A Resort-Style Home on Tempe's Private Lakes, Kayaks and Boat Included
$1,300,000
This home sits on The Lakes, a network of private, man-made lakes built into a Tempe neighborhood — genuinely unusual water access for a city better known for desert and pools than boat docks.
The home has been fully remodeled and offers real flexibility: five bedrooms and five bathrooms, with a private office that doubles easily as a sixth bedroom or guest suite, spread across roughly 4,000 square feet. A private pool, an expansive patio with a fire pit and BBQ station, and a private dock make the backyard the real living space here, and kayaks plus a full-size electric boat come with the property for immediate use. Premium solar panels cut the electric bill roughly in half, and residents get full access to the neighborhood's Beach and Tennis Club — pickleball, tennis, racquetball, a heated Olympic-sized pool, and a fully equipped gym, all within walking or boating distance.
At $1,300,000, or $325 a square foot, the price includes an unusual option: the seller is offering 5% seller financing with a customized, owner-carried note for qualified buyers, which could mean bypassing current bank rates entirely. This is a for-sale-by-owner listing, so any financing terms should be reviewed by a real estate attorney before signing anything, and a buyer's agent is worth bringing along even though the seller is open to working directly with buyers.
Life at the Water
Water Access & Depth
The Lakes is a private, man-made lake network built specifically for waterfront living in the middle of Tempe, and this home includes its own private dock for direct access. Because the system is private rather than a natural lake, water levels and rules are managed by the community association rather than a state agency, so confirm HOA rules on boat size, speed, and dock maintenance before assuming anything is unrestricted. The $113 monthly HOA fee is relatively modest for a community with this level of amenities and infrastructure.
Recreation & Boating
Kayaks and a full-size electric boat are included with the property, meaning water access starts immediately rather than requiring a separate purchase — quiet electric power also means no gas smell or engine noise on what the seller describes as peaceful sunset cruises. Beyond the water itself, residents get full privileges at the neighborhood Beach and Tennis Club, with pickleball, tennis, racquetball, and basketball courts a short walk or boat ride away. A heated Olympic-sized pool and community hot tub round out the amenities for anyone who wants resort-style recreation without leaving the neighborhood.
Dock & Waterfront Features
A private dock gives direct water access from the backyard, which is the main draw of owning on The Lakes rather than elsewhere in the Tempe area. Because this is a private, engineered lake system rather than a natural body of water, any modifications to the dock likely require community association approval rather than a state permitting process. Confirm the dock's current condition and any HOA rules around repairs or upgrades before closing.
Flood & Insurance Considerations
Tempe doesn't carry flood risk the way a coastal or river property would, but a private, engineered lake system still depends on infrastructure — pumps, liners, and water management — that a natural lake doesn't need. Ask the HOA directly about the system's maintenance history and who's responsible for repairs if something in the lake infrastructure fails. Standard homeowners insurance should apply here rather than flood-specific coverage, but confirm that assumption with an agent familiar with The Lakes community specifically.
Beyond the Property Line
Local Flavor & Small-Town Character
The Lakes is one of the Valley of the Sun's more distinctive neighborhoods, built around its private lake system in a part of the country better known for desert landscaping than waterfront living. Tempe itself is home to Arizona State University, and the property sits within easy reach of ASU, downtown Tempe, and the broader Phoenix metro's job centers. The area blends suburban quiet with genuine urban convenience, which is part of what the seller means by close to everything, yet serene.
Outdoor Recreation & Natural Surroundings
Tempe Town Lake, a separate public lake a short drive away, adds rowing, dragon boat racing, and a lakeside path for runners and cyclists to the area's water-focused recreation options. The neighborhood's own Beach and Tennis Club offers pickleball, tennis, and sand volleyball courts for residents who want organized sports closer to home. South Mountain Park and Papago Park, both within a short drive, add desert hiking trails for anyone who wants to balance lake days with a hike.
Listed on Zillow
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