Exploring 7 Best Lake Towns in America for Your Next Move (2024)

I feel like those who are looking to buy a waterfront home deserve a property alert. Pretty much every waterfront real estate price has skyrocketed in recent years.

Also, it’s not just in the coastal areas near the ocean. America has over 100,000 lakes with nearby neighborhoods, perfect for raising a family or a second home for vacation.

But which lake towns are worthy of investment? Let’s find out.

7 Best Lake Towns in the US for Your Next Home

From small lakes formed by rivers to huge bodies of water in the mainlands, many of these are home to national parks filled with wildlife. But there are some shorelines that boast vibrant neighborhoods, beaches, and cozy/luxury homes that can be your next move.

Here are some of the best lake towns in the US for your next getaway home.

1. Lake Placid, New York

A peaceful, quiet, and scenic environment, with a complement of surrounding mountains. Sounds like an ideal place to lay your roots right? Well, this small town, located in New York’s vast Adirondacks region, is exactly that, and more! And the yearly declining crime rate(around 12%, below national average) of this town is a cherry on top!

Most of the houses in the village area have a unique rustic look to them. However, there are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from cozy cabins and cottages to larger lakefronts with modern amenities like swimming pools, jacuzzis, or outdoor sauna baths equipped with the best sauna heatersfor relaxation and wellness.

Median Home Price:$350,000

But what about entertainment?

Well, the Winter Olympics was held in this town twice! That should tell you how active the outdoor ventures are here.

You can go swimming in the Toboggan Chute, kayaking in the lake, or take a hike on the Cobble Hill trail; making it an ideal choice for outdoorsy people.

2. Geneva Lake, Wisconsin

The 8.5 square miles lake in Geneva, Wisconsin welcomes you to its Midwestern lake town. This natural water feature is just a short drive away from Chicago and Milwaukee.

Its locale is a standing testament that small lakes can also be a great spot for million-dollar real estate with million-dollar waterfront views. Most of these Laketown homes are situated by the Lake Genevashore path or downtown and are perfect for summer getaways.

In this serene environment, you’d only find rows of lakeside resorts, gift shops, and highly-received restaurants for sampling local beer and cheese.

Not to mention, it’s a heaven for outdoor activities, having ample opportunities for water sports, trail hiking, and much more!

Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva

3. Lakeway, Texas

Apart from premium resorts and spas, this lakefront town has that special calm and scenic view that’ll help you unwind in many ways. This suburb has been attracting vacationers with its light turquoise water and Texas-famous barbeques.

It is a 40-minute drive away from Austin, near the southern shores of Lake Travis.

Most of the available real estate in this neighborhood are luxury single-family homes or condos. Hence, the pricing is a bit on the higher side. Nonetheless, the significantly lower crime rate and all the available modern amenities make it totally worth it.

Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about any lack of outdoor opportunities on its warm sunny days.

4. Leavenworth, Washington

It is quite a rare sight to find a lakefront neighborhood that looks straight out of a movie. With that spirit, Leavenworth is a Bavaria-themed suburb located in the Cascade Mountains of Washington.

Don’t be fooled by the simplistic and charming architecture of the Bavarian-style homes of this town. Due to ever-growing demand, the housing price is a tad bit higher than most lakefront properties in the US.

But those real estatedon’t offer such a scenic view of both serene mountains and glistening waterfronts.

I’d argue that the cozy, rustic interior of these modern homes combined with so many opportunities for outdoor relaxation makes it a better option for a second home for retreat.

5. Lakeside, Ohio

It can’t get any better than Lakeside, Ohio for those who want rich cultural and recreational offerings in a family-friendly environment. The renowned Lake Erie is a fantastic venue for so many adventures.

And along the shoreline of this famous lake, you’d find some Victorian-style cottages and single-family homes that offer a scenic view and easy access to any outdoor activities.

Apart from having all the typical Laketown activities like boating or fishing, the town hosts numerous events, including concerts, lectures, and special seasonal celebrations.

All-in-all, you can expect a resort-like lifestyle with a strong sense of community in this neighborhood.

6. Grand Marais, Minnesota

This town has been a creative hub for a very good reason, and it still is. From the journey towards this Laketown to its location between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior, it feels like the ultimate inspiration for a painter.

Along the forested shoreline, you’ll find rows of cozy condos and rustic cabins, offering direct access to the forest and lake.

An art colony with a quirky community spirit, that’s probably the best way to describe this neighborhood. And it’s just not about art and scenery! Bird watching, rock climbing, hiking, climbing, canoeing; pretty much every outdoorsy activity you can think of. And if that’s not enough, you can take a leisurely walk on the famous Black Beach or dip your toes in the Gooseberry Waterfalls Park.

7. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Ask anyone in the US about which Laketown they’d pick to live with their family, and the unanimous answer would probably be the Wolfeboro. There’s a good reason why many celebrities like Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore own homes here.

Nestled happily in the eastern shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is the oldest summer resort in the USand it’s still a hotspot for foreigners as well.

Unlike other Laketowns, the waterfront homes have a more traditional New England architecture rather than a cabin or cottage-like outlook. That’s why it feels more like a quintessential New England lake town instead of a more typical American small town.

However, the housing option is quite limited due to the steadily growing demand. That being said, once you set foot in this town, you’ll realize why people gravitate toward its cool weather, clear lake water, and beaches for a summer retreat.

And the comparatively lower crime rate, the nearby parks, bakeries, restaurants, schools, and colleges make it a safe haven for families.

Bottom Line

There is a certain appeal of having a second home for a holiday retreat near a Lake. And with this guideline, you can have a lakefront property of your own based on your needs and budget.

Jenny Kakoudakislikes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and All The Pretty Homesin 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.

Download her free bathroom renovation guide here.