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. 1. That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. 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. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com. Just outside Austin, Texas is Lakeway, along the southern shores of Lake Travis. 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. Offers may be subject to change without notice. The word is getting out. 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? Thats a whole lot of space for you to lie out, water-ski, fish, kayak, or do whatever other water-based activity you care to dream up. If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for spending one's golden years of retirement. Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. 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. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. And we specifically wanted to hone in on the best lake towns in America as a way to help travelers pinpoint exactly where to book a week-long rental or a charming inn for their next lake vacation. 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. Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. 4. 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 . William Hereford. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes . 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. 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. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. This three-bedroom, single-family house asking $205,000 offers down payment assistance for buyers who earn under a certain income. Well, it all depends on where you look. 10 of the Best Small Towns on the East Coast, 11 Most Beautiful Lakes in the United States, This Is the Largest Alpine Lake in North America and It's Perfect for Visiting Year-round, 8 Amazing California Road Trips That Take You From Big Sur to the Sierras, These Are the Best Small Towns in the South, 50 Best Romantic Getaways for a Couples Trip, 34 Last-minute Beach Trips to Extend Your Summer, 12 Best Washington State Parks for Camping. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. For many, lakeside living is the answer. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. Minocqua's quieter lakes are perfect for swimming lessons and sand castles. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. 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. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. 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? If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. 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.. You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. 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. 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. 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. 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. The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. 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. Located approximately 35 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne residents average $853 on monthly housing costs, ranking 12 th for this metric. You have the best of land and sea activities here, from hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities to boating and swimming along 42 miles of shoreline. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. 25. Flagstaff, Arizona. This waterfront home . In . There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Butler is located on the northern shore of Watauga Lake, and is actually the reconstruction of the "old" Butler. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. 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. Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. We set out on our annual hot-season quest to find the best affordable lake towns in the United Statesplaces with lots of well-priced homes, lovely and fun water scenes, and no shortage of things to do on dry land. The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes. Sean Pavone/Getty. 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. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Abingdon is one of those small towns in the south that is known for its combination of artsy vibes and historic charm. Thats where the data team at Realtor.com comes in. Idaho Falls, Idaho. 3 . In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA. It's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. 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. 1. Minocqua, Wisconsin. for much of the year. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First. Covington, Louisiana. 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. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. Laconia, New Hampshire. 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. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. And for $800,000, its possible to buy a cabin on a private island. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. Share of household income . 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. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes 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. Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. 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. Ogden, Utah. 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. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. 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. 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. 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. Asheville, North Carolina. The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. Median home sales price: $175,000. Lake Wylie covers over 13,000 acres, with a shoreline of 325 miles. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. 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. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. The 26,000-acre census-designated place boasts nine golf courses, dozens of restaurants, 14,000 residents and 11 lakes with plenty of single-family houses and townhomes on the shores. Population: 316,381. The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. 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). Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. 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. The Corpus Christi Bay area sits behind the Padre and Mustang islands. 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. Saugatuck, Michigan. Daniel has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in Housing and Community . Michigan is home to dozens of Great Lakes towns, many interchangeable, all fantastic. The bucolic town, tucked between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, offers a plethora of water sports like canoeing and water skiing. The town center of Wolfeboro is actually positioned directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72 square miles of water. The area around Winter Park, Florida is a veritable lake oasis. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. Average Home Cost: $338,035. 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. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. No. Your life in Wolfeboro will be filled with sunset swims at Brewster Beach, ice cream cones at Wolfeboro Dockside Grille & Dairy Bar, and beers at Lone Wolfe Brewing Company. 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. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. 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. Lake Tahoe, California. 3. 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. 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. This two-bedroom condo on Highland Lake, with a shared dock across the street, is for sale for $319,000. Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 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!) But in todays overheated housing market, is the concept of owning your own waterfront home a punishing fantasy or an achievable reality? There is a wide variety in a very small town.. 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. 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 lakes themselves arent the only appeal. Family-friendly activities abound at our number one Best Place to Buy a Lake House. There's something for every travel palette in this town, from the boutique shops and locally-owned restaurants, to the 9,000-foot-plus peaks boasting hiking and mountain biking trails, to the seemingly unlimited boating and water sport opportunities on the clear blue water of Lake Chelan. 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. Can it be? (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). Credit: John Noltner. Charlevoix is the perfect getaway to Lake Michigan. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. 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. Cheboygan, Michigan. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. 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. 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. Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall .