Top 10 Lakeside Cities Where Retirees Live the Good Life

Lakefront retirement doesn’t require a million-dollar budget. Across America, waterfront communities offer retirees stunning views, active lifestyles, and access to health care — with homes starting under $350,000.

From lakefront villages in Arkansas to private beaches in New Hampshire, these cities fulfill the dream of retirement without the shock of coastal prices. Tennessee’s zero income tax sweetens the deal, while lower property taxes throughout the South allow your savings to stretch even further. Arkansas even exempts retirees from paying taxes on Social Security benefits.

1. Hot Springs Village, Arkansas

Home prices start in the $100,000s in this 26,000-acre gated community with 11 recreational lakes and more than 30 miles of hiking trails. There are two beaches on the banks of the lake.

CHI St. Vincent’s 280-bed healthcare facility, while Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock is about an hour away. The average home price is about $303,000.

2. Lake Norman, North Carolina

North Carolina’s largest man-made lake offers 520 miles of shoreline and is approximately 30 miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

The median home price in the area is about $491,000. Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital provides 24-hour emergency care, cardiology, and surgical services. Race fans can get to Charlotte Motor Speedway for NASCAR in less than 20 minutes.

3. Tellico Village, Tennessee

Tellico Lake has 357 miles of shoreline and 15,560 acres of surface water. Homes in Tellico Village — about 45 minutes from Knoxville — average about $491,000.

Fort Loudoun Medical Center and UT Medical Center provide healthcare, and McGhee Tyson Airport is about 35 minutes away.

4. Fairfield Glade, Tennessee

This active retirement area is located 2,000 feet above sea level. Homes average about $306,000 and offer access to 11 spring-fed lakes, five golf courses, and an equestrian center.

Where to retire The magazine ranked it among the top 50 master-planned communities.

5. Savannah Lakes Village, South Carolina

Located 25 miles from shore, this community on Lake Thurmond offers homes averaging around $421,490. Locals enjoy tennis, pickleball, swimming pools, two lakefront golf clubs, and a recreation center.

Health care is available nearby, thanks to a $3 million facility operated by Self Regional Hospital. Augusta Regional Airport is just over an hour away.

6. Waterford, North Carolina

With homes starting around $240,000, this gated community features 17 miles of lakeshore near Wilmington, North Carolina. Wilmington International Airport is just 20 minutes away, and is the closest airport on this list.

A virtually on-site medical center and Novant Health affiliated hospitals provide access to healthcare.

7. Eastman, New Hampshire

Homes average about $494,000 on this private 345-acre lake that includes six beaches and 3,700 acres of protected forest. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center provides health care nearby.

Manchester Regional Airport is 60 miles away, and the flight to Boston takes less than two hours.

8. Lake Kiwi, South Carolina

The communities near this lake offer homes ranging 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, while Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is 45 minutes away.

9. Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

The “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains” has 500 miles of coastline and homes typically range in price from $300,000 to $700,000.

Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital provides healthcare, and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is 45 minutes away.

10. Lake Conroe, Texas

Homes in active adult communities are located 45 miles north of Houston, and prices start in the $300,000s, though nearby homes average around $189,569.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is less than 40 miles away. Texas does not levy any state income tax, allowing retirees to keep more of their income from Social Security and pensions.