Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. The 10 Most Affordable Places to Buy a Lake House - House Beautiful The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. Greenwood, South Carolina. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. 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. Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. Coos Bay, Oregon. Sights include the Palace Hotel and Bath House, listed on the National Historic Register, as well as the Basin Park Hotel and the supposedly haunted Crescent Hotel. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. Top 10 Cheapest Beach Towns in the US.Most people dream about buying a home near or on the beach. Entry-level lake homes start in the $100,000s such as this $155,000 four-bedroom with a giant deck. For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. 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. The 10 Cheapest Lakes to live on in Texas - Journeyz 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. The bucolic town, tucked between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, offers a plethora of water sports like canoeing and water skiing. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. 4. There's something for every travel palette in this town, from the boutique shops and locally-owned restaurants, to the 9,000-foot-plus peaks boasting hiking and mountain biking trails, to the seemingly unlimited boating and water sport opportunities on the clear blue water of Lake Chelan. 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. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? Listed at $129,900, this house is close to the lake walk and Ashlands vibrant downtown. 8 Best Beach Towns in Georgia - Southern Trippers Although offerings vary by location, youre likely to find options for boating, fishing and paddle boarding, said Wedgeworth. Yup. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. The 10 Best Lakes to Call Home - D Magazine 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. Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. The village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. 25 Coolest Midwest Lake Vacation Spots | Midwest Living Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. 5. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. The outdoor offeringswhich often include boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, golfing, and lounging on the shoresare great ways to spend newly free hours during the weekdays and weekends. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. 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. 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. Most Affordable Lake Towns in Texas - Neighborhoods.com Admire the view of the Tennessee River from the McFarland Park Fishing Pier and be sure to grab a bite to eat at Stanfield's River Bottom Grill with a dockside view of the harbor. Although some of these homes are pricier than many homes across the country, they offer the chance to get a waterfront property, and with hurricane season upon us, perhaps a safer location than an oceanfront home. Bayview is right on the water (literally), giving it a northwestern island feel, and it is home to the 4,000-acre Farragut State Park. The family-friendly area boasts water sports and a drive-in movie theater in the summer months with plenty of hockey, ice fishing and other outdoor winter sports during the colder parts of the year. And while it is possible to find a single-family home on the water that needs a bit of love for under $200,000, the pickings at that price point are slim. They were all built around the citys natural springshence the name. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. 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? Conroe, Texas, has made its name as a live music destination with shows happening in town almost every day. While Charlevoix offers both waterfront attractions and inland charms, beach-going visitors will love the five miles of shore at Fisherman's Island State Park and Beach. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. But in todays overheated housing market, is the concept of owning your own waterfront home a punishing fantasy or an achievable reality? 15 Cutest Small Towns in The South, USA - Southern Trippers Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. 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. We have four seasons here, and most people like that it switches things up from boating, to snowmobiling, ice fishing, and huntingthe list goes on, says Jayson Maguire, Realtor and owner of Exit Realty Connection in Watertown. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. The Most Underrated Small Towns Near Lake Tahoe - California Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. 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. This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Located along the Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake is one of the most picturesque places to own a home, and it just so happens to also be the most affordable. And last year was already nuts! Buyers willing to spend a bit more can find huge spreads like this three-bedroom on more than an acre of property right on the edge of Lake Desoto listed for $454,900. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. The 7 Best Beach Towns in Texas to Visit This Year - Boundless Roads 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. 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. 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. Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. Sandusky, OH. Best Lake Towns To Retire To in the South - Southern Living Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. 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. If Queen Dolly Partons Stampede and live country music shows arent your thing, check out the Titanic Museum, with 400 pre-Discovery artifacts spread across 20 gallerieswhich can be enjoyed in the blissful A/C. 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. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. These lake towns might not be ones with the highest name recognition or bragging rights, but they do offer a host of fun water activitiesand the privacy and small-town feel missing from bigger, more populated vacation spots. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. 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. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. You can drive 30 minutes to Austin to go out for a meal or take in some live music, or unwind in the quieter suburb of Lakeway, where you'll still find great barbeque and Tex-Mex. This four-bedroom with views of Sandusky Bay is listed at $355,000. If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, this lake is part of a chain of lakes each created by a dam to generate electricity in the area. With beautiful mountain scenery, the nearby lake (about 15 miles away), and lots of waterfall-dotted hiking trails, there's not shortage of enjoyment to be had in Western North Carolina. Affordable lakeside towns with homes for sale now | Trulia If your ideal lakeside lifestyle is a bit more social, Crane Lake has you covered. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. 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. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. Plan a visit. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. While the area boasts hundreds of hiking trails for all levels of ability, it also offers motorboating, fishing, and, for those seeking some summer adrenaline, whitewater rafting. 23. For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. It's all about the water sports at White Lake - tourists come to swim, boat, tube, jet ski, wake board, and the like. 15 Best Lakes in Georgia - The Crazy Tourist When on dry land, you might hit a casino (Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania) or theme park (Branson, Missouri), tubing or go-karting (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin), or enjoy strolling through the shops and restaurants of a historic district (Vermilion, Ohio).. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. But this year looks a bit different. Aside from focusing on the worlds largest collection of standing totem poles, amateur photographers can point their cameras in nearly any direction and capture a gorgeous view of the citys jaw-dropping natural beauty. 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. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. 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. Flagstaff, Arizona. 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. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. Retirees interested in exploring the outdoors . 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. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. Beaufort, North Carolina. The small lakes around Chestertown have been booming with second home buyers this year, who make up about 80% of the real estate market. (They come highly recommended.) 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. 10. It's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. Clear Lake, SD. From big lakes to small ones, natural ones to human-made, there are plenty of bodies of water calling out for you to explore themand maybe even make your new home in one of the lovely towns on their shores. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. Cost of living . If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. 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. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. 11 Affordable Places to Retire on the Waterfront - Topretirements Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. They can play on the lake, ride horses, or follow off-road Jeep trails without losing access to high-speed internet and other city amenities. Median home price: $260,000. The Fort Worth side of the lake is more expensive than the Azle side, where prices are lower and the commute is longer (there is no bridge across the lake). Lookout Belle - Flickr. 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. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes | Lake Homes Realty Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. Scout a rental property to live out your Southern lake dream sequence, or stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee in Greensboro for waterfront five-star accommodations. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? 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. 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. Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. 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. With the campsites, the natural spring water, the scenic views around the park, and the lake, its just so calming and relaxing, says Misty Treptow, executive director of the Sulphur Chamber of Commerce. The 25 Most Affordable Places to Rent in the U.S. - Newsweek 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!) Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. 21 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA | U.S. News Travel Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. 10 Surprisingly Affordable Lake Towns To Own Property in Across the US You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. 20 Great Places Where You Can Retire on a Lake - Topretirements Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. 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. 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. Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. Best of 2020: Walkable Towns - Strong Towns #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA. 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. 22. Trout fishing is popular on Lake Taneycomo. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. 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. A comparatively high tax rate and low income helped push Erie to 15th place in the rankings despite low home costs, but it's still one of the most affordable waterfront cities in the country. To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. 13. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. Vacation homes are still affordable in Winsted. 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). Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. Lake Front Property - SC Lakes - Lakefront Homes for Sale Cheapest Places to Live In Tennessee: Murfreesboro. 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. And while plenty has changed over previous years, one thing remains constant: an overwhelming desire among many Americans to head to the waterand, just maybe, consider what it would take to own a house there. 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. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. 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. Population: 316,381. The beach on Lake Huron at Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin. Lake Moultrie. 9. Lake Burton. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In South Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks 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. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Louisiana For 2022 - HomeSnacks The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. 8. 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. Rent a house right on the shores of Flathead Lake, or book a cabin at the all-inclusive Flathead Lake Lodge for a memorable dude ranch experience. Conroe. The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes. Michigan is home to dozens of Great Lakes towns, many interchangeable, all fantastic. Maya Kachroo-Levine is the luxury and experiences editor at. Aurora, New York sits . Laconia, New Hampshire. Boone, North Carolina. $376,111. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. 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. 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. Most Affordable Beach Towns - 2021 Edition - SmartAsset For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. With a name like Sulphur, its no surprise that the area is famous for its mineral springs. Animal lovers will gladly pay roughly $7 ($4 for kids) to spend a couple . ( (Tony Franzel for Realtor.com)) 1. The pinnacle of Montana lake culture is spending the summer months on Flathead Lake. South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. 11 Best Waterfront Towns In Tennessee For A Day Trip - OnlyInYourState