For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. 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. 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. 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. When you're not exploring the surrounding lakes, enjoy the small-town charms of Clermont, from the Downtown Clermont Farmer's Market every Sunday to the shopping along Montrose Street in Clermont's Historic Village. 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. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. 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. Located at the southern edge of Lake Keowee and just a short drive from Lake Hartwell, Seneca is a great small town for retirement. 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. If you love the outdoors, you'll appreciate Deerfield Beach's Quiet Waters Park, where you can camp, fish, and ride some of the longest cable ski courses in the U.S. In . For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. 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 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. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. Why Southern Lake Lovers Will Always Choose the Lake Over the Beach, The Best Places for a Dreamy Retirement in the South, Our Favorite Small Towns in North Carolina, 32 Charming Mountain Towns To Visit This Fall, The Prettiest Beach Town in Every Beachy State, 8 Things to Do in the Charming Town of Anderson, South Carolina, Our Guide to the Best Fall Color in Every Southern State, The Best Trips to Take with Your Girlfriends, The Best Vacation Spots In Every Southern State, Tell Grandma To Get Out Her Good Luggage, We've Got 18 Trip Ideas for the Whole Family. Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. 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. For many, lakeside living is the answer. 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 unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. Enjoy the natural beauty while hiking through the park, or set out for a swim in nearby Greers Ferry Lake. There are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . 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. Marquette, Michigan. 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. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. Vacation homes are still affordable in Winsted. The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. 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. Lake Wylie is the oldest lake on the Catawba River. 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. (Sorry.). 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. 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). 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. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. 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. 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? 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. 5. Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. 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!) A majority of the population is seasonal. For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. * 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. But this year looks a bit different. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. 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. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. At Rarity Bay . The house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. Its perfect for outdoor recreation with acres to hike and canoe. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Just outside Austin, Texas is Lakeway, along the southern shores of Lake Travis. Aurora, New York. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. 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. Cheapest Places to Live In Tennessee: Murfreesboro. 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. Next: 25. Condos start as low as $40,000. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes 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. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. House hunters who want easy access to entertainment after paddleboarding, kayaking, or boating across 43,000 acres of water will appreciate one of the many waterfront homes on Table Rock Lake. 1. 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. Near Klamath Falls. 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. 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. 10. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. And all of them are great for those seeking escape in the spring and fall as wellno small consideration these days. 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. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. 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. Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. 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. 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. Lake Wylie covers over 13,000 acres, with a shoreline of 325 miles. According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. Florence, Alabama. 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. Marble Falls in the Highland Lakes Region is becoming one of the best-known tourist destinations in the central part of the state. 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. Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. From Turnip Greens Country Market, where you'll find a farmer's market as well a range of boutique stores, to Vernon Square, with historic sites and trails, Darien is an ideal destination for a low key family getaway. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. 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. Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. 11. . Alaska might not be the first place most folks think of when they envision summer lake towns. The beach on Lake Huron at Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin. 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. 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. 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. 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. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. 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. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. But of course, those who want to go all out on their lake home can find secluded properties that cost much more, like this two-bedroom cottage on 180 feet of deep-water shoreline, for $699,500. Chattanooga, Tennessee. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. 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. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. 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. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. 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. 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. Crestline, California. Those four-season attractions have made the areas lake homes a hot commodity among second homeowners. 9. This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. Here is a lake town that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout all four seasons. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. 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. What do Frank Lloyd Wright, shellfish, and the Tennessee River all have in common? To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. Boone, North Carolina. For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . 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. 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. Clear Lake, SD. 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. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. The 43,000 acres of Table Rock Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. With world-class skiing nearby, Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Tucked way up in northern Minnesota, Ely is secluded and full of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests. 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. The town center of Wolfeboro is actually positioned directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72 square miles of water. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 25. 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 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. 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. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. Abingdon, Virginia. The presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. 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. This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 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. 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. 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. 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. Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. $376,111. . Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. The pinnacle of Montana lake culture is spending the summer months on Flathead Lake. 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 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. Butler. Nestled into the scenic foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, this 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. 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. Lightvision, LLC/ Getty Images. 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. Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. The median listing price in 2020 was a very affordable $107,792. 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 . 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. 5. Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. While the area boasts hundreds of hiking trails for all levels of ability, it also offers motorboating, fishing, and, for those seeking some summer adrenaline, whitewater rafting. Median home sales price: $175,000. 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. Jordan Lake is about 25 miles north of Montgomery in Elmore County with almost a dozen homes between $300,000 and $400,000. It's all about the water sports at White Lake - tourists come to swim, boat, tube, jet ski, wake board, and the like. With Lone Star College . Consider a visit to the LEGOLAND Theme Park. Well, it all depends on where you look. Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . 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. Lake Burton. From big lakes to small ones, natural ones to human-made, there are plenty of bodies of water calling out for you to explore themand maybe even make your new home in one of the lovely towns on their shores. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. Even though only 120 people live here full-time, in the summer the Canadian border town attracts hundreds to the resorts and campsites near the shores of the 3,088-acre lake. 25. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. 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. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state.