Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. 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. This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. The area around Winter Park, Florida is a veritable lake oasis. 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. Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. There's also plenty of nature . Family-friendly activities abound at our number one Best Place to Buy a Lake House. The presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. 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. (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). The 20 Best Little Lake Towns in America - PureWow Eureka, California. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. 4. 5 Massachusetts towns with waterfront property under $400,000 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. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In South Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks 10 Surprisingly Affordable Lake Towns To Own Property in Across the US Well, it all depends on where you look. 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. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. Best South Carolina Lakes to Buy Lakefront Property Each place had to have at least 25 listings. 5 of the Best Towns to Buy Florida Waterfront Homes - Clever Real Estate Asheville, North Carolina. 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. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. Gigabit ISP: C Spire ($80/month) Zillow Home Value Index: $165,574. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most Trout fishing is popular on Lake Taneycomo. 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. 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. Credit: John Noltner. 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 7 Best Beach Towns in Texas to Visit This Year - Boundless Roads 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. The Pacific Northwest is filled with pine tree-lined bodies of water, but in terms of lake towns that offer both water activities and mainland charms, Chelan is one of the best waterfront enclaves in the PNW. 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. 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. And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. The area is quiet and the weather is warm in the winter. The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. 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 Turnip Greens Country Market, where you'll find a farmer's market as well a range of boutique stores, to Vernon Square, with historic sites and trails, Darien is an ideal destination for a low key family getaway. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . 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!) These days, with fears of Covid, some may not like the idea of opening their home to outsiders and possibly investing more money in cleaning. 11 Affordable Places to Retire on the Waterfront - Topretirements Retirees interested in exploring the outdoors . The 10 Most Affordable Places to Buy a Lake House - House Beautiful Top 10 Affordable Lake Towns in the US - Lakefront Living International Lake Tahoe, California. 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. 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. 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. Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. 27 Top Lake Vacations in the U.S. - US News & World Report Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. Where to Buy a Lakefront Home in America - Travel + Leisure Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. 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. 15 Best Lakes in Georgia - The Crazy Tourist A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. 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. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. The Corpus Christi Bay area sits behind the Padre and Mustang islands. Entry-level lake homes start in the $100,000s such as this $155,000 four-bedroom with a giant deck. 10 . 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. And we specifically wanted to hone in on the best lake towns in America as a way to help travelers pinpoint exactly where to book a week-long rental or a charming inn for their next lake vacation. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. 20 Great Places Where You Can Retire on a Lake - Topretirements 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. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. Although some of these homes are pricier than many homes across the country, they offer the chance to get a waterfront property, and with hurricane season upon us, perhaps a safer location than an oceanfront home. Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. 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. 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. The community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. At B-52 Brewery, you'll find them serving up a new brew release every Friday alongside live music performances. And those who get seasick can avoid the water altogether with local wine tastings. 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. Each year, with the arrival of the dog days of summer, the desire to find a place by the water becomes nothing less than a national obsession. The first is its sheer size. 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. And last year was already nuts! According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. Lake Moultrie. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. 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. Ogden, Utah. 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. 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. 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. 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 Tennessee River runs between the two, and the stretch between Wilson Dam and Wheeler Dam is known as Wilson Lake, a popular reservoir for fishing. Buyers can find lakeview condos starting in the $200,000 range, such as this three-bedroom listed at $298,000 a bit farther from town. Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. The 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns for Homebuyers, 2021, Avoid the Crowds and Take the Plunge: Top Affordable Lake Towns in the U.S., 2020 Edition. 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. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . Chattanooga, Tennessee. Best of 2020: Walkable Towns - Strong Towns Unlike beach towns, lake towns never close for an off season, so there's always plenty to do and see year-round. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. These Are the Most Affordable Lake Towns In the U.S. Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. 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. 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. 3. It's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. We also factored in the number of restaurants, bars, and entertainment establishments per capita to ensure there was more to do in these places than just lounge by the water. Cheboygan, Michigan. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. The 10 Most Affordable Lake Towns in America, 2021 - realtor.com 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. The area surrounding the lake is made up of mostly private homes, but there are several marinas where visitors can rent or launch a boat onto the lakes clear waters. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. Every outdoor activity you can imagineswimming, hiking, rock climbing, golfing, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, and moreis possible at Lake Lure, and you'll still find plenty of time for relaxation once the sun sinks behind Chimney Rock each evening. 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 Greenwood, South Carolina. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. 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. 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford - Livability 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. Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. 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. 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. 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. Buyers can find homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, listed for $449,000. 1. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. 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? On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. 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 offers hiking, skiing and gambling at the casinos. 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. Plan a visit. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. With a name like Sulphur, its no surprise that the area is famous for its mineral springs. 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. A comparatively high tax rate and low income helped push Erie to 15th place in the rankings despite low home costs, but it's still one of the most affordable waterfront cities in the country. Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. 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. Lake Wylie covers over 13,000 acres, with a shoreline of 325 miles. 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. With Lone Star College . Top 10 Cheapest Beach Towns in the US. - YouTube There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. At Rarity Bay . #13. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes . Michigan is home to dozens of Great Lakes towns, many interchangeable, all fantastic. Best Lake Towns to Live in | Stacker She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. Beaufort, North Carolina. 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. The 25 Best Places to Live in the South - US News & World Report How to Find the Best Places to Retire in the Southeast Near the Water 11. 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. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. This two-bedroom condo on Highland Lake, with a shared dock across the street, is for sale for $319,000. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. 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. Methodology: GOBankingRates found 25 affordable waterfront cities by evaluating 112 of the United . I want to retire in Texas and near freshwater on $4,000 a month where for much of the year. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. 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. Alaska might not be the first place most folks think of when they envision summer lake towns. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. 15 Cutest Small Towns in The South, USA - Southern Trippers Meander the historic district, then break out your boats or find a picnic bench along the shore to take in a few relaxing hours in LaGrange. As for housing, there is something for any price range. Treat your family to a boat tour aboard the M/S Mount Washington, which has been cruising the lake for nearly 150 years, and if you're looking for a charming hotel, Pickering House Inn is just the place. In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. Minocqua, Wisconsin. 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. Its quiet and peaceful early in the morning, and bustling with waterskiers and boaters in the afternoon. 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. Alleged shooter of State Police trooper arrested in SC It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services.

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