You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. 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. 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. Marble Falls in the Highland Lakes Region is becoming one of the best-known tourist destinations in the central part of the state. 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. 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. In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. 2 last year. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes 3 . 11. 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. 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. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. 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. 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. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. 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. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. 13. 4) Holland State Park Beach: An expansive, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, each with its own campground. 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. 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. Asheville, North Carolina. Aurora, New York. Enjoy the natural beauty while hiking through the park, or set out for a swim in nearby Greers Ferry Lake. 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. (Sorry.). On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. Median home sales price: $175,000. Median home list price: $248,000. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. The small community of Georgetown on the Carolina coast is what Charleston used to be - 200-year-old homes (more than Charleston, in fact), lots of Southern . Boone, North Carolina. Trout fishing is popular on Lake Taneycomo. 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. 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. 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. The red-brick sidewalks and friendly locals in this town are sure to make you nostalgic for childhood days on the water. 5. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. Here are the 25 most affordable places for renters currently, according to Zillow. 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. Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. (They come highly recommended.) The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. 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. Retirees interested in exploring the outdoors . 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. They can play on the lake, ride horses, or follow off-road Jeep trails without losing access to high-speed internet and other city amenities. She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. 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? This two-bedroom condo on Highland Lake, with a shared dock across the street, is for sale for $319,000. 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. William Hereford. Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. 3. Venture into Ithaca, New York for dinner at Maxie's Supper Club, visit Heart & Hands Wine Company in nearby Union Springs, and of course, stay at Inns of Aurora for a luxurious lakeside escape at one of their five beautifully curated inns. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. 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. Share of household income . 23. 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. 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. ( (Tony Franzel for Realtor.com)) 1. 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. 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. With a name like Sulphur, its no surprise that the area is famous for its mineral springs. Lake Greenwood in Lake Greenwood State Park, located right outside the towns of Ninety Six (yes, real name) and Greenwood, offers 11,400-acres of floating fun. Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. Crestline, California. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. The area around Winter Park, Florida is a veritable lake oasis. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. Daniel has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in Housing and Community . It's all about the water sports at White Lake - tourists come to swim, boat, tube, jet ski, wake board, and the like. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. Legend has it that seven mineral springs in Springs Park have healing powers. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . 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. 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. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. 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. 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. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. Clearlake is one the more affordable lake towns in California, with average home prices just under $200,000. 25. 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 three-bedroom, single-family house asking $205,000 offers down payment assistance for buyers who earn under a certain income. The most affordable small town in every state. Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. Next: 10. 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. If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. If your ideal lakeside lifestyle is a bit more social, Crane Lake has you covered. 1. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. The lakes themselves arent the only appeal. 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. Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall . 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. 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). Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. 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. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. 5) CityFlatsHotel: A sister property to the CityFlats in downtown Grand . After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. Nine miles west of Cleveland is Rocky River, Ohio, a town of 20,000 ranked #24 by Niche in the entire state for best suburbs. Marquette, Michigan. The first is its sheer size. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. 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. 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. Listed at $129,900, this house is close to the lake walk and Ashlands vibrant downtown. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. Its quiet and peaceful early in the morning, and bustling with waterskiers and boaters in the afternoon. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. Family-friendly activities abound at our number one Best Place to Buy a Lake House. 1. 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. 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. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. 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. 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. Alaska might not be the first place most folks think of when they envision summer lake towns. 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. Situated near Columbia, South Carolina's capital city, and just a short drive from Lake Murraya 50,000-acre reservoir with more than 600 miles of shorelineLexington is a great place to live. The actual town of Bigfork has a growing arts scene - between their impressive array of galleries, notable theatre presence, and annual Festival of the Arts - and it is known for great hiking, with many trails offering views of the lake. 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 . You'll also find the town of Bigfork, Montana, which has old Western resort town energy, not dissimilar to the ski towns you'd find in Colorado mining country. For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. Consider a visit to the LEGOLAND Theme Park. 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. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. 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. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 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. 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. 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. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. Cost of living . Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. 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. Then we calculated affordability by analyzing median home list prices year to date through May 2022 for these communities. 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. 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. 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. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview.
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