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. 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. 10. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. 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. Listed at $129,900, this house is close to the lake walk and Ashlands vibrant downtown. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. Kick up your feet at the Inn on the Square between grub sessions at Good Times Brewing at The Mill House and the Cheeseburger House. Bryson City. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. 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. Gigabit ISP: C Spire ($80/month) Zillow Home Value Index: $165,574. 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. 8. While Charlevoix offers both waterfront attractions and inland charms, beach-going visitors will love the five miles of shore at Fisherman's Island State Park and Beach. Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. Marquette, Michigan. The 55-mile-long body of water is ideal for sailing or paddling past historic cabins and sprawling vineyards. 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. 10 . His company sells lake homes in 33 states. But this year looks a bit different. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. ( (Tony Franzel for Realtor.com)) 1. 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. It's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. 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. for much of the year. Jordan Lake is about 25 miles north of Montgomery in Elmore County with almost a dozen homes between $300,000 and $400,000. In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. Boone, North Carolina. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. Ogden, Utah. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. 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. Vergennes and the area bordering Lake Champlain have an old-world New England feel - which stands to reason, as Vergennes was founded in 1788. There are no theme parks or big music shows. For many, lakeside living is the answer. Lake Burton. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. Eureka, California. Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. If you're looking for the perfect vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than Osage Beach. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. 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. And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. 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. 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. Unlike beach towns, lake towns never close for an off season, so there's always plenty to do and see year-round. 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. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Minocqua's quieter lakes are perfect for swimming lessons and sand castles. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Budget tip: Ko Lanta is one of the cheap beach towns that's as perfect for adventurous backpackers as it is for families. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. 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. 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. 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? 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. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . Next: 25. 3. Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. Beaufort, North Carolina. 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. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. 5. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. 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. This three-bedroom across the street from Big Bass Lake was listed at $229,000. For those who aren't as keen on sinking their toes into soft white sand, Charlevoix is also home to Lavender Hill Farm, with idyllic fields packed with 25 lavender varieties, and Castle Farms - an actual stone castle in northern Michigan. 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. A majority of the population is seasonal. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. The region's McGhee and North . Caddo Lake - Karnack. When on dry land, you might hit a casino (Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania) or theme park (Branson, Missouri), tubing or go-karting (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin), or enjoy strolling through the shops and restaurants of a historic district (Vermilion, Ohio).. The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. Just outside Austin, Texas is Lakeway, along the southern shores of Lake Travis. There's also plenty of nature . Rent a house along the water - on either the Nevada or California side - or stay at Edgewood Tahoe, the only five-star resort right on the water with gorgeous architecture, golfing, and an idyllic pool overlooking the lake. Credit: John Noltner. When looking for a place to retire, lake towns make a strong case. 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. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. Big Bear is less of a hotel town - the name of the game here is renting a house on the water and spending your days fishing, hiking, swimming, and mountain biking. 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. Aurora, New York. 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. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. 5) CityFlatsHotel: A sister property to the CityFlats in downtown Grand . The 1,500-square-foot footprint allows for a second story, allowing the buyer to build a stunning 3,000-square-foot home on the water. 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. This Southern Adirondack lake town is home to just 515 residents. And those who get seasick can avoid the water altogether with local wine tastings. We set out on our annual hot-season quest to find the best affordable lake towns in the United Statesplaces with lots of well-priced homes, lovely and fun water scenes, and no shortage of things to do on dry land. The village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. 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. 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. 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. For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. Lake Moultrie. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes Its perfect for outdoor recreation with acres to hike and canoe. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. 20 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the U.S. 11 Best Lake Tahoe Beaches With Sandy Shores and Mountain Views, The Best Small Towns in the U.S. to See Fall Foliage. 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. To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. 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. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. 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. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. 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. 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. 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. Cheapest Places to Live In Tennessee: Murfreesboro. The word is getting out. 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. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 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. If the skys the limit, buyers can check out a four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom mansion on Cedar Point Road listed for roughly $2.4 million. In . Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall . Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. Big Bear Lake is a year-round California destination because, much like Tahoe, it transforms from a ski town in the winter to a lake town in the summer. Buyers can find single-family homes just blocks from the water starting in the $400,000s, like this $419,000, three-bedroom house just outside town. The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. 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. 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. Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com. 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. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. 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. Lake Wylie is the oldest lake on the Catawba River. They were all built around the citys natural springshence the name. 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. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. 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. 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. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. 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.