Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. Then we ensured these were the kind of places buyers want to be, by searching for the towns with the most water-based businesses, like marinas, restaurants, and activities, using U.S. Census Bureau data. 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. Cheboygan is located on Lake Huron, but it's close to many other lakes as well Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes and Black Lake. 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. Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. Cost of living . 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. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. 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. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. Maya Kachroo-Levine is the luxury and experiences editor at. Healthcare is another notable bargain, running 12% . 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. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. 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. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. 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. The events of the past year drove additional interest, says Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty. RETIRE NEAR THE WATER. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. Boone, North Carolina. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. 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. 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. A majority of the population is seasonal. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. Sandpoint, Idaho, is the most expensive of the affordable lake towns, with a median list price of $429,000 and a variety of lakefront houses that . 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. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. 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? Well, it all depends on where you look. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. Can it be? Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). 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. 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. This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. The small lakes around Chestertown have been booming with second home buyers this year, who make up about 80% of the real estate market. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. * Median home list prices as of June from Realtor.com. 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. 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. 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. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. This four-bedroom with views of Sandusky Bay is listed at $355,000. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. Credit: John Noltner. The charming red-brick downtown is filled with fun shops and restaurants. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. 13. Lake Greenwood in Lake Greenwood State Park, located right outside the towns of Ninety Six (yes, real name) and Greenwood, offers 11,400-acres of floating fun. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. 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!) But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. 8. Baraboo, Wisconsin. 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. 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. 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. 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. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. Legend has it that seven mineral springs in Springs Park have healing powers. 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. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. What do Frank Lloyd Wright, shellfish, and the Tennessee River all have in common? Aurora, New York. "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. 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. 3 . Greenwood, South Carolina. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. 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. More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the . People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. Enjoy the natural beauty while hiking through the park, or set out for a swim in nearby Greers Ferry Lake. You can drive 30 minutes to Austin to go out for a meal or take in some live music, or unwind in the quieter suburb of Lakeway, where you'll still find great barbeque and Tex-Mex. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. 2 last year. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. 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. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . 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. Hot Springs Village is the largest gated community in the United States. ( (Tony Franzel for Realtor.com)) 1. 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. Just outside Austin, Texas is Lakeway, along the southern shores of Lake Travis. 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. Its also a prized destination for great shopping and local activitieslike a top-notch weekly farmers marketand its welcoming community vibe, says Jen Schaben, real estate agent with Stauss Realty in Okoboji. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. One of the best things is that were far enough from any major metropolitan area that our lakes are not that busy relative to their size, says Deborah Fullford, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors of Indian River. At Rarity Bay . The outdoor offeringswhich often include boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, golfing, and lounging on the shoresare great ways to spend newly free hours during the weekdays and weekends. Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. 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. Vacation homes are still affordable in Winsted. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. 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. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. The community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. Bryson City. 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. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. 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. 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. However, the Salmon Capital of the World, as Ketchikan is known, is built up along the waterfront due to its steep and mostly forested terrain. For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. 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. Each place had to have at least 25 listings. The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . Lake Tahoe, California. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. 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. 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. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. 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. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. 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. 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. The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. Located about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, Gainesville has city draws along with a branch of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a nature center, visual arts center, and a history center. Even in todays expensive real estate market, there are still a few places left where homebuyers can find great, affordable lake homes that can serve as Zen-inducing or pulse-pounding retreats (your choice!) 10. Condos start as low as $40,000. Plan a visit. With world-class skiing nearby, Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Maguire says there has been an increase in interest in the area, especially from out-of-state buyers given the areas lakeside location and tranquil and safe community. Caddo Lake / Shutterstock. Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall . 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. 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. This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. Minocqua's quieter lakes are perfect for swimming lessons and sand castles.

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