Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. Located at the mouth of the Cheboygan River on Lake Huron, the town offers clear waters and a gorgeous shoreline. Homes in These 25 Waterfront Cities Are a Total Steal Most Affordable Lake Towns in Texas - Neighborhoods.com At B-52 Brewery, you'll find them serving up a new brew release every Friday alongside live music performances. 4. Daniel has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in Housing and Community . 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. 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. From this $400,000 one-bedroom cabin on a wooded, waterfront acre right near the Trezona Trail to this $599,000 one-bedroom cabin on a 1.25-acre island in Shagawa Lake, Ely is the ideal lake town for folks who want to get away from it all.. Here buyers can find a lake home for under $200,000, if they are willing to make some renovations, such as this $175,000 four-bedroom across the street from the beach. 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. Average Home Cost: $338,035. Ogden, Utah. 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. 10. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. 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. 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. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. With beautiful mountain scenery, the nearby lake (about 15 miles away), and lots of waterfall-dotted hiking trails, there's not shortage of enjoyment to be had in Western North Carolina. 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. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes | Lake Homes Realty Add that to the shops, restaurants, and galleries that fill these charming small towns, and you'll find inviting places to spend your retirement years. When looking for a place to retire, lake towns make a strong case. 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. Reality check: Most of us are no more likely find ourselves in ostentatious ocean estates in Malibu, the Hamptons, or Bal Harbour than we are to enjoy an eight-minute joyride to the edge of space. Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. 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. This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. Originally located precisely where the lake is, the town of Butler was submerged in 1948 as the reservoir filled. Lake Tahoe, California. 25. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. 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. 4. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. 8 Quaint Beach Towns In The Southeast - TravelAwaits Crestline, California. Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Louisiana For 2022 - HomeSnacks 3. 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. The presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. Jordan Lake is about 25 miles north of Montgomery in Elmore County with almost a dozen homes between $300,000 and $400,000. The community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. There has been a steady uptick in the number of people seeking out homes in lake towns over the past few years, says Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty. Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. 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. 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. The town has less than 2,000 permanent residents, which gives it a . Best Lake Towns In America - Best Lake Towns to Retire - Country Living 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. Enjoy the natural beauty while hiking through the park, or set out for a swim in nearby Greers Ferry Lake. 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. But this year looks a bit different. 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. Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. Just outside Austin, Texas is Lakeway, along the southern shores of Lake Travis. 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.. Each place had to have at least 50 listings each month to make the cut. 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. Well, it all depends on where you look. 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. Those four-season attractions have made the areas lake homes a hot commodity among second homeowners. 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. Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? In . The 25 Best Places to Live in the South - US News & World Report Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. 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. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three registered freshwater lighthouses in the country. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. 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. Its basically the complete opposite of Bransonaside from, you know, the lakes. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. As one of the best beach vacations in Texas, Port Aransas has everything you need for a family or solo getaway. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. The bucolic town, tucked between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, offers a plethora of water sports like canoeing and water skiing. 10 Affordable Places to Retire on the Water - US News & World Report Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA. Yup. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. Best Michigan Beach Towns: Where to Visit Along the Great Lakes & More Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. 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. Tucked way up in northern Minnesota, Ely is secluded and full of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Alabama's 10 most affordable lakes to buy a house - al.com These Are the Most Affordable Lake Towns In the U.S. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. The town center of Wolfeboro is actually positioned directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72 square miles of water. 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. 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. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. Those who want to be on one of the larger bodies of water like East Okoboji Lake should expect to pay more, such as this five-bedroom on the market for $289,000. 10. Marquette, Michigan. Next: 25. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. Clear Lake, South Dakota, is proud of its strong, traditional values. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. 10. The lakes themselves arent the only appeal. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. 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. Top 10 Cheapest Beach Towns in the US.Most people dream about buying a home near or on the beach. Retirees interested in exploring the outdoors . According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. 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. Top 10 Affordable Lake Towns in the US - Lakefront Living International Canyon Lake. 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. 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. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. 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. 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 . 12 Cheapest Small Towns in America | Kiplinger 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. $376,111. The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. The 10 Most Affordable Lake Towns in America, 2022 Edition - realtor.com 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. 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. 2 last year. 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. Asheville, North Carolina. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 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. 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. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. Best Lake Towns to Live in | Stacker They were all built around the citys natural springshence the name. Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. 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. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. Eureka Springs is situated near several bodies of water, including Lake Leatherwood in the city limits and the enormous nearby Beaver Lake, as well as Table Rock Lake, which is located just across the Missouri border. The 10 Most Affordable Places to Buy a Lake House - House Beautiful Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. Then we calculated affordability by analyzing median home list prices year to date through May 2022 for these communities. 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. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. There's also plenty of nature . 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 . 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. For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. Unlike beach towns, lake towns never close for an off season, so there's always plenty to do and see year-round. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. 11 Best Waterfront Towns In Tennessee For A Day Trip - OnlyInYourState Each place had to have at least 25 listings. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. 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. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. 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. Plan a visit. 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. 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. For many, lakeside living is the answer. Lookout Belle - Flickr. 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. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. Share of household income . 2 . 25 of the most affordable waterfront cities in America - USA TODAY The Most Underrated Small Towns Near Lake Tahoe - California It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. Cheboygan, Michigan. 3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. 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. "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. With Lone Star College . Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. When it comes to American lakes, Maine's got game. Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. The area offers hiking, skiing and gambling at the casinos. 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 gateway to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley, this hidden gem, just 35 minutes north of Salt Lake City, sits at 4,280 feet and is adjacent to 170,000 acres of national forest. 15 Affordable Small Towns in the US With Fast Internet for - PCMAG You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. 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. Listed at $129,900, this house is close to the lake walk and Ashlands vibrant downtown. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. Aurora, New York. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. To help narrow down that search, one website has chosen three cities in North Carolina as some of the best lake towns in the country to live in. Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. 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. 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. Abingdon, Virginia. 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. Asheville, North Carolina. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. 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. 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. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. 9. Saugatuck Dunes State Park draws adventure seekers with its massive mounds and 13 miles of sandy trails. Median home list price: $307,000. The house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. As for housing, there is something for any price range. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. 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. Where to Buy a Lakefront Home in America - Travel + Leisure It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It boasts quaint shops and restaurants that surround the town square and plenty of locals who like to watch the passers-by as they sip beverages on their front porches. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. 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. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. 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. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. 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. 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. 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. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. 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. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. 22. (Sorry.). The area around Winter Park, Florida is a veritable lake oasis. South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. 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. In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth.