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). 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. 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. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. 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. 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. 10. Share of household income . Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. 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. Marquette, Michigan. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. At The Soda Shop, centrally located on one of Davidson's main drags, you'll find vintage sips and classic comfort food any time of the day. 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. 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. 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. It's all about the water sports at White Lake - tourists come to swim, boat, tube, jet ski, wake board, and the like. And if Dolly has ever spent time here, she didnt leave much of a trace. 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. Reality check: Most of us are no more likely find ourselves in ostentatious ocean estates in Malibu, the Hamptons, or Bal Harbour than we are to enjoy an eight-minute joyride to the edge of space. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. Methodology: GOBankingRates found 25 affordable waterfront cities by evaluating 112 of the United . 25. 24. 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. Alaska might not be the first place most folks think of when they envision summer lake towns. On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. This makes it and the nearby town of Effingham a beloved getaway for families from nearby St. Louis, a drive of about an hour-and-a-half away. 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. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. 23. Located approximately 35 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne residents average $853 on monthly housing costs, ranking 12 th for this metric. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. 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. . 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. Covington, Louisiana. * 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. 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. The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes. Its possible to get a single-family home right on one of the smaller lakes in the $100,000 range, like this three-bedroom on Center Lake for $119,800. If the skys the limit, buyers can check out a four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom mansion on Cedar Point Road listed for roughly $2.4 million. 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. 11. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. Aurora, New York sits . Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. The famously human-made lake is known for speed boating and waterfront resorts, but Osage Beach claims 420 acres of shorefront that's particularly inviting for families keen on a beach vacation. 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. Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. 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. The house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. 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). Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. This two-bedroom condo on Highland Lake, with a shared dock across the street, is for sale for $319,000. And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. Flagstaff, Arizona. Idaho Falls, Idaho. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. Located at the southern edge of Lake Keowee and just a short drive from Lake Hartwell, Seneca is a great small town for retirement. She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Conroe, Texas, has made its name as a live music destination with shows happening in town almost every day. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. 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. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. 3 . 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. 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. 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. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. Sights include the Palace Hotel and Bath House, listed on the National Historic Register, as well as the Basin Park Hotel and the supposedly haunted Crescent Hotel. But in todays overheated housing market, is the concept of owning your own waterfront home a punishing fantasy or an achievable reality? 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. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. 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. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. With Lone Star College . Whether you explore its canal-linked lakes via paddle board or a water boat cruise, you'll find plenty of lakeside dining with fresh afternoon catches along the way. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . 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 dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. * Median home list prices as of June from Realtor.com. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. 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 former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. Median home sales price: $175,000. Asheville, North Carolina. Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . Bryson City. Conroe. And last year was already nuts! Median home list price: $307,000. If Queen Dolly Partons Stampede and live country music shows arent your thing, check out the Titanic Museum, with 400 pre-Discovery artifacts spread across 20 gallerieswhich can be enjoyed in the blissful A/C. Lake Burton. Median home price: $260,000. 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.. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. 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 . Top 10 Cheapest Beach Towns in the US.Most people dream about buying a home near or on the beach. Median home list price: $248,000. 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. 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. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. What do Frank Lloyd Wright, shellfish, and the Tennessee River all have in common? 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. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. Cost of living . 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. 2 last year. The village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. For many, lakeside living is the answer. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. Set in the Ozark Mountains of Northwestern Arkansas, Eureka Springs gets a ton of visitors who want to admire the beautifully preserved architecture of its Historic District. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. 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. 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. 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. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. Lookout Belle - Flickr. 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. Then we calculated affordability by analyzing median home list prices year to date through May 2022 for these communities. 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. 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. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. 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. And those who get seasick can avoid the water altogether with local wine tastings. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. 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. And for $800,000, its possible to buy a cabin on a private island. 25. 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. Lake Tahoe, California. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. 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!) Entry-level lake homes start in the $100,000s such as this $155,000 four-bedroom with a giant deck. 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. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". . Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. 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. Aside from focusing on the worlds largest collection of standing totem poles, amateur photographers can point their cameras in nearly any direction and capture a gorgeous view of the citys jaw-dropping natural beauty. Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. Located at the mouth of the Cheboygan River on Lake Huron, the town offers clear waters and a gorgeous shoreline. Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. 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. The town of Lake Placid, set on the banks of, you guessed it, Lake Placid, is probably best known as the home of the 1980 (and 1932!) 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. 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. 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. If your ideal lakeside lifestyle is a bit more social, Crane Lake has you covered. 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. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. As for housing, there is something for any price range. There's also plenty of nature . 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. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. 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. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. The Fort Worth side of the lake is more expensive than the Azle side, where prices are lower and the commute is longer (there is no bridge across the lake). The Corpus Christi Bay area sits behind the Padre and Mustang islands. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three registered freshwater lighthouses in the country. $376,111. Those interested in a vacation getaway can snag this four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house located about 1.4 miles from the Guy Sandy boat ramp on Arbuckle Lake for $275,000. The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. Canyon Lake. 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.. 3. If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. 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. 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. Supported by natural spring and rain water, White Lake is a 1,200-acre body of water in North Carolina, and the town welcomes 200,000 tourists each summer. for much of the year. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. Just outside Austin, Texas is Lakeway, along the southern shores of Lake Travis. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Population: 316,381. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. 4. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. 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. Unlike beach towns, lake towns never close for an off season, so there's always plenty to do and see year-round. 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. These towns are not only right on the waterfront of the country's clearest and most sought-after lakes - they have bustling town centers and lively culture within. 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. You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. 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. 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. #13. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. 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. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First. Legend has it that seven mineral springs in Springs Park have healing powers. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. Although offerings vary by location, youre likely to find options for boating, fishing and paddle boarding, said Wedgeworth. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. Clear Lake, SD. 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. The beach on Lake Huron at Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin. Lake Burton. 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. 13. The small lakes around Chestertown have been booming with second home buyers this year, who make up about 80% of the real estate market. The town center of Wolfeboro is actually positioned directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72 square miles of water. The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. 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 charming red-brick downtown is filled with fun shops and restaurants.