Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. 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. Coos Bay, Oregon. Canyon Lake. The 0.67-acre lot is one of the last waterfront building sites in the village of Lake Placid and comes with 295 feet of sandy waterfront. 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 . 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. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. 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. There has been a steady uptick in the number of people seeking out homes in lake towns over the past few years, says Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty. 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. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. The area is quiet and the weather is warm in the winter. 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. . Here is a lake town that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout all four seasons. 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. This Charming Small Town in Upstate New York Was Just Named the Best Place to Buy a Lake House in 2023 8 Best Small Towns to Buy a Vacation Home in the U.S. Where to Buy a Vacation Home in Colorado 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. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. It's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. Sandusky, OH. Its quiet and peaceful early in the morning, and bustling with waterskiers and boaters in the afternoon. Trout fishing is popular on Lake Taneycomo. Located about 85 miles outside of Atlanta, Greensboro is situated on Lake Oconee, a 19,000-acre lake that's also a popular destination for golfing, boating, and fishing. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Beaufort, North Carolina. Rent a house right on the shores of Flathead Lake, or book a cabin at the all-inclusive Flathead Lake Lodge for a memorable dude ranch experience. With world-class skiing nearby, Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. 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. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. 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. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. The word is getting out. There is a wide variety in a very small town.. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. Lake Wylie covers over 13,000 acres, with a shoreline of 325 miles. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. The charming red-brick downtown is filled with fun shops and restaurants. 1. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. 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. 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. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state. With a name like Sulphur, its no surprise that the area is famous for its mineral springs. 5. 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. Lake Burton. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. 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. The gateway to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley, this hidden gem, just 35 minutes north of Salt Lake City, sits at 4,280 feet and is adjacent to 170,000 acres of national forest. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. 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. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. 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. Clemson, with the cultural draws of the university and the South Carolina Botanical Garden is just a stone's throw across the water. 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. Lake Burton. To help narrow down that search, one website has chosen three cities in North Carolina as some of the best lake towns in the country to live in. 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. 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. Prices generally range from $400,000 to . Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. 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. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. 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 of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. 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. 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. Its perfect for outdoor recreation with acres to hike and canoe. With Lone Star College . Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. Closer to town, those similar units near the large body of water go for at least an extra $100,000if not moresuch as this three-bedroom asking $539,000. Florence, Alabama. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. They were all built around the citys natural springshence the name. Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three registered freshwater lighthouses in the country. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? 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. 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. The community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. In . Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. Buyers can find three-season cottages on the water that need some fixing up starting in the $100,000 range, like this two-bedroom ranch with river access listed for $125,000. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. 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. 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. Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. 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. There are several nearby lakes: Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes, and Black Lake. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, this lake is part of a chain of lakes each created by a dam to generate electricity in the area. The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. Clear Lake, SD. Winter Olympics. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. Alaska might not be the first place most folks think of when they envision summer lake towns. 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. 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. 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. If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. 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. Eureka, California. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? Aside from focusing on the worlds largest collection of standing totem poles, amateur photographers can point their cameras in nearly any direction and capture a gorgeous view of the citys jaw-dropping natural beauty. Average Home Cost: $338,035. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. Laconia, New Hampshire. South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. 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. 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. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. 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. Chattanooga, Tennessee. 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. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. Nine miles west of Cleveland is Rocky River, Ohio, a town of 20,000 ranked #24 by Niche in the entire state for best suburbs. As for housing, there is something for any price range. Enjoy Greensboro's historic charm: Main Street bustles with locally owned businesses and eateries, and Lake Oconee is a destination for water activities. The town center of Wolfeboro is actually positioned directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72 square miles of water. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. 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!) Situated near Columbia, South Carolina's capital city, and just a short drive from Lake Murraya 50,000-acre reservoir with more than 600 miles of shorelineLexington is a great place to live. Consider a visit to the LEGOLAND Theme Park. But this year looks a bit different. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. 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 . 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. 01 of 10. 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 lakes themselves arent the only appeal. 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. 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 village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. 25. Located at the southern edge of Lake Keowee and just a short drive from Lake Hartwell, Seneca is a great small town for retirement. The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. 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. To find out where house hunters can actually buy a lake home without taking an extra jobor threeRealtor.com looked at the median list prices of more than 2,000 towns located on Americas watering holes from May 2020 through June 2021. Entry-level lake homes start in the $100,000s such as this $155,000 four-bedroom with a giant deck. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. There are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . 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. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. 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. 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. Saugatuck Dunes State Park draws adventure seekers with its massive mounds and 13 miles of sandy trails. Asheville, North Carolina. Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. 5) CityFlatsHotel: A sister property to the CityFlats in downtown Grand . Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. 2 . Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. A comparatively high tax rate and low income helped push Erie to 15th place in the rankings despite low home costs, but it's still one of the most affordable waterfront cities in the country. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. 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. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. 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. And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in. Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. 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. If you're looking for the perfect vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than Osage Beach. Wallethub's Best Beach Towns to Live in (Ocean or Lake) 15 Sparkling Seaside Towns In The USA The Best Small Beach Towns in the United States America's 25 Favorite Beach Towns America's Most Affordable Beach Towns in 2019 The 21 Most Popular Active and 55+ Communities in the Southeast. William Hereford. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. 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. Then we calculated affordability by analyzing median home list prices year to date through May 2022 for these communities. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. At B-52 Brewery, you'll find them serving up a new brew release every Friday alongside live music performances. A majority of the population is seasonal.