Located at the southern edge of Lake Keowee and just a short drive from Lake Hartwell, Seneca is a great small town for retirement. This three-bedroom, single-family house asking $205,000 offers down payment assistance for buyers who earn under a certain income. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. A majority of the population is seasonal. 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. 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. Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. 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. Catering to guests from around the world, this working dude ranch offers guided trail rides, horseback riding lessons, stocked fishing ponds, and an all-inclusive resort experience. 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. But this year looks a bit different. Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. Editor's Note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream 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. 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. For many, lakeside living is the answer. 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. Near Klamath Falls. 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).. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. 25. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. The 43,000 acres of Table Rock Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. 01 of 10. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. Your life in Wolfeboro will be filled with sunset swims at Brewster Beach, ice cream cones at Wolfeboro Dockside Grille & Dairy Bar, and beers at Lone Wolfe Brewing Company. 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 region's McGhee and North . Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. Cheboygan, Michigan. 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. They were all built around the citys natural springshence the name. 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. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. And all of them are great for those seeking escape in the spring and fall as wellno small consideration these days. The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. There are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . 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. 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. (Sorry.). Treptow notes that the town has seen an uptick in the number of visitors to the area, as well as folks who have decided to turn their lake homes into their permanent homes. Saugatuck, Michigan. Winter Olympics. Lake Tahoe, California. The charming red-brick downtown is filled with fun shops and restaurants. Average Home Cost: $338,035. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. Maya Kachroo-Levine is the luxury and experiences editor at. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. Healthcare is another notable bargain, running 12% . 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. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. 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. 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. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. 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. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. At Rarity Bay . The small lakes around Chestertown have been booming with second home buyers this year, who make up about 80% of the real estate market. Sandusky, OH. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. 25. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. 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. Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. Clear Lake, SD. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. 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. Hot Springs Village is the largest gated community in the United States. The area is quiet and the weather is warm in the winter. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. Minocqua, Wisconsin. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. Clearlake is one the more affordable lake towns in California, with average home prices just under $200,000. 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. Michigan is home to dozens of Great Lakes towns, many interchangeable, all fantastic. 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. The gateway to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley, this hidden gem, just 35 minutes north of Salt Lake City, sits at 4,280 feet and is adjacent to 170,000 acres of national forest. 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. If your ideal lakeside lifestyle is a bit more social, Crane Lake has you covered. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. Thats where the data team at Realtor.com comes in. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. 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. Buyers can find homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, listed for $449,000. Top 10 Cheapest Beach Towns in the US.Most people dream about buying a home near or on the beach. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. 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. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. 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. 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. 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. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . 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. 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. 4. 9. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". No. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. 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. 5. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. You'll also find the town of Bigfork, Montana, which has old Western resort town energy, not dissimilar to the ski towns you'd find in Colorado mining country. Charlevoix is the perfect getaway to Lake Michigan. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. 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. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Consider a visit to the LEGOLAND Theme Park. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com. Buyers want to be as close to the water as possible, whether in a condo near the lakelike this one-bedroom asking $160,500or in a single-family house. 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. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. 3. It's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. 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. 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. 5) CityFlatsHotel: A sister property to the CityFlats in downtown Grand . Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. 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. Every outdoor activity you can imagineswimming, hiking, rock climbing, golfing, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, and moreis possible at Lake Lure, and you'll still find plenty of time for relaxation once the sun sinks behind Chimney Rock each evening. No. William Hereford. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. Aurora, New York sits . #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. 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. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. The house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. Lake Moultrie. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. Marquette, Michigan. Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. 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. Located at the mouth of the Cheboygan River on Lake Huron, the town offers clear waters and a gorgeous shoreline. 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. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. Idaho Falls, Idaho. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. 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.