Located approximately 35 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne residents average $853 on monthly housing costs, ranking 12 th for this metric. 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. 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. 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. Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. Listed at $399,900, 29 Marina Cove Drive is a 2-bed, 3.5-bath condo on Spinnaker Island with 1,894 square feet as well as views of Hull Bay and Boston Harbor from the living room and bedrooms. When looking for a place to retire, lake towns make a strong case. What do Frank Lloyd Wright, shellfish, and the Tennessee River all have in common? Located on the sandy shores of Lake Erie, Sandusky was named one of Americas best coastal towns by U.S. Today, and topped the Realtor.com 2021 list of the Most Affordable Lake Towns. 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). Clearlake is one the more affordable lake towns in California, with average home prices just under $200,000. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. The community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. 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. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. 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. For many, lakeside living is the answer. Alaska might not be the first place most folks think of when they envision summer lake towns. 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 . Starting at under $200,000, buyers can find comfortable homes right near the shore, such as this four-bedroom ranch just around the corner from the boat ramp, asking $184,900. 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. Chattanooga, Tennessee. The New York Finger Lakes region is a pristine part of the state with 11 glistening bodies of water, each lined by towns with character. 25. This two-bedroom condo on Highland Lake, with a shared dock across the street, is for sale for $319,000. 11. 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. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. Each year, with the arrival of the dog days of summer, the desire to find a place by the water becomes nothing less than a national obsession. 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. 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 community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. 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. Sean Pavone/Getty. 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. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. 9. Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. Visitors can easily hop on a ferry for a day of island-hopping, or spend the day at Cedar Point Amusement Park, which bills itself as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. They can also take a trip to the Merry-Go-Round Museum. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. Here are the 25 most affordable places for renters currently, according to Zillow. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. Daniel Herriges serves as Editor-in-Chief for Strong Towns, writing feature articles and speaking across the country on behalf of the organization.He has been a regular contributor to Strong Towns since 2015 and is also a founding member of the organization. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. The New York Finger Lakes region is a pristine part of the state with 11 glistening bodies of water, each lined by towns with character. The Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers have their confluence at or near Paducah, and nearby are two long lakes, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area situated between them. The red-brick sidewalks and friendly locals in this town are sure to make you nostalgic for childhood days on the water. Healthcare is another notable bargain, running 12% . 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. Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. As one of the best beach vacations in Texas, Port Aransas has everything you need for a family or solo getaway. 3 . 5. 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. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. 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. 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. But this year looks a bit different. Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. 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 cold winters allow for hockey and ice fishing, and the warmer months . 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. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. Visitors will find endless entertainment within the village of Big Bear, from brunch at Teddy Bear Restaurant to midday microbrews at Big Bear Lake Brewing Company. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. This rural Wisconsin getaway attracts water lovers from across the upper Midwest with its two local rivers, popular manmade Lake Delton and around a dozen other bodies of water with nice homes set right on the shoreline. Lookout Belle - Flickr. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. 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. 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. 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. 22. Asheville, North Carolina. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. Minocqua, Wisconsin. Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. A majority of the population is seasonal. Michigan is home to dozens of Great Lakes towns, many interchangeable, all fantastic. 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. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, The 10 Most Affordable Places To Buy A Vacation Home, How to Buy a Second Home (Hint: It Wont Be Like Your First), Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? ( (Tony Franzel for Realtor.com)) 1. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. 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. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. If you're looking for the perfect vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than Osage Beach. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. No. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . The first is its sheer size. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. 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. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. for much of the year. Scott. Buyers can find homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, listed for $449,000. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. Butler. Aurora, New York sits . 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. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. 10. 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. 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. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. Conroe. 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!) Marble Falls in the Highland Lakes Region is becoming one of the best-known tourist destinations in the central part of the state. 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. Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. 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. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. This four-bedroom with views of Sandusky Bay is listed at $355,000. Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. Beaufort, North Carolina. We see a trend across all our markets of buyers thinking, Life is short, buy the lake home! Many of those seek out the more rural lake towns where homes may be relatively more affordable than at larger lakes or at lakes near cities, says Phillips. 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. This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. $376,111. We are right between Minneapolis and Chicago, and its a relatively quick trip on the interstate for people from those regions to come and vacation, says one real estate agent, Kirkland Kettleson of Century 21 Affiliated. Median home list price: $307,000. 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. Near Klamath Falls. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. These towns are not only right on the waterfront of the country's clearest and most sought-after lakes - they have bustling town centers and lively culture within. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. Lake Burton. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. . Trout fishing is popular on Lake Taneycomo. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Prices generally range from $400,000 to . Condos start as low as $40,000. Rocky River, Ohio. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. And last year was already nuts! 2 last year. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. * Median home list prices as of June from Realtor.com. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. The village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. And if Dolly has ever spent time here, she didnt leave much of a trace. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. Top 10 Cheapest Beach Towns in the US.Most people dream about buying a home near or on the beach. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. Nestled on Lake Lure in the forested hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the eponymous small town has unparalleled outdoor attractions, including the lake with its wide beach, greenways, golf courses, hiking trails, and Chimney Rock. Saugatuck, Michigan. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. The 440-acre, 3-mile-long lake features two public beaches and a shoreline dotted with a mix of upscale and affordable permanent and vacation homes. 1. Charlevoix is the perfect getaway to Lake Michigan. For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. With the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, the Lake of the Arbuckles, and the Artesian Hotel, Casino, and Spa, the small town has a lot to offer. Legend has it that seven mineral springs in Springs Park have healing powers. With beautiful mountain scenery, the nearby lake (about 15 miles away), and lots of waterfall-dotted hiking trails, there's not shortage of enjoyment to be had in Western North Carolina. Nothing says summertime bliss like hanging out in a lake town, watching the glowing sun set in the company of friends and family, sightseeing, visiting the local farmers market for fresh veggies and kicking back in a cozy cabin. Bryson City. 3. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. Methodology: GOBankingRates found 25 affordable waterfront cities by evaluating 112 of the United . The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. Beaufort, North Carolina, one of the Southeast's oldest and most charming beach towns, is at the southern tip of North Carolina's Crystal Coast. 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. 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. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. The lakes themselves arent the only appeal. The past few years of the COVID-19 pandemic brought hordes of well-heeled buyers into vacation destinations, bidding up prices and purchasing any and all available real estate. Flagstaff, Arizona. With world-class skiing nearby, Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. 23. 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. If they already had one home by the lake and they had another home in an expensive city and you had to consolidate, which are you going to choose? she says. If Queen Dolly Partons Stampede and live country music shows arent your thing, check out the Titanic Museum, with 400 pre-Discovery artifacts spread across 20 gallerieswhich can be enjoyed in the blissful A/C. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. 10. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. Sandusky, OH. 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. 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. To help narrow down that search, one website has chosen three cities in North Carolina as some of the best lake towns in the country to live in. Can it be? This waterfront home . 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. 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. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 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. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. Boone, North Carolina. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. 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. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. 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. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. 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. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes. 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). 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 list price: $248,000. No. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. Clear Lake, SD. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. It's all about the water sports at White Lake - tourists come to swim, boat, tube, jet ski, wake board, and the like. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. 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. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. Population: 316,381. Those who want to be on one of the larger bodies of water like East Okoboji Lake should expect to pay more, such as this five-bedroom on the market for $289,000. 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. 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. 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. But family members who arent into waiting hours (or what can feel like hours) for fish to bite have plenty of other entertainment options throughout the year as well, from wakeboarding and tubing on the water to minigolf and go-karts off it. 1. Daniel has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in Housing and Community . You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 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. When it comes to American lakes, Maine's got game. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest.
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