Situated on nearly a half-acre, this house features a screened porch and is within walking distance of Roamingwood Lake. Single-family homes on the water start in the high $300,000s to low $400,000 range, such as this four-bedroom on 2.31 acres listed at $410,000 or this three-bedroom on the market for $399,000. Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. Located at the southern edge of Lake Keowee and just a short drive from Lake Hartwell, Seneca is a great small town for retirement. Median home list price: $307,000. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. Idaho Falls, Idaho. Beaufort, North Carolina. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. Laconia, New Hampshire. Summer and fall in the South Lake Tahoe area is synonymous with boat rentals, hiking Rubicon Trail for views of the lake, dining al fresco at Boathouse on the Pier, and sunsets savored with a bottle of wine. For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. Tucked way up in northern Minnesota, Ely is secluded and full of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests. This two-bedroom condo on Highland Lake, with a shared dock across the street, is for sale for $319,000. With Lone Star College . Prices generally range from $400,000 to . People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. Add that to the shops, restaurants, and galleries that fill these charming small towns, and you'll find inviting places to spend your retirement years. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. 01 of 10. 11. The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. The small community of Georgetown on the Carolina coast is what Charleston used to be - 200-year-old homes (more than Charleston, in fact), lots of Southern . Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes . Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. Most people visit Florida for its beaches, but land-locked in the center of the Sunshine State is Winter Haven, a spot known for its Chain of Lakes. (They come highly recommended.) Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. However, for those who are willing to rent out their vacation homes, there is a greater demand for such getaways, particularly if they are within driving distance of a larger metro.. 25. Big Bear is less of a hotel town - the name of the game here is renting a house on the water and spending your days fishing, hiking, swimming, and mountain biking. We are right between Minneapolis and Chicago, and its a relatively quick trip on the interstate for people from those regions to come and vacation, says one real estate agent, Kirkland Kettleson of Century 21 Affiliated. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. Next: 25. Realtor.com has rounded up its list of the most affordable lake towns where you can find a home that is either directly on a lake or close enough to get a great view. The past few years of the COVID-19 pandemic brought hordes of well-heeled buyers into vacation destinations, bidding up prices and purchasing any and all available real estate. One perennial rule of summer: Branson, MO, is always one of the highest-ranking lake towns in the nationeven if it did move down a couple of spots, from No. Nine miles west of Cleveland is Rocky River, Ohio, a town of 20,000 ranked #24 by Niche in the entire state for best suburbs. Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. When you're not exploring the surrounding lakes, enjoy the small-town charms of Clermont, from the Downtown Clermont Farmer's Market every Sunday to the shopping along Montrose Street in Clermont's Historic Village. Median home price: $260,000. The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. Aurora, New York. The lakes in the region include Osceola, Maitland (pictured), Minnehaha, Virginia, and Mizell, and those who visit and live in Winter Park can enjoy them all. Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? Just outside Austin, Texas is Lakeway, along the southern shores of Lake Travis. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for spending one's golden years of retirement. Vacation homes are still affordable in Winsted. Lake Moultrie. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. The gateway to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley, this hidden gem, just 35 minutes north of Salt Lake City, sits at 4,280 feet and is adjacent to 170,000 acres of national forest. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. This lake town is brimming with charming accommodations, too, from the more modern Hotel Earl to the historic Bridge Street Inn and the waterfront Edgewater Inn & Suites. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. Abingdon, Virginia. Residents, many of whom move to the village for retirement, spend their days paddleboarding, fishing and swimming in the lakes or walking along 30 miles of forested trails. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. Stacker used 2020 data from WalletHub to determine the 46 best U.S. lake towns to live in, evaluating each on six factors: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of . Nestled into the scenic foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, this picturesque community is home to Highland Lake, one of the largest lakes in Connecticut and a popular spot for residents to beat the summer heat. Aurora, New York sits . Beaufort, North Carolina, one of the Southeast's oldest and most charming beach towns, is at the southern tip of North Carolina's Crystal Coast. The lakes themselves arent the only appeal. That said, you'll also find an amusement park in town and, next to White Lake (heading toward neighboring Elizabethtown), a picturesque 18-hole golf course. Clemson, with the cultural draws of the university and the South Carolina Botanical Garden is just a stone's throw across the water. The first is its sheer size. The region's McGhee and North . Offers may be subject to change without notice. 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. The Pacific Northwest is filled with pine tree-lined bodies of water, but in terms of lake towns that offer both water activities and mainland charms, Chelan is one of the best waterfront enclaves in the PNW. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . 3. (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). These days, with fears of Covid, some may not like the idea of opening their home to outsiders and possibly investing more money in cleaning. People are realizing they dont have to be in the city and suburbs, so they can be out there, says Stephen Bednarski, a real estate agent with Mark Martin and Company. It's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. Here is a lake town that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout all four seasons. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. Venture into Ithaca, New York for dinner at Maxie's Supper Club, visit Heart & Hands Wine Company in nearby Union Springs, and of course, stay at Inns of Aurora for a luxurious lakeside escape at one of their five beautifully curated inns. Cayuga Lake is known for its stunning wine trail and Aurora, nestled right on the shores of Cayuga, is in close proximity to wineries along the lake as well as wineries lining the adjacent Seneca Lake. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. At The Soda Shop, centrally located on one of Davidson's main drags, you'll find vintage sips and classic comfort food any time of the day. As one of the best beach vacations in Texas, Port Aransas has everything you need for a family or solo getaway. Condos start as low as $40,000. The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes. Catering to guests from around the world, this working dude ranch offers guided trail rides, horseback riding lessons, stocked fishing ponds, and an all-inclusive resort experience. 25. Although offerings vary by location, youre likely to find options for boating, fishing and paddle boarding, said Wedgeworth. The area offers hiking, skiing and gambling at the casinos. Cheboygan, Michigan. 1. The New York Finger Lakes region is a pristine part of the state with 11 glistening bodies of water, each lined by towns with character. The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA. Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. A majority of the population is seasonal. Connected to Marion through a water bridge called the Diversion Canal, Lake Moultrie is a smaller lake but is still the third largest lake in South Carolina. Then we calculated affordability by analyzing median home list prices year to date through May 2022 for these communities. The area is quiet and the weather is warm in the winter. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. For a home right on the lake, buyers can find nice single-family homes starting in the $200,000-range, such as this waterfront three-bedroomasking $259,000. 8. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. Each year, with the arrival of the dog days of summer, the desire to find a place by the water becomes nothing less than a national obsession. Share of household income . The median listing price in 2020 was a very affordable $107,792. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. Maguire says there has been an increase in interest in the area, especially from out-of-state buyers given the areas lakeside location and tranquil and safe community. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. The 440-acre, 3-mile-long lake features two public beaches and a shoreline dotted with a mix of upscale and affordable permanent and vacation homes. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. Nestled in a valley between the Piedmont region and Appalachian Mountains, this town has been luring people to its picturesque waters for yearsespecially since it was the filming location for Dirty Dancing. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. One of the best things is that were far enough from any major metropolitan area that our lakes are not that busy relative to their size, says Deborah Fullford, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors of Indian River. This charming Missouri town is nestled in the Ozarks on the shores of Table Rock Lake and has lots of outdoor activities happening in and around the lake year-round, as well as indoor attractions including museums, galleries, and a historic downtown district filled with shops and restaurants. With the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, the Lake of the Arbuckles, and the Artesian Hotel, Casino, and Spa, the small town has a lot to offer. Average Home Cost: $338,035. Right near the Canadian border, way up north in Minnesota, secluded Ely offers acres upon acres of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests set on a stunning, glacier-carved landscape. Minocqua, Wisconsin. Lake Wylie covers over 13,000 acres, with a shoreline of 325 miles. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. 3 . Daniel has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in Housing and Community . Greenwood, South Carolina. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Meander the historic district, then break out your boats or find a picnic bench along the shore to take in a few relaxing hours in LaGrange. Boone, North Carolina. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. There is a wide variety in a very small town.. For those who aren't as keen on sinking their toes into soft white sand, Charlevoix is also home to Lavender Hill Farm, with idyllic fields packed with 25 lavender varieties, and Castle Farms - an actual stone castle in northern Michigan. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. With pandemic restrictions easing upand American life returning to something akin to normallocking in a home on the water is feeling like less of an imperative to some would-be buyers. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. What do Frank Lloyd Wright, shellfish, and the Tennessee River all have in common? Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. Set your sights on Lakeway, Texas, which is located in the Hill Country near Lake Travis, and you'll have bountiful opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking in the picturesque landscape of the sunny Lone Star State. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. Clear Lake, South Dakota, is proud of its strong, traditional values. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. #13. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. Big Bear Lake is a year-round California destination because, much like Tahoe, it transforms from a ski town in the winter to a lake town in the summer. 10 of the Best Small Towns on the East Coast, 11 Most Beautiful Lakes in the United States, This Is the Largest Alpine Lake in North America and It's Perfect for Visiting Year-round, 8 Amazing California Road Trips That Take You From Big Sur to the Sierras, These Are the Best Small Towns in the South, 50 Best Romantic Getaways for a Couples Trip, 34 Last-minute Beach Trips to Extend Your Summer, 12 Best Washington State Parks for Camping. Greensboro is situated right on the 19,000-acre lake and is home to a posh golf community (there are six courses within Reynolds Lake Oconee). In between shopping, dont miss the reason Ashland is called the Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin. Roughly two dozen murals dot the downtown district, depicting the lively history of the former logging town. 10. Covington is an excellent one, with state parks, biking trails, easy access to the lake, a great brewery in Abita Springs, coffee shops, restaurants, and waterways streaming through. At a time when many Americans are trying to manage life under lockdown, a home where you can enjoy the outdoors is looking more and more appealingnot just as a weekend-only getaway, but potentially for year-round living, if you have the ability to work remotely, said realtor.com housing expert Cicely Wedgeworth. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. We also factored in the number of restaurants, bars, and entertainment establishments per capita to ensure there was more to do in these places than just lounge by the water. Spanning 2,600 acres, the lake of the Woods master-planned lake paradise offers residents exclusive access to its on-site equestrian center, 18-hole PGA golf . More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the . Winter Olympics. Last on our list of the best lakes in Georgia is the "Big Bass Capital of the World." Walter F. George Lake extends 85 miles along the Chattahoochee River and is formed by the Walter F. George Lock and Dam. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. At B-52 Brewery, you'll find them serving up a new brew release every Friday alongside live music performances. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. 9. Visitors will find endless entertainment within the village of Big Bear, from brunch at Teddy Bear Restaurant to midday microbrews at Big Bear Lake Brewing Company. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. Here buyers can find a lake home for under $200,000, if they are willing to make some renovations, such as this $175,000 four-bedroom across the street from the beach. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. The word is getting out. Next: 10. Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. This Georgia city is set on the shores of Lake Lanier, which is a busy spot in summertime and a lovely place to live year-round. Animal lovers will gladly pay roughly $7 ($4 for kids) to spend a couple . The New York Finger Lakes region is a pristine part of the state with 11 glistening bodies of water, each lined by towns with character. William Hereford. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. Those who want to own property right on the water should expect to spend at least $500,000, such as this $725,000 three-bedroom home. Buyers can find single-family homes just blocks from the water starting in the $400,000s, like this $419,000, three-bedroom house just outside town. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? Cost of living . In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. Treptow notes that the town has seen an uptick in the number of visitors to the area, as well as folks who have decided to turn their lake homes into their permanent homes. . Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. Located near Lake Toxaway, the largest private lake in the state, Cashiers has long been a favorite vacation spot and has also inspired people to relocate there for retirement. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. 25. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes for sale, including this four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house listed for $169,900. There has been a lot of new development in the area, as more people from out of state discover the Spirit Lake area, says Schaben. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. In . 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? 13. Single-family homes on the water start in the high $300,000s to low $400,000 range, such as this four-bedroom on 2.31 acres listed at $410,000 or this three-bedroom on the market for $399,000. From Turnip Greens Country Market, where you'll find a farmer's market as well a range of boutique stores, to Vernon Square, with historic sites and trails, Darien is an ideal destination for a low key family getaway. When looking for a place to retire, lake towns make a strong case. Maine is home to (literally) thousands of lakes and ponds, from the largest lake, Moosehead, to midsize lakes like Portland-adjacent Sebago Lake and Rangeley Lake near the middle of the state. (Sorry.). For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. Its also a prized destination for great shopping and local activitieslike a top-notch weekly farmers marketand its welcoming community vibe, says Jen Schaben, real estate agent with Stauss Realty in Okoboji. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. Butler is located on the northern shore of Watauga Lake, and is actually the reconstruction of the "old" Butler. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Conroe, Texas, has made its name as a live music destination with shows happening in town almost every day. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. Located just an hour from Austin, the town and its surrounding lakeswhich are actually dams in the Colorado Riverhave become an increasingly popular second-home destination. Kick up your feet at the Inn on the Square between grub sessions at Good Times Brewing at The Mill House and the Cheeseburger House. Plan a visit. About half an hour from Orlando, Clermont is the heart of this multi-lake community and is also close to Lake Louisa (the largest of the Clermont Chain of Lakes). Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in. If your ideal lakeside lifestyle is a bit more social, Crane Lake has you covered. Scott. Sandusky, OH. Watch the sun set over the town while grabbing a pint at Oconee Brewing Company, or beat the early bird crowd and catch the sunrise with a side of coffee and buttermilk pancakes at Caf 44. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. Ogden, Utah. 5) CityFlatsHotel: A sister property to the CityFlats in downtown Grand . Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. Just a three-hour drive east of Seattle, this high desert town is the sunny escape from the rain and clouds of the coastal Pacific Northwest. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. The quaint village offers restaurants, hotels, resorts, and fun and unique shops along its cute downtown corridor. And with the cool waterfront breezes, fishing and kayaking on demand, early evening tequila on the dock, and a generally life-affirming vibe beckoning, who are we to argue with that logic? 23. Reality check: Most of us are no more likely find ourselves in ostentatious ocean estates in Malibu, the Hamptons, or Bal Harbour than we are to enjoy an eight-minute joyride to the edge of space. 4. In addition to lakeside living, residents also take advantage of the prime fishing, picnic, and camping spots, and a scenic paved trail for bikes and pedestrians that winds through the town and around Lake Kampeska. Nothing says summertime bliss like hanging out in a lake town, watching the glowing sun set in the company of friends and family, sightseeing, visiting the local farmers market for fresh veggies and kicking back in a cozy cabin.