Located approximately 35 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne residents average $853 on monthly housing costs, ranking 12 th for this metric. 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. It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. 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. Asheville, North Carolina. 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. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. 2 . As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. 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 New York Finger Lakes region is a pristine part of the state with 11 glistening bodies of water, each lined by towns with character. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. Enjoy the natural beauty while hiking through the park, or set out for a swim in nearby Greers Ferry Lake. This four-bedroom with views of Sandusky Bay is listed at $355,000. 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. 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). Lake Tahoe is so big (22 miles long and 12 miles wide) that it straddles . 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. * 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. Sean Pavone/Getty. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. As one of the best beach vacations in Texas, Port Aransas has everything you need for a family or solo getaway. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. Lake Wylie covers over 13,000 acres, with a shoreline of 325 miles. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most 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. Butler is located on the northern shore of Watauga Lake, and is actually the reconstruction of the "old" Butler. 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. There has been a lot of new development in the area, as more people from out of state discover the Spirit Lake area, says Schaben. 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. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. 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. 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. With world-class skiing nearby, Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Set on the banks of Lake Erie, the popular vacation destination offers a revitalized downtown with good shopping and dining. 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. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. At B-52 Brewery, you'll find them serving up a new brew release every Friday alongside live music performances. However, the Adirondack region is also a destination for folks who just want to sunbathe and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. 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 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. Retire to Davidson and you'll find all the small-town charm you crave near North Carolina's Lake Norman, plus proximity to the bustling Charlotte metropolitan area. 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. You have the best of land and sea activities here, from hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities to boating and swimming along 42 miles of shoreline. Beaufort, North Carolina. 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. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. The median home value in Deerfield Beach has increased by 7.7% in the last year to $182,300, making it one of the most affordable coastal towns to buy a home in Florida. 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 cold winters allow for hockey and ice fishing, and the warmer months . 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. 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. This waterfront home . 1. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. With serene scenes, mountain-framed horizons, and breathtaking stretches of river and lake valleys, lake life looks different in every state, and we're here to celebrate them all. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. Fun fact: hundreds of Bigfoot sightings have been reported on the Texas side of Caddo Lake since 1965. Gigabit ISP: C Spire ($80/month) Zillow Home Value Index: $165,574. Next: 25. This three-bedroom, single-family house asking $205,000 offers down payment assistance for buyers who earn under a certain income. Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. 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. This two-bedroom condo on Highland Lake, with a shared dock across the street, is for sale for $319,000. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. Asheville, North Carolina. Port Aransas. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. 1. The red-brick sidewalks and friendly locals in this town are sure to make you nostalgic for childhood days on the water. Aside from focusing on the worlds largest collection of standing totem poles, amateur photographers can point their cameras in nearly any direction and capture a gorgeous view of the citys jaw-dropping natural beauty. 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. 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. The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. 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. 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. 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. Fishing, beach going, and relaxing are popular activities. The median listing price in 2020 was a very affordable $107,792. 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. 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. 1. Saugatuck Dunes State Park draws adventure seekers with its massive mounds and 13 miles of sandy trails. 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. 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. 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. Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. No. The area is quiet and the weather is warm in the winter. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. Located at the southern edge of Lake Keowee and just a short drive from Lake Hartwell, Seneca is a great small town for retirement. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes . 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. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. 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. Condos start as low as $40,000. 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. There are no theme parks or big music shows. Next: 10. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. 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. However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . 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. To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. 10. Daniel has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in Housing and Community . When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Prices generally range from $400,000 to . 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. 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? Clemson, with the cultural draws of the university and the South Carolina Botanical Garden is just a stone's throw across the water. 25. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. 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. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. 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. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. 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. Its perfect for outdoor recreation with acres to hike and canoe. 2 last year. Originally located precisely where the lake is, the town of Butler was submerged in 1948 as the reservoir filled. 8. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. 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. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. * Median home list prices as of June from Realtor.com. 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. Located just an hour from Austin, the town and its surrounding lakeswhich are actually dams in the Colorado Riverhave become an increasingly popular second-home destination. 5. 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. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. 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 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. Baraboo, Wisconsin. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. 5) CityFlatsHotel: A sister property to the CityFlats in downtown Grand . There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. 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. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. 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!) But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. As for housing, there is something for any price range. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. 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. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. The most affordable small town in every state. Here are the 25 most affordable places for renters currently, according to Zillow. 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. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. Buyers want to be as close to the water as possible, whether in a condo near the lakelike this one-bedroom asking $160,500or in a single-family house. 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. 10. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. Rocky River, Ohio. 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. Healthcare is another notable bargain, running 12% . The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. The house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. 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. Each place had to have at least 25 listings. Sandusky, OH. 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. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? 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. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. 4. Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. Lake Burton. This Charming Small Town in Upstate New York Was Just Named the Best Place to Buy a Lake House in 2023 8 Best Small Towns to Buy a Vacation Home in the U.S. Where to Buy a Vacation Home in Colorado 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. 24. Crestline, California. 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 . 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. In . 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? 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. Credit: John Noltner. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. 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. $376,111. Bryson City. 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. 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. The area around Winter Park, Florida is a veritable lake oasis. 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. Just outside Austin, Texas is Lakeway, along the southern shores of Lake Travis. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. Hot Springs Village is the largest gated community in the United States. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. There are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. 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. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. Lake Wylie- South Carolina/North Carolina. 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 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. 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.