12 Lake Towns Where You Can Still Get a House for Under $250K

Enjoy the lake life with an affordable home near the water.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Oct. 1, 2024

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Spending days on the water or watching the sun set over a beautiful lake sounds great.

But finding an affordable lake home is not always easy if you're trying to manage your money better. Fortunately, finding a lake home within your budget is possible if you're willing to do a little work.

Check out these cities where you can buy a lake home for under $250,000. All median home values come from Redfin.

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Rogers City, Michigan

Median home value: $128,000

One of the great things about Michigan is its access to the Great Lakes. So, try a small lake town on big Lake Huron.

Rogers City includes access to the Huron Sunrise Trail, an 11-mile paved trail perfect for bikers who want to get out into nature near the shores of Lake Huron.

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Lorain, Ohio

Median home value: $155,000

The town of Lorain in northern Ohio is another option if you want access to one of the Great Lakes.

Lorain is on the shores of Lake Erie and just 25 miles west of Cleveland if you occasionally want to get some city life.

Augusta, Kansas

Median home value: $171,000

Even landlocked states in the Midwest have access to lake life, so try Augusta for an affordable option.

The city is on Augusta Lake, a human-made 190-acre lake where residents enjoy fishing, boating, and kayaking.

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Two Rivers, Wisconsin

Median home value: $165,000

Two Rivers has plenty of water options for residents who can enjoy twin rivers that flow into Lake Michigan.

In addition to typical water sports, residents can also enjoy bird watching at Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve before checking out the local fishing museum.

Watkins Glen, New York

Median home value: $105,000

Watkins Glen sits along the waters of Seneca Lake, one of the Finger Lakes in upstate New York.

The town includes Watkins Glen State Park, where you can explore the outdoors. Those looking for a faster pace will enjoy Watkins Glen International, which hosts a variety of automotive races on its race track.

Sheffield, Alabama

Median home value: $175,000

Pickwick Lake is located in three different states, so you can choose where to live. But your best option may be Sheffield in northern Alabama.

The town also includes Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, a well-known destination for music lovers where artists such as Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, and Cher have recorded music.

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Fairmont, Minnesota

Median home value: $202,450

Don’t settle for just one lake when you can live in an area with five of them.

Fairmont is home to five lakes, with four of them that are accessible to each other through channels. That makes the town a great place to live if you enjoy boating or other water sports.

Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio

Median home value: $206,000

Located in northeast Ohio on Lake Erie, Mentor-on-the-Lake is home to four parks, perfect for those who love to explore the outdoors.

This bedroom community is close enough to Cleveland that residents can commute to the big city and still get home in time to enjoy all the recreation the town has to offer.

Lockport, Louisiana

Median home value: $195,000

Southwest of New Orleans is Lockport, with its affordable homes that are great for families.

Enjoy water activities and bayou life in Bayou Side Park. Or, check out a production at the Bayou Playhouse while living the lake life.

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Hartsville, South Carolina

Median home value: $225,000

Hartsville has a historic downtown and offers access to Prestwood Lake. Those looking for educational opportunties will find them at Coker University.

Packing company Sonoco calls Hartsville home. This makes it the smallest city in the U.S. with a Fortune 500 company's headquarters.

Forsyth, Missouri

Median home value: $234,998

Nothing beats a town with a terrific lake — unless it's a community where you can find two lakes.

Forsyth is such a place. Located within an hour of Springfield and 20 minutes from Branson, Forsyth provides access to both Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake. That means plenty of good fishing and boating.

Marquette, Michigan

Lake Superior from Sugarloaf Mountain michigan

Median home value: $185,950

Marquette is located on the shores of Lake Superior. It gives residents access to the water and other beautiful outdoor landscapes.

The town is close to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, waterfalls, and lighthouses dotted along the landscape of the Upper Peninsula.

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Bottom line

You can make good homeowner money moves by sticking to a budget while still finding the perfect place on the shores of your favorite lake.

Remember to factor in additional costs when you buy a home and try to save money in an emergency fund for any that may come up as a homeowner.

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