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. 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. 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. 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. Average Home Cost: $338,035. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. Lake Tahoe, California. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. 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. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First. Here are the 25 most affordable places for renters currently, according to Zillow. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. With world-class skiing nearby, Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Located along the Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake is one of the most picturesque places to own a home, and it just so happens to also be the most affordable. (Sorry.). Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. Crestline, California. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. Hot Springs Village is the largest gated community in the United States. 5) CityFlatsHotel: A sister property to the CityFlats in downtown Grand . 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. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. 5. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. 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. Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. Unlike beach towns, lake towns never close for an off season, so there's always plenty to do and see year-round. Connected to Marion through a water bridge called the Diversion Canal, Lake Moultrie is a smaller lake but is still the third largest lake in South Carolina. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. 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. Kick up your feet at the Inn on the Square between grub sessions at Good Times Brewing at The Mill House and the Cheeseburger House. 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. And for $800,000, its possible to buy a cabin on a private island. Boone, North Carolina. Sandusky, OH. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. Just an hour-and-a-half by car from Birmingham, Guntersville boasts nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline on more than 69,000 acres of water. And if Dolly has ever spent time here, she didnt leave much of a trace. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. The median listing price in 2020 was a very affordable $107,792. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. 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. Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall . On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade 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. 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. 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. At Rarity Bay . $376,111. For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. Sean Pavone/Getty. 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. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. Located about 85 miles outside of Atlanta, Greensboro is situated on Lake Oconee, a 19,000-acre lake that's also a popular destination for golfing, boating, and fishing. Marquette, Michigan. Condos start as low as $40,000. Lightvision, LLC/ Getty Images. With Lone Star College . But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. 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. Lake Moultrie. 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. Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. Aurora, New York sits . People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. 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. Covington, Louisiana. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. 23. Next: 10. To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. There's also plenty of nature . For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. 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. Asheville, North Carolina. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Healthcare is another notable bargain, running 12% . There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. The 43,000 acres of Table Rock Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. Port Aransas. Starting at under $200,000, buyers can find comfortable homes right near the shore, such as this four-bedroom ranch just around the corner from the boat ramp, asking $184,900. The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most With the campsites, the natural spring water, the scenic views around the park, and the lake, its just so calming and relaxing, says Misty Treptow, executive director of the Sulphur Chamber of Commerce. Bryson City. 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 . Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. 01 of 10. 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. 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? 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. Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com. Chattanooga, Tennessee. The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. . Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? Located in the Adirondack Mountains and surrounded by rivers famous for fly-fishing, cliffs made for climbing (and jumping), and lakes ideal for a host of water sports, Lake Placid is one of the most sought-after vacation spots in New York. Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. The town has less than 2,000 permanent residents, which gives it a . 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. 10. for much of the year. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. 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. Located approximately 35 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne residents average $853 on monthly housing costs, ranking 12 th for this metric. The lakes in the region include Osceola, Maitland (pictured), Minnehaha, Virginia, and Mizell, and those who visit and live in Winter Park can enjoy them all. 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. 13. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. Median home sales price: $175,000. 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. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. * Median home list prices as of June from Realtor.com. Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. 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. Located about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, Gainesville has city draws along with a branch of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a nature center, visual arts center, and a history center. Abingdon, Virginia. 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. Share of household income . 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. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the . Top 10 Cheapest Beach Towns in the US.Most people dream about buying a home near or on the beach. 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. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. Venture into Ithaca, New York for dinner at Maxie's Supper Club, visit Heart & Hands Wine Company in nearby Union Springs, and of course, stay at Inns of Aurora for a luxurious lakeside escape at one of their five beautifully curated inns. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. Rocky River, Ohio. 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. If you're looking for the perfect vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than Osage Beach. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. As one of the best beach vacations in Texas, Port Aransas has everything you need for a family or solo getaway. There are no theme parks or big music shows. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. 1. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. 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. 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. What do Frank Lloyd Wright, shellfish, and the Tennessee River all have in common? 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. After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. 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. The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes. Minocqua's quieter lakes are perfect for swimming lessons and sand castles. Marble Falls in the Highland Lakes Region is becoming one of the best-known tourist destinations in the central part of the state. 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. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. Located at the mouth of the Cheboygan River on Lake Huron, the town offers clear waters and a gorgeous shoreline. Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices. Then we calculated affordability by analyzing median home list prices year to date through May 2022 for these communities. Its basically the complete opposite of Bransonaside from, you know, the lakes. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. 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. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three registered freshwater lighthouses in the country. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city.