2 last year. 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. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most 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. 2 . Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. Clemson, with the cultural draws of the university and the South Carolina Botanical Garden is just a stone's throw across the water. Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. 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. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. 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. Family-friendly activities abound at our number one Best Place to Buy a Lake House. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. 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. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. When looking for a place to retire, lake towns make a strong case. 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. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. As for housing, there is something for any price range. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. Median home price: $260,000. The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Located in the Poconos Mountains, Lake Ariel is a true small town with a population of about 14,500. 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. Your life in Wolfeboro will be filled with sunset swims at Brewster Beach, ice cream cones at Wolfeboro Dockside Grille & Dairy Bar, and beers at Lone Wolfe Brewing Company. For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. Buyers want to be as close to the water as possible, whether in a condo near the lakelike this one-bedroom asking $160,500or in a single-family house. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. And all of them are great for those seeking escape in the spring and fall as wellno small consideration these days. 13. Credit: John Noltner. Lake Burton. 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. 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. Caddo Lake / Shutterstock. Median home sales price: $175,000. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. 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. Its quiet and peaceful early in the morning, and bustling with waterskiers and boaters in the afternoon. Catering to guests from around the world, this working dude ranch offers guided trail rides, horseback riding lessons, stocked fishing ponds, and an all-inclusive resort experience. For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. Cost of living . But this year looks a bit different. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. Charlevoix is the perfect getaway to Lake Michigan. The Corpus Christi Bay area sits behind the Padre and Mustang islands. And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in. 8. 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. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? Saugatuck Dunes State Park draws adventure seekers with its massive mounds and 13 miles of sandy trails. $376,111. 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. Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. 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. Those interested in a vacation getaway can snag this four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house located about 1.4 miles from the Guy Sandy boat ramp on Arbuckle Lake for $275,000. 1. 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. The quaint village offers restaurants, hotels, resorts, and fun and unique shops along its cute downtown corridor. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. 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. Well, it all depends on where you look. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . 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. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. Yup. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. Rocky River, Ohio. 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. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. (They come highly recommended.) This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. 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. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. But in todays overheated housing market, is the concept of owning your own waterfront home a punishing fantasy or an achievable reality? The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. 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. 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. When it comes to American lakes, Maine's got game. 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. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. Best Lake Towns To Retire To in the South, 12 Lesser-Known Southern Destinations Our Editors Can't Wait To Visit In 2023, The Best Mother-Daughter Vacations to Take This Summer, 10 Prettiest Places for Fall Foliage in Tennessee, Pass Christian Is the Mississippi Beach Town You've Probably Never Heard Of, Affordable Florida Beach Towns Perfect For Your Next Vacation, 18 Perfect Fall Girlfriend Getaways To Plan Immediately. 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 house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. Population: 316,381. The Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers have their confluence at or near Paducah, and nearby are two long lakes, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area situated between them. Located approximately 35 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne residents average $853 on monthly housing costs, ranking 12 th for this metric. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. Enjoy the natural beauty while hiking through the park, or set out for a swim in nearby Greers Ferry Lake. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. The community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. The word is getting out. 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. 10 . 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. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Lightvision, LLC/ Getty Images. Jordan Lake is about 25 miles north of Montgomery in Elmore County with almost a dozen homes between $300,000 and $400,000. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. 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. 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. Aurora, New York sits . It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. Greenwood, South Carolina. Minocqua, Wisconsin. 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. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. Visitors can easily hop on a ferry for a day of island-hopping, or spend the day at Cedar Point Amusement Park, which bills itself as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. They can also take a trip to the Merry-Go-Round Museum. Prices generally range from $400,000 to . Consider a visit to the LEGOLAND Theme Park. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. 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. Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. 1. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. 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. 25. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. 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. Clearlake is one the more affordable lake towns in California, with average home prices just under $200,000. Vacation homes are still affordable in Winsted. If they already had one home by the lake and they had another home in an expensive city and you had to consolidate, which are you going to choose? she says. 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. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. 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. The 43,000 acres of Table Rock Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. With Lone Star College . However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. 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. Tucked way up in northern Minnesota, Ely is secluded and full of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests. After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. 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. For those looking for an affordable lake home, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch is listed for $375,000. 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. 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 . The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for spending one's golden years of retirement. These lake towns might not be ones with the highest name recognition or bragging rights, but they do offer a host of fun water activitiesand the privacy and small-town feel missing from bigger, more populated vacation spots. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. Caddo Lake - Karnack. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. Crestline, California. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. This makes it and the nearby town of Effingham a beloved getaway for families from nearby St. Louis, a drive of about an hour-and-a-half away. The median home value in Deerfield Beach has increased by 7.7% in the last year to $182,300, making it one of the most affordable coastal towns to buy a home in Florida. Michigan is home to dozens of Great Lakes towns, many interchangeable, all fantastic. 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. 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. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. 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. Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. 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. Enjoy Greensboro's historic charm: Main Street bustles with locally owned businesses and eateries, and Lake Oconee is a destination for water activities. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. 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. What do Frank Lloyd Wright, shellfish, and the Tennessee River all have in common? 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. Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. 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. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. Lake Moultrie. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. 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. (Sorry.). Browse Art on the Lake, where a variety of local art can be viewed and purchased; enjoy a zipline adventure at Screaming Eagle at Lake Guntersville, where you'll catch a great view of Northeastern Alabama forests and learn about the efforts Guntersville has made to restore the North American Bald Eagle population; and finish your stay with the best of lakeside cooking at Wintzell's Oyster House. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. 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. 1. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. The region's McGhee and North . The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . Thats where the data team at Realtor.com comes in. Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. The area is quiet and the weather is warm in the winter. Set your sights on Lakeway, Texas, which is located in the Hill Country near Lake Travis, and you'll have bountiful opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking in the picturesque landscape of the sunny Lone Star State. Situated on nearly a half-acre, this house features a screened porch and is within walking distance of Roamingwood Lake. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. Originally located precisely where the lake is, the town of Butler was submerged in 1948 as the reservoir filled. Anglers from all over the Midwest flock to this rural destination for the awesome catch on manmade Lake Delton, two local rivers, and other, smaller bodies of water that are surrounded with lovely and affordable homes all along their shorelines. 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. 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. Lake Burton. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. An hour north of Orlando, you'll find this quaint small town full of antique shops and historic charm on the edge of Lake Dora. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. 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. 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. Can it be? Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. 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. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. 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. While it's near the big central Florida tourist attractions, it has its own charm, with greenspaces like Central Park and museums like The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, and Cornell Fine Arts Museum. 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. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. 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. 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. 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? Port Aransas. Supported by natural spring and rain water, White Lake is a 1,200-acre body of water in North Carolina, and the town welcomes 200,000 tourists each summer. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. . Here is a lake town that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout all four seasons. Next: 25. If you're looking for the perfect vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than Osage Beach. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. 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 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. Buyers can find single-family homes just blocks from the water starting in the $400,000s, like this $419,000, three-bedroom house just outside town. Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices.