There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. 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 . The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for spending one's golden years of retirement. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. 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. But there are also plenty of folks whod prefer to be right in town, within walking distance to dozens of restaurants, the performance center, and the nearly 30 sculptures spread throughout downtown. The lakes themselves arent the only appeal. There are no theme parks or big music shows. Aurora, New York. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. Those interested in a vacation getaway can snag this four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house located about 1.4 miles from the Guy Sandy boat ramp on Arbuckle Lake for $275,000. Asheville, North Carolina. Those looking for history and a well-preserved downtown will enjoy the heart of this city, while those keen on a lake vacation can head straight to Basin Harbor, a resort on Lake Champlain celebrating its 135th season. This four-bedroom with views of Sandusky Bay is listed at $355,000. It's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. 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. Set in the Ozark Mountains of Northwestern Arkansas, Eureka Springs gets a ton of visitors who want to admire the beautifully preserved architecture of its Historic District. 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. 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. Its basically the complete opposite of Bransonaside from, you know, the lakes. There are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. 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. Florence, Alabama. Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. Callawassie Island, located in the heart of the Lowcountry, is a private, gated island community offering world-class Tom Fazio golf and a full complement of amenities including a tennis center, clubhouse, pools, fitness center, and River Club. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. Why Southern Lake Lovers Will Always Choose the Lake Over the Beach, The Best Places for a Dreamy Retirement in the South, Our Favorite Small Towns in North Carolina, 32 Charming Mountain Towns To Visit This Fall, The Prettiest Beach Town in Every Beachy State, 8 Things to Do in the Charming Town of Anderson, South Carolina, Our Guide to the Best Fall Color in Every Southern State, The Best Trips to Take with Your Girlfriends, The Best Vacation Spots In Every Southern State, Tell Grandma To Get Out Her Good Luggage, We've Got 18 Trip Ideas for the Whole Family. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. 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. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. 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. 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. 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. The pinnacle of Montana lake culture is spending the summer months on Flathead Lake. Listed at $129,900, this house is close to the lake walk and Ashlands vibrant downtown. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. Tucked way up in northern Minnesota, Ely is secluded and full of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. The Corpus Christi Bay area sits behind the Padre and Mustang islands. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. There is a wide variety in a very small town.. But of course, those who want to go all out on their lake home can find secluded properties that cost much more, like this two-bedroom cottage on 180 feet of deep-water shoreline, for $699,500. At B-52 Brewery, you'll find them serving up a new brew release every Friday alongside live music performances. Canyon Lake. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. 2 . Located approximately 35 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne residents average $853 on monthly housing costs, ranking 12 th for this metric. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. The 1,500-square-foot footprint allows for a second story, allowing the buyer to build a stunning 3,000-square-foot home on the water. 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. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. Enjoy the natural beauty while hiking through the park, or set out for a swim in nearby Greers Ferry Lake. Yup. But in todays overheated housing market, is the concept of owning your own waterfront home a punishing fantasy or an achievable reality? The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. Boone, North Carolina. The 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns for Homebuyers, 2021, Avoid the Crowds and Take the Plunge: Top Affordable Lake Towns in the U.S., 2020 Edition. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. The 43,000 acres of Table Rock Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. 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. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. 3. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices 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. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. 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. 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. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . Credit: John Noltner. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. for much of the year. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. 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. Animal lovers will gladly pay roughly $7 ($4 for kids) to spend a couple . And all of them are great for those seeking escape in the spring and fall as wellno small consideration these days. 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. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. 1. Coos Bay, Oregon. And last year was already nuts! 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. 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 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. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. 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. The most affordable small town in every state. 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. Those four-season attractions have made the areas lake homes a hot commodity among second homeowners. Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. In . Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. Buyers want to be as close to the water as possible, whether in a condo near the lakelike this one-bedroom asking $160,500or in a single-family house. 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. Lake Moultrie. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. Situated on nearly a half-acre, this house features a screened porch and is within walking distance of Roamingwood Lake. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. Family-friendly activities abound at our number one Best Place to Buy a Lake House. As one of the best beach vacations in Texas, Port Aransas has everything you need for a family or solo getaway. But family members who arent into waiting hours (or what can feel like hours) for fish to bite have plenty of other entertainment options throughout the year as well, from wakeboarding and tubing on the water to minigolf and go-karts off it. 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. 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. Minocqua's quieter lakes are perfect for swimming lessons and sand castles. From a time-capsule-worthy main drag in Greensboro, Georgia, to a sun-soaked chain of lakes in Winter Haven, Florida, these are the South's best lake towns of 2022. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. 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 . 25. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. 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. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. 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. #13. 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. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. 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. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. This three-bedroom, single-family house asking $205,000 offers down payment assistance for buyers who earn under a certain income. The famously human-made lake is known for speed boating and waterfront resorts, but Osage Beach claims 420 acres of shorefront that's particularly inviting for families keen on a beach vacation. Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. 8. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. 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. Our readers voted on their favorites, and while no two stays are alike, we're sure that you'll find plenty of rest and relaxation in each of them. Well, it all depends on where you look. $376,111. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. 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. 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. 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. 4) Holland State Park Beach: An expansive, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, each with its own campground. 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. 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. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. The quaint village offers restaurants, hotels, resorts, and fun and unique shops along its cute downtown corridor. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. 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. 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. For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. 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. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three registered freshwater lighthouses in the country. Winsted, Connecticut is a 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. 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. An hour north of Orlando, you'll find this quaint small town full of antique shops and historic charm on the edge of Lake Dora. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. Caddo Lake / Shutterstock. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Abingdon is one of those small towns in the south that is known for its combination of artsy vibes and historic charm. Its possible to get a single-family home right on one of the smaller lakes in the $100,000 range, like this three-bedroom on Center Lake for $119,800. 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. Lake Wylie- South Carolina/North Carolina. Ogden, Utah. 10. Its perfect for outdoor recreation with acres to hike and canoe. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall . Lake Burton. 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. Thats a whole lot of space for you to lie out, water-ski, fish, kayak, or do whatever other water-based activity you care to dream up. Its quiet and peaceful early in the morning, and bustling with waterskiers and boaters in the afternoon. Clearlake is one the more affordable lake towns in California, with average home prices just under $200,000. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Saugatuck, Michigan. 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. 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. Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. 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. 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. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. 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. 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. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? Median home list price: $307,000. If you're looking for the perfect vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than Osage Beach. Even though only 120 people live here full-time, in the summer the Canadian border town attracts hundreds to the resorts and campsites near the shores of the 3,088-acre lake. At Rarity Bay . The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. Aurora, New York sits . Just a three-hour drive, the idyllic glacial valley, located across the Cascade Range in the high desert, centers on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Chelan. Here are the 25 most affordable places for renters currently, according to Zillow. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? No. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. 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 International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. Laconia, New Hampshire. 5. Located at the southern edge of Lake Keowee and just a short drive from Lake Hartwell, Seneca is a great small town for retirement. 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 . That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. The community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular year-round destinations in California - and when you see the sunshine ricochet off the lake in the summer months, you'll see why it's just as enticing in June as it is in the height of ski season. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. Maya Kachroo-Levine is the luxury and experiences editor at. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. Cost of living . Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes 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).