. The community is well-known for its abundance of vacation rentals and homes for sale. In fact, for $250,000, homebuyers can buy their own patch of Lake Placid and build their dream home. This city also ranks just outside of the top 10, with the 13 th-most Chattanooga area residents spend just 21.86% of the area's median household income on housing expenses, including mortgage payments, rent, property taxes and utilities. Lake Wylie is the oldest lake on the Catawba River. With the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, the Lake of the Arbuckles, and the Artesian Hotel, Casino, and Spa, the small town has a lot to offer. Animal lovers will gladly pay roughly $7 ($4 for kids) to spend a couple . If you have to socially distance or can work from home, just move to the lake full time.. There has been a lot of new development in the area, as more people from out of state discover the Spirit Lake area, says Schaben. These days, with fears of Covid, some may not like the idea of opening their home to outsiders and possibly investing more money in cleaning. Sean Pavone/Getty. Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. But there are also plenty of folks whod prefer to be right in town, within walking distance to dozens of restaurants, the performance center, and the nearly 30 sculptures spread throughout downtown. Pronounced "Bowfort" (not "Bewfert" like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. To ensure geographic diversity, we limited our list to just one city per state. Admire the view of the Tennessee River from the McFarland Park Fishing Pier and be sure to grab a bite to eat at Stanfield's River Bottom Grill with a dockside view of the harbor. Cliff Billingsley/Getty Images. Just a three-hour drive, the idyllic glacial valley, located across the Cascade Range in the high desert, centers on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Chelan. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. Little wonder Lake Chelan is such a popular vacation destination for 12 to 14 weeks per year. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? His company sells lake homes in 33 states. 4. 1. Conroe, Texas, has made its name as a live music destination with shows happening in town almost every day. Aurora, New York sits on Cayuga Lake, one of the largest of the 11 Finger Lakes. One perennial rule of summer: Branson, MO, is always one of the highest-ranking lake towns in the nationeven if it did move down a couple of spots, from No. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. About half an hour from Orlando, Clermont is the heart of this multi-lake community and is also close to Lake Louisa (the largest of the Clermont Chain of Lakes). Its quiet and peaceful early in the morning, and bustling with waterskiers and boaters in the afternoon. The lake is named after the town of Burton which is now situated at the bottom of the lake. Don't miss the restaurants, like Kindred, located on the downtown stretch across from Davidson College. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? Aside from focusing on the worlds largest collection of standing totem poles, amateur photographers can point their cameras in nearly any direction and capture a gorgeous view of the citys jaw-dropping natural beauty. Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Trout fishing is popular on Lake Taneycomo. Beaufort, North Carolina. To help narrow down that search, one website has chosen three cities in North Carolina as some of the best lake towns in the country to live in. Big Bear is less of a hotel town - the name of the game here is renting a house on the water and spending your days fishing, hiking, swimming, and mountain biking. The small lakes around Chestertown have been booming with second home buyers this year, who make up about 80% of the real estate market. 20 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the U.S. 11 Best Lake Tahoe Beaches With Sandy Shores and Mountain Views, The Best Small Towns in the U.S. to See Fall Foliage. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Visitors can easily hop on a ferry for a day of island-hopping, or spend the day at Cedar Point Amusement Park, which bills itself as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. They can also take a trip to the Merry-Go-Round Museum. Share of household income . Abingdon, Virginia. Boone, North Carolina. Treptow notes that the town has seen an uptick in the number of visitors to the area, as well as folks who have decided to turn their lake homes into their permanent homes. Stay at Lakeside Inn, Florida's oldest continuously operating hotel, and get your fill of delicious Florida cuisine, offered by chef Norman Van Aken at his restaurant 1921. The informative museum on the Games and international ski jump, bobsled, and luge training facilities still gets tons of visitors who want to learn more or watch world-class athletes train. Weve become a year-round vacation destination now because of the resorts, indoor water parks, and other amenities in the area, he adds. The dog days of summer 2021 are upon us at last. Near Klamath Falls. Enjoy the natural beauty while hiking through the park, or set out for a swim in nearby Greers Ferry Lake. From big lakes to small ones, natural ones to human-made, there are plenty of bodies of water calling out for you to explore themand maybe even make your new home in one of the lovely towns on their shores. 3. Here is a lake town that visitors and residents can enjoy throughout all four seasons. Caddo Lake / Shutterstock. Come for the entire summer, or just for the annual White Lake Water Festival traditionally held in May. Those looking to move to Cheboygan are finding plenty of affordable homes for sale, including this four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house listed for $169,900. Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. Tucked into Chequamegon Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior, Ashland is rich with local history, arts and culture, and natural beauty. Listed at $399,900, 29 Marina Cove Drive is a 2-bed, 3.5-bath condo on Spinnaker Island with 1,894 square feet as well as views of Hull Bay and Boston Harbor from the living room and bedrooms. Theres also this quirky three-bedroom within walking distance to Main Street for $350,000. Callawassie Island, located in the heart of the Lowcountry, is a private, gated island community offering world-class Tom Fazio golf and a full complement of amenities including a tennis center, clubhouse, pools, fitness center, and River Club. Retirees interested in exploring the outdoors . The bucolic town, tucked between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, offers a plethora of water sports like canoeing and water skiing. You have the best of land and sea activities here, from hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities to boating and swimming along 42 miles of shoreline. Lake Burton. Maine is home to (literally) thousands of lakes and ponds, from the largest lake, Moosehead, to midsize lakes like Portland-adjacent Sebago Lake and Rangeley Lake near the middle of the state. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. Asheville, North Carolina. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. These lake towns might not be ones with the highest name recognition or bragging rights, but they do offer a host of fun water activitiesand the privacy and small-town feel missing from bigger, more populated vacation spots. Buyers want to be as close to the water as possible, whether in a condo near the lakelike this one-bedroom asking $160,500or in a single-family house. Nothing says summertime bliss like hanging out in a lake town, watching the glowing sun set in the company of friends and family, sightseeing, visiting the local farmers market for fresh veggies and kicking back in a cozy cabin. While the area boasts hundreds of hiking trails for all levels of ability, it also offers motorboating, fishing, and, for those seeking some summer adrenaline, whitewater rafting. 2 last year. As for housing, there is something for any price range. But buyers willing to share rights could find a home starting in the $300,000 range, like this three-bedroom log cabin with a deeded dock on private Friends Lake listed at $339,000. With the campsites, the natural spring water, the scenic views around the park, and the lake, its just so calming and relaxing, says Misty Treptow, executive director of the Sulphur Chamber of Commerce. 13. Howebuyers can settle right into this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home just blocks from Lake Superior. Just a three-hour drive east of Seattle, this high desert town is the sunny escape from the rain and clouds of the coastal Pacific Northwest. 24. Enjoy Greensboro's historic charm: Main Street bustles with locally owned businesses and eateries, and Lake Oconee is a destination for water activities. The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. In terms of housing, though, Dillon is much cheaper than those numbers suggest. These towns are not only right on the waterfront of the country's clearest and most sought-after lakes - they have bustling town centers and lively culture within. Located approximately 35 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Melbourne residents average $853 on monthly housing costs, ranking 12 th for this metric. Saugatuck, Michigan. For car buffs, the Okoboji Classic Cars Museum is a must-see. The events of the past year drove additional interest, says Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. This four-bedroom with views of Sandusky Bay is listed at $355,000. On the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain is Mandeville, Louisiana, a locale with lots of natural beauty and places to explore in the outdoors. Here buyers can find a lake home for under $200,000, if they are willing to make some renovations, such as this $175,000 four-bedroom across the street from the beach. Homes with private access to the water from their backdoors are more costly, such as this four-bedroom listed at $1,997,000. Darien is one of the best family beach towns in Georgia, with plenty to see and do. The roughly 2,000-square-foot house sits on a third of an acre and has a fenced backyard. Its also a prized destination for great shopping and local activitieslike a top-notch weekly farmers marketand its welcoming community vibe, says Jen Schaben, real estate agent with Stauss Realty in Okoboji. This Charming Small Town in Upstate New York Was Just Named the Best Place to Buy a Lake House in 2023 8 Best Small Towns to Buy a Vacation Home in the U.S. Where to Buy a Vacation Home in Colorado Yup. Greenwood, South Carolina. Marshals in South Carolina Friday afternoon. Sandpoint, Idaho, is the most expensive of the affordable lake towns, with a median list price of $429,000 and a variety of lakefront houses that . Even though it has dropped a couple of spots, Sandusky remains a popular vacation spot for Midwesterners looking for lake living at affordable prices. These are the United States' most affordable lake towns in 2021. It sits on 1.5 acres across from Templar State Park on Big Spirit Lake. The town of Lake Placid, set on the banks of, you guessed it, Lake Placid, is probably best known as the home of the 1980 (and 1932!) For those looking for an affordable lake home, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch is listed for $375,000. And with inflation rising, stock and cryptocurrency markets taking a beating, and fears of another recession mounting, plenty of well-off Americans are holding off on buying yet another home. No. The 2019 Best Retirement Lake designation goes to this community for its not one, but two lakes. Set your sights on Lakeway, Texas, which is located in the Hill Country near Lake Travis, and you'll have bountiful opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking in the picturesque landscape of the sunny Lone Star State. But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . Scout a rental property to live out your Southern lake dream sequence, or stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee in Greensboro for waterfront five-star accommodations. 2 . Lake Moultrie. Eureka, California. When it comes to American lakes, Maine's got game. Whether you explore its canal-linked lakes via paddle board or a water boat cruise, you'll find plenty of lakeside dining with fresh afternoon catches along the way. The trooper had successful surgery Thursday and is in "great spirits," Attorney General Matt . Buyers can find single-family homes just blocks from the water starting in the $400,000s, like this $419,000, three-bedroom house just outside town. You'll also find the town of Bigfork, Montana, which has old Western resort town energy, not dissimilar to the ski towns you'd find in Colorado mining country. 4) Holland State Park Beach: An expansive, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, each with its own campground. Last on our list of the best lakes in Georgia is the "Big Bass Capital of the World." Walter F. George Lake extends 85 miles along the Chattahoochee River and is formed by the Walter F. George Lock and Dam. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Read on for the 25 best places to live in the South. Buyers on a budget, who dont mind roughing it a bit, can check out this small cabin on Pennock Island for just $79,000. Test your muscles and head downriver to Wilson Lake, where there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy fresh shellfish by the water. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway connects the area's extensive park system via roads and walking and biking trails. Laconia, New Hampshire. Canyon Lake. I cover residential real estate, including buying, selling and trends. Lake Wylie is a 13,400 acre lake that was created for hydro-electric power, but is also used as a recreational facility by its nearby towns - which includes the rather famous Tega Cay, known for the Jim Bakker/PTL Club extravagance. We have homes that are $100,000 to $250,000, and then we also have $5 million lake homes. Treat your family to a boat tour aboard the M/S Mount Washington, which has been cruising the lake for nearly 150 years, and if you're looking for a charming hotel, Pickering House Inn is just the place. Rocky River, Ohio. Next: 25. Nestled into the scenic foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, this picturesque community is home to Highland Lake, one of the largest lakes in Connecticut and a popular spot for residents to beat the summer heat. Ogden, Utah. #13. Greensboro is situated right on the 19,000-acre lake and is home to a posh golf community (there are six courses within Reynolds Lake Oconee). The New York Finger Lakes region is a pristine part of the state with 11 glistening bodies of water, each lined by towns with character. Covington is an excellent one, with state parks, biking trails, easy access to the lake, a great brewery in Abita Springs, coffee shops, restaurants, and waterways streaming through. Lake homes have always been a popular, aspirational home. With pandemic restrictions easing upand American life returning to something akin to normallocking in a home on the water is feeling like less of an imperative to some would-be buyers. The former industrial town has pivoted and is cultivating its reputation as a resort town, Fullford says. Families love heading to the rides and entertainment at Cedar Point Amusement Parkthe self-proclaimed roller coaster capital of the world., We have a lot of second-home buyers that come here for their getaway homes, says real estate agent Jenny Craig of Russell Realty Company. There are 6 public boat accesses, 2 nuclear power plants, and it is popular to both nearby North Carolina and its . Caddo Lake is a 25,000-acre lake and bayou on the border of Texas and Louisiana. The famously human-made lake is known for speed boating and waterfront resorts, but Osage Beach claims 420 acres of shorefront that's particularly inviting for families keen on a beach vacation. At Rarity Bay . Offers may be subject to change without notice. Minocqua's quieter lakes are perfect for swimming lessons and sand castles. Nestled on Lake Lure in the forested hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the eponymous small town has unparalleled outdoor attractions, including the lake with its wide beach, greenways, golf courses, hiking trails, and Chimney Rock. But beyond this, Abingdon has great outdoor recreation because it is so close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. But of course, those who want to go all out on their lake home can find secluded properties that cost much more, like this two-bedroom cottage on 180 feet of deep-water shoreline, for $699,500. With a population of roughly 14,500, Lake Ariel is among the quieter, more peaceful lake towns. Located along the Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake is one of the most picturesque places to own a home, and it just so happens to also be the most affordable. To keep the list geographically diverse, we limited the list to one lake town per state. Buyers can find homes like this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, listed for $449,000. Median home sales price: $175,000. The undulating vistas of the Smoky Mountains make for an idyllic backdrop to life at Rarity Bay on Tellico Lake. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. Explore the Seneca Historic District where wraparound porches are a staple on every home and Southern charm is a way of life, then grab a bite to eat at Dimas Brothers Caf before renting a kayak at Lake Keowee Marina to take in the views on the water. Single-family homes on the water start in the high $300,000s to low $400,000 range, such as this four-bedroom on 2.31 acres listed at $410,000 or this three-bedroom on the market for $399,000. Virginia's only lakeside town is located on Kerr Lake and has become a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, who enjoy the boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking opportunities at Occoneechee State Park. Clear Lake, SD. Buyers can find three-season cottages on the water that need some fixing up starting in the $100,000 range, like this two-bedroom ranch with river access listed for $125,000. Once an old port town, Sandusky is now known as a major recreation and entertainment destination. Even though only 120 people live here full-time, in the summer the Canadian border town attracts hundreds to the resorts and campsites near the shores of the 3,088-acre lake. To come up with our list of the nations most affordable lake towns, we looked at more than 11,000 towns with or on lakes. Sandusky, OH, was ranked the most affordable lake town in 2021 by Realtor.com . The word is getting out. And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in. Norris Lake dominates the area to the south. Winter Olympics. If you're looking for the perfect vacation town on Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than Osage Beach. Located in the Adirondack Mountains and surrounded by rivers famous for fly-fishing, cliffs made for climbing (and jumping), and lakes ideal for a host of water sports, Lake Placid is one of the most sought-after vacation spots in New York. Surprisingly, they're not talking about the lake wateralthough there's plenty of enjoyment to be had there. Lake Sara has a bit of everything. Take a stroll through this town, and you'll understand why it's a popular destination. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. Known as a major vacation destination, Lake Ariel is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Poconos Mountains. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, this lake is part of a chain of lakes each created by a dam to generate electricity in the area. The area also has lots to do, from shopping and dining to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing on its rivers and lakes. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. They can play on the lake, ride horses, or follow off-road Jeep trails without losing access to high-speed internet and other city amenities. Thats a whole lot of space for you to lie out, water-ski, fish, kayak, or do whatever other water-based activity you care to dream up. Some offer Zen-inducing tranquility, some pulse-pounding action, and others the kind of family-friendly tourist vibe that can optimize rental opportunities. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. This makes it and the nearby town of Effingham a beloved getaway for families from nearby St. Louis, a drive of about an hour-and-a-half away. The Tennessee River runs between the two, and the stretch between Wilson Dam and Wheeler Dam is known as Wilson Lake, a popular reservoir for fishing. Quincy is an absolute must-see when in Northern California and is considered one of the most affordable towns near Lake Tahoe. Most of the time beach towns are far too expensive to actua. This lake town is brimming with charming accommodations, too, from the more modern Hotel Earl to the historic Bridge Street Inn and the waterfront Edgewater Inn & Suites. The community is nestled between the southern shores of the lake and the foothills of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. The gateway to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley, this hidden gem, just 35 minutes north of Salt Lake City, sits at 4,280 feet and is adjacent to 170,000 acres of national forest. Its perfect for outdoor recreation with acres to hike and canoe. The lakes in the region include Osceola, Maitland (pictured), Minnehaha, Virginia, and Mizell, and those who visit and live in Winter Park can enjoy them all. Buyers can find lakeview condos starting in the $200,000 range, such as this three-bedroom listed at $298,000 a bit farther from town. There are few things more relaxing than the quintessentially American lake vacation. Gigabit ISP: C Spire ($80/month) Zillow Home Value Index: $165,574. Those interested in a vacation getaway can snag this four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house located about 1.4 miles from the Guy Sandy boat ramp on Arbuckle Lake for $275,000. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. Spanning 2,600 acres, the lake of the Woods master-planned lake paradise offers residents exclusive access to its on-site equestrian center, 18-hole PGA golf . And while it is possible to find a single-family home on the water that needs a bit of love for under $200,000, the pickings at that price point are slim. While its not a vacation hot spot, its just as beautiful as many nearby lake towns for a lot less cash. The small community of Georgetown on the Carolina coast is what Charleston used to be - 200-year-old homes (more than Charleston, in fact), lots of Southern . 10 . Many of these towns also offer summer and winter activities, which can make them year-round destinations. But family members who arent into waiting hours (or what can feel like hours) for fish to bite have plenty of other entertainment options throughout the year as well, from wakeboarding and tubing on the water to minigolf and go-karts off it. From this $400,000 one-bedroom cabin on a wooded, waterfront acre right near the Trezona Trail to this $599,000 one-bedroom cabin on a 1.25-acre island in Shagawa Lake, Ely is the ideal lake town for folks who want to get away from it all.. The actual town of Bigfork has a growing arts scene - between their impressive array of galleries, notable theatre presence, and annual Festival of the Arts - and it is known for great hiking, with many trails offering views of the lake. Visitors flock to Harbour Town for a New England-style getaway without stepping foot out of the Midwest. Best Lake Towns To Retire To in the South, 12 Lesser-Known Southern Destinations Our Editors Can't Wait To Visit In 2023, The Best Mother-Daughter Vacations to Take This Summer, 10 Prettiest Places for Fall Foliage in Tennessee, Pass Christian Is the Mississippi Beach Town You've Probably Never Heard Of, Affordable Florida Beach Towns Perfect For Your Next Vacation, 18 Perfect Fall Girlfriend Getaways To Plan Immediately. Homes: $165K - $1.5M Lots: $10K - $300K. Credit: John Noltner. Sara Ventiera is a journalist based in New York City and Los Angeles. They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city. This northern Wisconsin resort town (165 miles northwest of Green Bay) has all the ingredients of a great family vacation , including more than 3,000 lakes in Vilas and Oneida counties. Aurora, New York. Condos on Lake Delton start in the low $100,000s, like this sweet two-bedroom asking $154,900. The house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. Condos start as low as $40,000. Connected to Marion through a water bridge called the Diversion Canal, Lake Moultrie is a smaller lake but is still the third largest lake in South Carolina. With beautiful mountain scenery, the nearby lake (about 15 miles away), and lots of waterfall-dotted hiking trails, there's not shortage of enjoyment to be had in Western North Carolina. Paducah and the small towns that surround it offer up fun on the area's many lakes and rivers. Supported by natural spring and rain water, White Lake is a 1,200-acre body of water in North Carolina, and the town welcomes 200,000 tourists each summer. three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakeside abode, The 10 Most Affordable Places To Buy A Vacation Home, How to Buy a Second Home (Hint: It Wont Be Like Your First), Thinking of Buying a Lakeside Home? 10. There are several nearby lakes: Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes, and Black Lake. 5. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. Alabama's Lake Town lives up to its moniker by offering plenty of activities on and off the water. Average temperature: 71.8 degrees. Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. With a name like Sulphur, its no surprise that the area is famous for its mineral springs. Homes, Townhomes, Condos: $139.9K - $2.8M Lots: $20K - $595K. Cayuga Lake is known for its stunning wine trail and Aurora, nestled right on the shores of Cayuga, is in close proximity to wineries along the lake as well as wineries lining the adjacent Seneca Lake. The Corpus Christi Bay area sits behind the Padre and Mustang islands. In the past, many people have viewed buying a vacation home as a combination of a family amenity and a revenue opportunity, said Wedgeworth. Kick up your feet at the Inn on the Square between grub sessions at Good Times Brewing at The Mill House and the Cheeseburger House. Buyers willing to spend a bit more can find huge spreads like this three-bedroom on more than an acre of property right on the edge of Lake Desoto listed for $454,900. Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. Marquette, Michigan. For the price-conscious, there is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo on Shoreline Drive that is listed for $260,000. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". Maya Kachroo-Levine is the luxury and experiences editor at. The presence of water-based activities and attractions was one of the main ranking factors for this list. And all of them are great for those seeking escape in the spring and fall as wellno small consideration these days. Even in the gated community, affordable homes can still be found. The Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers have their confluence at or near Paducah, and nearby are two long lakes, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area situated between them. Cheboygan is located on Lake Huron, but it's close to many other lakes as well Burt Lake, Long Lake, Mullett Lake, Twin Lakes and Black Lake. But its not just the water that makes the area so special and desirable. Realtor.com has rounded up its list of the most affordable lake towns where you can find a home that is either directly on a lake or close enough to get a great view. Coos Bay, Oregon. Watch: Home Buying Update: Where to Aim Highand Bid Higher. Located in Pennsylvanias Poconos Mountain range, Gouldsboro is a close weekend trip for New Yorkers and New Jerseyians. Its basically the complete opposite of Bransonaside from, you know, the lakes. Sandusky, OH. And while plenty has changed over previous years, one thing remains constant: an overwhelming desire among many Americans to head to the waterand, just maybe, consider what it would take to own a house there.