunter Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 ..is not Muskoka, just to help you in your MLS search. Before you make the leap in either direction, be sure to check the MPAC assessment and mill rate of the township it's in... you may get sticker shocked on yearly taxes eating a large hole in your funds. That's why I like the Kawartha's Wayne. Our little place in Bobcaygeon is on town sewer and water with a 70 X 180 lot. We just got our 2014 taxes....$1208 for the whole year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irishfield Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 (edited) Can't beat that .. I pay $10,500 a year in Penetang and I'm NOT on the water!!! Edited February 5, 2014 by irishfield Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 That's why I like the Kawartha's Wayne. Our little place in Bobcaygeon is on town sewer and water with a 70 X 180 lot. We just got our 2014 taxes....$1208 for the whole year. Shhhh, don't tell anyone. MPAC will fix that in a hurry. Mine is double yours on Nipissing, NO services either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crappieperchhunter Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 Not on the water either....but we have 3 free public launches that are close enough that I can be putting away in my boat less then 10 minutes after I walk out my front door. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fisherman7 Posted February 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 Thanks everyone for their thoughts and opinions. It really is a big decision about where to go and I appreciate the help. Seems like the blue/green algae issue is a lot of hype so looks like Chemong/Buckhorn here we come - in about 2 years I hope! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captpierre Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 Consider 1. Proximity to hospital 2. Shopping. Banking. Beer store. Gas. Home Depot. Costco. 3. Species of fish you target. 4. Proximity to social/community stuff. 5. Boating opportunities. ie. Trent System. vs landlocked lake 6. BLACKFLIES. -way less in Kawarthas 7. Granite vs limestone. Stoney Lake/Lower Buckhorn/Northeast Pigeon/Big Bald- could be Muskoka. 8. Proximity to neighbours 9. Boat traffic 10. Stable water levels. Can't beat the Trent. (till Thanksgiving) We chose North east Pigeon for all the above reasons with some compromise. I need walleye and muskie. When friends in Muskoka/Haliburton are slaughtered by blackfies in May/June I just smile Just sayin Good luck with your decision Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crappieperchhunter Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 In Pidgeon and Sturgeon near Bobcaygeon anyway the algae has been real bad the last 2 summers. By mid summer I will not go swimming at the public beach because it is so gross. If swimming is something that is real important to you I would not be looking at either of these lakes. I can't comment on the rest of the Kawartha's as I have no firsthand knowledge of the algae concerns/problems there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciceri Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 I'd personally look into the North Kawarthas, a whole lot of fishing to be done up there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renegade67 Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 (edited) What services do you want/want to pay for? Our cottage is on Georgian Bay and we have town water, sewers, cable tv, etc. While these are convienient they separate the bill for water and sewer from your yearly taxes. It is an additional $2000 a year. Oh and there are no water metres so eventhough we only use the place on weekends currently, we pay the same as full timers!! Yup, the municapal offices in cottage areas get pretty creative on ways to empty your pockets! If your in good health I would look at places a little more remote to get the best bang for your buck and probably better fishing! Edited February 5, 2014 by Renegade67 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lookinforwalleye Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 Congrats on being able to afford to retire in this expensive overly taxed country, I am thinking of having the government send my cheques to Thailand!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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