Dreaming of a personal oasis … in metro Detroit? This $600K home on a private island is up for sale — but even the dazzling lake views might not justify the pricey reality of island life

A two-story house in metro Detroit, Michigan recently went on the market, but this isn’t your typical house with a driveway and a white picket fence. In fact, this house doesn’t even have a driveway, nor is it located on a nice street with plenty of neighbours.

Located in the middle of Dixie Lake, just five miles from Downtown Clarkston, is a 150-foot by 150-foot private island that could be yours for $600,000. The fully-furnished house features three bedrooms, one bathroom and stunning lake views from virtually every window.

But before you imagine yourself relaxing by the water or fishing all day, it's worth asking if the property is worth the price, while also considering the logistics of island life.

Is owning an island worth the $600K price tag?

Private island homes in the metro Detroit area are, perhaps unsurprisingly, few and far between. In fact, the listing agent for this island property said it was her first.

As a result, determining whether the $600,000 price tag is appropriate can be tricky. The home’s listing price is on the high side, given that the median price of a property in Detroit is just $109,000, according to Realtor.com.

Of course, anyone who purchases this property will be getting much more than just a plain-old house. At 150-feet by 150-feet, the island is a little more than half an acre in size, and living on an island provides a level of privacy that many other houses in the area just can't offer.

So while this property is unique, it's clear that the cost is on the upper end of the scale, and the house itself is not exactly a mansion. Most of the cost of this property stems from its unique location in the middle of the water.

Consider the logistics before buying an island home

Even if the price tag doesn't scare you off, you still need to consider the viability of living on an island.