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. 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. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. Bryson City. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. The Tennessee River runs between the two, and the stretch between Wilson Dam and Wheeler Dam is known as Wilson Lake, a popular reservoir for fishing. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes . Condos start as low as $40,000. 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. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. 10 . In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. 1. 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. At a time when many Americans are trying to manage life under lockdown, a home where you can enjoy the outdoors is looking more and more appealingnot just as a weekend-only getaway, but potentially for year-round living, if you have the ability to work remotely, said realtor.com housing expert Cicely Wedgeworth. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. 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. The 43,000 acres of Table Rock Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. 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. Situated on nearly a half-acre, this house features a screened porch and is within walking distance of Roamingwood Lake. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. 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. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. 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. 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. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? 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. With serene scenes, mountain-framed horizons, and breathtaking stretches of river and lake valleys, lake life looks different in every state, and we're here to celebrate them all. 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 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. William Hereford. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. 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. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. 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. 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. 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. 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. Minocqua's quieter lakes are perfect for swimming lessons and sand castles. For those looking for an affordable lake home, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch is listed for $375,000. 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. There are several nearby lakes: Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes, and Black 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. . Population: 316,381. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. From big lakes to small ones, natural ones to human-made, there are plenty of bodies of water calling out for you to explore themand maybe even make your new home in one of the lovely towns on their shores. If they already had one home by the lake and they had another home in an expensive city and you had to consolidate, which are you going to choose? she says. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. 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. Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. 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. 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. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. Animal lovers will gladly pay roughly $7 ($4 for kids) to spend a couple . South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. 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. 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. Originally located precisely where the lake is, the town of Butler was submerged in 1948 as the reservoir filled. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. 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. With world-class skiing nearby, Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Its basically the complete opposite of Bransonaside from, you know, the lakes. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. 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. 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. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. 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. The cold winters allow for hockey and ice fishing, and the warmer months . 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. Conroe, Texas, has made its name as a live music destination with shows happening in town almost every day. Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. Prices generally range from $400,000 to . 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. 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 former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. 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. This waterfront home . There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. 11. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. Although offerings vary by location, youre likely to find options for boating, fishing and paddle boarding, said Wedgeworth. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. 25. 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. With pandemic restrictions easing upand American life returning to something akin to normallocking in a home on the water is feeling like less of an imperative to some would-be buyers. According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. 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. Sandusky, OH. 23. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. Beaufort, North Carolina. Healthcare is another notable bargain, running 12% . The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. Plan a visit. 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. 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. 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. You can drive 30 minutes to Austin to go out for a meal or take in some live music, or unwind in the quieter suburb of Lakeway, where you'll still find great barbeque and Tex-Mex. 3. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? Lake Burton. Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. 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. 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. The region boasts seven lakes, with the three largest natural bodies of water located in the town proper: Big Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake, and East Okoboji Lake. 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. Those looking for history and a well-preserved downtown will enjoy the heart of this city, while those keen on a lake vacation can head straight to Basin Harbor, a resort on Lake Champlain celebrating its 135th season. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. What do Frank Lloyd Wright, shellfish, and the Tennessee River all have in common? Marquette, Michigan. 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. Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. With Lone Star College . Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. Idaho Falls, Idaho. Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. Sean Pavone/Getty. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? Trout fishing is popular on Lake Taneycomo. 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. The family-friendly area boasts water sports and a drive-in movie theater in the summer months with plenty of hockey, ice fishing and other outdoor winter sports during the colder parts of the year. Next: 10. 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. Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. 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. And while plenty has changed over previous years, one thing remains constant: an overwhelming desire among many Americans to head to the waterand, just maybe, consider what it would take to own a house there. Median home sales price: $175,000. To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. 24. Winter Olympics. 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. 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. This four-bedroom with views of Sandusky Bay is listed at $355,000. 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.. The charming red-brick downtown is filled with fun shops and restaurants. This three-bedroom, single-family house asking $205,000 offers down payment assistance for buyers who earn under a certain income. 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. Butler. ( (Tony Franzel for Realtor.com)) 1. And with inflation rising, stock and cryptocurrency markets taking a beating, and fears of another recession mounting, plenty of well-off Americans are holding off on buying yet another home. Cost of living . For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. 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. 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. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. 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. A majority of the population is seasonal. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. 4) Holland State Park Beach: An expansive, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, each with its own campground. Eureka, California. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. Asheville, North Carolina. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. 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. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. The 0.67-acre lot is one of the last waterfront building sites in the village of Lake Placid and comes with 295 feet of sandy waterfront. If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. 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. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three registered freshwater lighthouses in the country. 01 of 10. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. 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). At Rarity Bay . 10. As for housing, there is something for any price range. Theres also the noteworthy shops and restaurants located in the towns eight-block business district, which happens to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. 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. The quaint village offers restaurants, hotels, resorts, and fun and unique shops along its cute downtown corridor. 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. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. 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. If your ideal lakeside lifestyle is a bit more social, Crane Lake has you covered. For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. Just a three-hour drive east of Seattle, this high desert town is the sunny escape from the rain and clouds of the coastal Pacific Northwest. 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 . Can it be? Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. 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 area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. 25. Clear Lake, SD. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? Canyon Lake. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. 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. There are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . 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. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. Ogden, Utah. Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. Coos Bay, Oregon. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 3. Yup. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. 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. 10. 9. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. 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. Scout a rental property to live out your Southern lake dream sequence, or stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee in Greensboro for waterfront five-star accommodations. Share of household income . 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. Methodology: GOBankingRates found 25 affordable waterfront cities by evaluating 112 of the United . When it comes to American lakes, Maine's got game. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. The presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes. Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. Its easy to spend an entire day outdoors in Ashland, either fishing in the deep waters of Chequamegon Bay, hiking to one of the many nearby waterfalls, or simply counting the different species of birds flying over the bay.