Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Those looking for history and a well-preserved downtown will enjoy the heart of this city, while those keen on a lake vacation can head straight to Basin Harbor, a resort on Lake Champlain celebrating its 135th season. Crestline, California. Located in the Poconos Mountains, Lake Ariel is a true small town with a population of about 14,500. 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. 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. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. 20 Great Places Where You Can Retire on a Lake - Topretirements 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. 10. 10 of the Best Small Towns on the East Coast, 11 Most Beautiful Lakes in the United States, This Is the Largest Alpine Lake in North America and It's Perfect for Visiting Year-round, 8 Amazing California Road Trips That Take You From Big Sur to the Sierras, These Are the Best Small Towns in the South, 50 Best Romantic Getaways for a Couples Trip, 34 Last-minute Beach Trips to Extend Your Summer, 12 Best Washington State Parks for Camping. 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. 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. Lake Moultrie. 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. 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. 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. Big Bear is less of a hotel town - the name of the game here is renting a house on the water and spending your days fishing, hiking, swimming, and mountain biking. Bryson City. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). The region's McGhee and North . 11 Affordable Places to Retire on the Waterfront - Topretirements Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. 10 Surprisingly Affordable Lake Towns To Own Property in Across the US 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. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. The 7 Best Beach Towns in Texas to Visit This Year - Boundless Roads 10. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. 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. Laconia, New Hampshire. Retirees interested in exploring the outdoors . For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. 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. Enjoy the natural beauty while hiking through the park, or set out for a swim in nearby Greers Ferry Lake. 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 are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. 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. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes | Lake Homes Realty Well, it all depends on where you look. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Tennessee: A Guide - UpNest The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. 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. 12 Cheapest Small Towns in America | Kiplinger Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. 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. 15 Affordable Small Towns in the US With Fast Internet for - PCMAG These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. No. The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. With a name like Sulphur, its no surprise that the area is famous for its mineral springs. Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. 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. Median home price: $260,000. Saugatuck, Michigan. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. (They come highly recommended.) The 10 Most Affordable Places to Buy a Lake House - House Beautiful Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. Caddo Lake / Shutterstock. The community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. 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. Starting at under $200,000, buyers can find comfortable homes right near the shore, such as this four-bedroom ranch just around the corner from the boat ramp, asking $184,900. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. Each place had to have at least 50 listings each month to make the cut. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. Legend has it that seven mineral springs in Springs Park have healing powers. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. 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. Canyon Lake. The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. Chattanooga, Tennessee. This waterfront home . 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. With Lone Star College . Its quiet and peaceful early in the morning, and bustling with waterskiers and boaters in the afternoon. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. 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. 8 Quaint Beach Towns In The Southeast - TravelAwaits Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. As one of the best beach vacations in Texas, Port Aransas has everything you need for a family or solo getaway. 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. And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in. The town of Lake Placid, set on the banks of, you guessed it, Lake Placid, is probably best known as the home of the 1980 (and 1932!) Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. The South's Best Lake Towns 2022 - Southern Living #13. Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. 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. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. 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. Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. Minocqua's quieter lakes are perfect for swimming lessons and sand castles. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . Its easy to spend an entire day outdoors in Ashland, either fishing in the deep waters of Chequamegon Bay, hiking to one of the many nearby waterfalls, or simply counting the different species of birds flying over the bay. The most affordable small town in every state. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. As for housing, there is something for any price range. 22. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. 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. But family members who arent into waiting hours (or what can feel like hours) for fish to bite have plenty of other entertainment options throughout the year as well, from wakeboarding and tubing on the water to minigolf and go-karts off it. * Median home list prices as of June from Realtor.com. This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. Consider a visit to the LEGOLAND Theme Park. The 10 Most Affordable Lake Towns in America, 2021 - realtor.com * 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. The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. 25. 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. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. Sean Pavone/Getty. This three-bedroom, single-family house asking $205,000 offers down payment assistance for buyers who earn under a certain income. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. Just an hour-and-a-half by car from Birmingham, Guntersville boasts nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline on more than 69,000 acres of water. With the campsites, the natural spring water, the scenic views around the park, and the lake, its just so calming and relaxing, says Misty Treptow, executive director of the Sulphur Chamber of Commerce. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. 10 Walkable Towns - Explore These Southern Communities. - ideal-LIVING 10 . 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. 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. 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. And those who get seasick can avoid the water altogether with local wine tastings. Lake Burton. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . Trout fishing is popular on Lake Taneycomo. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. Hot Springs Village is the largest gated community in the United States. 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. 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. The 10 Cheapest Lakes to live on in Texas - Journeyz 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. However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. 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. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. Butler. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. Marble Falls in the Highland Lakes Region is becoming one of the best-known tourist destinations in the central part of the state. 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. Aurora, New York. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. 1. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. 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. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. Set your sights on Lakeway, Texas, which is located in the Hill Country near Lake Travis, and you'll have bountiful opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking in the picturesque landscape of the sunny Lone Star State. 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. 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. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. 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. It's all about the water sports at White Lake - tourists come to swim, boat, tube, jet ski, wake board, and the like. Best Lake Towns in the US: Lakes to Visit for Your Next - Thrillist The 10 Most Liberal Small Towns in the United States - Journeyz There are no theme parks or big music shows. No. Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. 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. 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. The bucolic town, tucked between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, offers a plethora of water sports like canoeing and water skiing. Population: 316,381. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. 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. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. 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. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. 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. 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!) 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 25 Most Affordable Places to Rent in the U.S. - Newsweek In . Alaska might not be the first place most folks think of when they envision summer lake towns. While it's near the big central Florida tourist attractions, it has its own charm, with greenspaces like Central Park and museums like The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, and Cornell Fine Arts Museum. The charming red-brick downtown is filled with fun shops and restaurants. It boasts quaint shops and restaurants that surround the town square and plenty of locals who like to watch the passers-by as they sip beverages on their front porches. 8. Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. 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. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. The town has less than 2,000 permanent residents, which gives it a . Marquette, Michigan. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. Unlike beach towns, lake towns never close for an off season, so there's always plenty to do and see year-round. Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. Best Lake Towns In America - Best Lake Towns to Retire - Country Living 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. 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. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. 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. The 43,000 acres of Table Rock Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. Methodology: GOBankingRates found 25 affordable waterfront cities by evaluating 112 of the United . Ogden, Utah. 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. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. Baraboo, Wisconsin. The area is quiet and the weather is warm in the winter. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Caddo Lake - Karnack. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. The house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. 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. Maya Kachroo-Levine is the luxury and experiences editor at. (Sorry.). 23. But this year looks a bit different. The 15 Best Affordable Beach Vacations in America - Reader's Digest Best Retirement Lake Communities | Compare Communities Get Facts 8 Best Beach Towns in Georgia - Southern Trippers Lookout Belle - Flickr. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. 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. 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. 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. Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. A majority of the population is seasonal. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. 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. Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. 15 Best Lake Towns in America - Travel + Leisure Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. 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. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes for sale, including this four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house listed for $169,900. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. This Georgia city is set on the shores of Lake Lanier, which is a busy spot in summertime and a lovely place to live year-round. 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. Then we ensured these were the kind of places buyers want to be, by searching for the towns with the most water-based businesses, like marinas, restaurants, and activities, using U.S. Census Bureau data. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three registered freshwater lighthouses in the country. Located near Lake Toxaway, the largest private lake in the state, Cashiers has long been a favorite vacation spot and has also inspired people to relocate there for retirement. 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. Rocky River, Ohio. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000.