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).. Population: 316,381. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. Prices generally range from $400,000 to . Lake of the Ozarks, MO. The events of the past year drove additional interest, says Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty. There is a wide variety in a very small town.. For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. 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 quaint village offers restaurants, hotels, resorts, and fun and unique shops along its cute downtown corridor. Situated on nearly a half-acre, this house features a screened porch and is within walking distance of Roamingwood Lake. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. 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. 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!) In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. 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. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. Aurora, New York. 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. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. 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. But there are also plenty of folks whod prefer to be right in town, within walking distance to dozens of restaurants, the performance center, and the nearly 30 sculptures spread throughout downtown. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. Closer to town, those similar units near the large body of water go for at least an extra $100,000if not moresuch as this three-bedroom asking $539,000. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. 25. When it comes to American lakes, Maine's got game. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? 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. 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. 2 . 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. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. And last year was already nuts! Many places with lake houses have activities. 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. Eureka, California. Greenwood, South Carolina. 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. 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. Median home list price: $307,000. The small lakes around Chestertown have been booming with second home buyers this year, who make up about 80% of the real estate market. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. 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. 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 . When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. 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. 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. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. 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. 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. Canyon Lake. Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. Average Home Cost: $338,035. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? There are several nearby lakes: Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes, and Black Lake. There are no theme parks or big music shows. 1. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. 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. Coos Bay, Oregon. Nestled on Lake Lure in the forested hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the eponymous small town has unparalleled outdoor attractions, including the lake with its wide beach, greenways, golf courses, hiking trails, and Chimney Rock. 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. Located in the Poconos Mountains, Lake Ariel is a true small town with a population of about 14,500. The community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 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. 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. Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. Baraboo, Wisconsin. 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. Each place had to have at least 25 listings. * 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. 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. As for housing, there is something for any price range. 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. 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 . People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. 20 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the U.S. 11 Best Lake Tahoe Beaches With Sandy Shores and Mountain Views, The Best Small Towns in the U.S. to See Fall Foliage. 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. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. It boasts quaint shops and restaurants that surround the town square and plenty of locals who like to watch the passers-by as they sip beverages on their front porches. Located about 85 miles outside of Atlanta, Greensboro is situated on Lake Oconee, a 19,000-acre lake that's also a popular destination for golfing, boating, and fishing. 01 of 10. Lake Moultrie. And for $800,000, its possible to buy a cabin on a private island. Healthcare is another notable bargain, running 12% . 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. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. 22. 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. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. 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. 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. Whether you're renting a lake house for the summer, or looking for a lakeside long weekend to book this fall, these are the 15 best lake towns in America. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Winter Olympics. And all of them are great for those seeking escape in the spring and fall as wellno small consideration these days. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. Spirit Lake also offers a host of museums and local historical sites such as the Dickinson County Heritage Center and the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. 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.. 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. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. 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. 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. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. 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. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. Lake Wylie- South Carolina/North Carolina. Located just south of the Iowa-Minnesota border, Spirit Lake sits on the western shore of East Okoboji Lake, in the Iowa Great Lakes region. 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. It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. 4. No. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. 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. Its perfect for outdoor recreation with acres to hike and canoe. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. 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. Charlevoix is the perfect getaway to Lake Michigan. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. These lake towns might not be ones with the highest name recognition or bragging rights, but they do offer a host of fun water activitiesand the privacy and small-town feel missing from bigger, more populated vacation spots.

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