8 Best Lake Towns to Live in Year-round

Green Lake, Wisconsin

“Tucked in south central Wisconsin, just 3.5 hours north of Chicago and 1.5 hours from Milwaukee, Green Lake has earned the nickname of the ‘Hamptons of the Midwest,’” says Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “Families have been summering there since the 1800s, when the shoreline was dotted with a handful of rustic resorts.” Today, however, she says it still has a “small-town resort feel,” but with a “distinctly sophisticated Chicago attitude.” Plus, she adds, “the lake itself is a draw: at 236 feet, it’s the deepest [natural inland lake] in Wisconsin and stretches seven miles, making it ideal for sailing.”

Residents are still able to stay active when snow and below-zero temperatures arrive, with snowmobiling, fat-tire biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing serving as popular pastimes. There’s also an engaged full-time community; expect events like chili cook-offs, festivals, live music, and more. As far as real estate goes, there’s a bit of a range. “Homes with a water view start around $550,000, with higher-end luxury lakefront homes ranging from $1 to $4 million,” Wilcox says.

Aurora, New York

Named America’s Best Small Spa and Wellness Town by Travel + Leisure in 2023, Aurora, New York, is a small village on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. While its size may deter some—the job market is limited—others may find it’s the perfect fit; it’s also a solid choice for anyone commuting to nearby Ithaca, Syracuse, Auburn, or Geneva. History and charm radiate throughout Aurora, and the warmer months give way to all sorts of water-based activities, from swimming and paddling to sailing and power boating. Yes, winters can be pretty cold, but you can always cozy up at a nearby winery or schedule a spa appointment at Inns of Aurora when you don’t feel like braving the outside world. When it comes to real estate, Redfin notes that the housing market is pretty competitive, and the median home price, as of Sept. 2025, is about $608,000.

Gilford, New Hampshire

According to David Ciccarelli, the CEO of Lake.com, Gilford, New Hampshire, is the best lake town for anyone who wants to find their dream forever home. “Gilford is a classic New England town situated on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. For the outdoorsy crowd, it offers four seasons of activity and attractions that work for both locals and tourists,” he says. “Being right on Lake Winnipesaukee means you have easy access to fishing, boating, or wakeboarding, depending on your age and stage of life.” You can also dine at a range of lakeside restaurants in the area; he recommends Lakehouse Grille, Shibley’s at the Pier, and DOX on Winnipesaukee, “all of which offer boat docking.”

Even when the temperatures drop, Gilford is still an amazing place to be. “In the fall, the area transforms into a peak leaf-peeping destination, arguably one of the best in the country,” he says. “During the winter months, you’ll find nearby Gunstock Mountain Resort, the best place for skiing in the area, not to mention the host of events and celebrations.” He also adds that Gilford is only about two hours from Boston, so you can always “take a scenic drive to the city for a Red Sox game or a show at Citizens Bank Opera House or the Boch Center” when you need a change of scenery.

South Lake Tahoe, California

San Francisco residents ready to leave the city behind for hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and skiing will naturally gravitate toward the Lake Tahoe area. Just about a 3.5-hour drive from the city, depending on traffic, the destination is a favorite among the outdoorsy crowd, no matter the season. While you have a handful of choices for where to plant your Tahoe roots—both on the California and the Nevada sides—South Lake Tahoe offers a balance of small-town and city living. It’s a bit more buzzy than other places around the lake, but nature is never far away. Yes, you may have to deal with tourists in the summers and winters, but the tradeoff is worth it; you’ll be able to spend all of your free time engaging in your favorite activities. According to Zillow, the average home value has slightly decreased in the last year; as of Oct. 2025, it’s at $645,000, so now may be a good time to start your real estate search.

Lake Ozark, Missouri

Although the most popular time to visit the Lake of the Ozarks, a reservoir and resort destination chosen by Wilcox, is from June through August, the body of water is encircled by a few lake towns, like Lake Ozark, that you can call home. “Lake of the Ozarks is a vibrant, growing community that’s attracting outdoor enthusiasts and remote workers. Once known primarily as a second-home destination, it’s increasingly becoming a place to settle down, especially for buyers easing into retirement or seeking more space and serenity,” she says.

She also notes that affordability is a key desirability factor.  “Compared to other regional lake destinations, Lake of the Ozarks offers more affordable waterfront options and a milder climate, making it an appealing year-round choice. Two-bedroom condos typically range from $250,000 to $300,000, while three-bedroom units fall between $300,000 and $450,000. Single-family lakefront homes start in the $400,000s, and luxury estates can reach $1 to $4 million,” she explains. In the city of Lake Ozark (population just over 2,000), the average home value is around $330,000.

Greensboro, Georgia

Life on Georgia’s Lake Oconee is idyllic. You have all of your classic water sports—boating, swimming, jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, paddle boarding, etc.—as well as a decidedly small-town atmosphere. While it’s technically a city, Greensboro has a population of just about 3,600, and it has all the features of a close-knit community. The downtown area has one-of-a-kind boutiques and antique shops you can explore, and each season brings a variety of cultural events and things to do. At Festival Hall, for example, there’s live jazz music and bingo nights. In March, the Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee comes to town. Home prices do continue to rise, however, and Zillow estimates that the average home value is just north of $710,000.

Truckee, California

“Truckee, California, offers a rare mix of alpine charm and lakefront serenity. Its historic downtown is alive with boutiques and restaurants, while nearby Donner Lake provides a quieter alternative to Lake Tahoe, just 20 minutes away,” says Wilcox. Fair warning, though: Truckee isn’t exactly budget-friendly. “This lifestyle continues to attract affluent buyers. The median sales price in Truckee has risen to $1.3 million, up nearly 6 percent year over year, with a healthy distribution across mid-range and luxury price points. High-end demand remains especially strong, particularly along the lakefront,” she explains.

There is good news, however, for those buyers worried about competing with buyers who want to purchase properties and turn them into rentals. “To preserve housing for full-time residents, Truckee has tightened short-term rental regulations. New owners must wait a year before applying for a permit, and with the town’s cap already reached, many face a two-year wait before generating rental income. These measures reflect the community’s commitment to balancing growth with sustainability,” Wilcox explains.

Sandpoint, Idaho

If you can handle the cold, then the lake town of Sandpoint, Idaho, might be for you. In the warmer months, life revolves around Lake Pend Oreille. The largest lake in the state, the body of water has locals and visitors alike swimming, fishing, paddling, and cruising around. Summer is also when The Festival at Sandpoint occurs; live music, dancing, and food and drink vendors create a lively atmosphere for all to enjoy. When peak lake season is firmly in the rear-view mirror, locals look to nearby Schweitzer, a mountain resort with 2,900 acres of skiable terrain. No matter the season in Sandpoint, one thing’s for sure: It’s hard to grow bored.

Zillow estimates that the average home value in Sandpoint is about $626,000, and Realtor.com states that home prices are “trending up 13 percent year-over-year.” That said, if you’re partial to Western towns, you might want to start the search for your new home in Idaho ASAP.