most affordable lake towns in the south

There's also plenty of nature . 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. Most people visit Florida for its beaches, but land-locked in the center of the Sunshine State is Winter Haven, a spot known for its Chain of Lakes. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. At Rarity Bay . Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. 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. Consider a visit to the LEGOLAND Theme Park. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. 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. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. Thats where the data team at Realtor.com comes in. 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. With Lone Star College . For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. 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. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. No. Abingdon, Virginia. For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. 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. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. Tucked way up in northern Minnesota, Ely is secluded and full of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests. 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. Just 12 miles from Minneapolis, the lake town is one of Niche's top suburbs in the state, grading highly in nearly every quality-of-life category from crime to education. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. 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. 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. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. Marquette, Michigan. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. Reality check: Most of us are no more likely find ourselves in ostentatious ocean estates in Malibu, the Hamptons, or Bal Harbour than we are to enjoy an eight-minute joyride to the edge of space. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Watch the sun set over the town while grabbing a pint at Oconee Brewing Company, or beat the early bird crowd and catch the sunrise with a side of coffee and buttermilk pancakes at Caf 44. 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. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. 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? In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. Vacation homes are still affordable in Winsted. Maya Kachroo-Levine is the luxury and experiences editor at. 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. Family-friendly activities abound at our number one Best Place to Buy a Lake House. 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. 1. You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. 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 . This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most 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. 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. And while plenty has changed over previous years, one thing remains constant: an overwhelming desire among many Americans to head to the waterand, just maybe, consider what it would take to own a house there. 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. What do Frank Lloyd Wright, shellfish, and the Tennessee River all have in common? Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. 10. 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. 8. Cheboygan, Michigan. 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. Scott. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. However, those who want a waterfront view should expect to spend $400,000 and up, such as this lakefront two-bedroom with a rooftop deck listed for $499,999. 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. And if Dolly has ever spent time here, she didnt leave much of a trace. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. 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. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. Idaho Falls, Idaho. Greenwood, South Carolina. 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. 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. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. 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. The town of Lake Placid, set on the banks of, you guessed it, Lake Placid, is probably best known as the home of the 1980 (and 1932!) The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. 2 . (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). Just a three-hour drive east of Seattle, this high desert town is the sunny escape from the rain and clouds of the coastal Pacific Northwest. "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. Lake Burton. 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. 1. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . 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. 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. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. An hour north of Orlando, you'll find this quaint small town full of antique shops and historic charm on the edge of Lake Dora. 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. Lookout Belle - Flickr. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in 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. 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. Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Retirees interested in exploring the outdoors . 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). There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. The cold winters allow for hockey and ice fishing, and the warmer months . They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. for much of the year. 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 . 3. 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. 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. 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. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. They were all built around the citys natural springshence the name. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. Butler is located on the northern shore of Watauga Lake, and is actually the reconstruction of the "old" Butler. 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. Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. 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. Trout fishing is popular on Lake Taneycomo. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". Credit: John Noltner. Alaska might not be the first place most folks think of when they envision summer lake towns. 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. 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. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. 25. 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. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? 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.. Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. The median listing price in 2020 was a very affordable $107,792. 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. 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. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. Aurora, New York. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. Port Aransas. 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 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. Buyers can find homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, listed for $449,000. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. (Sorry.). These lake towns might not be ones with the highest name recognition or bragging rights, but they do offer a host of fun water activitiesand the privacy and small-town feel missing from bigger, more populated vacation spots. 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. It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. Located in the Poconos Mountains, Lake Ariel is a true small town with a population of about 14,500. Can it be? The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . 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. 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. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. 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. And for $800,000, its possible to buy a cabin on a private island. 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. Jordan Lake is about 25 miles north of Montgomery in Elmore County with almost a dozen homes between $300,000 and $400,000. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. Lake Wylie- South Carolina/North Carolina. And all of them are great for those seeking escape in the spring and fall as wellno small consideration these days. Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. 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. 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. 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. And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. 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. Listed at $129,900, this house is close to the lake walk and Ashlands vibrant downtown. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. (They come highly recommended.) Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. 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. Lake Tahoe, California. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. 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 bucolic town, tucked between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, offers a plethora of water sports like canoeing and water skiing. To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. Conroe, Texas, has made its name as a live music destination with shows happening in town almost every day. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. 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. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. Near Klamath Falls. Caddo Lake - Karnack. 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. 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. The most affordable small town in every state. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. Condos start as low as $40,000. Buyers can find three-season cottages on the water that need some fixing up starting in the $100,000 range, like this two-bedroom ranch with river access listed for $125,000. Boone, North Carolina. Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? 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. Nestled into the scenic foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, this picturesque community is home to Highland Lake, one of the largest lakes in Connecticut and a popular spot for residents to beat the summer heat. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. 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. Its very close to pricier Lake George as well as Gore Mountain Ski Resort. 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. 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. Conroe. The red-brick sidewalks and friendly locals in this town are sure to make you nostalgic for childhood days on the water. Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. Next: 25. 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. For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. The lakes themselves arent the only appeal. After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. 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. 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. 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. Many places with lake houses have activities. 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. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. 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. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. But this year looks a bit different. 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. 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. The area is quiet and the weather is warm in the winter. When you're wiped from a day spent on the water and under the sun at Lake Conroe, there's nothing like kicking back at a local brewery and enjoying some tunes. No. . 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. Median home sales price: $175,000.

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