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Portage Lakes Real Estate. Local Knowledge. Straight Answers.
Buying, selling, or just wondering what's happening around Portage Lakes? I'm Cynthia Dye, REALTOR® with The KeyGroup Real Estate Team | Real of Ohio. I'll help you make sense of the market and your next move—without the sales pitch.
25+ Years
Sales, Marketing & Negotiation
PLX & NE Ohio
Coventry Township, New Franklin, Green, Jackson
The KeyGroup Real Estate Team
Real of Ohio
What Can I Help You With?
Start wherever you are.
Buy a Home
From your first home to your next one—or a place on the lake—I'll help you navigate the process from search to closing.
Sell a Home
Pricing, preparation, marketing, negotiation and everything in between. Let's put together a plan for your property.
What's My Home Worth?
Curious about your home's value? Let's look at the property, the location and what's actually happening in today's market.
Explore PLX
Get to know Portage Lakes, the surrounding communities and the lifestyle that makes this area special.
Search Portage Lakes & Northeast Ohio Homes
Tell me what you're looking for and I'll help you set up a custom home search based on your price range, location and must-haves. Looking for waterfront? We'll include the property details that matter to you.
Find the Right Property with a Tailored Search
Tell me what you're looking for and I'll help you set up a custom home search based on your price range, location and must-haves. Looking for waterfront? We'll include the property details that matter to you.
Tell Cynthia What You're Looking For
Select your preferred locations and property types below to start a personalized search with Cynthia:
PLX Neighborhood Guide
Explore the Portage Lakes, waterfront living, dock considerations, local dining, recreation, and the community that makes this area special.
6-Step Buyer Roadmap
Learn how Cynthia evaluates market value, negotiates terms, and protects your contract.
What’s My Home Worth?
Thinking of selling? Get a comprehensive, data-backed comparative market analysis.
Hi, I'm Cynthia.
Local knowledge backed by 25+ years of sales, marketing and negotiation experience.
I'm a REALTOR® with The KeyGroup Real Estate Team | Real of Ohio, an Ohio State graduate, and a Portage Lakes local who genuinely loves this community. I bring more than 25 years of sales, marketing and negotiation experience to real estate—and I'm a big believer in straight answers, strong communication and looking out for my clients from beginning to end.
Cynthia Dye
REALTOR® | The KeyGroup Real Estate Team • Real of Ohio
Explore Portage Lakes & Beyond
Portage Lakes—PLX to the locals—is more than a place to live. It's a lifestyle.
There’s Still Room to Build in PLX.
Buildable opportunities around Portage Lakes are limited, but they do exist. Whether you're looking for a new home in a lake-community setting or acreage for a custom waterfront estate, there are opportunities worth exploring.
New Construction. Portage Lakes Lifestyle.
The Water 9 brings new-construction opportunities to the Portage Lakes area with Estate, Lifestyle and Townhome options. The community is planned with public water and sewer and a community marina, bringing new-construction options together with the Portage Lakes lifestyle.
Five Exceptional Homesites. One Extraordinary Setting.
Legacy Point offers five estate-sized homesites in the City of Green, approximately 4.7 to 5.3 acres each, with substantial private frontage along Mud Lake. The community offers a secluded waterfront setting with a private landscaped community drive and convenient access from Main Street.
Parcel map, deed restrictions and soil reports available upon request.
Jump straight into active homes matching your preferred neighborhood:
Ready to Find Your Next Home?
Choose your preferred area below to explore available properties!
Quick Search Tip: When the MLS search opens, check the box next to Residential and click Apply. Available properties will appear on the map for you to explore!
Find Your Perfect Portage Lakes Home
Looking for your perfect place on Portage Lakes? Whether you're dreaming of a waterfront home, beautiful lake views, or easy access to the water, I'd love to help you find it. Tell me a little about what you're looking for, and I'll put together a personalized property search just for you!
Portage Lakes (PLX) Waterfront Living
The heart of Northeast Ohio lake living. Turkeyfoot Lake features speed zones for boating and sandbars, while East and West Reservoirs host vibrant dock-and-dine restaurant culture. Deeded docks, state-park dock permits, and private boat slips define this active lifestyle.
Coventry Township & Lake Living
Home to Turkeyfoot Lake shorelines, East Reservoir channels, and the iconic Portage Lakes Clock Tower. Coventry offers historic 1930s cottages, updated modern waterfront residences, and no city income tax.
New Franklin Acreage
Spans the southern Portage Lakes chains (Turkeyfoot bays & Rex Lake) down to the pristine 800-acre Nimisila Reservoir. Offers 1+ acre lots, scenic wooded settings, privacy, and Manchester Local Schools.
Green Ohio & Jackson Township
Residential neighborhoods, local shopping, dining and parks situated just 5 to 10 minutes east and south of the Portage Lakes water chain.
Have a Question About Portage Lakes Docks or Lake Access?
Buying or selling around Portage Lakes? Have questions about docks, lake access, permits, or waterfront property considerations? Send me your question, and I'll help you find the information you need!
Get New Franklin Acreage Alerts
Looking for a little more room to spread out? Tell me what you're searching for, and I'll help you stay on top of new properties with the space you're looking for!
Explore the Lakes of the PLX Region
Each body of water across the Portage Lakes system has its own personality, water depth, speed rules, and lifestyle dynamic:
Turkeyfoot Lake
Speed BasinThe largest open lake in the chain (450+ acres). Open power boating, water skiing, Sandbar social gatherings, and premier luxury lakefront estates.
Key Feature: Sandbar & Open WaterEast Reservoir
Dining HubCoventry Township’s social heart. Features dock-and-dine restaurants (Dockside Grille, Harbor Lighthouse Grille), Dietz’s Marina, and lively pontoon channels.
Key Feature: Dock-and-Dine StripWest Reservoir
Scenic CanalsConnected directly to East Res via channel. Famous for peaceful wooded shorelines, state park access, pontoon sunset cruises, and private docks.
Key Feature: State Park FrontageRex Lake & Miller Lake
Quiet BaysLocated in New Franklin. Peaceful, protected no-wake waters ideal for calm paddleboarding, fishing, wildlife watching, and charming lakeside retreats.
Key Feature: Quiet Nature BaysLong Lake
Historic VibeHistoric north-end lake with charming original cottages, scenic feeder canals, and active community spirit. Popular for bass and crappie fishing.
Key Feature: Character CottagesNorth Reservoir
ResidentialQuiet residential lake featuring deep-set lots, mature tree canopies, and direct access into the feeder channels of the historic Ohio & Erie Canal.
Key Feature: Secluded LotsNimisila Reservoir
Electric / Kayak800+ acres of untouched shoreline. Electric motors and kayaks only. Famous for bald eagle nesting pairs, dark-sky stargazing, and pristine tranquility.
Key Feature: Bald Eagles & PaddlingHower & Mud Lake
Wildlife PreserveNatural bog and wetland sanctuary hosting rare waterfowl and native Ohio aquatic flora. A kayaker’s dream ecosystem right in PLX.
Key Feature: Pure Nature & BogsPortage Lakes Waterfront Living & Dock Advisory
Buying a lake home is completely different from buying an off-water property. Here are the 4 essential rules Cynthia walks every client through:
Some PLX properties own direct fee-simple shoreline with deeded dock rights. Others front ODNR (Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources) state park buffer land, requiring an annual state dock lease transfer. Cynthia verifies the exact legal dock status before you make an offer.
Seawalls in PLX are typically poured concrete, steel sheet piling, or vinyl rip-rap. Inspecting for soil erosion, tie-back failure, and freeze-thaw winter shifting is paramount to protecting your investment.
Turkeyfoot Lake allows power boating and skiing during daylight hours. All connecting channels, bays, and reservoirs maintain a strict No-Wake (idle speed) rule to protect docks and swimmer safety.
In Ohio winters, water levels are slightly lowered by the state in late autumn. Boats are pulled onto cantilever or hydraulic boat lifts, or hauled out for winter storage at local marinas like Boat Masters Marine or Dusty's.
Have questions about a specific dock slip, seawall, or channel depth?
Request Cynthia’s Dock ChecklistDock-and-Dine & PLX Local Favorites
One of the greatest joys of living in Portage Lakes is pulling your boat right up to a restaurant slip for lunch, dinner, or live evening music:
Dockside Grille
Popular dock-and-dine favorite featuring expansive lakefront patio dining, guest boat slips, American pub classics, and live music on East Reservoir.
Harbor Lighthouse Grille
Classic burgers, lake cocktails, patio seating, and direct tie-up dock spaces. The quintessential PLX summer hangout.
The Upper Deck
A Portage Lakes favorite with lots of boat slips where you can pull right up, order food directly from your boat, and eat right out on the water or dine inside with panoramic lake views.
Parks, Recreation & Annual Events
Portage Lakes is famous for its year-round community traditions that bring neighbors together in every season:
🎆 Major Annual Traditions
- 4th of July Boat Parade & Fireworks:Hundreds of decorated pontoon and power boats anchor together for Northeast Ohio’s premier over-the-water fireworks display.
- Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump:Beloved winter charity tradition on Turkeyfoot Lake drawing thousands of participants and spectators.
- Summer Concerts at The Tudor House:Historic lawn concerts on the shores of Turkeyfoot Lake with wine, picnic blankets, and sunset views.
- Turkeyfoot Regatta & Poker Runs:Fun summer watercraft competitions and lake poker runs raising funds for local Portage Lakes charities.
🌲 Parks, Beaches & Nature Trails
- Portage Lakes State Park:Public beach, 18-hole disc golf course, designated dog swimming park, hiking trails, and multi-lane public boat ramps.
- Tudor House on Turkeyfoot Lake:Iconic 1920s English Tudor mansion on 6 lakefront acres with public manicured grounds, gazebos, and event venues.
- Nimisila Reservoir State Park:Campground, kayak launches, wooded shore trails, and the region’s best bald eagle watching vantage points.
- Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail:Direct connections just minutes north for 100+ miles of paved cycling and running trails.
Live on the Water. Commute with Ease.
Portage Lakes offers a true lakefront retreat without being disconnected. Easy access to I-77, I-76, and Route 224 makes regional commuting effortless:
Portage Lakes Housing Styles
PLX is wonderfully eclectic. You’ll find everything from historic 1920s boat cottages to million-dollar modern architectural masterpieces:
1. Lakeside Cottages & Bungalows
1920s–1940s original vacation cottages, many tastefully renovated with modern kitchens, sun porches, and cozy stone fireplaces.
Search Cottage Listings →2. Mid-Century Waterfront Ranches
1950s–1970s single-level homes with finished walkout basements, lakeview rec rooms, and gentle slopes leading directly to boat slips.
Search Ranch Listings →3. Custom Craftsman & Contemporary
Recent custom builds featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls, multi-level composite decks, outdoor kitchens, and boat lifts.
Search Custom Waterfront →4. Suburban & Acreage Estates
Located in Green, Jackson, and New Franklin with 3–4 car garages, master suites, swimming pools, and top school districts.
Search Executive Estates →Ready to explore Portage Lakes homes with Cynthia?
Whether you want a private dock on Turkeyfoot, a canal home in Coventry, or an executive home in Green, get straight-talking guidance from a 25-year negotiator who knows every channel.
Life Is Better at the Lake
Boating, sunsets, waterfront dining, weekends with friends and those quiet mornings when the lake is perfectly still—Portage Lakes has a personality all its own. Whether you already live here or you're dreaming about making PLX home, this is the part of real estate I especially love sharing.
Waterfront & Lake Living
Explore waterfront and lake-community properties around Portage Lakes, with property-specific details to consider for each home.
Decks, Patios & Entertaining
Maximize your lake frontage with multi-tier decks, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and custom boat lifts engineered for Ohio seasonal shifts.
Paddleboarding & Sunset Chains
Wake up to glass-calm water for morning kayaking, eagle watching at Nimisila, or cruising to local lakefront restaurants with friends.
Lake Home Renovation & Outdoor Living
Decks, patios and fire-pit nights are a big part of lake life. Before you dream up the perfect entertaining space, here's what's worth thinking through.
Decks, patios & entertaining spaces
Think about how you'll actually use the space: dining, lounging, grilling, a spot for the kids. Multi-level decks, patios, fire pits and outdoor kitchens each come with different budgets, upkeep and sight lines to the water.
Built for Ohio weather
Freeze-thaw cycles, snow load, summer humidity and lake-effect moisture are tough on outdoor materials. Ask contractors how decking, railings, footings and finishes hold up through Northeast Ohio seasons.
Check permits and zoning first
Requirements vary by township, city and property. Contact the local zoning or building department before you build or renovate to find out whether a permit or setback rules apply.
Waterfront improvements
Not every lake property has the same shoreline, docks or water access, and rules for work near the water can differ. Confirm what applies to a specific property with the appropriate local and state agencies before planning anything.
General information only, not legal or engineering advice.
Explore Portage Lakes Recreation
Whether you're on a pontoon at sunset or paddling out for a quiet morning, there's always something to do around the lakes.
Boating
From pontoon cruises and sailboats to fishing boats and sunset rides, there's nothing quite like spending a summer day on Portage Lakes. Whether you own a boat or rent one locally, getting out on the water is part of what makes lake life so special.
Kayaking & paddleboarding
Early mornings on calm water are hard to beat! Grab a kayak or paddleboard and explore the coves at your own pace. Don't have your own kayak? Several local businesses offer rentals so you can get out and enjoy the water.
Portage Lakes State Park
Enjoy beautiful lake views, walking trails, and wildlife throughout the Portage Lakes. Known as the Purple Martin Capital of Ohio, our lakes are a favorite for birdwatchers and nature lovers. And don't miss the new Portage Lakes Visitor Center at Turkeyfoot Lake, where you can explore the area's history and natural beauty!
Waterfront dining
Lakeside patios and local favorites like Harbor Lighthouse Grille and Dockside Grille make dinner part of the outing. See the dining picks in the Explore PLX section above.
Seasonal outdoor fun
Summer means boating, swimming, and sunset cruises. Fall brings beautiful colors and crisp lakeside walks. And winter? Don't be surprised to see snowmobiles out on the frozen lakes when conditions allow!
Stay in the Loop in Portage Lakes
Join the PLX Newsletter List
Sign up for future local real estate updates, community events, local business spotlights, and other things happening around PLX. No constant sales pitches. Just useful local information delivered to your inbox one time per month.
Buying a Home Doesn't Have to Be Overwhelming
I'll help you understand what comes next—from the first search through closing day.
Start With Your Priorities
We'll talk about budget, location, timing and what matters most to you.
Build Your Home Search
I'll help narrow the search and keep an eye on homes that fit.
Understand the Value
When you find the right house, we'll look at comparable sales and the property itself before deciding how to approach an offer.
Write a Strong Offer
I'll help you understand price, terms and contingencies so you can make an informed decision.
Navigate Inspections & Negotiations
We'll work through inspections, repair requests and the other moving pieces that happen after you're under contract.
Get to Closing
I'll stay involved through the final details and closing day.
First-Time Homebuyer Guidance
Buying your first home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Cynthia provides step-by-step clarity on every part of the journey with zero pressure and zero real estate jargon.
Mortgage Pre-Approval Roadmap: Connecting you with trusted local lenders for conventional, FHA, VA, or down-payment assistance programs.
Total Cost of Ownership Breakdown: Clear budgets accounting for property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, and emergency reserves.
Inspection Reports Made Simple: Objective walkthrough of inspection reports, distinguishing simple cosmetic fixes from costly structural concerns.
Smart Offer & Negotiation Strategy: Understanding comparable sales, pricing, contingencies, and how to make a competitive offer without overpaying.
From Contract to Closing: Staying on top of important deadlines, financing, appraisal, title work, and all the moving pieces that get buyers to closing.
Closing Day & Beyond: Helping buyers understand the final walkthrough, closing costs, and what to expect when it's time to get the keys!
Your Advocate Every Step of the Way: From the first showing to the final signature, you'll have someone in your corner protecting your interests, answering questions, and making sure your voice is heard.
Buying Around the Lakes
Buying around Portage Lakes can involve details you may not encounter with a typical suburban property. Depending on the home and its location, there may be additional questions about waterfront access, docks, shoreline conditions, utilities, water depth or other property-specific considerations.
I’ll help you identify the questions worth asking, gather the available property information and, when appropriate, help you determine which qualified professionals or local authorities may need to provide additional answers.
PROPERTY-SPECIFIC DETAILSEvery waterfront or lake-community property is different. We’ll look at the information available for the particular home you’re considering.
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONSI’ll help you identify issues worth investigating before you make a decision.
GET THE RIGHT INFORMATIONWhen a question requires specialized expertise or official verification, we’ll identify the appropriate professional or local authority to contact.
Selling Starts With the Right Plan
Price it thoughtfully. Prepare it well. Market it everywhere it makes sense. Then negotiate the details.
Pricing Strategy
We'll look at comparable sales, your home's condition, location and current competition to determine a smart starting price.
Listing Preparation
I'll walk through the property with you and help prioritize the things worth doing before buyers see it.
Marketing & Exposure
Your home deserves strong presentation and broad exposure to the buyers most likely to be interested in it.
Offers, Negotiation & Closing
I'll help you compare more than just the price—terms, financing, inspections, contingencies and the details that can make one offer stronger than another.
What’s My Home Really Worth in Today’s Market?
Online estimates can miss important details about a property. Tell me a little about your home and I’ll take a closer look at the property, location and current market activity.
How I Can Help
Portage Lakes & Waterfront
Buying or selling around the lakes comes with extra details. I'll help you identify the questions worth asking about the particular property.
First-Time Buyers
Clear explanations and step-by-step guidance without assuming you already know how any of this works.
Moving Up or Relocating
Help coordinating the moving pieces when you're selling, buying or relocating at the same time.
Downsizing & Life Changes
Thoughtful guidance when a move is about more than just the house.
What You Can Expect From Me
Straight answers. Strong communication. Thoughtful strategy. And someone who will stay on top of the details from beginning to end.
What My Clients Say
Don't take my word for it.
“Cindy sold my small very inexpensive lake cottage in ten days and over asking price. She sold it off season and here is what is fabulous about her. The house was unattended.. she did yard work and checked on the inside also. She had my house on her website plus Facebook portage lakes community site. She was extremely attentive and answered all my questions in a super fast time frame. Unlike my other realtor from Keller Williams.. she worked just as hard to sell my house as her other listing of a half million. I would recommend her for all your real state needs. She professional, hard working and great person. 🤩🥳”
“Cindy is worth her weight in gold. My situation was complicated by a divorce that is currently underway, and subsequent relocation restrictions relative to school district. Cindy helped me every step of the way in too many areas to count. She helped us sell our marital home and helped each of us navigate purchase of new places within the same school district. She was tireless in her duties and kept my spirits up multiple times when it just didn't seem like every detail would land exactly as needed for the next contingent piece to fall into place. Not only did she remain positive, she delivered! Our house sold to a couple whose offer was contingent on the sale of their house, so she sold that too! And I wound up in a terrific space that was able to accommodate some patience with closing date, all navigated by this extraordinary professional. All closing dates have now passed and I'm settling into my new space, but she's still checking on me! I can't recommend Cindy enough!”
“We just sold our first house with Cindy’s help. We had no experience in selling a house, but she walked us through every step patiently. She was very approachable, knowledgable and kind. We had a small issue with our inspection, but she was on top of it helping us get things done without affecting our closing process. We had a great experience with her and definitely recommend her to our friends and family!”
“We found Cindy through a Redfin listing. She worked with us for almost a year to find the perfect home and she went on whatever adventures we took her on! Ha! She is incredibly quick with communication, if I had a question she would get me an answer often within hours. Cindy made our home buying experience easy and fun. And successful!!!!”
“I’m a first time home buyer and with the help of Cindy, made it very easy for me. She even put me in touch with a local lender that walked me through the process and helped tremendously. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to buy a home. She is delightful, knowledgeable and is great to work with!”
Let's Talk
Buying? Selling? Have a question about a property or the Portage Lakes market? Send me a message and let's figure out your next step.
Direct Call or Text
(330) 696-8096
Direct Email
cynthiadyeplxrealtor@gmail.com
Team & Brokerage
The KeyGroup Real Estate Team
Real of Ohio
Schedule a Conversation with Cynthia
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