most affordable lake towns in the south

Beaufort, North Carolina. She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. Condos start as low as $40,000. 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. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. for much of the year. 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. 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. Median home list price: $307,000. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. 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. 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. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. 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. At B-52 Brewery, you'll find them serving up a new brew release every Friday alongside live music performances. The dock area of a home for sale in Crane Lake, where most listings are under $226,000. Although offerings vary by location, youre likely to find options for boating, fishing and paddle boarding, said Wedgeworth. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. 4. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. 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. Cheboygan, Michigan. The Corpus Christi Bay area sits behind the Padre and Mustang islands. When it comes to American lakes, Maine's got game. South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. 01 of 10. Boone, North Carolina. 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. 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!) Its easy to spend an entire day outdoors in Ashland, either fishing in the deep waters of Chequamegon Bay, hiking to one of the many nearby waterfalls, or simply counting the different species of birds flying over the bay. 2 . 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. 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. Vacation homes are still affordable in Winsted. 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 community is home to several private bodies of water: Roamingwood Lake, Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, Windermere Lake, Hidden Lake, and Big Springs Pond. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. Clearlake is one the more affordable lake towns in California, with average home prices just under $200,000. Connected to Marion through a water bridge called the Diversion Canal, Lake Moultrie is a smaller lake but is still the third largest lake in South Carolina. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes 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. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular year-round destinations in California - and when you see the sunshine ricochet off the lake in the summer months, you'll see why it's just as enticing in June as it is in the height of ski season. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. 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. 5) CityFlatsHotel: A sister property to the CityFlats in downtown Grand . We also factored in the number of restaurants, bars, and entertainment establishments per capita to ensure there was more to do in these places than just lounge by 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. 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. 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. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the . Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Here are the 25 most affordable places for renters currently, according to Zillow. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 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. 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. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. 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 . There are several nearby lakes: Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes, and Black Lake. Plan a visit. However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . 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. Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. However, those who want a waterfront view should expect to spend $400,000 and up, such as this lakefront two-bedroom with a rooftop deck listed for $499,999. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. Scott. 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 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. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. And with inflation rising, stock and cryptocurrency markets taking a beating, and fears of another recession mounting, plenty of well-off Americans are holding off on buying yet another home. The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. No. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. 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. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Abingdon is one of those small towns in the south that is known for its combination of artsy vibes and historic charm. 1. . Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. Marble Falls in the Highland Lakes Region is becoming one of the best-known tourist destinations in the central part of the state. Greenwood, South Carolina. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. 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. You'll also find the town of Bigfork, Montana, which has old Western resort town energy, not dissimilar to the ski towns you'd find in Colorado mining country. 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. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. 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. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . 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. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. Can it be? An hour north of Orlando, you'll find this quaint small town full of antique shops and historic charm on the edge of Lake Dora. Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. The word is getting out. Covington is an excellent one, with state parks, biking trails, easy access to the lake, a great brewery in Abita Springs, coffee shops, restaurants, and waterways streaming through. 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. You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. Virginia's only lakeside town is located on Kerr Lake and has become a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, who enjoy the boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking opportunities at Occoneechee State Park. Located in the Poconos Mountains, Lake Ariel is a true small town with a population of about 14,500. 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. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. And those who get seasick can avoid the water altogether with local wine tastings. This makes it and the nearby town of Effingham a beloved getaway for families from nearby St. Louis, a drive of about an hour-and-a-half away. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. Reality check: Most of us are no more likely find ourselves in ostentatious ocean estates in Malibu, the Hamptons, or Bal Harbour than we are to enjoy an eight-minute joyride to the edge of space. 9. Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. Its possible to get a single-family home right on one of the smaller lakes in the $100,000 range, like this three-bedroom on Center Lake for $119,800. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. 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. 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. 25. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 2 last year. #13. Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. Buyers can find homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, listed for $449,000. Median home sales price: $175,000. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. 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. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. If your ideal lakeside lifestyle is a bit more social, Crane Lake has you covered. 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. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. Baraboo, Wisconsin. On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. Find a warm welcome in LaGrange, a cozy West Georgia town located on West Point Lake. The red-brick sidewalks and friendly locals in this town are sure to make you nostalgic for childhood days on the water. Canyon Lake. Callawassie Island, located in the heart of the Lowcountry, is a private, gated island community offering world-class Tom Fazio golf and a full complement of amenities including a tennis center, clubhouse, pools, fitness center, and River Club. 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. Crestline, California. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. 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. 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. Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices. ( (Tony Franzel for Realtor.com)) 1. 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. 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. There's a stretch of great small towns north of Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. But this year looks a bit different. 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? Abingdon, Virginia. Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. 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 are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . 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. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. William Hereford. 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. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. 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 . The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. Next: 25. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. Situated on nearly a half-acre, this house features a screened porch and is within walking distance of Roamingwood Lake. As for housing, there is something for any price range. Healthcare is another notable bargain, running 12% . Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. Its perfect for outdoor recreation with acres to hike and canoe. 5. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? Cheapest Places to Live In Tennessee: Murfreesboro. 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. However, for those who are willing to rent out their vacation homes, there is a greater demand for such getaways, particularly if they are within driving distance of a larger metro.. The events of the past year drove additional interest, says Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state. The data team at realtor.com ran the numbers to come up with these affordable lake towns. Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. 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. 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. 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's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. 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. * Median home list prices as of June from Realtor.com. 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. 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. Rocky River, Ohio. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes . The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. 10 . Aurora, New York. Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Knoxville, this gated lakefront community offers space to grow and explore the iconic wilderness of the region. Cost of living . 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). Minocqua, Wisconsin. Asheville, North Carolina. 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. 10. 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. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. When you're not exploring the surrounding lakes, enjoy the small-town charms of Clermont, from the Downtown Clermont Farmer's Market every Sunday to the shopping along Montrose Street in Clermont's Historic Village. The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. 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. Asheville, North Carolina. 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. Sandusky, OH. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. * 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.

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