Realtors Predict Home Prices Will Skyrocket in These 8 Popular Lake Towns

Whether you’re looking for clever ways to help pay your rent or a picturesque town to settle down and raise a family, investing in a property in a lake town is often a popular choice since these areas tend to offer a beautiful setting with a host of outdoor activities for those who appreciate an active lifestyle.

According to Pete Evering of Utopia Management in San Diego, lake towns are popular because they offer a mix of relaxation and adventure. “There’s something special about living near water, whether it’s for the peaceful views or the endless outdoor activities.”

That being said, these eight lake towns may have a little something extra about them, which is why real estate experts predict they’re about to see a major price jump.

Lake Oconee may see home prices jump in 2025 because it’s becoming a favorite spot for retirees and families looking for waterfront living close to Atlanta.

“The rising demand is driven by new luxury developments, better access to recreational areas, and a limited number of lakefront homes,” noted Charissa Bright, owner and founder of Bright Buys Houses.

“I love Lake Oconee for its clear water, amazing golf courses, high-end neighborhoods, and fun outdoor activities like boating and fishing,” she continues. “It's a great place for vacations or year-round living."

Another lake town in Georgia likely to see a price hike in the future is Lake Lanier. Planned upgrades to local roads and services here will only make it more popular, which makes it a smart place to invest, according to Bright.

“Being close to Atlanta makes it a favorite for weekend trips and permanent homes and the limited number of lakefront properties adds to its demand,” Bright said. “The area is packed with fun activities like boating, fishing, and hiking, plus it has great neighborhoods and restaurants that attract retirees and families.”

This lake town has long been a favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Prices are set to go up, thanks in part to new amenities and infrastructure upgrades, which make it even more appealing for those on the hunt for a new lakeside home.

“The median home price in Lake Havasu is around the mid-$400,000 range, while the average listing price is just above $500,000,” Evering said. “As more people discover this area, the demand keeps climbing. Inventory is getting tight, and when there aren’t enough homes to go around, prices naturally rise.”

This is a sought-after destination for vacationers and permanent residents alike. The town has recently had some major development and renovation projects, making it even more appealing for investors and buyers.

“I also think scarcity of inventory will play a major role in driving up prices in this particular lake town as the demand for lakefront properties continues to increase,” noted Alex Locklear, a REALTOR® and founder of NC Cash Home Buyers.

“What I particularly love about this area is its proximity to major cities like Chicago and Milwaukee,” he continues, noting that the area continues to attract a diverse group of buyers, which includes both those looking for a vacation home to those who want a peaceful and scenic spot outside of the city to call home.

Bubba Peek, a real estate expert with more than 15 years of experience in property market analysis and a specialization in lake towns, predicts Lake Keowee will see soaring property valuations in 2025. Peek pointed to rising popularity, scarcity of inventory, and new amenities as some of the reasons prices will go up.

“Lake Keowee's affordability and cozy, family-like vibe are promoting its expansion,” Peek added. “Combining all these factors will quickly turn it into a hotspot location due to the community and available outdoor resources. The allure of water is timeless, and its value only grows with each passing year.”

Another town with limited waterfront inventories and increased demand from remote workers and vacationers is Grand Lake, Colorado.

“The rise in remote work opportunities bodes well for places like Grand Lake,” said David Milo, owner of Independent Lending. “It is not easy to access skiing and national parks when combined with potential for remote work. Buyers want this sort of adventure combined with the need for a break from city life, but in such a quiet spot, that will force the price upward in 2025 due to low waterfront homes in inventory.”

An increase in popularity is likely going to make Lake Anna prices skyrocket, according to Tim Choate, founder and CEO of RedAwning.

Not only that, but the region has a lot of appeal to modern homebuyers. “Lake Anna is experiencing a boom in environmentally concerned projects, carefully chosen gastronomic pop-ups, and microbreweries along its coastline today — additions that define the area as both smart and appealing, therefore drawing in a population ready to pay premium rates,” Choate says, adding that places like Lake Anna also offer flexibility for vacationing, working remotely, and investing in locations with provide more than beautiful sceneries.

Similar to Lake Anna, Choate said Lake Pend Oreille is attracting remote workers who want flexibility and the beauty and simplicity of lake towns.

“Long beloved by nature lovers, areas near Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho are now attracting a lot of technology professionals looking for a more peaceful, natural surroundings with enhanced Wi-Fi access and better transportation connections — which makes second homes there a tempting prospect,” according to Choate.

Several popular lake towns across the country may see skyrocketing home prices in 2025. Rising popularity and scarcity of inventory are among the reasons real estate experts predict these higher prices.

You may be able to take advantage of the situation by buying a home now, either to live in or as an investment to help you tap into a new source of income and build your wealth.