Friday, August 09, 2019

Always dreamed of a lake house of your own? It may be more attainable than you realize. Realtor.com recently ranked lake towns for affordability, aiming for spots where median pricing lands under $450,000. Here are there top takes:

1.  Branson, Mo. 
Median Listing Price: $205,900

Near two of Missouri's most popular lakes, Branson is a Midwestern vacation destination filled with music venues, amusement parks, nightlife and other attractions for locals and visitors to enjoy. For those seeking a prime spot for watersports and boating, Table Rock Lake is surrounded by a variety of single-family homes, which often range from $350,000 to over $650,000. Lake Taneycomo comes in as a top pick for trout fishers and those seeking a quieter destination where buyers can find one-bedroom condos for approximately $120,000.

2.  East Stroudsburg, Pa. 
Median List Price: $187,000

A popular destination for people looking to escape city living, East Stroudsburg is a vacation spot within the Poconos, known for its lakes, ski resorts, historic towns and water parks. While most properties in the area have a low price tag, prime lakefront homes can range from $900,000 to $1.4 million. Lake Naomi and Timber Trails are also great nearby options that have smaller single-family homes that start around $120,000.

3.  Port Clinton, Ohio 
Median List Price: $259,900

Port Clinton is a charming small town on the western edge of Lake Erie with plenty of low-priced condos and single-family homes that typically start around $300,000. In addition to the many beaches, islands and quiet bays of Port Clinton, the town has a plethora of entertainment, including an African Safari Wildlife Park, The Watering Hole Safari and Waterpark, unique antique stores, and waterfront restaurants.

4.  Jamestown, N.Y. 
Median List Price: $59,900 

Jamestown sits at the tip of Chautauqua Lake and is known for its exceptionally affordable real estate and, of course, its lakes. However, Jamestown has also made a name for itself as a top-notch comedy destination. As the hometown of comedian Lucille Ball, Jamestown hosts the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, which has featured Jerry Seinfeld, Amy Schumer and Jay Leno, among others. Those looking to stay year-round will be able to land a bargain as the area is filled with older single-family homes listed at great prices.

5.  Alexandria, Minn. 
Median List Price: $288,900

Alexandria is located in Douglas County, where there are about 300 lakes and certainly no shortage of lakefront homes. Waterfront properties are predominantly single-family homes that start at just over $100,000. However, there are also a variety of larger houses with more acreage and higher price tags available.

6.  Clearlake, Calif. 
Median List Price: $219,900. 

The popular Northern California vacation town, Clearlake, was hit hard by the previous foreclosure crisis and recent wildfires. However, the town is making a comeback and there are even plans to reopen the renowned Konocti Harbor Resort. Rumored to be the oldest lake in North America, the fresh water of Clear Lake is still a major draw, especially with real estate prices that are just a fraction of those in nearby cities like Napa and San Francisco. 

7.  Spirit Lake, Iowa 
Median List Price: $315,000 

With waterfront attractions, including an amusement park, and deep clear water that is perfect for boating, Spirit Lakeand Okoboji are two of Northern Iowa's more lively and desirable lake towns. West Okoboji Lake is filled with waterfront, multi-million-dollar homes and grand estates, while East Okoboji and Spirit Lake house more affordable condos and single-family homes with shared lake access.

8.  Mountain Home, Ark.
Median List Price: $174,900

For those seeking a tranquil, peaceful abode by the lake, head to Mountain Home. Unlike many of the other lake towns on this list, Mountain Home doesn't have a lot of entertainment. Instead, the main attraction to this peaceful place is Lake Norfolk, a 22,000-acre manmade lake that has nearly two dozen parks and 550 miles of shoreline. In this slower-paced town, you can find a two-bedroom home overlooking the lake or river for about $200,000 or a larger waterfront house which can range from $300,000 up to $2 million. 

9.  Baraboo, Wis. 
Median List Price: $189,900

Baraboo is home to the world-renowned Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which started in 1888 and shut down in 2017. The town is also known for its outdoor adventures and attractions, such as rock climbing, the International Crane Foundation, Lake Wisconsin and the Wisconsin River. The lake and river are lined with single-family homes that range from $200,000 for a modest two-bedroom cottage up to $3.6 million for a grand estate on the water. 

10.  Sandpoint, Idaho 
Median List Price: $429,000

While Sandpoint is the most expensive town on the list, this small community in Idaho is surrounded by a lake and mountains that provide year-round attractions for visitors and residents. Fishing, boating, wine tasting and The Festival at Sandpoint are some of the main summer activities, while skiing at Schweitzer Mountain Resort is popular during the winter. Prime lakefront homes in the area typically go for over $1 million, while houses on the river can be found for less than half the price.

Source: realtor.com® 

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