most affordable lake towns in the south

South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. Asheville, North Carolina. 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).. 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 cold winters allow for hockey and ice fishing, and the warmer months . Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes for sale, including this four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house listed for $169,900. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. Clermont Chain of Lakes is a system of 11 lakes in Florida, but the historic village of Clermont is specifically nestled on Lake Minneola. (Sorry.). Listed at $129,900, this house is close to the lake walk and Ashlands vibrant downtown. Known as Alabamas Lake City, its surrounded by older trees, rugged mountains, and has cultural amenities like a regional theater company. Rangeley Lake State Park boasts 850 acres of mountainous terrain, making the area a perfect hiking destination as well. Lake Wylie- South Carolina/North Carolina. Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. She writes about food, travel, and real estate for Zagat, FoodNetwork.com, BBC Travel, and more. Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. Maya Kachroo-Levine is the luxury and experiences editor at. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. 3. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Conroe, Texas, has made its name as a live music destination with shows happening in town almost every day. Spirit Lake also offers a host of museums and local historical sites such as the Dickinson County Heritage Center and the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum. The first is its sheer size. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. Meander the historic district, then break out your boats or find a picnic bench along the shore to take in a few relaxing hours in LaGrange. 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. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. However, its ghost town status seems to be changing with a larger number of people moving here after . For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. 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. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern cities. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. Clear Lake, South Dakota, is proud of its strong, traditional values. Long-time locals and even some visitors are convinced that there's something in the water in this lake town. For many, lakeside living is the answer. 9. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. 01 of 10. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. 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. 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. There is also an active and vibrant local arts scene thanks to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. Canyon Lake. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. Head to Greenhorn Ranch first for an authentic ranch experience in the Lost Sierra. 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. Diamondhead, MS. Population: 8,044. 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. 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. In addition to lakeside living, residents also take advantage of the prime fishing, picnic, and camping spots, and a scenic paved trail for bikes and pedestrians that winds through the town and around Lake Kampeska. Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. 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 is a wide variety in a very small town.. 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. 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. Its also a prized destination for great shopping and local activitieslike a top-notch weekly farmers marketand its welcoming community vibe, says Jen Schaben, real estate agent with Stauss Realty in Okoboji. Bayview is right on the water (literally), giving it a northwestern island feel, and it is home to the 4,000-acre Farragut State Park. Thats where the data team at Realtor.com comes in. At The Soda Shop, centrally located on one of Davidson's main drags, you'll find vintage sips and classic comfort food any time of the day. Situated on nearly a half-acre, this house features a screened porch and is within walking distance of Roamingwood Lake. 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. And if Dolly has ever spent time here, she didnt leave much of a trace. 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. The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. Theres also the noteworthy shops and restaurants located in the towns eight-block business district, which happens to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? It's an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. Idaho Falls, Idaho. 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. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. Population: 316,381. 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 presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. The charming red-brick downtown is filled with fun shops and restaurants. 10. Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. 10: Jordan Lake, average home listing $340,734. Methodology: GOBankingRates found 25 affordable waterfront cities by evaluating 112 of the United . 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. Its very close to pricier Lake George as well as Gore Mountain Ski Resort. Average Home Cost: $338,035. 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. "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. Cost of living . (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). You're sure to catch your fix of small-town charm and slow country living in this Alabama town. 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. Erie's 9,910-square-mile namesake Great Lake is home to Presque Isle State Park, which is a National Natural Landmark. 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. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. Can it be? 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. 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. 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. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. 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. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Glen Arbor is nestled between Lake Michigans Sleeping Bear Bay and the Glen Lakes. 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 15 Best Resorts in the Continental U.S. How to Plan the Perfect Adirondacks Vacation in Any Season Charming Towns and Gorgeous Hikes Included. This five-bedroom, two-bedroom house is listed for $325,000. Daniel Herriges serves as Editor-in-Chief for Strong Towns, writing feature articles and speaking across the country on behalf of the organization.He has been a regular contributor to Strong Towns since 2015 and is also a founding member of the organization. The word is getting out. Well, it all depends on where you look. 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. 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. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. 1. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Butler is located on the northern shore of Watauga Lake, and is actually the reconstruction of the "old" Butler. 25. 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. 2019 Best Retirement Lakes 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. Gigabit ISP: C Spire ($80/month) Zillow Home Value Index: $165,574. 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.