Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. 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. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. 8. 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. 25. Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. After spending the day on Lake Norman, North Carolina's largest man-made lake, pop into any of the locally owned shops for a handmade souvenir. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. Best Michigan Beach Towns: Where to Visit Along the Great Lakes & More The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. 4. With beautiful mountain scenery, the nearby lake (about 15 miles away), and lots of waterfall-dotted hiking trails, there's not shortage of enjoyment to be had in Western North Carolina. Lake Wylie- South Carolina/North Carolina. Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. 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. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. 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. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes . 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. 3 . This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. Laconia, New Hampshire. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. The 15 Best Affordable Beach Vacations in America - Reader's Digest 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. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. Lookout Belle - Flickr. 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. Idaho Falls, Idaho. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". 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. Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. With a name like Sulphur, its no surprise that the area is famous for its mineral springs. 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. 22. 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. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. Best Lake Towns to Live in | Stacker However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. 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 all of them are great for those seeking escape in the spring and fall as wellno small consideration these days. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. Healthcare is another notable bargain, running 12% . Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. 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. 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? 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. 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. Baraboo, Wisconsin. 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. 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. 21 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA | U.S. News Travel 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. The bucolic town, tucked between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, offers a plethora of water sports like canoeing and water skiing. (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. Best of 2020: Walkable Towns - Strong Towns Clear Lake, South Dakota, is proud of its strong, traditional values. The house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? Aurora, New York. The 43,000 acres of Table Rock Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. Nestled on Lake Lure in the forested hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the eponymous small town has unparalleled outdoor attractions, including the lake with its wide beach, greenways, golf courses, hiking trails, and Chimney Rock. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The Corpus Christi Bay area sits behind the Padre and Mustang islands. 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 . $376,111. The South's Best Lake Towns 2022 - Southern Living It's all about the water sports at White Lake - tourists come to swim, boat, tube, jet ski, wake board, and the like. Cayuga Lake is known for its stunning wine trail and Aurora, nestled right on the shores of Cayuga, is in close proximity to wineries along the lake as well as wineries lining the adjacent Seneca Lake. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Conroe, Texas, has made its name as a live music destination with shows happening in town almost every day. The Most Underrated Small Towns Near Lake Tahoe - California Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. Last on our list of the best lakes in Georgia is the "Big Bass Capital of the World." Walter F. George Lake extends 85 miles along the Chattahoochee River and is formed by the Walter F. George Lock and Dam. For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. The region boasts seven lakes, with the three largest natural bodies of water located in the town proper: Big Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake, and East Okoboji Lake. Reality check: Most of us are no more likely find ourselves in ostentatious ocean estates in Malibu, the Hamptons, or Bal Harbour than we are to enjoy an eight-minute joyride to the edge of space. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. 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. 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. 5. "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. 5) CityFlatsHotel: A sister property to the CityFlats in downtown Grand . 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. About half an hour from Orlando, Clermont is the heart of this multi-lake community and is also close to Lake Louisa (the largest of the Clermont Chain of Lakes). Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. Most Affordable Lake Areas to Call Home - Lake Homes Realty The events of the past year drove additional interest, says Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty. 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. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. Michigan is home to dozens of Great Lakes towns, many interchangeable, all fantastic. 2 last year. for much of the year. 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. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. Most Affordable Small Towns - Business Insider Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. 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. 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. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. Listed at $129,900, this house is close to the lake walk and Ashlands vibrant downtown. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. 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. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. 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. 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. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. But this year looks a bit different. 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. The 10 Best Places to Retire in the South - US News & World Report 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 are several nearby lakes: Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes, and Black Lake. Many places with lake houses have activities. #13. 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. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. 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. Chattanooga area residents spend just 21.86% of the area's median household income on housing expenses, including mortgage payments, rent, property taxes and utilities. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. 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. 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. Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. 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. The 10 Most Liberal Small Towns in the United States - Journeyz Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. Most Affordable Beach Towns - 2021 Edition - SmartAsset 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. Lake Burton. 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!) Charlevoix is the perfect getaway to Lake Michigan. 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. 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. Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. 11. At Rarity Bay . The beach on Lake Huron at Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin. More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the . Clear Lake, SD. 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. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. 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. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. Lake Wylie is the oldest lake on the Catawba River. As for housing, there is something for any price range. Whether you're renting a lake house for the summer, or looking for a lakeside long weekend to book this fall, these are the 15 best lake towns in America. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. 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. 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. 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. The 10 Best Lakes to Call Home - D Magazine 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. 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. 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. And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in. 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. At B-52 Brewery, you'll find them serving up a new brew release every Friday alongside live music performances. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three registered freshwater lighthouses in the country. Located just south of the Iowa-Minnesota border, Spirit Lake sits on the western shore of East Okoboji Lake, in the Iowa Great Lakes region. Boone, North Carolina. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 4. Virginia's only lakeside town is located on Kerr Lake and has become a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, who enjoy the boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking opportunities at Occoneechee State Park. Abingdon, Virginia. For those who aren't as keen on sinking their toes into soft white sand, Charlevoix is also home to Lavender Hill Farm, with idyllic fields packed with 25 lavender varieties, and Castle Farms - an actual stone castle in northern Michigan. 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. People are realizing they dont have to be in the city and suburbs, so they can be out there, says Stephen Bednarski, a real estate agent with Mark Martin and Company. Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. 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. While Charlevoix offers both waterfront attractions and inland charms, beach-going visitors will love the five miles of shore at Fisherman's Island State Park and Beach. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. 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.