13. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. Its very close to pricier Lake George as well as Gore Mountain Ski Resort. 4) Holland State Park Beach: An expansive, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, each with its own campground. 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. 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 the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. Rent a house along the water - on either the Nevada or California side - or stay at Edgewood Tahoe, the only five-star resort right on the water with gorgeous architecture, golfing, and an idyllic pool overlooking the lake. 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. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. Caddo Lake / Shutterstock. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. 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. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. Minocqua, Wisconsin. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. The beach on Lake Huron at Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. The area surrounding the lake is made up of mostly private homes, but there are several marinas where visitors can rent or launch a boat onto the lakes clear waters. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. 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. There is a wide variety in a very small town.. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. Daniel Herriges serves as Editor-in-Chief for Strong Towns, writing feature articles and speaking across the country on behalf of the organization.He has been a regular contributor to Strong Towns since 2015 and is also a founding member of the organization. On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. 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. She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes 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. Animal lovers will gladly pay roughly $7 ($4 for kids) to spend a couple . 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. Methodology: GOBankingRates found 25 affordable waterfront cities by evaluating 112 of the United . 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. 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. Stay at Lakeside Inn, Florida's oldest continuously operating hotel, and get your fill of delicious Florida cuisine, offered by chef Norman Van Aken at his restaurant 1921. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. 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). 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. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. Share of household income . Clemson, with the cultural draws of the university and the South Carolina Botanical Garden is just a stone's throw across the water. 23. If you love the outdoors, you'll appreciate Deerfield Beach's Quiet Waters Park, where you can camp, fish, and ride some of the longest cable ski courses in the U.S. This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. 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. This waterfront home . These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. Situated on nearly a half-acre, this house features a screened porch and is within walking distance of Roamingwood Lake. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. 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. 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. 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. 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. 8. 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. 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 Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers have their confluence at or near Paducah, and nearby are two long lakes, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area situated between them. According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. 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. Eureka Springs is situated near several bodies of water, including Lake Leatherwood in the city limits and the enormous nearby Beaver Lake, as well as Table Rock Lake, which is located just across the Missouri border. Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. 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. These towns are not only right on the waterfront of the country's clearest and most sought-after lakes - they have bustling town centers and lively culture within. For many, lakeside living is the answer. Laconia, New Hampshire. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. 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. 25. Aurora, New York. They were all built around the citys natural springshence the name. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, The 10 Most Affordable Places To Buy A Vacation Home, How to Buy a Second Home (Hint: It Wont Be Like Your First), Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall . Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. 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. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. Aurora, New York sits . 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. Buyers who want to get in on the monthly drum circles in Basin Springs Park can find great deals on homes close to downtown, such as this renovated three-bedroom asking $279,000. 1. Lake Tahoe, California. Visitors can easily hop on a ferry for a day of island-hopping, or spend the day at Cedar Point Amusement Park, which bills itself as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. They can also take a trip to the Merry-Go-Round Museum. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. 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. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. This three-bedroom, single-family house asking $205,000 offers down payment assistance for buyers who earn under a certain income. Can it be? Beaufort, North Carolina. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. The region's McGhee and North . Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. 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. Marble Falls in the Highland Lakes Region is becoming one of the best-known tourist destinations in the central part of the state. Many places with lake houses have activities. Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. 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. The events of the past year drove additional interest, says Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. $376,111. 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.. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Lookout Belle - Flickr. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. 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. Although offerings vary by location, youre likely to find options for boating, fishing and paddle boarding, said Wedgeworth. 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. Coos Bay, Oregon. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? Lake Wylie- South Carolina/North Carolina. Condos start as low as $40,000. Lightvision, LLC/ Getty Images. . The beauty of Aurora, apart from the gorgeous sunsets on Cayuga Lake, is that you have culture, incredible food and wine, and water activities at your fingertips. 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. Florence, Alabama. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. Ogden, Utah. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. (Sorry.). 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).. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. If you're looking for the perfect vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than Osage Beach. If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. Family-friendly activities abound at our number one Best Place to Buy a Lake House. Winter Olympics. Bryson City. 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. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. And all of them are great for those seeking escape in the spring and fall as wellno small consideration these days. The village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. 11. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. 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. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. 2 last year. Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. The first is its sheer size. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Conroe, Texas, has made its name as a live music destination with shows happening in town almost every day. Spirit Lake also offers a host of museums and local historical sites such as the Dickinson County Heritage Center and the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum. 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. Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. 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. Virginia's only lakeside town is located on Kerr Lake and has become a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, who enjoy the boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking opportunities at Occoneechee State Park. Caddo Lake - Karnack. 25. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. 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. No. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. 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. 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. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. 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. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. 25. 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. 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. And if Dolly has ever spent time here, she didnt leave much of a trace. 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. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. Butler is located on the northern shore of Watauga Lake, and is actually the reconstruction of the "old" Butler. 4. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. 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. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. There's also plenty of nature . 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? The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. 9. 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. 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. Thats where the data team at Realtor.com comes in. 22. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. 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. Chattanooga, Tennessee. 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. This makes it and the nearby town of Effingham a beloved getaway for families from nearby St. Louis, a drive of about an hour-and-a-half away. The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. Florence is a fun small town with great downtown shops and restaurants as well as outdoor adventure in Shoal Creek Preserve and Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. 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. 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. You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town.