. Clearlake is one the more affordable lake towns in California, with average home prices just under $200,000. 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. Chattanooga, Tennessee. 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. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. 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 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). Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. Michigan is home to dozens of Great Lakes towns, many interchangeable, all fantastic. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. Although some of these homes are pricier than many homes across the country, they offer the chance to get a waterfront property, and with hurricane season upon us, perhaps a safer location than an oceanfront home. This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. 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. Minocqua's quieter lakes are perfect for swimming lessons and sand castles. Each place had to have at least 50 listings each month to make the cut. 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. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. 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. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. 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. For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. The famously human-made lake is known for speed boating and waterfront resorts, but Osage Beach claims 420 acres of shorefront that's particularly inviting for families keen on a beach vacation. And last year was already nuts! The beach on Lake Huron at Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. William Hereford. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. 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. From this $400,000 one-bedroom cabin on a wooded, waterfront acre right near the Trezona Trail to this $599,000 one-bedroom cabin on a 1.25-acre island in Shagawa Lake, Ely is the ideal lake town for folks who want to get away from it all.. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. Jordan Lake is about 25 miles north of Montgomery in Elmore County with almost a dozen homes between $300,000 and $400,000. 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. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. The quaint village offers restaurants, hotels, resorts, and fun and unique shops along its cute downtown corridor. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. Our readers voted on their favorites, and while no two stays are alike, we're sure that you'll find plenty of rest and relaxation in each of them. The community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. Just 12 miles from Minneapolis, the lake town is one of Niche's top suburbs in the state, grading highly in nearly every quality-of-life category from crime to education. 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. 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. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. For anyone who wants some waterfront privacy, this certainly is the place. Yup. The 43,000 acres of Table Rock Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. 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!) The most affordable small town in every state. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. 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. Located in the Poconos Mountains, Lake Ariel is a true small town with a population of about 14,500. Plan a visit. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. 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. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. Buyers can find lakeview condos starting in the $200,000 range, such as this three-bedroom listed at $298,000 a bit farther from town. For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. Located near Lake Toxaway, the largest private lake in the state, Cashiers has long been a favorite vacation spot and has also inspired people to relocate there for retirement. In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. Can it be? She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes And all of them are great for those seeking escape in the spring and fall as wellno small consideration these days. 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 . 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. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. 23. 1. 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. 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. Although offerings vary by location, youre likely to find options for boating, fishing and paddle boarding, said Wedgeworth. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. 2 last year. 22. 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. Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. 10. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. 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. 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. The region boasts seven lakes, with the three largest natural bodies of water located in the town proper: Big Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake, and East Okoboji Lake. 4) Holland State Park Beach: An expansive, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, each with its own campground. And those who get seasick can avoid the water altogether with local wine tastings. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. 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.