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. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? 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. These days, with fears of Covid, some may not like the idea of opening their home to outsiders and possibly investing more money in cleaning. You can even catch a game of golf on one of the many greens located across the lake. The red-brick sidewalks and friendly locals in this town are sure to make you nostalgic for childhood days on the water. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. 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. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. Yup. The charming red-brick downtown is filled with fun shops and restaurants. Rocky River, Ohio. 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. Minneapolis is just over three hours northwest, and Chicago more than three hours northeast. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. . In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. A suburb of Lafayette, Scott is the third most affordable city in Louisiana. The house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. 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 . 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. 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. Lake Wylie is in both Carolinas and the variety of activities in this area is great. In . With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. 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. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. The first is its sheer size. 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. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. His brokerage has seen sales in lake towns surge by 50% this year compared to last year, as people flock to the water. Whether you're renting a lake house for the summer, or looking for a lakeside long weekend to book this fall, these are the 15 best lake towns in America. It's all about the water sports at White Lake - tourists come to swim, boat, tube, jet ski, wake board, and the like. They're not just waterfront havens where you can rent a boat for the day or go stand-up paddle boarding, they're also destinations with exciting restaurants, hotels, shopping, and plenty of non-water-based activities. Population: 316,381. The word is getting out. 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. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. And last year was already nuts! Enjoy Greensboro's historic charm: Main Street bustles with locally owned businesses and eateries, and Lake Oconee is a destination for water activities. 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. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. There are less costly options, such as this two-bedroom with views of the lake and Crystal River listed for $410,000. Sandusky, OH. 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. 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. Chattanooga, Tennessee. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. Residents can enjoy leisurely days boating on the lake, or go fishing in two of the nearby lakes, Lake Henry and Lake Wallenpaupack. 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. More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the . The town of Lake Placid, set on the banks of, you guessed it, Lake Placid, is probably best known as the home of the 1980 (and 1932!) 3. 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. Just 85 miles outside of Atlanta sits one of the most charming lake destinations in the South: Lake Oconee. 1. Next: 25. 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. Those lucky enough to see a sunset at Lake Kampeska could understand how wildlife artist Terry Redlin was inspired by his surroundings in Watertown. Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahomas oldest national park) offers nearly 10,000 acres of camping, hiking, horseback riding, and biking. The city sits in a strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound. The presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. Median home price: $260,000. 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. 25. The area around Winter Park, Florida is a veritable lake oasis. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. 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. This Texas coastal city is known for its soft sand and its profound birding and fishing culture. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for spending one's golden years of retirement. 10. 22. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. Situated near Columbia, South Carolina's capital city, and just a short drive from Lake Murraya 50,000-acre reservoir with more than 600 miles of shorelineLexington is a great place to live. Credit: John Noltner. At B-52 Brewery, you'll find them serving up a new brew release every Friday alongside live music performances. 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. 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. One perennial rule of summer: Branson, MO, is always one of the highest-ranking lake towns in the nationeven if it did move down a couple of spots, from No. With a name like Sulphur, its no surprise that the area is famous for its mineral springs. 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. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. (Sorry.). 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).. Alaska might not be the first place most folks think of when they envision summer lake towns. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. The pinnacle of Montana lake culture is spending the summer months on Flathead Lake. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. 9. Many places with lake houses have activities. Two years ago, USA Today named it the best coastal town in America. 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!) Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. Its very close to pricier Lake George as well as Gore Mountain Ski Resort. Crestline, California. 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. The lakes crystal-clear waters are the ideal spot for fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. Virginia's only lakeside town is located on Kerr Lake and has become a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, who enjoy the boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking opportunities at Occoneechee State Park. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. If your ideal lakeside lifestyle is a bit more social, Crane Lake has you covered. Theres a reason Chelan is the go-to second-home destination for Seattlites seeking a more affordableand infinitely sunniersummer escape. Aurora, New York sits . Sandusky has been getting a lot of press over the past few years. Traveling with kids or an inner child at heart? Branson, MO (Table Rock Lake & Lake Taneycomo) Table Rock Lake, MO Photo courtesy of wanderthemap.com. 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. 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. for much of the year. 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. (Fun fact: Big Spirit Lake is home to 40 different species of fish.). Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. Scott's median income of $55,825 is quite high, which helps offset the slightly higher home prices and rent. Every outdoor activity you can imagineswimming, hiking, rock climbing, golfing, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, and moreis possible at Lake Lure, and you'll still find plenty of time for relaxation once the sun sinks behind Chimney Rock each evening. 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. 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. It is a college town home to Ithaca College, an internationally known private college that has the Center LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services. Your life in Wolfeboro will be filled with sunset swims at Brewster Beach, ice cream cones at Wolfeboro Dockside Grille & Dairy Bar, and beers at Lone Wolfe Brewing Company. 13. 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 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 . 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. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. 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. 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. Aurora, New York. For many looking to escape the city, it became a great place this summer to social distance and enjoy the outdoors. 8. As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Butler is located on the northern shore of Watauga Lake, and is actually the reconstruction of the "old" Butler. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. 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. Rangeley Lake is known for terrific fishing (it's a trout and salmon hub), swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. When looking for a place to retire, lake towns make a strong case. On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. Bayview, Idaho is a floating village - yes, that's a real thing - on Lake Pend Oreille. And yes, they can be terrific investments, too. 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. His company sells lake homes in 33 states. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. Lake Wylie- South Carolina/North Carolina. The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. Vermont's first and smallest city, Vergennes is a short drive to both Burlington and Middlebury. 24. 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. 01 of 10. South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. Cost of living . 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. Retirees interested in exploring the outdoors . Saugatuck, Michigan. After a full day of work, many residents find themselves on the water or hitting the trails for a hike. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. 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. 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. According to Time and Money magazines, Murfreesboro is one of the top 20 places to live in the US. 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. The area offers hiking, skiing and gambling at the casinos. Beaufort, North Carolina. Asheville, North Carolina. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. The bucolic town, tucked between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, offers a plethora of water sports like canoeing and water skiing. Gigabit ISP: C Spire ($80/month) Zillow Home Value Index: $165,574. Maguire says there has been an increase in interest in the area, especially from out-of-state buyers given the areas lakeside location and tranquil and safe community. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First. Maya Kachroo-Levine is the luxury and experiences editor at. Catering to guests from around the world, this working dude ranch offers guided trail rides, horseback riding lessons, stocked fishing ponds, and an all-inclusive resort experience. 5) CityFlatsHotel: A sister property to the CityFlats in downtown Grand . If you're looking to have the time of your life, this quiet lake town is meant for you. 11. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. Halfway between Minneapolis and Chicago, the area has become a popular year-round destination for urbanites seeking an escape from city life. 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. Nothing says summertime bliss like hanging out in a lake town, watching the glowing sun set in the company of friends and family, sightseeing, visiting the local farmers market for fresh veggies and kicking back in a cozy cabin.

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