* Median home list prices as of June from Realtor.com. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. Theres also the noteworthy shops and restaurants located in the towns eight-block business district, which happens to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. 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. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. . For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. 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. The town has less than 2,000 permanent residents, which gives it a . Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. Many places with lake houses have activities. With Lone Star College . Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA. 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. Asheville, North Carolina. The first is its sheer size. 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. The area offers hiking, skiing and gambling at the casinos. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. 13. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. Located in the Adirondack Mountains and surrounded by rivers famous for fly-fishing, cliffs made for climbing (and jumping), and lakes ideal for a host of water sports, Lake Placid is one of the most sought-after vacation spots in New York. Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. The informative museum on the Games and international ski jump, bobsled, and luge training facilities still gets tons of visitors who want to learn more or watch world-class athletes train. The bucolic town, tucked between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, offers a plethora of water sports like canoeing and water skiing. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. There's also plenty of nature . Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. Port Aransas. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. Average Home Cost: $338,035. The small lakes around Chestertown have been booming with second home buyers this year, who make up about 80% of the real estate market. Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. 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. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state. 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. 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. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. 25. This charming Missouri town is nestled in the Ozarks on the shores of Table Rock Lake and has lots of outdoor activities happening in and around the lake year-round, as well as indoor attractions including museums, galleries, and a historic downtown district filled with shops and restaurants. 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. 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. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. for much of the year. With serene scenes, mountain-framed horizons, and breathtaking stretches of river and lake valleys, lake life looks different in every state, and we're here to celebrate them all. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. They were all built around the citys natural springshence the name. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. 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. Consider a visit to the LEGOLAND Theme Park. 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. They're not just waterfront havens where you can rent a boat for the day or go stand-up paddle boarding, they're also destinations with exciting restaurants, hotels, shopping, and plenty of non-water-based activities. Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. Then we calculated affordability by analyzing median home list prices year to date through May 2022 for these communities. When looking for a place to retire, lake towns make a strong case. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. Here is a lake town that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout all four seasons. Located at the southern edge of Lake Keowee and just a short drive from Lake Hartwell, Seneca is a great small town for retirement. 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. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. For many, lakeside living is the answer. Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. Median home list price: $248,000. Abingdon, Virginia. 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. The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for spending one's golden years of retirement. 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. 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. This fast-growing city of nearly 90,000 is 40 miles north of Houston and abuts Lake Conroe, a 33-square-mile lake, and is close to Sam Houston National Forest. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The pinnacle of Montana lake culture is spending the summer months on Flathead Lake. The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. 9. Dillon's overall cost of living score is 88, compared to South Carolina's 94 and the national average of 100. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. Median home sales price: $175,000. Buyers can find homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, listed for $449,000. For those looking for an affordable lake home, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch is listed for $375,000. This two-bedroom condo on Highland Lake, with a shared dock across the street, is for sale for $319,000. For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. 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. 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. The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. The word is getting out. 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. Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. 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. 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. Canyon Lake. To come up with our list of the nations most affordable lake towns, we looked at more than 11,000 towns with or on lakes. One perennial rule of summer: Branson, MO, is always one of the highest-ranking lake towns in the nationeven if it did move down a couple of spots, from No. Vacation homes are still affordable in Winsted. Unlike beach towns, lake towns never close for an off season, so there's always plenty to do and see year-round. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. 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. Top 10 Cheapest Beach Towns in the US.Most people dream about buying a home near or on the beach. Originally located precisely where the lake is, the town of Butler was submerged in 1948 as the reservoir filled. Lake Tahoe, California. 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. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. 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. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. 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. And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. 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. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. 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. 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. 10. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Its quiet and peaceful early in the morning, and bustling with waterskiers and boaters in the afternoon. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the . The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. In . 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. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. Lake Burton. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. Lake Wylie is the oldest lake on the Catawba River. 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. 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. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. 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).. And we specifically wanted to hone in on the best lake towns in America as a way to help travelers pinpoint exactly where to book a week-long rental or a charming inn for their next lake vacation. Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. Butler. You have the best of land and sea activities here, from hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities to boating and swimming along 42 miles of shoreline. Clear Lake, South Dakota, is proud of its strong, traditional values. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. 4) Holland State Park Beach: An expansive, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, each with its own campground. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. 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. (Sorry.). This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. 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. Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. 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. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. If your ideal lakeside lifestyle is a bit more social, Crane Lake has you covered. Sean Pavone/Getty. 8. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. 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. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. 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. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off 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. Flagstaff, Arizona. This waterfront home . 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. The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. And last year was already nuts! At Rarity Bay . That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. Prices generally range from $400,000 to . This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. The town center of Wolfeboro is actually positioned directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72 square miles of water. 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. South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. Lightvision, LLC/ 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. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. The 26,000-acre census-designated place boasts nine golf courses, dozens of restaurants, 14,000 residents and 11 lakes with plenty of single-family houses and townhomes on the shores. The Pacific Northwest is filled with pine tree-lined bodies of water, but in terms of lake towns that offer both water activities and mainland charms, Chelan is one of the best waterfront enclaves in the PNW. The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? * 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. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? The 15 Best Resorts in the Continental U.S. How to Plan the Perfect Adirondacks Vacation in Any Season Charming Towns and Gorgeous Hikes Included. Best Lake Towns To Retire To in the South, 12 Lesser-Known Southern Destinations Our Editors Can't Wait To Visit In 2023, The Best Mother-Daughter Vacations to Take This Summer, 10 Prettiest Places for Fall Foliage in Tennessee, Pass Christian Is the Mississippi Beach Town You've Probably Never Heard Of, Affordable Florida Beach Towns Perfect For Your Next Vacation, 18 Perfect Fall Girlfriend Getaways To Plan Immediately. 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. Florence, Alabama. Conroe. Population: 316,381. A majority of the population is seasonal. Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. #13. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books.