Tucked way up in northern Minnesota, Ely is secluded and full of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. 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. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. Winter Olympics. Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. This Georgia city is set on the shores of Lake Lanier, which is a busy spot in summertime and a lovely place to live year-round. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. 11. Beaufort, North Carolina. Cheapest Places to Live In Tennessee: Murfreesboro. The region's McGhee and North . 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. ( (Tony Franzel for Realtor.com)) 1. Credit: John Noltner. 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. Enjoy Greensboro's historic charm: Main Street bustles with locally owned businesses and eateries, and Lake Oconee is a destination for water activities. Its a way to feel secure about making payment, so they can float it if the world turns upside down, he says. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. . Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. 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. Lake Tahoe, California. Population: 316,381. 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. Each place had to have at least 50 listings each month to make the cut. 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. 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. The 43,000 acres of Table Rock Lake are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating. Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. 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. 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. Those looking for history and a well-preserved downtown will enjoy the heart of this city, while those keen on a lake vacation can head straight to Basin Harbor, a resort on Lake Champlain celebrating its 135th season. No. 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. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. With Lone Star College . Nestled in a valley between the Piedmont region and Appalachian Mountains, this town has been luring people to its picturesque waters for yearsespecially since it was the filming location for Dirty Dancing. Bransons usually-packed Silver Dollar City theme park, Dolly Partons Stampede and live country music shows may not be nearly as appealing during the pandemic as they have been in summers past, but theres plenty of opportunity to distance from strangers across the areas many lakes. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. 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 its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. 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. Bryson City. Sandy beaches and waters for boating and kayaking are inviting spots to spend the afternoons. Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. 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. The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. 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. 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. The village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country. This lake town is brimming with charming accommodations, too, from the more modern Hotel Earl to the historic Bridge Street Inn and the waterfront Edgewater Inn & Suites. Flagstaff, Arizona. If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. 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. 25. There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. Wallethub's Best Beach Towns to Live in (Ocean or Lake) 15 Sparkling Seaside Towns In The USA The Best Small Beach Towns in the United States America's 25 Favorite Beach Towns America's Most Affordable Beach Towns in 2019 The 21 Most Popular Active and 55+ Communities in the Southeast. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. 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. Legend has it that seven mineral springs in Springs Park have healing powers. 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. The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. As for housing, there is something for any price range. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. Homes can vary widely in price: A single-family fixer-upper on the water can go for around $250,000 or into the millions.. According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. Buyers might want to check out the Hideout, a planned residential community with 3,200 single-family homes nestled into the Poconos. Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com. The presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. It's all about the water sports at White Lake - tourists come to swim, boat, tube, jet ski, wake board, and the like. The area around Winter Park, Florida is a veritable lake oasis. Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. Right near the Canadian border, way up north in Minnesota, secluded Ely offers acres upon acres of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests set on a stunning, glacier-carved landscape. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. There are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . Those four-season attractions have made the areas lake homes a hot commodity among second homeowners. Lookout Belle - Flickr. 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. In . That said, you'll also find an amusement park in town and, next to White Lake (heading toward neighboring Elizabethtown), a picturesque 18-hole golf course. 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. 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. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for spending one's golden years of retirement. Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. 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. 13. Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. Chattanooga, Tennessee. 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? The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. 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. The Corpus Christi Bay area sits behind the Padre and Mustang islands. Eureka, California. 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.