Do you know that feeling of not wanting your vacation to end on the last day? Here’s a simple solution: purchase a house by the lake. You can do it without needing a large budget. There are many towns near lakes in the United States that are reasonably priced. We examined the zip codes near lakes that are frequently searched, where at least 25% of the homes are vacation properties. We discovered some charming small towns where you can enjoy an extended vacation.
Streetman, Texas
Streetman is located just off I-45, about an hour and 15 minutes southeast of Dallas. It is a great place to have a weekend home because of its proximity to Richland Chambers Reservoir, which is the third largest lake in Texas. This place is a great escape from everything. There are no bars or restaurants here. The closest locations are located 15 minutes southeast in Fairfield.
The town of Streetman is quiet and down-to-earth, although there are a few gated communities around the lake. It is affordable, with an average listing price of $272,981. For instance, you can purchase a custom cabin with two bedrooms, covering an area of 1,350 square feet, situated on 10 acres of land near the water. The price for this property is $235,000.
Wedowee, Alabama
Lake Wedowee, also known as the R L Harris Reservoir, is located 88 miles southwest of Atlanta in Alabama. It is considered one of Alabama’s best-kept secrets. The water here is very clear, the trees around the shore are very green, and it’s easy to see bald eagles. Many fishermen come here because there are lots of bluegill, catfish, crappie, yellow perch, redear sunfish, and different kinds of bass to catch. However, the area is not crowded and is not completely isolated. If you don’t enjoy fishing, there are other activities you can do like kayaking, jet skiing, boating, and simply relaxing in a hammock. These are popular things to do in the area.
There is not a lot of traffic in town and there are not many options for dining and shopping. On Main Street, there is a Jack’s fast-food restaurant from Alabama. They have a delicious strawberry cream cheese pie that you should definitely try. One positive aspect is that there are very affordable and attractive homes available in this area. The median sale price for a home in January of this year was $207,450. There are also affordable options available, such as a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home built in 2001 for $174,900.
Crane Lake, Minnesota
If you prefer a more social lakeside lifestyle, Crane Lake is the perfect place for you. Although only 120 people live here all year round, during the summer the Canadian border town attracts hundreds of visitors to the resorts and campsites near the shores of the 3,088-acre lake. It’s the type of place where people are friendly and like to talk, and many families have been coming back for many years. It’s not surprising that the social scene doesn’t revolve around going out since there is only one non-resort restaurant called Crane Lake Bar and Grill. At this place, the main attraction is the lake. You can find a variety of watercrafts such as pontoon boats, paddleboards, and houseboats.
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If you dream of living in a cabin in the woods, Crane Lake is the perfect place for you. The cabin is located in the Kabetona State Forest, so you will be surrounded by the smell of evergreens when you wake up and go to sleep. It is an off-grid cabin with three bedrooms and is priced in the low $200,000s. Currently, most of the listings in Crane Lake are priced at $225,000 or less.
Wentworth, South Dakota
In Wentworth, a small village located about 40 minutes north of Sioux Falls, it won’t take long for everyone to know your name. Wentworth is a very small town with less than 200 residents, so it has a close-knit community feel. It is a place where neighbours take care of each other and have events like a yearly pancake breakfast on the Fourth of July at the community barn. Lake Madison is located just a 10-minute drive from the village. It is a great place for fishing and also offers some activities, such as visiting The Broadwater Bar or The Lakes Bar and Grill.
Wentworth has homes available for every budget. You can find a four-bedroom contemporary waterfront home with large windows and a private beach for $850,000. Alternatively, there is a renovated two-bedroom cabin on the waterfront for $269,900.
Ellston, Iowa
Sharing a private lake with a few neighbours is a great alternative to having your own lake. You can find Sun Valley Lake in the small town of Ellston, which has a population of 57. It is the centrepiece of a community. Sun Valley Lake is like living in a resort because it has a community centre, restaurant, golf course, and tennis courts, all designed for leisure. It is just over an hour’s drive from Des Moines.
The community is popular with retirees because of its country club setting. However, it is important to note that the community is not age-restricted and the homes are not all the same. There are different options available, ranging from a large five-bedroom home with a basement recreation area priced at $587,000 to a smaller and more comfortable two-bedroom bungalow priced at $132,500.