Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. 24. 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. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. Tucked way up in northern Minnesota, Ely is secluded and full of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests. 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. Marquette, Michigan. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. 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 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns for Homebuyers, 2021, Avoid the Crowds and Take the Plunge: Top Affordable Lake Towns in the U.S., 2020 Edition. That makes it appealing for investors as well as folks who stay there part of the time and rent out for the rest, to help pay off their mortgages. Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. 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. Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. Charlevoix is the perfect getaway to Lake Michigan. To come up with our list of the nations most affordable lake towns, we looked at more than 11,000 towns with or on lakes. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. 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. 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. 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. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. 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? TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. 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. With Lone Star College . Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. At B-52 Brewery, you'll find them serving up a new brew release every Friday alongside live music performances. Realtor.com has rounded up its list of the most affordable lake towns where you can find a home that is either directly on a lake or close enough to get a great view. Alaska might not be the first place most folks think of when they envision summer lake towns. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. 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. Located about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, Gainesville has city draws along with a branch of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a nature center, visual arts center, and a history center. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. 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!) 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. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. Cayuga Lake is known for its stunning wine trail and Aurora, nestled right on the shores of Cayuga, is in close proximity to wineries along the lake as well as wineries lining the adjacent Seneca Lake. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. For some vacation homeowners, renting out their property has meant accepting the fact that a booking could possibly entail more risk than reward during the coronavirus pandemic. Dillon's overall cost of living score is 88, compared to South Carolina's 94 and the national average of 100. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . 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. 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. Average Home Cost: $338,035. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. 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. Just an hour-and-a-half by car from Birmingham, Guntersville boasts nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline on more than 69,000 acres of water. 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. 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. The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. 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. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. Saugatuck, Michigan. Share of household income . 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. 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. 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. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. 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. For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. House hunters who want easy access to entertainment after paddleboarding, kayaking, or boating across 43,000 acres of water will appreciate one of the many waterfront homes on Table Rock Lake. 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. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. Median home sales price: $175,000. Median home list price: $248,000. This waterfront home . Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? We set out on our annual hot-season quest to find the best affordable lake towns in the United Statesplaces with lots of well-priced homes, lovely and fun water scenes, and no shortage of things to do on dry land. For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. 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.. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. People are realizing they dont have to be in the city and suburbs, so they can be out there, says Stephen Bednarski, a real estate agent with Mark Martin and Company. The first is its sheer size. Crestline, California. 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. Scott. The past few years of the COVID-19 pandemic brought hordes of well-heeled buyers into vacation destinations, bidding up prices and purchasing any and all available real estate. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Clear Lake, SD. Conroe. The cold winters allow for hockey and ice fishing, and the warmer months . 1. Beaufort, North Carolina, one of the Southeast's oldest and most charming beach towns, is at the southern tip of North Carolina's Crystal Coast. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. 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). 25. The quaint village offers restaurants, hotels, resorts, and fun and unique shops along its cute downtown corridor. There are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. 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. 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. 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. 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 lakes themselves arent the only appeal. 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. 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. 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. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. 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. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall . RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. 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. (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). 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. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. 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. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. And those who get seasick can avoid the water altogether with local wine tastings. Well, it all depends on where you look. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. Coos Bay, Oregon. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. 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. The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. The most affordable small town in every state. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. Cheboygan, Michigan. 13. Asheville, North Carolina. 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. 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. Baraboo, Wisconsin. Marble Falls in the Highland Lakes Region is becoming one of the best-known tourist destinations in the central part of the state. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. 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. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA. It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. 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. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. Saugatuck Dunes State Park draws adventure seekers with its massive mounds and 13 miles of sandy trails. 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. 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. Single-family homes on the water start in the high $300,000s to low $400,000 range, such as this four-bedroom on 2.31 acres listed at $410,000 or this three-bedroom on the market for $399,000. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream 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. 2 last year. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. 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. Single-family homes on the water start in the high $300,000s to low $400,000 range, such as this four-bedroom on 2.31 acres listed at $410,000 or this three-bedroom on the market for $399,000. However, those who want a waterfront view should expect to spend $400,000 and up, such as this lakefront two-bedroom with a rooftop deck listed for $499,999. Clemson, with the cultural draws of the university and the South Carolina Botanical Garden is just a stone's throw across the water. Gigabit ISP: C Spire ($80/month) Zillow Home Value Index: $165,574. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? 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. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. 1. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. Located in the Poconos Mountains, Lake Ariel is a true small town with a population of about 14,500. 25. Median home price: $260,000. 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. 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. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year.