Top 10 Lake Towns Where Retirees Enjoy the Good Life
Affordable Lakefront Living for Retirees
Retirement doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the natural beauty and tranquility of a lakeside home. Across the United States, there are numerous affordable lakefront communities that offer stunning views, active lifestyles, and access to essential healthcare services—all without the high price tags typically associated with coastal properties.
From Arkansas to New Hampshire, retirees can find waterfront living that fits their budget. These communities often provide low taxes, easy access to airports, and proximity to medical facilities, making them ideal for those seeking a peaceful yet convenient retirement.
Key Advantages of Lakefront Retirement
- Affordable Pricing: Many homes in these communities start under $350,000, allowing retirees to enjoy lakefront living without breaking the bank.
- Low Taxes: States like Tennessee and the Carolinas offer low property taxes, and some even exempt retirees from paying taxes on Social Security benefits.
- Healthcare Access: Most communities are within an hour of major medical centers, ensuring that retirees have access to quality healthcare when needed.
- Proximity to Airports: Many of these towns are close to major airports, making travel easy and convenient.
- Active Lifestyles: From golf courses to hiking trails, these communities promote an active and engaging lifestyle.
Top Lakefront Communities for Retirees
1. Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Located in a 26,000-acre gated community, Hot Springs Village offers homes starting at $100,000. With 11 recreational lakes, over 30 miles of walking trails, and two lakeside beaches, this community is perfect for nature lovers. The average home price is about $303,000, and CHI St. Vincent Hospital provides healthcare services nearby. Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is just an hour away.

2. Lake Norman, North Carolina
North Carolina’s largest artificial lake, Lake Norman, offers 520 miles of shoreline. The median home price in the area is around $491,000. Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital provides 24-hour emergency care, and Charlotte Motor Speedway is just 20 minutes away for NASCAR fans.
3. Tellico Village, Tennessee
Tellico Village, located near Tellico Lake, offers 357 miles of shoreline and 15,560 acres of surface water. Homes in the area average about $491,000, and Fort Loudoun Medical Center and UT Medical Center provide healthcare services. McGhee Tyson Airport is only 35 minutes away.
4. Fairfield Glade, Tennessee
This active retirement area is situated 2,000 feet above sea level and features 11 spring-fed lakes, five golf courses, and an equestrian center. Homes average about $306,000, and Where To Retire magazine has recognized it as one of the 50 Best Master-Planned Communities.
5. Savannah Lakes Village, South Carolina
Set on Lake Thurmond, Savannah Lakes Village offers homes averaging about $421,490. Residents enjoy tennis, pickleball, pools, two lakefront golf clubs, and a recreation center. A $3 million facility operated by Self Regional Hospital provides healthcare services, and Augusta Regional Airport is just over an hour away.
6. Waterford of the Carolinas, North Carolina
With homes starting around $240,000, Waterford of the Carolinas offers 17 miles of lakefront shoreline near Wilmington. Wilmington International Airport is just 20 minutes away, and a medical center is nearly on-site. Hospitals affiliated with Novant Health provide access to healthcare services.
7. Eastman, New Hampshire
Eastman offers homes averaging about $494,000 on a 345-acre private lake with six beaches and 3,700 protected woodland acres. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is nearby, and Manchester Regional Airport is 60 miles away. A drive to Boston takes less than two hours.

8. Lake Keowee, South Carolina
Homes near Lake Keowee range from $300,000 to $1.5 million. Amenities include an 18-hole golf course and marina. Self Regional Healthcare and Oconee Medical Center provide medical services, and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is 45 minutes away.

9. Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
Known as the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” Smith Mountain Lake offers 500 miles of shoreline. Homes typically range from $300,000 to $700,000. Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital provides healthcare services, and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is 45 minutes away.

10. Lake Conroe, Texas
Located 45 miles north of Houston, Lake Conroe offers homes in active adult communities starting in the high $300,000s. Nearby homes average about $189,569, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport is under 40 miles away. Texas does not charge state income tax, allowing retirees to keep more of their Social Security and pension income.
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