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

Butler. Cost of living . Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. 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. The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. 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. There are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. 1. 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. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. There are several nearby lakes: Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes, and Black Lake. Crestline, California. However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. 13. While the town of Osage Beach has only 5,000 residents, there is a variety of restaurants, bars, and parks that attract visitors every summer. 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. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. 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. 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. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. Thats a whole lot of space for you to lie out, water-ski, fish, kayak, or do whatever other water-based activity you care to dream up. With world-class skiing nearby, Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. 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. The first is its sheer size. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. 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. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. Clear Lake, SD. 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. The most affordable small town in every state. Lightvision, LLC/ Getty Images. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes for sale, including this four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house listed for $169,900. And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. ( (Tony Franzel for Realtor.com)) 1. 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. 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. To find out where house hunters can actually buy a lake home without taking an extra jobor threeRealtor.com looked at the median list prices of more than 2,000 towns located on Americas watering holes from May 2020 through June 2021. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. 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. (Sorry.). 1. Whether you explore its canal-linked lakes via paddle board or a water boat cruise, you'll find plenty of lakeside dining with fresh afternoon catches along the way. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. 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. 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. Lake Moultrie. Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. 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!) Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. 22. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. Laconia, New Hampshire. 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. Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Conroe. 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. Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. Here is a lake town that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout all four seasons. 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. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. Scott. Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. Legend has it that seven mineral springs in Springs Park have healing powers. 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. Chattanooga, Tennessee. The region's McGhee and North . 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. Condos start as low as $40,000. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. 01 of 10. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. 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. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. When it comes to American lakes, Maine's got game. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. Asheville, North Carolina. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. Aurora, New York. 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. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. 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. Median home list price: $248,000. Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? . 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. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. 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. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. Florence, Alabama. The village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. Located about 85 miles outside of Atlanta, Greensboro is situated on Lake Oconee, a 19,000-acre lake that's also a popular destination for golfing, boating, and fishing. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. 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. Those who want to own property right on the water should expect to spend at least $500,000, such as this $725,000 three-bedroom home. Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. 3 . It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. 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. For those looking for an affordable lake home, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch is listed for $375,000. 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. 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. 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. The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. But those who want access to the water from their backdoors need IPO-level cash; they should expect to fork over six figures for places like this brand-new three-bedroom listed at $1.25 million. Minocqua, Wisconsin. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. 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. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. Treat your family to a boat tour aboard the M/S Mount Washington, which has been cruising the lake for nearly 150 years, and if you're looking for a charming hotel, Pickering House Inn is just the place. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. 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. The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Top 10 Cheapest Beach Towns in the US.Most people dream about buying a home near or on the beach. Hot Springs Village is the largest gated community in the United States. 11. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three registered freshwater lighthouses in the country. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. No. Check out Margaritaville Lake Resort for a family-friendly vacation in Osage Beach. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. 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. 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. 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. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. 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. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. Rent a house right on the shores of Flathead Lake, or book a cabin at the all-inclusive Flathead Lake Lodge for a memorable dude ranch experience. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. And last year was already nuts! Unlike beach towns, lake towns never close for an off season, so there's always plenty to do and see year-round. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. Its possible to get a single-family home right on one of the smaller lakes in the $100,000 range, like this three-bedroom on Center Lake for $119,800. 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. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. The presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. Those four-season attractions have made the areas lake homes a hot commodity among second homeowners. (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. Lake Tahoe, California. Next: 25. 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. 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. Consider a visit to the LEGOLAND Theme Park. 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. Meander the historic district, then break out your boats or find a picnic bench along the shore to take in a few relaxing hours in LaGrange. The word is getting out. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . No. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. Sandusky, OH. 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. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. 10. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. Gigabit ISP: C Spire ($80/month) Zillow Home Value Index: $165,574. For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. 3. And those who get seasick can avoid the water altogether with local wine tastings. They're not just waterfront havens where you can rent a boat for the day or go stand-up paddle boarding, they're also destinations with exciting restaurants, hotels, shopping, and plenty of non-water-based activities. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . Marble Falls in the Highland Lakes Region is becoming one of the best-known tourist destinations in the central part of the state. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. 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. There's also plenty of nature . Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 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. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. Located at the southern edge of Lake Keowee and just a short drive from Lake Hartwell, Seneca is a great small town for retirement. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. Abingdon, Virginia. 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. 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. 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. 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.