most affordable lake towns in the south most affordable lake towns in the south

Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. 25. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. 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. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three registered freshwater lighthouses in the country. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. Florence, Alabama. Next: 10. . Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Minocqua, Wisconsin. Alaska might not be the first place most folks think of when they envision summer lake towns. Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. 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. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. 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. Well, it all depends on where you look. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. With world-class skiing nearby, Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. 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. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. 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. At B-52 Brewery, you'll find them serving up a new brew release every Friday alongside live music performances. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. Unlike beach towns, lake towns never close for an off season, so there's always plenty to do and see year-round. 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. The word is getting out. Aurora, New York. The presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. Sandpoint, Idaho, is the most expensive of the affordable lake towns, with a median list price of $429,000 and a variety of lakefront houses that . Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. 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. Lake Burton. 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. 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. Residents, many of whom move to the village for retirement, spend their days paddleboarding, fishing and swimming in the lakes or walking along 30 miles of forested trails. Best Lake Towns To Retire To in the South, 12 Lesser-Known Southern Destinations Our Editors Can't Wait To Visit In 2023, The Best Mother-Daughter Vacations to Take This Summer, 10 Prettiest Places for Fall Foliage in Tennessee, Pass Christian Is the Mississippi Beach Town You've Probably Never Heard Of, Affordable Florida Beach Towns Perfect For Your Next Vacation, 18 Perfect Fall Girlfriend Getaways To Plan Immediately. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. 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. Caddo Lake - Karnack. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First. ( (Tony Franzel for Realtor.com)) 1. 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 . Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. Yup. If you're looking for the perfect vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than Osage Beach. 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. Situated on nearly a half-acre, this house features a screened porch and is within walking distance of Roamingwood Lake. Saugatuck Dunes State Park draws adventure seekers with its massive mounds and 13 miles of sandy trails. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. And last year was already nuts! 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. Buyers can find homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, listed for $449,000. The outdoor offeringswhich often include boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, golfing, and lounging on the shoresare great ways to spend newly free hours during the weekdays and weekends. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. 5) CityFlatsHotel: A sister property to the CityFlats in downtown Grand . A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. In . Prices generally range from $400,000 to . Butler. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. 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. Marquette, Michigan. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. The quaint village offers restaurants, hotels, resorts, and fun and unique shops along its cute downtown corridor. 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 community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. (Sorry.). Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. For those looking for an affordable lake home, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch is listed for $375,000. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. While the town of Osage Beach has only 5,000 residents, there is a variety of restaurants, bars, and parks that attract visitors every summer. 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. 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. Clemson, with the cultural draws of the university and the South Carolina Botanical Garden is just a stone's throw across the water. Animal lovers will gladly pay roughly $7 ($4 for kids) to spend a couple . Located approximately 35 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne residents average $853 on monthly housing costs, ranking 12 th for this metric. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. 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. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. Located on the sandy shores of Lake Erie, Sandusky was named one of Americas best coastal towns by U.S. Today, and topped the Realtor.com 2021 list of the Most Affordable Lake Towns. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. Cost of living . You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. 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. 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 . 9. 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. They can play on the lake, ride horses, or follow off-road Jeep trails without losing access to high-speed internet and other city amenities. 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. 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. The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. 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. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. 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. 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. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. 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). 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. 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. Saugatuck, Michigan. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. 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. 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. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. 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. 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. 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. Summer and fall in the South Lake Tahoe area is synonymous with boat rentals, hiking Rubicon Trail for views of the lake, dining al fresco at Boathouse on the Pier, and sunsets savored with a bottle of wine. 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. Condos start as low as $40,000. Originally located precisely where the lake is, the town of Butler was submerged in 1948 as the reservoir filled. Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. 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. 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 . 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. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. With beautiful mountain scenery, the nearby lake (about 15 miles away), and lots of waterfall-dotted hiking trails, there's not shortage of enjoyment to be had in Western North Carolina. 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. (They come highly recommended.) The most affordable small town in every state. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, this lake is part of a chain of lakes each created by a dam to generate electricity in the area. You have the best of land and sea activities here, from hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities to boating and swimming along 42 miles of shoreline. Sean Pavone/Getty. 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. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. This three-bedroom, single-family house asking $205,000 offers down payment assistance for buyers who earn under a certain income. And if Dolly has ever spent time here, she didnt leave much of a trace. 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).. We have four seasons here, and most people like that it switches things up from boating, to snowmobiling, ice fishing, and huntingthe list goes on, says Jayson Maguire, Realtor and owner of Exit Realty Connection in Watertown. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. 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. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. 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. 1. Median home list price: $307,000. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. 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. Vacation homes are still affordable in Winsted. 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. 25. 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. Lake Burton. Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. for much of the year. And those who get seasick can avoid the water altogether with local wine tastings. Rocky River, Ohio. 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. Consider a visit to the LEGOLAND Theme Park. The area around Winter Park, Florida is a veritable lake oasis. The lakes themselves arent the only appeal. 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. But this year looks a bit different. 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. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. They were all built around the citys natural springshence the name. 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. Chattanooga, Tennessee. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. 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. 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. 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. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. There's also plenty of nature . This is a country chock-full of picturesque lakes, from the northeastern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire and Rangeley Lake in Maine, all the way to the southern California shores of Big Bear Lake. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. 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. There's something for every travel palette in this town, from the boutique shops and locally-owned restaurants, to the 9,000-foot-plus peaks boasting hiking and mountain biking trails, to the seemingly unlimited boating and water sport opportunities on the clear blue water of Lake Chelan. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. 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. The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". Covington, Louisiana. Lake Wylie covers over 13,000 acres, with a shoreline of 325 miles. The 15 Best Resorts in the Continental U.S. How to Plan the Perfect Adirondacks Vacation in Any Season Charming Towns and Gorgeous Hikes Included. There are no theme parks or big music shows. Average Home Cost: $338,035. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? 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. Crestline, California. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. 10. Its very close to pricier Lake George as well as Gore Mountain Ski Resort. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. The beach on Lake Huron at Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. 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. 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 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. Clear Lake, SD. The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. 10. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. Asheville, North Carolina. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. Its quiet and peaceful early in the morning, and bustling with waterskiers and boaters in the afternoon. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. Lake Moultrie. 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. As one of the best beach vacations in Texas, Port Aransas has everything you need for a family or solo getaway. 3. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. In addition to lakeside living, residents also take advantage of the prime fishing, picnic, and camping spots, and a scenic paved trail for bikes and pedestrians that winds through the town and around Lake Kampeska. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. Each place had to have at least 25 listings. Top 10 Cheapest Beach Towns in the US.Most people dream about buying a home near or on the beach. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. Lake Wylie is the oldest lake on the Catawba River. Greensboro is situated right on the 19,000-acre lake and is home to a posh golf community (there are six courses within Reynolds Lake Oconee). 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