And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. Marquette, Michigan. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. As one of the best beach vacations in Texas, Port Aransas has everything you need for a family or solo getaway. And with the cool waterfront breezes, fishing and kayaking on demand, early evening tequila on the dock, and a generally life-affirming vibe beckoning, who are we to argue with that logic? Unlike beach towns, lake towns never close for an off season, so there's always plenty to do and see year-round. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. Can it be? 1. With a name like Sulphur, its no surprise that the area is famous for its mineral springs. Sandusky, OH. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. 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. 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. 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 But this year looks a bit different. Then we calculated affordability by analyzing median home list prices year to date through May 2022 for these communities. Asheville, North Carolina. Bryson City. 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!) Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. Trout fishing is popular on Lake Taneycomo. Lightvision, LLC/ Getty Images. For many, lakeside living is the answer. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. Located about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, Gainesville has city draws along with a branch of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a nature center, visual arts center, and a history center. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. Conroe. With Lone Star College . A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. The house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. 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 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. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 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. 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. If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. Thats where the data team at Realtor.com comes in. 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. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. 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? Its perfect for outdoor recreation with acres to hike and canoe. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. 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. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. 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. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . Lakeway Resort & Spa is the place to be in the area - not just for those looking for a lovely lakeside hotel, but for those renting in the area who want to book a spa day or dinner at the resort. No. Port Aransas. Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. for much of the year. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. 24. Yup. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. No. As for housing, there is something for any price range. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. Butler is located on the northern shore of Watauga Lake, and is actually the reconstruction of the "old" Butler. 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. 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. 4. 25. Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. 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. Its basically the complete opposite of Bransonaside from, you know, the lakes. 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. On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. 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. 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. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. 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. Plan a visit. Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. 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. 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. Butler. 10. Legend has it that seven mineral springs in Springs Park have healing powers. Next: 25. The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. Ogden, Utah. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. Michigan is home to dozens of Great Lakes towns, many interchangeable, all fantastic. If you love the outdoors, you'll appreciate Deerfield Beach's Quiet Waters Park, where you can camp, fish, and ride some of the longest cable ski courses in the U.S. 22. Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. 9. Clemson, with the cultural draws of the university and the South Carolina Botanical Garden is just a stone's throw across the water. 2 . 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. Lake Burton. 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. You have the best of land and sea activities here, from hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities to boating and swimming along 42 miles of shoreline. 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. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. 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. Jordan Lake is about 25 miles north of Montgomery in Elmore County with almost a dozen homes between $300,000 and $400,000. $376,111. The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. Population: 316,381. The village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. Here buyers can find a lake home for under $200,000, if they are willing to make some renovations, such as this $175,000 four-bedroom across the street from the beach. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. 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. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for spending one's golden years of retirement. 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. Coos Bay, Oregon. 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. But in todays overheated housing market, is the concept of owning your own waterfront home a punishing fantasy or an achievable reality? 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. 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. 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. 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. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state. The first is its sheer size. 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. 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. Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. The small lakes around Chestertown have been booming with second home buyers this year, who make up about 80% of the real estate market. 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. 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. When on dry land, you might hit a casino (Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania) or theme park (Branson, Missouri), tubing or go-karting (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin), or enjoy strolling through the shops and restaurants of a historic district (Vermilion, Ohio).. The median listing price in 2020 was a very affordable $107,792. Those four-season attractions have made the areas lake homes a hot commodity among second homeowners. 01 of 10. . These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. When you're wiped from a day spent on the water and under the sun at Lake Conroe, there's nothing like kicking back at a local brewery and enjoying some tunes. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. 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. This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. 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. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. 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. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes . But those who want access to the water from their backdoors need IPO-level cash; they should expect to fork over six figures for places like this brand-new three-bedroom listed at $1.25 million. The presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular year-round destinations in California - and when you see the sunshine ricochet off the lake in the summer months, you'll see why it's just as enticing in June as it is in the height of ski season. Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. Gigabit ISP: C Spire ($80/month) Zillow Home Value Index: $165,574. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Well, it all depends on where you look. Caddo Lake / Shutterstock. Located about 85 miles outside of Atlanta, Greensboro is situated on Lake Oconee, a 19,000-acre lake that's also a popular destination for golfing, boating, and fishing. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. Share of household income . (They come highly recommended.) That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. 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. 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.

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