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. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Florence is a fun small town with great downtown shops and restaurants as well as outdoor adventure in Shoal Creek Preserve and Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve. Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. 5. 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. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. 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. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA. 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. 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. 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. Near Klamath Falls. 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. If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. 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. 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. 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. 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). Watch the sun set over the town while grabbing a pint at Oconee Brewing Company, or beat the early bird crowd and catch the sunrise with a side of coffee and buttermilk pancakes at Caf 44. 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. The town has less than 2,000 permanent residents, which gives it a . For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. The most affordable small town in every state. 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. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. Buyers can find single-family homes just blocks from the water starting in the $400,000s, like this $419,000, three-bedroom house just outside town. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford 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. 1. There are several nearby lakes: Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes, and Black Lake. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. 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. Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit 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. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. 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. 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. There has been a lot of new development in the area, as more people from out of state discover the Spirit Lake area, says Schaben. This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. (Sorry.). There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. 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. Here buyers can find a lake home for under $200,000, if they are willing to make some renovations, such as this $175,000 four-bedroom across the street from the beach. However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Aurora, New York. In . The village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. 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. 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.. Callawassie Island, located in the heart of the Lowcountry, is a private, gated island community offering world-class Tom Fazio golf and a full complement of amenities including a tennis center, clubhouse, pools, fitness center, and River Club. Covington, Louisiana. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. As for housing, there is something for any price range. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. Dillon's overall cost of living score is 88, compared to South Carolina's 94 and the national average of 100. The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. This waterfront home . 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 . 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. Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. for much of the year. Retirees interested in exploring the outdoors . 2 last year. Boone, North Carolina. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. 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. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. 1. Lightvision, LLC/ Getty Images. 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. 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. 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. When it comes to American lakes, Maine's got game. 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. The charming red-brick downtown is filled with fun shops and restaurants. 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. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. Buyers can find homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, listed for $449,000. 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? Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. Legend has it that seven mineral springs in Springs Park have healing powers. 4. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. Spanning 2,600 acres, the lake of the Woods master-planned lake paradise offers residents exclusive access to its on-site equestrian center, 18-hole PGA golf . Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. Michigan is home to dozens of Great Lakes towns, many interchangeable, all fantastic. Family-friendly activities abound at our number one Best Place to Buy a Lake House. 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 house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. With Lone Star College . These days, with fears of Covid, some may not like the idea of opening their home to outsiders and possibly investing more money in cleaning. More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the . The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Nothing says summertime bliss like hanging out in a lake town, watching the glowing sun set in the company of friends and family, sightseeing, visiting the local farmers market for fresh veggies and kicking back in a cozy cabin. 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. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. Minocqua's quieter lakes are perfect for swimming lessons and sand castles. 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. 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.. 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. Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. Canyon Lake. If you're looking for the perfect vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than Osage Beach. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. 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. Here is a lake town that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout all four seasons. This three-bedroom, single-family house asking $205,000 offers down payment assistance for buyers who earn under a certain income. 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. Greenwood, South Carolina. 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? If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. Next: 25. 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. 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. 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. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. The median listing price in 2020 was a very affordable $107,792. 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. 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. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. 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. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. 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. Hot Springs Village is the largest gated community in the United States. On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. 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. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. 13. William Hereford. 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).. Lake Wylie is a 13,400 acre lake that was created for hydro-electric power, but is also used as a recreational facility by its nearby towns - which includes the rather famous Tega Cay, known for the Jim Bakker/PTL Club extravagance. The beach on Lake Huron at Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin. 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. What do Frank Lloyd Wright, shellfish, and the Tennessee River all have in common? Located near Lake Toxaway, the largest private lake in the state, Cashiers has long been a favorite vacation spot and has also inspired people to relocate there for retirement. The events of the past year drove additional interest, says Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. Rent a house right on the shores of Flathead Lake, or book a cabin at the all-inclusive Flathead Lake Lodge for a memorable dude ranch experience. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. 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. Lookout Belle - Flickr. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. 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. 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. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. However, the Salmon Capital of the World, as Ketchikan is known, is built up along the waterfront due to its steep and mostly forested terrain. Just outside Austin, Texas is Lakeway, along the southern shores of Lake Travis. 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. Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. No. Healthcare is another notable bargain, running 12% . A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. 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. 1. Lake Burton. Saugatuck, Michigan. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. Well, it all depends on where you look. This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. 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. Median home price: $260,000. 24. But this year looks a bit different. Cheboygan, Michigan. 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). The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for spending one's golden years of retirement. The pinnacle of Montana lake culture is spending the summer months on Flathead Lake. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. The small lakes around Chestertown have been booming with second home buyers this year, who make up about 80% of the real estate market. 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. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. Buyers who want to get in on the monthly drum circles in Basin Springs Park can find great deals on homes close to downtown, such as this renovated three-bedroom asking $279,000. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. Lake Burton. Lakeway Resort & Spa is the place to be in the area - not just for those looking for a lovely lakeside hotel, but for those renting in the area who want to book a spa day or dinner at the resort. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. 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. 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. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. 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. Caddo Lake - Karnack. Explore the Seneca Historic District where wraparound porches are a staple on every home and Southern charm is a way of life, then grab a bite to eat at Dimas Brothers Caf before renting a kayak at Lake Keowee Marina to take in the views on the water. 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. It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. Conroe. The town center of Wolfeboro is actually positioned directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72 square miles of water. There's also plenty of nature . Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. 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. 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. The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes. 4) Holland State Park Beach: An expansive, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, each with its own campground. 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 . Lake Sara has a bit of everything. 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. 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. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. Population: 316,381. 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. 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. Enjoy the natural beauty while hiking through the park, or set out for a swim in nearby Greers Ferry Lake. Daniel has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in Housing and Community . Median home sales price: $175,000. 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. According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. This two-bedroom condo on Highland Lake, with a shared dock across the street, is for sale for $319,000. The bucolic town, tucked between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, offers a plethora of water sports like canoeing and water skiing. The 43,000 acres of Table Rock Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. Tucked way up in northern Minnesota, Ely is secluded and full of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. Asheville, North Carolina. Rocky River, Ohio. Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com.

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