Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. Charlevoix is the perfect getaway to Lake Michigan. Each place had to have at least 25 listings. 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. When looking for a place to retire, lake towns make a strong case. 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. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. 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. Median home sales price: $175,000. 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. 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. Spanning 2,600 acres, the lake of the Woods master-planned lake paradise offers residents exclusive access to its on-site equestrian center, 18-hole PGA golf . Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? For a home right on the lake, buyers can find nice single-family homes starting in the $200,000-range, such as this waterfront three-bedroomasking $259,000. There are several nearby lakes: Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes, and Black Lake. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. A majority of the population is seasonal. Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? 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. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. Maya Kachroo-Levine is the luxury and experiences editor at. 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. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. The Corpus Christi Bay area sits behind the Padre and Mustang islands. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. 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. Jordan Lake is about 25 miles north of Montgomery in Elmore County with almost a dozen homes between $300,000 and $400,000. 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. 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. Bryson City. 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. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. 1. Median home price: $260,000. Florence, Alabama. 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. 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. Marquette, Michigan. It's all about the water sports at White Lake - tourists come to swim, boat, tube, jet ski, wake board, and the like. More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the . Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. 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. 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. For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. Treptow notes that the town has seen an uptick in the number of visitors to the area, as well as folks who have decided to turn their lake homes into their permanent homes. Greenwood, South Carolina. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. 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? 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. 9. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. But in todays overheated housing market, is the concept of owning your own waterfront home a punishing fantasy or an achievable reality? No. 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. 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. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. 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. #13. Buyers can find homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, listed for $449,000. Asheville, North Carolina. Each place had to have at least 50 listings each month to make the cut. However, for those who are willing to rent out their vacation homes, there is a greater demand for such getaways, particularly if they are within driving distance of a larger metro.. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. 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. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. 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. Clearlake is one the more affordable lake towns in California, with average home prices just under $200,000. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. 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).. Although offerings vary by location, youre likely to find options for boating, fishing and paddle boarding, said Wedgeworth. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. 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. 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. 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!) 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. 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. Located in the Poconos Mountains, Lake Ariel is a true small town with a population of about 14,500. Share of household income . 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. 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. 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. 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. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. 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. On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. 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. 13. There is a wide variety in a very small town.. Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? 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. 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. Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. 2 last year. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. 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. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 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. 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. 8. Minocqua's quieter lakes are perfect for swimming lessons and sand castles. Port Aransas. Dillon's overall cost of living score is 88, compared to South Carolina's 94 and the national average of 100. 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. Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. 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. Lightvision, LLC/ Getty Images. The area offers hiking, skiing and gambling at the casinos. To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. Michigan is home to dozens of Great Lakes towns, many interchangeable, all fantastic. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. 24. 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. Next: 10. Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. Boone, North Carolina. 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. 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. Condos start as low as $40,000. Thats where the data team at Realtor.com comes in. 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. If the skys the limit, buyers can check out a four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom mansion on Cedar Point Road listed for roughly $2.4 million. The quaint village offers restaurants, hotels, resorts, and fun and unique shops along its cute downtown corridor. Lake Wylie is the oldest lake on the Catawba River. 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. Editor's Note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure. Reality check: Most of us are no more likely find ourselves in ostentatious ocean estates in Malibu, the Hamptons, or Bal Harbour than we are to enjoy an eight-minute joyride to the edge of space. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. Average Home Cost: $338,035. Located at the southern edge of Lake Keowee and just a short drive from Lake Hartwell, Seneca is a great small town for retirement. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Just 12 miles from Minneapolis, the lake town is one of Niche's top suburbs in the state, grading highly in nearly every quality-of-life category from crime to education. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. Venture into Ithaca, New York for dinner at Maxie's Supper Club, visit Heart & Hands Wine Company in nearby Union Springs, and of course, stay at Inns of Aurora for a luxurious lakeside escape at one of their five beautifully curated inns. 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. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. 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. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. 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. If they already had one home by the lake and they had another home in an expensive city and you had to consolidate, which are you going to choose? she says. Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. Enjoy Greensboro's historic charm: Main Street bustles with locally owned businesses and eateries, and Lake Oconee is a destination for water activities. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. 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. It is also renowned as the most hippie town in the state, offering drum circles, natural food options, and plenty of community art scattered across town. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. 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. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. 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. Conroe, Texas, has made its name as a live music destination with shows happening in town almost every day. 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 . 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 the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. Asheville, North Carolina. 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. 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. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? It's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. Family-friendly activities abound at our number one Best Place to Buy a Lake House. For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. * Median home list prices as of June from Realtor.com. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. In . Conroe. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. Its also a prized destination for great shopping and local activitieslike a top-notch weekly farmers marketand its welcoming community vibe, says Jen Schaben, real estate agent with Stauss Realty in Okoboji. Many places with lake houses have activities. 11. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. 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). 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. The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. 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. Prices generally range from $400,000 to . It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Lake Burton. Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. 10 . Coos Bay, Oregon. The pinnacle of Montana lake culture is spending the summer months on Flathead Lake. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. For those looking for an affordable lake home, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch is listed for $375,000. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. 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. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. 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. She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. Population: 316,381. Tucked way up in northern Minnesota, Ely is secluded and full of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . In addition to lakeside living, residents also take advantage of the prime fishing, picnic, and camping spots, and a scenic paved trail for bikes and pedestrians that winds through the town and around Lake Kampeska. During the summer months, visitors and locals cruise along the shores of the 55-mile-long body of Lake Chelan, sailing, wakeboarding or paddling past historic cabins and vineyards. 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. 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. 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. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. 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 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. If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. 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. 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. Browse Art on the Lake, where a variety of local art can be viewed and purchased; enjoy a zipline adventure at Screaming Eagle at Lake Guntersville, where you'll catch a great view of Northeastern Alabama forests and learn about the efforts Guntersville has made to restore the North American Bald Eagle population; and finish your stay with the best of lakeside cooking at Wintzell's Oyster House. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state. Listed at $399,900, 29 Marina Cove Drive is a 2-bed, 3.5-bath condo on Spinnaker Island with 1,894 square feet as well as views of Hull Bay and Boston Harbor from the living room and bedrooms. Clear Lake, SD. 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. 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. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . The lakes themselves arent the only appeal. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. 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. The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. 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. However, the Salmon Capital of the World, as Ketchikan is known, is built up along the waterfront due to its steep and mostly forested terrain. 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. With Lone Star College . The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. 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.
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