Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. 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. Saugatuck, Michigan. And for $800,000, its possible to buy a cabin on a private island. 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!) Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. 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. Cost of living . Top 10 Affordable Lake Towns in the US - Lakefront Living International Canyon Lake. 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? The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. 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 . 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. Its perfect for outdoor recreation with acres to hike and canoe. Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. 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.. The 10 Best Places to Retire in the South - US News & World Report 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. The 20 Best Little Lake Towns in America - PureWow Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. 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. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. 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. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. 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. Median home list price: $307,000. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. 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. Greenwood, South Carolina. Listed at $129,900, this house is close to the lake walk and Ashlands vibrant downtown. 3. 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. At The Soda Shop, centrally located on one of Davidson's main drags, you'll find vintage sips and classic comfort food any time of the day. 3 . Saugatuck Dunes State Park draws adventure seekers with its massive mounds and 13 miles of sandy trails. Flagstaff, Arizona. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. The bucolic town, tucked between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, offers a plethora of water sports like canoeing and water skiing. 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. 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. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. 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. 27 Top Lake Vacations in the U.S. - US News & World Report A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. 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. Laconia, New Hampshire. 13 Best Lake Vacations in the Southeast Region, USA - Life Family Fun The village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. 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. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. #13. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. At Rarity Bay . Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . 2 last year. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. 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. 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. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. Unlike beach towns, lake towns never close for an off season, so there's always plenty to do and see year-round. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. 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. Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. Asheville, North Carolina. 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 dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. With Lone Star College . 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. When looking for a place to retire, lake towns make a strong case. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Louisiana For 2022 - HomeSnacks 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. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. Coos Bay, Oregon. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. 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. Cheapest Places to Live In Tennessee: Murfreesboro. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. 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. 2 . Tucked way up in northern Minnesota, Ely is secluded and full of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests. 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. 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. The red-brick sidewalks and friendly locals in this town are sure to make you nostalgic for childhood days on the water. 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 water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. 15 Best Lakes in Georgia - The Crazy Tourist Vacation homes are still affordable in Winsted. 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. Maya Kachroo-Levine is the luxury and experiences editor at. 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. 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. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. Enjoy Greensboro's historic charm: Main Street bustles with locally owned businesses and eateries, and Lake Oconee is a destination for water activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. 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. 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. Located at the southern edge of Lake Keowee and just a short drive from Lake Hartwell, Seneca is a great small town for retirement. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. Caddo Lake / Shutterstock. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. 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. Average Home Cost: $338,035. ( (Tony Franzel for Realtor.com)) 1. 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. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. Cheboygan, Michigan. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. Minocqua, Wisconsin. 12 Cheapest Small Towns in America | Kiplinger There are no theme parks or big music shows. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. This two-bedroom condo on Highland Lake, with a shared dock across the street, is for sale for $319,000. And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in. Beaufort, North Carolina. Near Klamath Falls. That said, you'll also find an amusement park in town and, next to White Lake (heading toward neighboring Elizabethtown), a picturesque 18-hole golf course. 10 Surprisingly Affordable Lake Towns To Own Property in Across the US The Corpus Christi Bay area sits behind the Padre and Mustang islands. 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. Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. 4. For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. Caddo Lake - Karnack. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. 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. 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. 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. 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. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state. The first is its sheer size. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . 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. And those who get seasick can avoid the water altogether with local wine tastings. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. Aurora, New York. This northern Wisconsin resort town (165 miles northwest of Green Bay) has all the ingredients of a great family vacation , including more than 3,000 lakes in Vilas and Oneida counties. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. 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. Gigabit ISP: C Spire ($80/month) Zillow Home Value Index: $165,574. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. 1. The small lakes around Chestertown have been booming with second home buyers this year, who make up about 80% of the real estate market. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. 10. 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford - Livability Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. Florence, Alabama. The town has less than 2,000 permanent residents, which gives it a . 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. 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. Top 10 Michigan lakes with the most affordable real estate 9 Things Youd Better Consider First. Those four-season attractions have made the areas lake homes a hot commodity among second homeowners. But this year looks a bit different. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. * 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. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. Sandusky, OH. Aurora, New York sits . Lake Tahoe, California. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. 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. Lake Moultrie. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. 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 area is quiet and the weather is warm in the winter. Most Affordable Lake Areas to Call Home - Lake Homes Realty 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. 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. Clemson, with the cultural draws of the university and the South Carolina Botanical Garden is just a stone's throw across the water. Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. 24. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. Each place had to have at least 25 listings. Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In South Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. * Median home list prices as of June from Realtor.com. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. The 10 Most Liberal Small Towns in the United States - Journeyz There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. 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. Here are the 25 most affordable places for renters currently, according to Zillow. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. 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. 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. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. The 43,000 acres of Table Rock Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. Entry-level lake homes start in the $100,000s such as this $155,000 four-bedroom with a giant deck. Baraboo, Wisconsin. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. Anglers from all over the Midwest flock to this rural destination for the awesome catch on manmade Lake Delton, two local rivers, and other, smaller bodies of water that are surrounded with lovely and affordable homes all along their shorelines. It's all about the water sports at White Lake - tourists come to swim, boat, tube, jet ski, wake board, and the like. Located at the mouth of the Cheboygan River on Lake Huron, the town offers clear waters and a gorgeous shoreline. Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 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. Family-friendly activities abound at our number one Best Place to Buy a Lake House. Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. Alleged shooter of State Police trooper arrested in SC Idaho Falls, Idaho. With a name like Sulphur, its no surprise that the area is famous for its mineral springs. Located in the Poconos Mountains, Lake Ariel is a true small town with a population of about 14,500. Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. Catering to guests from around the world, this working dude ranch offers guided trail rides, horseback riding lessons, stocked fishing ponds, and an all-inclusive resort experience. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities.