Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. There are no theme parks or big music shows. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. 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. Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. 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. No. The house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. 4. Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. 25. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. However, for those who are willing to rent out their vacation homes, there is a greater demand for such getaways, particularly if they are within driving distance of a larger metro.. Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Although offerings vary by location, youre likely to find options for boating, fishing and paddle boarding, said Wedgeworth. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, this lake is part of a chain of lakes each created by a dam to generate electricity in the area. No. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. 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. Cheboygan, Michigan. 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!) 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. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. 2 . Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. William Hereford. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. Average Home Cost: $338,035. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. 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. Boone, North Carolina. Lake Moultrie. The cold winters allow for hockey and ice fishing, and the warmer months . Lookout Belle - Flickr. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. . Beaufort, North Carolina, one of the Southeast's oldest and most charming beach towns, is at the southern tip of North Carolina's Crystal Coast. 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. 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 outdoor offeringswhich often include boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, golfing, and lounging on the shoresare great ways to spend newly free hours during the weekdays and weekends. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. There is a wide variety in a very small town.. Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. Just outside Austin, Texas is Lakeway, along the southern shores of Lake Travis. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. 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. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. But buyers willing to share rights could find a home starting in the $300,000 range, like this three-bedroom log cabin with a deeded dock on private Friends Lake listed at $339,000. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. The beauty of Aurora, apart from the gorgeous sunsets on Cayuga Lake, is that you have culture, incredible food and wine, and water activities at your fingertips. Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. Those four-season attractions have made the areas lake homes a hot commodity among second homeowners. 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. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. 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. Lake Wylie is the oldest lake on the Catawba River. Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. Here is a lake town that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout all four seasons. Can it be? 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. 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). 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. 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. 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. Its very close to pricier Lake George as well as Gore Mountain Ski Resort. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. Summer and fall in the South Lake Tahoe area is synonymous with boat rentals, hiking Rubicon Trail for views of the lake, dining al fresco at Boathouse on the Pier, and sunsets savored with a bottle of wine. 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. Median home price: $260,000. 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. Daniel has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in Housing and Community . Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. 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. 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. But in todays overheated housing market, is the concept of owning your own waterfront home a punishing fantasy or an achievable reality? If the skys the limit, buyers can check out a four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom mansion on Cedar Point Road listed for roughly $2.4 million. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes Marble Falls in the Highland Lakes Region is becoming one of the best-known tourist destinations in the central part of the state. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. 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. Median home list price: $248,000. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. Its basically the complete opposite of Bransonaside from, you know, the lakes. Its quiet and peaceful early in the morning, and bustling with waterskiers and boaters in the afternoon. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. 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. Share of household income . Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices. Ogden, Utah. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. 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. 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. 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. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? 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. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? Aurora, New York sits . In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. 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. 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. The 15 Best Resorts in the Continental U.S. How to Plan the Perfect Adirondacks Vacation in Any Season Charming Towns and Gorgeous Hikes Included. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. 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. Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall . And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. 5. 4. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . 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. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. Conroe. This waterfront home . Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. 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. And if Dolly has ever spent time here, she didnt leave much of a trace. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. Tucked way up in northern Minnesota, Ely is secluded and full of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests. Greenwood, South Carolina. Visitors will find endless entertainment within the village of Big Bear, from brunch at Teddy Bear Restaurant to midday microbrews at Big Bear Lake Brewing Company. Butler is located on the northern shore of Watauga Lake, and is actually the reconstruction of the "old" Butler. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. Marquette, Michigan. Next: 10. 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. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. 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. Animal lovers will gladly pay roughly $7 ($4 for kids) to spend a couple . 20 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the U.S. 11 Best Lake Tahoe Beaches With Sandy Shores and Mountain Views, The Best Small Towns in the U.S. to See Fall Foliage. 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. 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. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. Each place had to have at least 50 listings each month to make the cut. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. In . Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. And while it is possible to find a single-family home on the water that needs a bit of love for under $200,000, the pickings at that price point are slim. Lake Burton. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". We have four seasons here, and most people like that it switches things up from boating, to snowmobiling, ice fishing, and huntingthe list goes on, says Jayson Maguire, Realtor and owner of Exit Realty Connection in Watertown. If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. The town center of Wolfeboro is actually positioned directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72 square miles of water. 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. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. 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. But family members who arent into waiting hours (or what can feel like hours) for fish to bite have plenty of other entertainment options throughout the year as well, from wakeboarding and tubing on the water to minigolf and go-karts off it. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. 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. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. 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. Lake Wylie covers over 13,000 acres, with a shoreline of 325 miles. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. Covington, Louisiana. Jordan Lake is about 25 miles north of Montgomery in Elmore County with almost a dozen homes between $300,000 and $400,000. 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. It's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Clemson, with the cultural draws of the university and the South Carolina Botanical Garden is just a stone's throw across the water. 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. $376,111. With a name like Sulphur, its no surprise that the area is famous for its mineral springs. The area offers hiking, skiing and gambling at the casinos. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. 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. Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. The lakes themselves arent the only appeal. 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. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. Nothing says summertime bliss like hanging out in a lake town, watching the glowing sun set in the company of friends and family, sightseeing, visiting the local farmers market for fresh veggies and kicking back in a cozy cabin. Located at the mouth of the Cheboygan River on Lake Huron, the town offers clear waters and a gorgeous shoreline. 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. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. 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. Editor's Note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure. Port Aransas. Caddo Lake / Shutterstock. Just an hour-and-a-half by car from Birmingham, Guntersville boasts nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline on more than 69,000 acres of water. 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. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. 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. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. 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. 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 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. 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. 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 pinnacle of Montana lake culture is spending the summer months on Flathead 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. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. 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. Plan a visit. Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. Yup. Covington is an excellent one, with state parks, biking trails, easy access to the lake, a great brewery in Abita Springs, coffee shops, restaurants, and waterways streaming through. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. What do Frank Lloyd Wright, shellfish, and the Tennessee River all have in common? Listed at $399,900, 29 Marina Cove Drive is a 2-bed, 3.5-bath condo on Spinnaker Island with 1,894 square feet as well as views of Hull Bay and Boston Harbor from the living room and bedrooms. Asheville, North Carolina. 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. Dillon's overall cost of living score is 88, compared to South Carolina's 94 and the national average of 100. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. 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. 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. However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . 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.
most affordable lake towns in the south
most affordable lake towns in the south
most affordable lake towns in the south