Bryson City. Unlike beach towns, lake towns never close for an off season, so there's always plenty to do and see year-round. Dillon's overall cost of living score is 88, compared to South Carolina's 94 and the national average of 100. Greenwood, South Carolina. With the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, the Lake of the Arbuckles, and the Artesian Hotel, Casino, and Spa, the small town has a lot to offer. For many, lakeside living is the answer. 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. 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. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. The Fort Worth side of the lake is more expensive than the Azle side, where prices are lower and the commute is longer (there is no bridge across the lake). Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. Crestline, California. 1. 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. The red-brick sidewalks and friendly locals in this town are sure to make you nostalgic for childhood days on the water. 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!) The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. Originally located precisely where the lake is, the town of Butler was submerged in 1948 as the reservoir filled. 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. 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. The first is its sheer size. 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. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. 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. Scott. Greensboro is situated right on the 19,000-acre lake and is home to a posh golf community (there are six courses within Reynolds Lake Oconee). Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. Lightvision, LLC/ Getty Images. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. 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. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. Methodology: GOBankingRates found 25 affordable waterfront cities by evaluating 112 of the United . Chattanooga, Tennessee. 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. 4. 01 of 10. 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. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. 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. Coos Bay, Oregon. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. The family-friendly area boasts water sports and a drive-in movie theater in the summer months with plenty of hockey, ice fishing and other outdoor winter sports during the colder parts of the year. Spanning 2,600 acres, the lake of the Woods master-planned lake paradise offers residents exclusive access to its on-site equestrian center, 18-hole PGA golf . Flagstaff, Arizona. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. 10. The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. Offers may be subject to change without notice. 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. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. 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. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . 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. 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. 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. * 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. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. 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. 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. 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. Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices. 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. In addition to lakeside living, residents also take advantage of the prime fishing, picnic, and camping spots, and a scenic paved trail for bikes and pedestrians that winds through the town and around Lake Kampeska. 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. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. 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. 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. 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. Credit: John Noltner. 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 median home price in Dillon is $125,400. For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. 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. Abingdon, Virginia. The most affordable small town in every state. 2 last year. Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. 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. Sandpoint, Idaho, is the most expensive of the affordable lake towns, with a median list price of $429,000 and a variety of lakefront houses that . Lake Wylie- South Carolina/North Carolina. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. Well, it all depends on where you look. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. 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. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. The median listing price in 2020 was a very affordable $107,792. And while plenty has changed over previous years, one thing remains constant: an overwhelming desire among many Americans to head to the waterand, just maybe, consider what it would take to own a house there. Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. 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. 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. 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. 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. Although offerings vary by location, youre likely to find options for boating, fishing and paddle boarding, said Wedgeworth. Maine is home to (literally) thousands of lakes and ponds, from the largest lake, Moosehead, to midsize lakes like Portland-adjacent Sebago Lake and Rangeley Lake near the middle of the state. 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. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. 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. 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. 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. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our readers voted on their favorites, and while no two stays are alike, we're sure that you'll find plenty of rest and relaxation in each of them. The community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall . There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. Enjoy Greensboro's historic charm: Main Street bustles with locally owned businesses and eateries, and Lake Oconee is a destination for water activities. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. Rocky River, Ohio. In . 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. Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. 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. Daniel has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in Housing and Community . (They come highly recommended.) 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. 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. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. This three-bedroom, single-family house asking $205,000 offers down payment assistance for buyers who earn under a certain income. 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. Each place had to have at least 25 listings. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? 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. 2 . Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. 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. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. 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. When it comes to American lakes, Maine's got game. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. Median home list price: $248,000. Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . Lake Tahoe, California. More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the . According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. Saugatuck, Michigan. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most Even though only 120 people live here full-time, in the summer the Canadian border town attracts hundreds to the resorts and campsites near the shores of the 3,088-acre lake. 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. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. 5. Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. We are right between Minneapolis and Chicago, and its a relatively quick trip on the interstate for people from those regions to come and vacation, says one real estate agent, Kirkland Kettleson of Century 21 Affiliated. This lake town is brimming with charming accommodations, too, from the more modern Hotel Earl to the historic Bridge Street Inn and the waterfront Edgewater Inn & Suites. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. 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 . Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. 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. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. And last year was already nuts! Located at the southern edge of Lake Keowee and just a short drive from Lake Hartwell, Seneca is a great small town for retirement. Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. Top 10 Cheapest Beach Towns in the US.Most people dream about buying a home near or on the beach. Right near the Canadian border, way up north in Minnesota, secluded Ely offers acres upon acres of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests set on a stunning, glacier-carved landscape. 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. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. Next: 25. 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. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices 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. Florence, Alabama. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. Condos start as low as $40,000. 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. 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. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. Buyers can find homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, listed for $449,000. 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. 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. After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. 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. The charming red-brick downtown is filled with fun shops and restaurants. Admire the view of the Tennessee River from the McFarland Park Fishing Pier and be sure to grab a bite to eat at Stanfield's River Bottom Grill with a dockside view of the harbor. 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. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. Big Bear Lake is a year-round California destination because, much like Tahoe, it transforms from a ski town in the winter to a lake town in the summer. Covington, Louisiana. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. 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. 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. 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. 13. Winter Olympics. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. The 440-acre, 3-mile-long lake features two public beaches and a shoreline dotted with a mix of upscale and affordable permanent and vacation homes. Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. The town center of Wolfeboro is actually positioned directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72 square miles of water. Boone, North Carolina. 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. 3 . The beach on Lake Huron at Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. 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. 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 town has less than 2,000 permanent residents, which gives it a . 25. 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. As for housing, there is something for any price range. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com. 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. Average Home Cost: $338,035. 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. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. 1. #13. 10. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. Laconia, New Hampshire. Located just an hour from Austin, the town and its surrounding lakeswhich are actually dams in the Colorado Riverhave become an increasingly popular second-home destination. Median home sales price: $175,000. Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. 5. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. 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. The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. 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. Lake Wylie covers over 13,000 acres, with a shoreline of 325 miles. While the area boasts hundreds of hiking trails for all levels of ability, it also offers motorboating, fishing, and, for those seeking some summer adrenaline, whitewater rafting. 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. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. 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. $376,111. Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. Conroe. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. 22. The region's McGhee and North . Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking.
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