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. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. The 15 Best Affordable Beach Vacations in America - Reader's Digest 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. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. Maya Kachroo-Levine is the luxury and experiences editor at. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. 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. 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. For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. Legend has it that seven mineral springs in Springs Park have healing powers. 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? She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. Lightvision, LLC/ Getty Images. The town center of Wolfeboro is actually positioned directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72 square miles of water. Vacation homes are still affordable in Winsted. When on dry land, you might hit a casino (Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania) or theme park (Branson, Missouri), tubing or go-karting (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin), or enjoy strolling through the shops and restaurants of a historic district (Vermilion, Ohio).. 10 . Condos start as low as $40,000. The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for spending one's golden years of retirement. Lookout Belle - Flickr. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. 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.. According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. Its also a prized destination for great shopping and local activitieslike a top-notch weekly farmers marketand its welcoming community vibe, says Jen Schaben, real estate agent with Stauss Realty in Okoboji. Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. Treat your family to a boat tour aboard the M/S Mount Washington, which has been cruising the lake for nearly 150 years, and if you're looking for a charming hotel, Pickering House Inn is just the place. With Lone Star College . Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. 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. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. Lake Wylie is the oldest lake on the Catawba River. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. 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. 3 . 25 of the most affordable waterfront cities in America - USA TODAY About half an hour from Orlando, Clermont is the heart of this multi-lake community and is also close to Lake Louisa (the largest of the Clermont Chain of Lakes). Lake Burton. It is also renowned as the most hippie town in the state, offering drum circles, natural food options, and plenty of community art scattered across town. Buyers can find lakeview condos starting in the $200,000 range, such as this three-bedroom listed at $298,000 a bit farther from town. 1. The bucolic town, tucked between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, offers a plethora of water sports like canoeing and water skiing. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. Buyers can find three-season cottages on the water that need some fixing up starting in the $100,000 range, like this two-bedroom ranch with river access listed for $125,000. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. 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. In between shopping, dont miss the reason Ashland is called the Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin. Roughly two dozen murals dot the downtown district, depicting the lively history of the former logging town. The community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. Lake Tahoe, California. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. Median home list price: $307,000. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Louisiana For 2022 - HomeSnacks Plan a visit. 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. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. Idaho Falls, Idaho. In . The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . 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. 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. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. 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. 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. The Most Underrated Small Towns Near Lake Tahoe - California In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. 11 Affordable Places to Retire on the Waterfront - Topretirements 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. Best South Carolina Lakes to Buy Lakefront Property Its basically the complete opposite of Bransonaside from, you know, the lakes. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. 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. However, for those who are willing to rent out their vacation homes, there is a greater demand for such getaways, particularly if they are within driving distance of a larger metro.. Median home list price: $248,000. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. Daniel has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in Housing and Community . 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. Next: 10. ( (Tony Franzel for Realtor.com)) 1. 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. Maine is home to (literally) thousands of lakes and ponds, from the largest lake, Moosehead, to midsize lakes like Portland-adjacent Sebago Lake and Rangeley Lake near the middle of the state. Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall . 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. for much of the year. When you're wiped from a day spent on the water and under the sun at Lake Conroe, there's nothing like kicking back at a local brewery and enjoying some tunes. 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. The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes. 10 Best Lakes in Georgia - From North to South - Lake Rabun Hotel 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? 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. 25. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. 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. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. Bryson City. Best Lake Towns In America - Best Lake Towns to Retire - Country Living Most Affordable Small Towns - Business Insider The 1,500-square-foot footprint allows for a second story, allowing the buyer to build a stunning 3,000-square-foot home on the water. This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. Most Affordable Lake Towns in Texas - Neighborhoods.com 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. 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. Lake Wylie- South Carolina/North Carolina. Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. Entry-level lake homes start in the $100,000s such as this $155,000 four-bedroom with a giant deck. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. Located at the mouth of the Cheboygan River on Lake Huron, the town offers clear waters and a gorgeous shoreline. 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. Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . Winsted, Connecticut is a picturesque community is home to Highland Lake, one of the largest lakes in Connecticut and a popular spot for residents to beat the summer heat. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Median home price: $260,000. The presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. Admire the view of the Tennessee River from the McFarland Park Fishing Pier and be sure to grab a bite to eat at Stanfield's River Bottom Grill with a dockside view of the harbor. With beautiful mountain scenery, the nearby lake (about 15 miles away), and lots of waterfall-dotted hiking trails, there's not shortage of enjoyment to be had in Western North Carolina. 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. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. Can it be? Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. This two-bedroom condo on Highland Lake, with a shared dock across the street, is for sale for $319,000. Just outside Austin, Texas is Lakeway, along the southern shores of Lake Travis. 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. 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. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state. What do Frank Lloyd Wright, shellfish, and the Tennessee River all have in common? 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). Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. 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. It's all about the water sports at White Lake - tourists come to swim, boat, tube, jet ski, wake board, and the like. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . 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. 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. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. The 10 Best Lakes to Call Home - D Magazine 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. Ogden, Utah. Thats where the data team at Realtor.com comes in. 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. Healthcare is another notable bargain, running 12% . Charlevoix is the perfect getaway to Lake Michigan. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. 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. 12 Cheapest Small Towns in America | Kiplinger The region's McGhee and North . Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. 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. Best Lake Towns To Retire To in the South - Southern Living 15 Best Lakes in Georgia - The Crazy Tourist His company sells lake homes in 33 states. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts.