Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the . In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. 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. 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. 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. Coos Bay, Oregon. 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. Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. 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. 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. 10. 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. Michigan is home to dozens of Great Lakes towns, many interchangeable, all fantastic. Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. 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. 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. In . 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. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . Population: 316,381. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. 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. Florence is a fun small town with great downtown shops and restaurants as well as outdoor adventure in Shoal Creek Preserve and Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve. If you're looking for the perfect vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than Osage Beach. Its very close to pricier Lake George as well as Gore Mountain Ski Resort. There has been a steady uptick in the number of people seeking out homes in lake towns over the past few years, says Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty. Conroe, Texas, has made its name as a live music destination with shows happening in town almost every day. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. 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. Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com. In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. Flagstaff, Arizona. Baraboo, Wisconsin. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. William Hereford. 2 last year. Methodology: GOBankingRates found 25 affordable waterfront cities by evaluating 112 of the United . With a name like Sulphur, its no surprise that the area is famous for its mineral springs. 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. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. Here are the 25 most affordable places for renters currently, according to Zillow. 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. 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. 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. Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Every outdoor activity you can imagineswimming, hiking, rock climbing, golfing, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, and moreis possible at Lake Lure, and you'll still find plenty of time for relaxation once the sun sinks behind Chimney Rock each evening. 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. Chattanooga, Tennessee. 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. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. Aurora, New York sits . For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. Buyers willing to spend a bit more can find huge spreads like this three-bedroom on more than an acre of property right on the edge of Lake Desoto listed for $454,900. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall . Wallethub's Best Beach Towns to Live in (Ocean or Lake) 15 Sparkling Seaside Towns In The USA The Best Small Beach Towns in the United States America's 25 Favorite Beach Towns America's Most Affordable Beach Towns in 2019 The 21 Most Popular Active and 55+ Communities in the Southeast. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Median home list price: $248,000. Each place had to have at least 50 listings each month to make the cut. 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. - Port Isabel, TX - Port Isabel is a beach town and a popular resort, as well as being a retirement destination. The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . 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. 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. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. 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. 25. This four-bedroom with views of Sandusky Bay is listed at $355,000. Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. This Charming Small Town in Upstate New York Was Just Named the Best Place to Buy a Lake House in 2023 8 Best Small Towns to Buy a Vacation Home in the U.S. Where to Buy a Vacation Home in Colorado After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. 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. Venture into Ithaca, New York for dinner at Maxie's Supper Club, visit Heart & Hands Wine Company in nearby Union Springs, and of course, stay at Inns of Aurora for a luxurious lakeside escape at one of their five beautifully curated inns. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. The most affordable small town in every state. Near Klamath Falls. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. 8. 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. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. 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. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. 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. 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. 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. 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. Bransons usually-packed Silver Dollar City theme park, Dolly Partons Stampede and live country music shows may not be nearly as appealing during the pandemic as they have been in summers past, but theres plenty of opportunity to distance from strangers across the areas many lakes. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Supported by natural spring and rain water, White Lake is a 1,200-acre body of water in North Carolina, and the town welcomes 200,000 tourists each summer. Yup. Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. 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 . The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. Ogden, Utah. 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. The community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. Marquette, Michigan. And for $800,000, its possible to buy a cabin on a private island. 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. Family-friendly activities abound at our number one Best Place to Buy a Lake House. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. 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. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. for much of the year. 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. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. There's also plenty of nature . The area offers hiking, skiing and gambling at the casinos. 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. Thats where the data team at Realtor.com comes in. 22. "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. 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. Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. 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). Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. Clear Lake, SD. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. 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. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most Located at the mouth of the Cheboygan River on Lake Huron, the town offers clear waters and a gorgeous shoreline. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. Idaho Falls, Idaho. 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. 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. 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. 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. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. Abingdon, Virginia. And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. There is a wide variety in a very small town.. Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. 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. 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. (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). 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. 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. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. 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. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. Butler is located on the northern shore of Watauga Lake, and is actually the reconstruction of the "old" Butler. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. At B-52 Brewery, you'll find them serving up a new brew release every Friday alongside live music performances. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. * 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. 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 lakes themselves arent the only appeal. This two-bedroom condo on Highland Lake, with a shared dock across the street, is for sale for $319,000. 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. Lake Moultrie. 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. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. 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. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. If your ideal lakeside lifestyle is a bit more social, Crane Lake has you covered. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes . #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. Lake Burton. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. 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.. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. 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. Animal lovers will gladly pay roughly $7 ($4 for kids) to spend a couple . Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. Bryson City. (They come highly recommended.) Beaufort, North Carolina. 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? Entry-level lake homes start in the $100,000s such as this $155,000 four-bedroom with a giant deck. Maine is home to (literally) thousands of lakes and ponds, from the largest lake, Moosehead, to midsize lakes like Portland-adjacent Sebago Lake and Rangeley Lake near the middle of the state. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. Can it be? 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. Catering to guests from around the world, this working dude ranch offers guided trail rides, horseback riding lessons, stocked fishing ponds, and an all-inclusive resort experience. Clear Lake, South Dakota, is proud of its strong, traditional values. The actual town of Bigfork has a growing arts scene - between their impressive array of galleries, notable theatre presence, and annual Festival of the Arts - and it is known for great hiking, with many trails offering views of the lake. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. Florence, Alabama. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. Connected to Marion through a water bridge called the Diversion Canal, Lake Moultrie is a smaller lake but is still the third largest lake in South Carolina. Even though only 120 people live here full-time, in the summer the Canadian border town attracts hundreds to the resorts and campsites near the shores of the 3,088-acre lake. 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. However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . The region's McGhee and North . Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. 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. The quaint village offers restaurants, hotels, resorts, and fun and unique shops along its cute downtown corridor. 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. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. Credit: John Noltner. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. 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. Prices generally range from $400,000 to . 2019 Best Retirement Lakes Offers may be subject to change without notice. Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. (Sorry.). Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. Median home sales price: $175,000. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. Eureka Springs is situated near several bodies of water, including Lake Leatherwood in the city limits and the enormous nearby Beaver Lake, as well as Table Rock Lake, which is located just across the Missouri border.