The world seems to have discovered/re-discovered the charms of living on or very near a lake. Lakeside living in the US is a huge draw (The US has around 125,000 lakes!), offering many of the waterside benefits with fewer or none of the more challenging aspects of living on the ocean.

Something about lakeside living is it's often calm, civilized tone: everything just seems to move at a slower pace and the powerful effects of seeing water are immediately noticeable. The five senses are extremely important to how we perceive the world which is why the sensory effects of water can have such an impact on our psyche. The sights, sounds and smell of water provide a calming experience that promotes a uniquely positive state of mind.

Water can have a dream-like quality that allows us to quiet our minds. When  focused on the movement of water, we tend to live in the moment and tune out all the other noise. Being near water can deliver a meditative state of gentle awareness by engaging the brain but not overwhelming it, providing an opportunity for introspection. It also encourages physical activity, even if it's just a walk by the lake.

As we observe the risks and costs imposed by oceanfront living, we should expect the demand for lakeside living to expand.....