Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. 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). The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. Alabama's 10 most affordable lakes to buy a house - al.com Although Lake Placid boasts some impressive multimillion-dollar homes on the water, like this $11 million seven-bedroom estate, folks without trust funds can get into the housing market, too. The 25 Most Affordable Places to Rent in the U.S. - Newsweek With the campsites, the natural spring water, the scenic views around the park, and the lake, its just so calming and relaxing, says Misty Treptow, executive director of the Sulphur Chamber of Commerce. 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. For more water activities, locals also visit nearby Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack, both recognized as prime fishing spots. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . The village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. Most Affordable Small Towns - Business Insider Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. The 10 Best Lakes to Call Home - D Magazine Best Michigan Beach Towns: Where to Visit Along the Great Lakes & More Its quiet and peaceful early in the morning, and bustling with waterskiers and boaters in the afternoon. Baraboo, Wisconsin. * 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. 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 . Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. 4) Holland State Park Beach: An expansive, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, each with its own campground. Hot Springs Village is the largest gated community in the United States. 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. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. When on dry land, you might hit a casino (Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania) or theme park (Branson, Missouri), tubing or go-karting (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin), or enjoy strolling through the shops and restaurants of a historic district (Vermilion, Ohio).. The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for spending one's golden years of retirement. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. 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. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. The Best Lakes to Live On in California It's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. Best of 2020: Walkable Towns - Strong Towns Florence, Alabama. Gigabit ISP: C Spire ($80/month) Zillow Home Value Index: $165,574. 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? At B-52 Brewery, you'll find them serving up a new brew release every Friday alongside live music performances. * Median home list prices as of June from Realtor.com. The lakes themselves arent the only appeal. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. 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. No. 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. 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. You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. Lake Moultrie. Can it be? 23. 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. Butler is located on the northern shore of Watauga Lake, and is actually the reconstruction of the "old" Butler. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. 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. There are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . Listed at $129,900, this house is close to the lake walk and Ashlands vibrant downtown. 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. The events of the past year drove additional interest, says Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty. Best Lake Towns to Live in | Stacker Rocky River, Ohio. 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. Sean Pavone/Getty. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". 13. Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. From big lakes to small ones, natural ones to human-made, there are plenty of bodies of water calling out for you to explore themand maybe even make your new home in one of the lovely towns on their shores. 25. 11 Affordable Places to Retire on the Waterfront - Topretirements 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. Enjoy Greensboro's historic charm: Main Street bustles with locally owned businesses and eateries, and Lake Oconee is a destination for water activities. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. 10. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. 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. Most Affordable Lake Towns in Texas - Neighborhoods.com His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. 1. 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. There are no theme parks or big music shows. 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. Whether you're renting a lake house for the summer, or looking for a lakeside long weekend to book this fall, these are the 15 best lake towns in America. 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. Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. 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 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. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Top 10 Michigan lakes with the most affordable real estate Coos Bay, Oregon. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. The 10 Most Affordable Lake Towns in America, 2021 - realtor.com 20 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the U.S. 11 Best Lake Tahoe Beaches With Sandy Shores and Mountain Views, The Best Small Towns in the U.S. to See Fall Foliage. That provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and even hiking. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. The 20 Best Little Lake Towns in America - PureWow 15 Affordable Small Towns in the US With Fast Internet for - PCMAG 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. 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. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. Admire the view of the Tennessee River from the McFarland Park Fishing Pier and be sure to grab a bite to eat at Stanfield's River Bottom Grill with a dockside view of the harbor. 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. 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. The 10 Most Affordable Places to Buy a Lake House - House Beautiful 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. ( (Tony Franzel for Realtor.com)) 1. The small lakes around Chestertown have been booming with second home buyers this year, who make up about 80% of the real estate market. Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. The region's McGhee and North . His company sells lake homes in 33 states. 10. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. Entry-level lake homes start in the $100,000s such as this $155,000 four-bedroom with a giant deck. 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. The word is getting out. 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. Homes in These 25 Waterfront Cities Are a Total Steal Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. How to Find the Best Places to Retire in the Southeast Near the Water The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. The 10 Best Places to Retire in the South - US News & World Report For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. 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. 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. 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. Eureka, California. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Then we calculated affordability by analyzing median home list prices year to date through May 2022 for these communities. 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. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. 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. Median home list price: $307,000. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. 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. 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. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. 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. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. And those who get seasick can avoid the water altogether with local wine tastings. The pinnacle of Montana lake culture is spending the summer months on Flathead Lake. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. For those looking for an affordable lake home, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch is listed for $375,000. Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. Located along the Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake is one of the most picturesque places to own a home, and it just so happens to also be the most affordable. Greensboro is situated right on the 19,000-acre lake and is home to a posh golf community (there are six courses within Reynolds Lake Oconee). Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. The 0.67-acre lot is one of the last waterfront building sites in the village of Lake Placid and comes with 295 feet of sandy waterfront. 13 Best Lake Vacations in the Southeast Region, USA - Life Family Fun Where to Buy a Lakefront Home in America - Travel + Leisure