On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. Average Home Cost: $338,035. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. 25. 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. If they already had one home by the lake and they had another home in an expensive city and you had to consolidate, which are you going to choose? she says. Marble Falls in the Highland Lakes Region is becoming one of the best-known tourist destinations in the central part of the state. Conroe, Texas, has made its name as a live music destination with shows happening in town almost every day. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. And for $800,000, its possible to buy a cabin on a private island. The region's McGhee and North . As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. 4. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. 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 north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. Clear Lake, South Dakota, is proud of its strong, traditional values. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . During the summer months, visitors and locals cruise along the shores of the 55-mile-long body of Lake Chelan, sailing, wakeboarding or paddling past historic cabins and vineyards. 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. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. 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. The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. 4) Holland State Park Beach: An expansive, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, each with its own campground. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. Waterfront townhomes start in the mid-$100,000s, like this three-bedroom for $168,000. 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 . 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. Near Klamath Falls. Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. Gigabit ISP: C Spire ($80/month) Zillow Home Value Index: $165,574. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state. Enjoy Greensboro's historic charm: Main Street bustles with locally owned businesses and eateries, and Lake Oconee is a destination for water activities. * 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. Conroe. 11. 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. 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. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. Then we calculated affordability by analyzing median home list prices year to date through May 2022 for these communities. Crestline, California. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. 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. Buyers can find homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, listed for $449,000. 3. 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. Covington, Louisiana. 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. Here is a lake town that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout all four seasons. Lookout Belle - Flickr. Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. Asheville, North Carolina. Plan a visit. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. 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. Condos start as low as $40,000. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. 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. 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. 10. In . Anglers from all over the Midwest flock to this rural destination for the awesome catch on manmade Lake Delton, two local rivers, and other, smaller bodies of water that are surrounded with lovely and affordable homes all along their shorelines. 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. The area around Winter Park, Florida is a veritable lake oasis. 10. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. 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). Caddo Lake / Shutterstock. A comparatively high tax rate and low income helped push Erie to 15th place in the rankings despite low home costs, but it's still one of the most affordable waterfront cities in the country. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. 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. With world-class skiing nearby, Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Dillon's overall cost of living score is 88, compared to South Carolina's 94 and the national average of 100. The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . His company sells lake homes in 33 states. The town center of Wolfeboro is actually positioned directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, which offers an expansive 72 square miles of water. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. If you're looking for the perfect vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than Osage Beach. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. Marquette, Michigan. 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. 9. 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. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. 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. Cheboygan, Michigan. 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. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. Many places with lake houses have activities. Buyers who want to get in on the monthly drum circles in Basin Springs Park can find great deals on homes close to downtown, such as this renovated three-bedroom asking $279,000. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes . It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. There are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . 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. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. 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. 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. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. 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. 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. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. 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. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. Starting at under $200,000, buyers can find comfortable homes right near the shore, such as this four-bedroom ranch just around the corner from the boat ramp, asking $184,900. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". Caddo Lake - Karnack. The area is quiet and the weather is warm in the winter. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. 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. 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. 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 area offers hiking, skiing and gambling at the casinos. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. 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. 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. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. 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. Located in the Adirondack Mountains and surrounded by rivers famous for fly-fishing, cliffs made for climbing (and jumping), and lakes ideal for a host of water sports, Lake Placid is one of the most sought-after vacation spots in New York. 3 . 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. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. * Median home list prices as of June from Realtor.com. Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. Visitors can easily hop on a ferry for a day of island-hopping, or spend the day at Cedar Point Amusement Park, which bills itself as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. They can also take a trip to the Merry-Go-Round Museum. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Butler. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. 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. 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. Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. Chattanooga, Tennessee. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. The 43,000 acres of Table Rock Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. 3. There are several nearby lakes: Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes, and Black Lake. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. 1. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. 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. If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. And all of them are great for those seeking escape in the spring and fall as wellno small consideration these days. Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . Sandusky, OH. 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. Theres also the noteworthy shops and restaurants located in the towns eight-block business district, which happens to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Next: 10. Listed at $129,900, this house is close to the lake walk and Ashlands vibrant downtown. The most affordable small town in every state. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. We also factored in the number of restaurants, bars, and entertainment establishments per capita to ensure there was more to do in these places than just lounge by the water. For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. Here are the 25 most affordable places for renters currently, according to Zillow. 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 love the outdoors, you'll appreciate Deerfield Beach's Quiet Waters Park, where you can camp, fish, and ride some of the longest cable ski courses in the U.S. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. 23. The most affordable town on the list is Jamestown, N.Y., with a median list price of just $59,000, but if you desire a two-bedroom home with a private shoreline that can raise the price significantly. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. Although offerings vary by location, youre likely to find options for boating, fishing and paddle boarding, said Wedgeworth. Daniel has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in Housing and Community . Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com. 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. 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. Idaho Falls, Idaho. Each place had to have at least 25 listings. The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. Chattanooga, Tennessee. 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. Healthcare is another notable bargain, running 12% . Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. For many, lakeside living is the answer. Aurora, New York. Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. 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. William Hereford. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. Those four-season attractions have made the areas lake homes a hot commodity among second homeowners. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. Last on our list of the best lakes in Georgia is the "Big Bass Capital of the World." Walter F. George Lake extends 85 miles along the Chattahoochee River and is formed by the Walter F. George Lock and Dam. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. 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. Located at the southern edge of Lake Keowee and just a short drive from Lake Hartwell, Seneca is a great small town for retirement. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. The quaint village offers restaurants, hotels, resorts, and fun and unique shops along its cute downtown corridor. 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. Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. The Pacific Northwest is filled with pine tree-lined bodies of water, but in terms of lake towns that offer both water activities and mainland charms, Chelan is one of the best waterfront enclaves in the PNW. Saugatuck, Michigan. 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. Aurora, New York sits . 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. Laconia, New Hampshire. Retirees interested in exploring the outdoors . This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. Consider a visit to the LEGOLAND Theme Park. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. Cheapest Places to Live In Tennessee: Murfreesboro. Entry-level lake homes start in the $100,000s such as this $155,000 four-bedroom with a giant deck. 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. 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. And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in.