On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. This four-bedroom with views of Sandusky Bay is listed at $355,000. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. 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. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. Waterfront condos start in the mid 300s like this two-bedroom listed at $349,000. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. Its basically the complete opposite of Bransonaside from, you know, the lakes. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. And all of them are great for those seeking escape in the spring and fall as wellno small consideration these days. 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. However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . Midwesterners travel from near and far to relax in the gorgeous bodies of water that dot the tourist towns of Okoboji and Spirit Lake. For more places to explore, check out The South's Greatest Lakes and The South's Best Small Towns. 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. 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. And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. But in todays overheated housing market, is the concept of owning your own waterfront home a punishing fantasy or an achievable reality? South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. 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. Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Asheville, North Carolina. 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. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. No. After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. 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. 1. 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. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. 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 . Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. They were all built around the citys natural springshence the name. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . Watch: Relax for Less: The 10 Most Affordable U.S. Beach Towns for Homebuyers. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. House hunters who want easy access to entertainment after paddleboarding, kayaking, or boating across 43,000 acres of water will appreciate one of the many waterfront homes on Table Rock Lake. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. Closer to town, those similar units near the large body of water go for at least an extra $100,000if not moresuch as this three-bedroom asking $539,000. There are no theme parks or big music shows. Median home list price: $307,000. 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. 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. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. 10. 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!) Listed at $399,900, 29 Marina Cove Drive is a 2-bed, 3.5-bath condo on Spinnaker Island with 1,894 square feet as well as views of Hull Bay and Boston Harbor from the living room and bedrooms. The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. The quaint village offers restaurants, hotels, resorts, and fun and unique shops along its cute downtown corridor. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. 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. Aurora, New York. 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. Boone, North Carolina. 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. "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. Lake Ozark is a small town of less than 2,000 people in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri. 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 area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. The lakes themselves arent the only appeal. Residential lots on Lake Monticello 8. 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. 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. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. At a time when many Americans are trying to manage life under lockdown, a home where you can enjoy the outdoors is looking more and more appealingnot just as a weekend-only getaway, but potentially for year-round living, if you have the ability to work remotely, said realtor.com housing expert Cicely Wedgeworth. You can find traces of all of them in Florence, Alabama. Coos Bay, Oregon. 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. 5. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. Crestline, California. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. The village of Winsted offers a downtown filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques for those hoping to wile away a lazy afternoon. It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most When it comes to American lakes, Maine's got game. 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. Cheapest Places to Live In Tennessee: Murfreesboro. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. Lightvision, LLC/ Getty Images. Melbourne, Florida, is the highest-ranked beach town on the Atlantic Ocean shore. Wisconsin Dells, named for the mighty Wisconsin River Dells, is a lakefront vacation destination that truly has something for everyone. That makes Ely paradise for lake lovers who really do want to escape from the crowds and arent afraid to keep socially distant. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. And those who get seasick can avoid the water altogether with local wine tastings. People are realizing they dont have to be in the city and suburbs, so they can be out there, says Stephen Bednarski, a real estate agent with Mark Martin and Company. 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. 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. The area is quiet and the weather is warm in the winter. 4) Holland State Park Beach: An expansive, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, each with its own campground. Caddo Lake - Karnack. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. 24. And while plenty has changed over previous years, one thing remains constant: an overwhelming desire among many Americans to head to the waterand, just maybe, consider what it would take to own a house there. The small town, which made our 2020 and 2019 lists, offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs and foodies to golfers. 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. Its perfect for outdoor recreation with acres to hike and canoe. 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. Share of household income . People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. Well, it all depends on where you look. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. 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. 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. Next: 25. Lake Burton. 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. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. Even though only 120 people live here full-time, in the summer the Canadian border town attracts hundreds to the resorts and campsites near the shores of the 3,088-acre lake. Sights include the Palace Hotel and Bath House, listed on the National Historic Register, as well as the Basin Park Hotel and the supposedly haunted Crescent Hotel. For a home right on the lake, buyers can find nice single-family homes starting in the $200,000-range, such as this waterfront three-bedroomasking $259,000. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. Lake Wylie covers over 13,000 acres, with a shoreline of 325 miles. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. Waterfront condos start in the mid $300,000s, like this one-bedroom listed at $349,000. 8. The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes. $376,111. The 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns for Homebuyers, 2021, Avoid the Crowds and Take the Plunge: Top Affordable Lake Towns in the U.S., 2020 Edition. 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. Greensboro is situated right on the 19,000-acre lake and is home to a posh golf community (there are six courses within Reynolds Lake Oconee). Maine is home to (literally) thousands of lakes and ponds, from the largest lake, Moosehead, to midsize lakes like Portland-adjacent Sebago Lake and Rangeley Lake near the middle of the state. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. . And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. If you love the outdoors, you'll appreciate Deerfield Beach's Quiet Waters Park, where you can camp, fish, and ride some of the longest cable ski courses in the U.S. 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. If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. Nestled into the scenic foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, this 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 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. Florence, Alabama. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. 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. 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. The city sits about 30 miles southeast of Nashville. #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA. The pinnacle of Montana lake culture is spending the summer months on Flathead Lake. 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. And last year was already nuts! 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. Located approximately 35 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne residents average $853 on monthly housing costs, ranking 12 th for this metric. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. 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. Cost of living . Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. Rent a cabin with a private dock (and a boat, if you like) at MacDonald's Resort in Bayview. Beautiful beaches and candy-colored sunsets over Lake Michigan make this Midwest town a must. Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books.
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