On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. The small lakes around Chestertown have been booming with second home buyers this year, who make up about 80% of the real estate market. Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. While the town of Osage Beach has only 5,000 residents, there is a variety of restaurants, bars, and parks that attract visitors every summer. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. From this $400,000 one-bedroom cabin on a wooded, waterfront acre right near the Trezona Trail to this $599,000 one-bedroom cabin on a 1.25-acre island in Shagawa Lake, Ely is the ideal lake town for folks who want to get away from it all.. Lake Greenwood in Lake Greenwood State Park, located right outside the towns of Ninety Six (yes, real name) and Greenwood, offers 11,400-acres of floating fun. . The region boasts seven lakes, with the three largest natural bodies of water located in the town proper: Big Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake, and East Okoboji Lake. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. Buyers can find three-season cottages on the water that need some fixing up starting in the $100,000 range, like this two-bedroom ranch with river access listed for $125,000. 9. This is a country chock-full of picturesque lakes, from the northeastern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire and Rangeley Lake in Maine, all the way to the southern California shores of Big Bear Lake. A majority of the population is seasonal. 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. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. This northern Wisconsin resort town (165 miles northwest of Green Bay) has all the ingredients of a great family vacation , including more than 3,000 lakes in Vilas and Oneida counties. The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. Whether you explore its canal-linked lakes via paddle board or a water boat cruise, you'll find plenty of lakeside dining with fresh afternoon catches along the way. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of 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.. Located about 85 miles outside of Atlanta, Greensboro is situated on Lake Oconee, a 19,000-acre lake that's also a popular destination for golfing, boating, and fishing. The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. 1. Its basically the complete opposite of Bransonaside from, you know, the lakes. * The average of monthly, median list prices for all homes in the city (not just lake houses) from January 2022 through May 2022, using Realtor.com data. The presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. 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. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. Rocky River, Ohio. 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. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. 20 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the U.S. 11 Best Lake Tahoe Beaches With Sandy Shores and Mountain Views, The Best Small Towns in the U.S. to See Fall Foliage. 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 . When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Average Home Cost: $338,035. Your life in Wolfeboro will be filled with sunset swims at Brewster Beach, ice cream cones at Wolfeboro Dockside Grille & Dairy Bar, and beers at Lone Wolfe Brewing Company. When you're wiped from a day spent on the water and under the sun at Lake Conroe, there's nothing like kicking back at a local brewery and enjoying some tunes. Situated near Columbia, South Carolina's capital city, and just a short drive from Lake Murraya 50,000-acre reservoir with more than 600 miles of shorelineLexington is a great place to live. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three registered freshwater lighthouses in the country. They were all built around the citys natural springshence the name. Treat your family to a boat tour aboard the M/S Mount Washington, which has been cruising the lake for nearly 150 years, and if you're looking for a charming hotel, Pickering House Inn is just the place. Cost of living . 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 light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. 8. For some vacation homeowners, renting out their property has meant accepting the fact that a booking could possibly entail more risk than reward during the coronavirus pandemic. Its perfect for outdoor recreation with acres to hike and canoe. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. Then we ensured these were the kind of places buyers want to be, by searching for the towns with the most water-based businesses, like marinas, restaurants, and activities, using U.S. Census Bureau data. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. And with inflation rising, stock and cryptocurrency markets taking a beating, and fears of another recession mounting, plenty of well-off Americans are holding off on buying yet another home. But buyers willing to share rights could find a home starting in the $300,000 range, like this three-bedroom log cabin with a deeded dock on private Friends Lake listed at $339,000. Located about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, Gainesville has city draws along with a branch of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a nature center, visual arts center, and a history center. 3. #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA. The Tennessee River runs between the two, and the stretch between Wilson Dam and Wheeler Dam is known as Wilson Lake, a popular reservoir for fishing. (They come highly recommended.) Animal lovers will gladly pay roughly $7 ($4 for kids) to spend a couple . Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. 1. Anglers from all over the Midwest flock to this rural destination for the awesome catch on manmade Lake Delton, two local rivers, and other, smaller bodies of water that are surrounded with lovely and affordable homes all along their shorelines. Even in todays expensive real estate market, there are still a few places left where homebuyers can find great, affordable lake homes that can serve as Zen-inducing or pulse-pounding retreats (your choice!) Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. * Median home list prices as of June from Realtor.com. It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . 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. Asheville, North Carolina. Legend has it that seven mineral springs in Springs Park have healing powers. There are several nearby lakes: Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes, and Black Lake. 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. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. Wallethub's Best Beach Towns to Live in (Ocean or Lake) 15 Sparkling Seaside Towns In The USA The Best Small Beach Towns in the United States America's 25 Favorite Beach Towns America's Most Affordable Beach Towns in 2019 The 21 Most Popular Active and 55+ Communities in the Southeast. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. Listed at $399,900, 29 Marina Cove Drive is a 2-bed, 3.5-bath condo on Spinnaker Island with 1,894 square feet as well as views of Hull Bay and Boston Harbor from the living room and bedrooms. The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. 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. Chattanooga, Tennessee. But in todays overheated housing market, is the concept of owning your own waterfront home a punishing fantasy or an achievable reality? Idaho Falls, Idaho. Michigan is home to dozens of Great Lakes towns, many interchangeable, all fantastic. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. The cold winters allow for hockey and ice fishing, and the warmer months . 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. Saugatuck, Michigan. 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. Bryson City. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. William Hereford. Can it be? In . Entry-level lake homes start in the $100,000s such as this $155,000 four-bedroom with a giant deck. 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. The median home value in Deerfield Beach has increased by 7.7% in the last year to $182,300, making it one of the most affordable coastal towns to buy a home in Florida. Boone, North Carolina. The 800-acre recreational lake is surrounded by a wooded shoreline, winding road and grassy picnic spots that come right up to the edge of the water. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. 3. Minocqua, Wisconsin. Next: 10. Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. 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. However, those who want a waterfront view should expect to spend $400,000 and up, such as this lakefront two-bedroom with a rooftop deck listed for $499,999. Alaska might not be the first place most folks think of when they envision summer lake towns. During the summer months, visitors and locals cruise along the shores of the 55-mile-long body of Lake Chelan, sailing, wakeboarding or paddling past historic cabins and vineyards. Next: 25. For many, lakeside living is the answer. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. Median home list price: $248,000. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Then we calculated affordability by analyzing median home list prices year to date through May 2022 for these communities. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. Prices generally range from $400,000 to . Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. Just an hour-and-a-half by car from Birmingham, Guntersville boasts nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline on more than 69,000 acres of water. Laconia, New Hampshire. (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. This Charming Small Town in Upstate New York Was Just Named the Best Place to Buy a Lake House in 2023 8 Best Small Towns to Buy a Vacation Home in the U.S. Where to Buy a Vacation Home in Colorado Lakeway Resort & Spa is the place to be in the area - not just for those looking for a lovely lakeside hotel, but for those renting in the area who want to book a spa day or dinner at the resort. Median home price: $260,000. 24. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. 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. Retire to Davidson and you'll find all the small-town charm you crave near North Carolina's Lake Norman, plus proximity to the bustling Charlotte metropolitan area. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. House hunters who want easy access to entertainment after paddleboarding, kayaking, or boating across 43,000 acres of water will appreciate one of the many waterfront homes on Table Rock Lake. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. 1. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. 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). Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. Although Lake Placid boasts some impressive multimillion-dollar homes on the water, like this $11 million seven-bedroom estate, folks without trust funds can get into the housing market, too. 10 . 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. That makes it appealing for investors as well as folks who stay there part of the time and rent out for the rest, to help pay off their mortgages. Located just south of the Iowa-Minnesota border, Spirit Lake sits on the western shore of East Okoboji Lake, in the Iowa Great Lakes region. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. Plan a visit. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. The house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. Marquette, Michigan. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. Sandpoint, Idaho, is the most expensive of the affordable lake towns, with a median list price of $429,000 and a variety of lakefront houses that . 5. The actual town of Bigfork has a growing arts scene - between their impressive array of galleries, notable theatre presence, and annual Festival of the Arts - and it is known for great hiking, with many trails offering views of the lake. More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the . The most affordable town on the list is Jamestown, N.Y., with a median list price of just $59,000, but if you desire a two-bedroom home with a private shoreline that can raise the price significantly. With Lone Star College . The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes. The area offers hiking, skiing and gambling at the casinos. Cheboygan is located on Lake Huron, but it's close to many other lakes as well Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes and Black Lake. Nestled on Lake Lure in the forested hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the eponymous small town has unparalleled outdoor attractions, including the lake with its wide beach, greenways, golf courses, hiking trails, and Chimney Rock. Starting at under $200,000, buyers can find comfortable homes right near the shore, such as this four-bedroom ranch just around the corner from the boat ramp, asking $184,900. Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. 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. For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. Lake Wylie is a 13,400 acre lake that was created for hydro-electric power, but is also used as a recreational facility by its nearby towns - which includes the rather famous Tega Cay, known for the Jim Bakker/PTL Club extravagance. 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. Sean Pavone/Getty. Aurora, New York sits . That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. Well, it all depends on where you look. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. Supported by natural spring and rain water, White Lake is a 1,200-acre body of water in North Carolina, and the town welcomes 200,000 tourists each summer. Gigabit ISP: C Spire ($80/month) Zillow Home Value Index: $165,574. Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. If your ideal lakeside lifestyle is a bit more social, Crane Lake has you covered. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. 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. Whether you're renting a lake house for the summer, or looking for a lakeside long weekend to book this fall, these are the 15 best lake towns in America. Condos start as low as $40,000. 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. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? Families love heading to the rides and entertainment at Cedar Point Amusement Parkthe self-proclaimed roller coaster capital of the world., We have a lot of second-home buyers that come here for their getaway homes, says real estate agent Jenny Craig of Russell Realty Company. 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. 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. 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. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. We see a trend across all our markets of buyers thinking, Life is short, buy the lake home! Many of those seek out the more rural lake towns where homes may be relatively more affordable than at larger lakes or at lakes near cities, says Phillips. Clearlake is one the more affordable lake towns in California, with average home prices just under $200,000. 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. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. 4. Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. Conroe. Jordan Lake is about 25 miles north of Montgomery in Elmore County with almost a dozen homes between $300,000 and $400,000. Clear Lake, SD. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. Here is a lake town that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout all four seasons. 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. . While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. Those who want to be on one of the larger bodies of water like East Okoboji Lake should expect to pay more, such as this five-bedroom on the market for $289,000. Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices. Buyers can find lakeview condos starting in the $200,000 range, such as this three-bedroom listed at $298,000 a bit farther from town. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Family-friendly activities abound at our number one Best Place to Buy a Lake House. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. 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. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? 5) CityFlatsHotel: A sister property to the CityFlats in downtown Grand . This rural Wisconsin getaway attracts water lovers from across the upper Midwest with its two local rivers, popular manmade Lake Delton and around a dozen other bodies of water with nice homes set right on the shoreline. And for $800,000, its possible to buy a cabin on a private island. You'll also find the town of Bigfork, Montana, which has old Western resort town energy, not dissimilar to the ski towns you'd find in Colorado mining country. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? After spending the day on Lake Norman, North Carolina's largest man-made lake, pop into any of the locally owned shops for a handmade souvenir. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. Explore the Seneca Historic District where wraparound porches are a staple on every home and Southern charm is a way of life, then grab a bite to eat at Dimas Brothers Caf before renting a kayak at Lake Keowee Marina to take in the views on the water. 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. Clemson, with the cultural draws of the university and the South Carolina Botanical Garden is just a stone's throw across the water.