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. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. The area offers hiking, skiing and gambling at the casinos. Next: 10. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. 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. Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. 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. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . Sean Pavone/Getty. Whether you explore its canal-linked lakes via paddle board or a water boat cruise, you'll find plenty of lakeside dining with fresh afternoon catches along the way. 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. 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. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. 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. 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. 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. 4) Holland State Park Beach: An expansive, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, each with its own campground. 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. This rural Wisconsin getaway attracts water lovers from across the upper Midwest with its two local rivers, popular manmade Lake Delton and around a dozen other bodies of water with nice homes set right on the shoreline. Aurora, New York sits . Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. 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. 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. 8. 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. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . The Corpus Christi Bay area sits behind the Padre and Mustang islands. (Sorry.). 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. 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. 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. Maguire says there has been an increase in interest in the area, especially from out-of-state buyers given the areas lakeside location and tranquil and safe community. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. Lake Greenwood in Lake Greenwood State Park, located right outside the towns of Ninety Six (yes, real name) and Greenwood, offers 11,400-acres of floating fun. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. 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. Here is a lake town that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout all four seasons. After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. Abingdon, Virginia. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. 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. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. Clearlake is one the more affordable lake towns in California, with average home prices just under $200,000. This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. 3 . 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. At a time when many Americans are trying to manage life under lockdown, a home where you can enjoy the outdoors is looking more and more appealingnot just as a weekend-only getaway, but potentially for year-round living, if you have the ability to work remotely, said realtor.com housing expert Cicely Wedgeworth. 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. For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. Prices generally range from $400,000 to . Unlike beach towns, lake towns never close for an off season, so there's always plenty to do and see year-round. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. For many, lakeside living is the answer. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. 5) CityFlatsHotel: A sister property to the CityFlats in downtown Grand . For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. 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. 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. 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. 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. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? 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. We set out on our annual hot-season quest to find the best affordable lake towns in the United Statesplaces with lots of well-priced homes, lovely and fun water scenes, and no shortage of things to do on dry land. #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. The past few years of the COVID-19 pandemic brought hordes of well-heeled buyers into vacation destinations, bidding up prices and purchasing any and all available real estate. 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. 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. Buyers want to be as close to the water as possible, whether in a condo near the lakelike this one-bedroom asking $160,500or in a single-family house. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. 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. 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. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. Top 10 Cheapest Beach Towns in the US.Most people dream about buying a home near or on the beach. 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. 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. 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. Located on the sandy shores of Lake Erie, Sandusky was named one of Americas best coastal towns by U.S. Today, and topped the Realtor.com 2021 list of the Most Affordable Lake Towns. This waterfront home . Credit: John Noltner. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. Median home list price: $307,000. 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 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. When you're not exploring the surrounding lakes, enjoy the small-town charms of Clermont, from the Downtown Clermont Farmer's Market every Sunday to the shopping along Montrose Street in Clermont's Historic Village. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes . Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. Coos Bay, Oregon. Originally located precisely where the lake is, the town of Butler was submerged in 1948 as the reservoir filled. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). 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 . 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. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. 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. 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. The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. 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. 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. 5. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. The area is quiet and the weather is warm in the winter. 13. 10. 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. 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. 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. The beach on Lake Huron at Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin. 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 Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. Entry-level lake homes start in the $100,000s such as this $155,000 four-bedroom with a giant deck. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? 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. Enjoy Greensboro's historic charm: Main Street bustles with locally owned businesses and eateries, and Lake Oconee is a destination for water activities. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. There is a wide variety in a very small town.. Plan a visit. 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. 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. 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!) 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. Trout fishing is popular on Lake Taneycomo. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. Asheville, North Carolina. For some vacation homeowners, renting out their property has meant accepting the fact that a booking could possibly entail more risk than reward during the coronavirus pandemic. Chattanooga, Tennessee. The area around Winter Park, Florida is a veritable lake oasis. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. 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. Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. 10. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. 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. Buyers can find single-family homes just blocks from the water starting in the $400,000s, like this $419,000, three-bedroom house just outside town. 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. Bransons usually-packed Silver Dollar City theme park, Dolly Partons Stampede and live country music shows may not be nearly as appealing during the pandemic as they have been in summers past, but theres plenty of opportunity to distance from strangers across the areas many lakes. Condos start as low as $40,000. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. This four-bedroom with views of Sandusky Bay is listed at $355,000. The town has less than 2,000 permanent residents, which gives it a . Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. The lakes themselves arent the only appeal. Just outside Austin, Texas is Lakeway, along the southern shores of Lake Travis. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. Scout a rental property to live out your Southern lake dream sequence, or stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee in Greensboro for waterfront five-star accommodations. Explore the Seneca Historic District where wraparound porches are a staple on every home and Southern charm is a way of life, then grab a bite to eat at Dimas Brothers Caf before renting a kayak at Lake Keowee Marina to take in the views on the water. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. 9. Those four-season attractions have made the areas lake homes a hot commodity among second homeowners. 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. Offers may be subject to change without notice. 1. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. Covington, Louisiana. Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. As for housing, there is something for any price range. Beaufort, North Carolina. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. The bucolic town, tucked between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, offers a plethora of water sports like canoeing and water skiing. Lookout Belle - Flickr. Lake Burton. Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three registered freshwater lighthouses in the country. Median home list price: $248,000. 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. Residents, many of whom move to the village for retirement, spend their days paddleboarding, fishing and swimming in the lakes or walking along 30 miles of forested trails. Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. 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. For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. Clear Lake, South Dakota, is proud of its strong, traditional values. Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. Lake Burton. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. 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. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. Bryson City. 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. 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. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. Here are the 25 most affordable places for renters currently, according to Zillow. They were all built around the citys natural springshence the name. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? Its very close to pricier Lake George as well as Gore Mountain Ski Resort.
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