most affordable lake towns in the south

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. Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. Canyon Lake. Condos start as low as $40,000. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? 3. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for spending one's golden years of retirement. Trout fishing is popular on Lake Taneycomo. When it comes to American lakes, Maine's got game. These days, with fears of Covid, some may not like the idea of opening their home to outsiders and possibly investing more money in cleaning. The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. As one of the best beach vacations in Texas, Port Aransas has everything you need for a family or solo getaway. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. While the area boasts hundreds of hiking trails for all levels of ability, it also offers motorboating, fishing, and, for those seeking some summer adrenaline, whitewater rafting. At Rarity Bay . You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. 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. 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. Located at the mouth of the Cheboygan River on Lake Huron, the town offers clear waters and a gorgeous shoreline. 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. Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. 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. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. Just outside Austin, Texas is Lakeway, along the southern shores of Lake Travis. Near Klamath Falls. She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. 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. After spending the day on Lake Norman, North Carolina's largest man-made lake, pop into any of the locally owned shops for a handmade souvenir. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. 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. This charming Missouri town is nestled in the Ozarks on the shores of Table Rock Lake and has lots of outdoor activities happening in and around the lake year-round, as well as indoor attractions including museums, galleries, and a historic downtown district filled with shops and restaurants. Minocqua, Wisconsin. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 3. 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!) Marquette, Michigan. 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. Covington, Louisiana. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 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. $376,111. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. Although offerings vary by location, youre likely to find options for boating, fishing and paddle boarding, said Wedgeworth. This lake town is brimming with charming accommodations, too, from the more modern Hotel Earl to the historic Bridge Street Inn and the waterfront Edgewater Inn & Suites. Port Aransas. No. 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. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. 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 lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. If your ideal lakeside lifestyle is a bit more social, Crane Lake has you covered. 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 town center of Wolfeboro is actually positioned directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72 square miles of water. And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. 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. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. 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. 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. With Lone Star College . Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. 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. Laconia, New Hampshire. 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. Yup. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. 13. The lakes themselves arent the only appeal. 2 . Its basically the complete opposite of Bransonaside from, you know, the lakes. And last year was already nuts! I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. 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. 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. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. 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. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. 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. 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. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. Listed at $129,900, this house is close to the lake walk and Ashlands vibrant downtown. Top 10 Cheapest Beach Towns in the US.Most people dream about buying a home near or on the beach. There are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. 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. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. 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. Originally located precisely where the lake is, the town of Butler was submerged in 1948 as the reservoir filled. 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. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. 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 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). Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. 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.. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. 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. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. 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. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First. 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. 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. 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. three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, The 10 Most Affordable Places To Buy A Vacation Home, How to Buy a Second Home (Hint: It Wont Be Like Your First), Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. 10. Daniel has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in Housing and Community . Thats where the data team at Realtor.com comes in. 4. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. Lake Wylie covers over 13,000 acres, with a shoreline of 325 miles. for much of the year. Next: 10. If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. (Sorry.). Animal lovers will gladly pay roughly $7 ($4 for kids) to spend a couple . Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. Bayview is right on the water (literally), giving it a northwestern island feel, and it is home to the 4,000-acre Farragut State Park. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. 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. 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. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. 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. Saugatuck Dunes State Park draws adventure seekers with its massive mounds and 13 miles of sandy trails. 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. 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. One of the best things is that were far enough from any major metropolitan area that our lakes are not that busy relative to their size, says Deborah Fullford, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors of Indian River. If you're looking for the perfect vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than Osage Beach. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. For a home right on the lake, buyers can find nice single-family homes starting in the $200,000-range, such as this waterfront three-bedroomasking $259,000. The region's McGhee and North . Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. One perennial rule of summer: Branson, MO, is always one of the highest-ranking lake towns in the nationeven if it did move down a couple of spots, from No. 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 beach on Lake Huron at Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . Charlevoix is the perfect getaway to Lake Michigan. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. 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. William Hereford. Enjoy the natural beauty while hiking through the park, or set out for a swim in nearby Greers Ferry Lake. 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. 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. The most affordable small town in every state. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". This waterfront home . 25. When looking for a place to retire, lake towns make a strong case. Share of household income . 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. 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. 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. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. Nestled in a valley between the Piedmont region and Appalachian Mountains, this town has been luring people to its picturesque waters for yearsespecially since it was the filming location for Dirty Dancing. Located approximately 35 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne residents average $853 on monthly housing costs, ranking 12 th for this metric. Sandusky, OH. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. 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).. That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. 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. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. 2 last year. 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 . 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. Credit: John Noltner. Daniel Herriges serves as Editor-in-Chief for Strong Towns, writing feature articles and speaking across the country on behalf of the organization.He has been a regular contributor to Strong Towns since 2015 and is also a founding member of the organization. The Corpus Christi Bay area sits behind the Padre and Mustang islands. 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. 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). If the skys the limit, buyers can check out a four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom mansion on Cedar Point Road listed for roughly $2.4 million. And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in. Buyers can find homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, listed for $449,000. 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. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. Kick up your feet at the Inn on the Square between grub sessions at Good Times Brewing at The Mill House and the Cheeseburger House. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. Browse Art on the Lake, where a variety of local art can be viewed and purchased; enjoy a zipline adventure at Screaming Eagle at Lake Guntersville, where you'll catch a great view of Northeastern Alabama forests and learn about the efforts Guntersville has made to restore the North American Bald Eagle population; and finish your stay with the best of lakeside cooking at Wintzell's Oyster House. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. 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. 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. 24. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. We see a trend across all our markets of buyers thinking, Life is short, buy the lake home! Many of those seek out the more rural lake towns where homes may be relatively more affordable than at larger lakes or at lakes near cities, says Phillips. 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. For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. 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. Dillon's overall cost of living score is 88, compared to South Carolina's 94 and the national average of 100. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. 5. 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. 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. There are several nearby lakes: Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes, and Black Lake. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings.

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