most affordable lake towns in the south

Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. 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. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. Its very close to pricier Lake George as well as Gore Mountain Ski Resort. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. 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. Best Lake Towns in the US: Lakes to Visit for Your Next - Thrillist Next: 10. 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. Asheville, North Carolina. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. Vacation homes are still affordable in Winsted. This is a country chock-full of picturesque lakes, from the northeastern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire and Rangeley Lake in Maine, all the way to the southern California shores of Big Bear Lake. Each place had to have at least 50 listings each month to make the cut. Near Klamath Falls. 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. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. 15 Affordable Small Towns in the US With Fast Internet for - PCMAG She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. 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. 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. As for housing, there is something for any price range. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. 8 Quaint Beach Towns In The Southeast - TravelAwaits The most affordable small town in every state. 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. 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. 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. 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. The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. Its basically the complete opposite of Bransonaside from, you know, the lakes. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. 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. People are realizing they dont have to be in the city and suburbs, so they can be out there, says Stephen Bednarski, a real estate agent with Mark Martin and Company. 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. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. 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. 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. Median home list price: $307,000. 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. 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 presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. The charming red-brick downtown is filled with fun shops and restaurants. 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. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. 10. * 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. 10 Affordable Lake Towns To Buy A Waterfront Property - Forbes 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. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In South Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. 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. Best South Carolina Lakes to Buy Lakefront Property This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. Here is a lake town that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout all four seasons. 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. This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. 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. 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. It's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. Where to Buy a Lakefront Home in America - Travel + Leisure Lake Tahoe, California. The region's McGhee and North . Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Tennessee: A Guide - UpNest 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). Cost of living . According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. 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. Crestline, California. Cayuga Lake is known for its stunning wine trail and Aurora, nestled right on the shores of Cayuga, is in close proximity to wineries along the lake as well as wineries lining the adjacent Seneca Lake. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. 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. 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. 10 Walkable Towns - Explore These Southern Communities. - ideal-LIVING Located at the mouth of the Cheboygan River on Lake Huron, the town offers clear waters and a gorgeous shoreline. Median home list price: $248,000. 9. In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. Rent a house right on the shores of Flathead Lake, or book a cabin at the all-inclusive Flathead Lake Lodge for a memorable dude ranch experience. 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. Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. 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. Cheboygan is located on Lake Huron, but it's close to many other lakes as well Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes and Black Lake. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. 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. Best Lake Towns To Retire To in the South - Southern Living We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. 5 of the Best Towns to Buy Florida Waterfront Homes - Clever Real Estate 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. Baraboo, Wisconsin. 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. The region boasts seven lakes, with the three largest natural bodies of water located in the town proper: Big Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake, and East Okoboji Lake. Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? Eureka, California. Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . 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. 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. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. Median home price: $260,000. 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. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. 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. Our readers voted on their favorites, and while no two stays are alike, we're sure that you'll find plenty of rest and relaxation in each of them. Best Lake Towns to Live in | Stacker Lake Wylie- South Carolina/North Carolina. Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. There are several nearby lakes: Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes, and Black Lake. 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. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. 10 Surprisingly Affordable Lake Towns To Own Property in Across the US Lake Moultrie. 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. Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. 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. 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. This two-bedroom condo on Highland Lake, with a shared dock across the street, is for sale for $319,000. If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. 12 Cheapest Small Towns in America | Kiplinger Located approximately 35 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne residents average $853 on monthly housing costs, ranking 12 th for this metric. Here are the 25 most affordable places for renters currently, according to Zillow. 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. Legend has it that seven mineral springs in Springs Park have healing powers. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. 24. That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. 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. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. Just 12 miles from Minneapolis, the lake town is one of Niche's top suburbs in the state, grading highly in nearly every quality-of-life category from crime to education. 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. Located on the sandy shores of Lake Erie, Sandusky was named one of Americas best coastal towns by U.S. Today, and topped the Realtor.com 2021 list of the Most Affordable Lake Towns. 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. 1. 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. 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. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. Best Retirement Lake Communities | Compare Communities Get Facts 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. The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. Jordan Lake is about 25 miles north of Montgomery in Elmore County with almost a dozen homes between $300,000 and $400,000. However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . 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. For those looking for an affordable lake home, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch is listed for $375,000. 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? That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. 10 Surprisingly Affordable Lake Towns To Own Property in Across the US Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. 15 Best Lakes in Georgia - The Crazy Tourist Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. For many, lakeside living is the answer. To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. Located in the Poconos Mountains, Lake Ariel is a true small town with a population of about 14,500. Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall . 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. 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. Next: 25. Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state. The 800-acre recreational lake is surrounded by a wooded shoreline, winding road and grassy picnic spots that come right up to the edge of the water. for much of the year. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. There is a wide variety in a very small town.. Butler. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. 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. 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. Methodology: GOBankingRates found 25 affordable waterfront cities by evaluating 112 of the United . Plan a visit. Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. Asheville, North Carolina. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. They're not just waterfront havens where you can rent a boat for the day or go stand-up paddle boarding, they're also destinations with exciting restaurants, hotels, shopping, and plenty of non-water-based activities. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. Beaufort, North Carolina. 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. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. The 10 Best Places to Retire in the South - US News & World Report Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. Best Michigan Beach Towns: Where to Visit Along the Great Lakes & More Clear Lake, South Dakota, is proud of its strong, traditional values. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. Condos start as low as $40,000. 25. The 15 Best Affordable Beach Vacations in America - Reader's Digest 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. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. No. However, the Salmon Capital of the World, as Ketchikan is known, is built up along the waterfront due to its steep and mostly forested terrain. Animal lovers will gladly pay roughly $7 ($4 for kids) to spend a couple . This northern Wisconsin resort town (165 miles northwest of Green Bay) has all the ingredients of a great family vacation , including more than 3,000 lakes in Vilas and Oneida counties. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. 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. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. (Sorry.). 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. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. The town center of Wolfeboro is actually positioned directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72 square miles of water. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. 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. Treptow notes that the town has seen an uptick in the number of visitors to the area, as well as folks who have decided to turn their lake homes into their permanent homes. Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. While Charlevoix offers both waterfront attractions and inland charms, beach-going visitors will love the five miles of shore at Fisherman's Island State Park and Beach. 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. 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. Tucked way up in northern Minnesota, Ely is secluded and full of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. 2 last year. During the summer months, visitors and locals cruise along the shores of the 55-mile-long body of Lake Chelan, sailing, wakeboarding or paddling past historic cabins and vineyards. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. The area around Winter Park, Florida is a veritable lake oasis. 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 . 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. Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. 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. 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.