Cabin Living vs Full-Time Living in Lake of the Woods

One of the most common questions I get from buyers looking at Lake of the Woods is whether they should use the property as a weekend cabin or move up full-time. The honest answer is that both lifestyles work here — but they come with different costs, different prep, and different levels of community connection. Here's the breakdown.

The Weekend Cabin Approach

A lot of Lake of the Woods homeowners are part-timers. They live in the valley — Bakersfield, Santa Clarita, even LA — and drive up on weekends or for longer stretches in summer. The appeal is obvious: escape the heat, enjoy the forest, and decompress in a setting that feels a world away from daily life. Part-time use keeps costs lower and the commitment lighter.

The Full-Time Lifestyle

Full-time residents get the deeper experience. You know the rhythm of the seasons, you build real relationships with neighbors, and you stop thinking of the mountain as an escape and start thinking of it as home. Full-timers are typically more involved in community fire clearing, neighborhood coordination, and the informal mutual aid that keeps a small community running.

Winterization and Property Care

This is where the two approaches diverge most. Full-time residents manage winter as it comes — shoveling, monitoring pipes, keeping the furnace running. Part-timers need to winterize more aggressively because the home sits empty during the coldest weeks. For a full picture of what winter demands up here, read my note on winter in Lake of the Woods. Key considerations for part-timers include:

• Keep the heat at 55°F minimum to prevent frozen pipes — even when you're not there
• Insulate exposed plumbing and consider heat tape on vulnerable lines
• Arrange for a neighbor or caretaker to check on the property during extended absences
• Ensure your propane tank is full before storm season
• Clear pine needles from the roof and gutters before winter — they trap moisture and create fire risk

Costs: Part-Time vs Full-Time

Part-timers save on daily living expenses but may spend more on property management, caretaking, and the gas to drive up regularly. Full-timers have consistent utility costs — propane, electricity, internet — but avoid the back-and-forth and the worry of leaving a home unattended. Insurance costs are similar, though some carriers charge more for homes that aren't owner-occupied year-round.

Community Connection

This is the intangible factor. Full-time residents become part of the fabric of the community. They're the ones who notice when something's off, who check on neighbors during storms, who show up for fire clearing days. Part-timers enjoy the setting but may miss out on the deeper community relationships that make Lake of the Woods feel like more than just a place to stay.

Which One Is Right for You?

There's no wrong answer — it depends on your work, your family situation, and how much mountain living you want. Many people start part-time and transition to full-time once they realize they'd rather be up here than anywhere else. If you're exploring your options, check my buy page for current listings. Either way, I can help you find the right property for how you want to use it (DRE# 02011892).