most affordable lake towns in the south

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. Statesboro's place among America's cheapest small towns is largely due to housing costs, which are 32% lower compared with the national average. 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. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. The presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. For those looking for a property as close to the water as possible, there are options. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. There are no theme parks or big music shows. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. Entry-level lake homes start in the $100,000s such as this $155,000 four-bedroom with a giant deck. According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. Consider a visit to the LEGOLAND Theme Park. 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. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. Those four-season attractions have made the areas lake homes a hot commodity among second homeowners. Crestline, California. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, this lake is part of a chain of lakes each created by a dam to generate electricity in the area. 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. This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. 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. Laconia, New Hampshire. Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? These towns are not only right on the waterfront of the country's clearest and most sought-after lakes - they have bustling town centers and lively culture within. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Clemson, with the cultural draws of the university and the South Carolina Botanical Garden is just a stone's throw across the water. Caddo Lake / Shutterstock. Minocqua, Wisconsin. 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. 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 median home price in Dillon is $125,400. 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. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. She covers tech, real estate, and everything in between. Add that to the shops, restaurants, and galleries that fill these charming small towns, and you'll find inviting places to spend your retirement years. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. Marble Falls in the Highland Lakes Region is becoming one of the best-known tourist destinations in the central part of the state. 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. 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. 4. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. It's all about the water sports at White Lake - tourists come to swim, boat, tube, jet ski, wake board, and the like. That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. And while it is possible to find a single-family home on the water that needs a bit of love for under $200,000, the pickings at that price point are slim. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. Lightvision, LLC/ Getty Images. 9. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. 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 . Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. 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. 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. 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. In town, you'll find its historic district and long-loved restaurants. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. 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. Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. Conroe, Texas, has made its name as a live music destination with shows happening in town almost every day. There's something for every travel palette in this town, from the boutique shops and locally-owned restaurants, to the 9,000-foot-plus peaks boasting hiking and mountain biking trails, to the seemingly unlimited boating and water sport opportunities on the clear blue water of Lake Chelan. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The area around Winter Park, Florida is a veritable lake oasis. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. Ebenezer Park on Lake Wylie offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, swimming, playgrounds, and fishing. 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 median listing price in 2020 was a very affordable $107,792. 2 . Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. Each place had to have at least 25 listings. The village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. Baraboo, Wisconsin. Median home list price: $248,000. 3. Realtor.com has rounded up its list of the most affordable lake towns where you can find a home that is either directly on a lake or close enough to get a great view. 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. Located approximately 35 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne residents average $853 on monthly housing costs, ranking 12 th for this metric. 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. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. Asheville, North Carolina. Marquette, Michigan. 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. Buyers can find three-season cottages on the water that need some fixing up starting in the $100,000 range, like this two-bedroom ranch with river access listed for $125,000. A majority of the population is seasonal. But in todays overheated housing market, is the concept of owning your own waterfront home a punishing fantasy or an achievable reality? 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 International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. Aurora, New York sits . More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the . 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. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. In 2012, 70% of registered voters supported former President Barack Obama. Hot Springs Village is the largest gated community in the United States. $376,111. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. Stacker used 2020 data from WalletHub to determine the 46 best U.S. lake towns to live in, evaluating each on six factors: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of . Buyers who want to get in on the monthly drum circles in Basin Springs Park can find great deals on homes close to downtown, such as this renovated three-bedroom asking $279,000. Along the 185-mile shoreline, you'll find patches of crystal clear water. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. This fast-growing city of nearly 90,000 is 40 miles north of Houston and abuts Lake Conroe, a 33-square-mile lake, and is close to Sam Houston National Forest. The unique 1.88-acre, lake-to-bay lot offers views from every window in the 8,800-square-foot home. 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. For some vacation homeowners, renting out their property has meant accepting the fact that a booking could possibly entail more risk than reward during the coronavirus pandemic. 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. And isn't that what makes the best lake towns shine? South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. 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. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Vacation homes are still affordable in Winsted. The region's McGhee and North . Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 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. Why Southern Lake Lovers Will Always Choose the Lake Over the Beach, The Best Places for a Dreamy Retirement in the South, Our Favorite Small Towns in North Carolina, 32 Charming Mountain Towns To Visit This Fall, The Prettiest Beach Town in Every Beachy State, 8 Things to Do in the Charming Town of Anderson, South Carolina, Our Guide to the Best Fall Color in Every Southern State, The Best Trips to Take with Your Girlfriends, The Best Vacation Spots In Every Southern State, Tell Grandma To Get Out Her Good Luggage, We've Got 18 Trip Ideas for the Whole Family. 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. 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. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. 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. Average Home Cost: $338,035. 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. Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. The company, based in Hoover, AL, has lakefront listings in 34 states. 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. As for housing, there is something for any price range. 10 . You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. 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. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. But this year looks a bit different. And those who get seasick can avoid the water altogether with local wine tastings. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). What do Frank Lloyd Wright, shellfish, and the Tennessee River all have in common? In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. 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. Thats where the data team at Realtor.com comes in. 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. #13. Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. 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. As one of the best beach vacations in Texas, Port Aransas has everything you need for a family or solo getaway. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes . Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. With world-class skiing nearby, Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com. Emmie Martin , Melissa Stanger, and Andy Kiersz. 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. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. 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. Plan a visit. The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. With Lone Star College . Rocky River, Ohio. Near Klamath Falls. Healthcare is another notable bargain, running 12% . Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. The most affordable small town in every state. 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. Saugatuck Dunes State Park draws adventure seekers with its massive mounds and 13 miles of sandy trails. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. 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. 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. Bryson City. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. 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. 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. It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. 13. You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. This four-bedroom with views of Sandusky Bay is listed at $355,000. Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. Its very close to pricier Lake George as well as Gore Mountain Ski Resort. Many places with lake houses have activities. Lake Wylie is the oldest lake on the Catawba River. Originally located precisely where the lake is, the town of Butler was submerged in 1948 as the reservoir filled. The area offers hiking, skiing and gambling at the casinos. Located at the mouth of the Cheboygan River on Lake Huron, the town offers clear waters and a gorgeous shoreline. Although offerings vary by location, youre likely to find options for boating, fishing and paddle boarding, said Wedgeworth. Cheapest Places to Live In Tennessee: Murfreesboro. 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. When looking for a place to retire, lake towns make a strong case. 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. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. 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. 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. Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. Prices include all homes in these towns, including those on a lake. 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. Median home list price: $307,000. Located in the Poconos Mountains, Lake Ariel is a true small town with a population of about 14,500. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. 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. The cold winters allow for hockey and ice fishing, and the warmer months . 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? Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. Boone, North Carolina. For those looking for an affordable lake home, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch is listed for $375,000.

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