The Function of Lakes in Urban Environments

Lake Union, Seattle, photo courtesy of cntraveler.com.

The role that urban lakes play in cities big and small goes beyond adding aesthetic value and a healthy dose of flora to the otherwise sparse urban landscape. From increasing biodiversity to aiding with flood control to providing a space for recreation and community businesses to thrive, lakes can be a vital – and beautiful – part of the urban fabric.

Biodiversity and Flood Control

Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX, courtesy of austintexas.gov .

In addition to offering a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, lakes bring biodiversity to the urban ecosystem. The fish and algae that thrive in lakes attract birds and other wildlife to the city area. Waterbirds flock to urban lakes during both breeding and non-breeding seasons, seeking year-round refuge around their waters. Lake wildlife extends out to the benefit of the greater community. The same birds who feed and thrive among the lake waters help to increase the greenery throughout the city by spreading and dropping seeds, out of which new trees and vegetation grow – and we all reap the benefits of their oxygen production and air purification.

Urban lakes and their surrounding wetlands provide not only aesthetic and recreational value but also aid urban infrastructure by helping to control flooding and run-off. Lakes provide a basin to collect heavy rainfall so that flooding in their surrounding areas is mitigated. Alternatively, urban lakes also act as vital water reserves during times of drought. Access to lake water, especially in land-locked areas, has proven very beneficial in metropolitan areas across the country.

Recreation and Business

Prospect Park Lake, New York, courtesy of spinlister.com.

Urban lakes grant city-dwellers and visitors a place to fish, exercise, and enjoy time outdoors. Often surrounded by parks or lively restaurants and bars, these lakes can make you feel far from city life in the best way possible. Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, is a perfect example of an urban lake that has much to offer to the community. From hiking, biking, kayaking, walking along the boardwalk and even bat watching, Lady Bird Lake is an urban lake that offers myriad activities that one might typically have to drive for miles outside of the city limits to access. Fishing is another activity to take advantage of when visiting an urban lake. Even in some of the most densely populated cities in America, fishing is allowed. Take Prospect Park Lake in New York City, for example – though only catch-and-release is allowed, the lake is home to an array of species, including the popular largemouth bass.

Bodies of water are spaces that people naturally flock to, for the beauty and respite they provide from daily life. This popularity makes urban lakes ideal places for small local businesses to thrive. From lakeside eateries to boat tours and waterski rentals, lakes bring jobs to cities that help the economy and community. Lake Champlain in Vermont, for instance, boasts many lakeside restaurants and bars in the Burlington area that draws visitors from across the region.

An Oasis from City Life

Lakes in densely populated areas provide a welcome retreat from the regular hustle and bustle of city living. Though city-dwellers tend to be exposed to more day-to-day stressors, having access to a body of water is proven to affect mental health positively. Urban lakes serve as a place of respite for city communities, bringing nature, wildlife, and surrounding greenery into what may otherwise be a concrete jungle – they are truly diamonds in the rough!

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The Lakes and Lifestyle of Upstate New York

When you think of New York, what images come to mind?

The Empire State Building? Times Square? Maybe you immediately imagine the Statue of Liberty of that famously gorgeous Manhattan skyline.

Most people don’t associate the great outdoors with the Empire State, but there’s more to NY than meets the eye.

Welcome to Upstate New York

Upstate New York is a far cry from Queens. The region includes the cities of Rochester, Buffalo and Niagara Falls, as well some outlying rural counties.

And here, Mother Nature is alive and well. Shimmering lakes, world-famous waterfalls and tree-lined canyons that stretch across more than 14,000 acres characterize the expansive landscape.

Onieda Lake Home

Often noted for its eye-popping natural beauty, each season boasts a unique vibrance that takes sightseeing to another level.

From crystal white winter wonderlands to the multitude of colors that are born each autumn, the scenic landscape is picture perfect year round.

To the benefit of thrill seekers everywhere, the terrain varies greatly which offers a wide variety of major outdoor fun.

For water sport lovers, Lake Erie’s regional outdoor recreation service has it all. Kayaking, biking, stand-up paddleboarding, backpacking, fishing and even whitewater rafting!

The many freshwater beaches have all of your classic summertime favorites.  Video game arcades, ice cream shops, playgrounds and outdoor grills make for the perfect place for a family outing.

Speaking of the water, any angler could find happiness here.

A favorite local past time is deep sea fishing in Lake Erie. Western New York’s largest inland lake is known to yield record-sized smallmouth bass and walleye.

The other four inland lakes–Chautauqua, Findley, Bear and Cassadaga–are filled with pan fish, muskellunge, bass and walleye.

There’s plenty of wildlife for hunting, like whitetail deer, wild turkey and bear. In the winter, residents can enjoy cross country skiing or snowshoeing.

This landscape was practically made for fun.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

A mixture of Victorian, Amish and lakeside communities come together to make up the counties of Western New York. Quaint and idyllic, the towns exude more of a village vibe.

In Chautauqua County, the arts and culture scene is thriving.

Tourists and residents have access to all sorts of options like ballet and theater performances, or live music by the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. Off-beat art galleries are also sprinkled around the towns and along the shores of the lakes.

The sheer beauty of the region is no secret to the locals, and Western New York sure knows how to capitalize on its natural aesthetic.

Charming, country chic bed and breakfasts surround all five lakes, leveraging the landscape. They each have their own unique theme, and they all come with stunning views of pastures, lakes, mountains or forests.

One such place is Barcelona Lakeside, a year-round B&B that lies right in the heart of wine country. And Lake Erie Wine Country is simply breathtaking.

Also called “America’s Grape Country”, a 40-mile long wine trail snakes through 30,000 acres of vineyards and 23 wineries along the lake’s shores. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of dry, sweet, ice, dessert and specialty wines.

Hungry tourists can also indulge in the region’s local cuisine, which runs the gamut from burgers and fries to fine dining. Take your pick of a Tuscan-themed Italian eatery, or enjoy fresh seafood right overlooking Chautauqua Lake. The options are endless.

Culture and charm make up Western New York. So sure, Chinatown is pretty cool, but have you ever set sail on a dinner cruise on Lake Erie at sunset?

Consider making the Empire State the site for you new lake home. Regardless of the season, you’ll never run out of things to do and sights to see.

If you would like to view our current listings, feel free to visit our website for available lake homes in New York