There’s a certain kind of town where the lake isn’t just scenery — it’s the whole reason the place exists. Restaurants face it, festivals celebrate it, and locals plan their year around it. Here are eight U.S. towns built around their water views, according to Travel + Leisure.
1. Green Lake, Wisconsin
Nicknamed the “Hamptons of the Midwest,” Green Lake has drawn summer visitors since the 1800s. At 236 feet deep and seven miles long, it’s the deepest natural inland lake in the state, with sailing, snowmobiling, and local festivals filling the calendar year-round.
2. Aurora, New York
Perched on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, Aurora was named Travel + Leisure’s Best Small Spa and Wellness Town in 2023. Summers bring swimming, paddling, and sailing; winters bring an excuse to visit a nearby winery instead.
3. Gilford, New Hampshire
Set on Lake Winnipesaukee, Gilford offers fishing, boating, and wakeboarding in summer and some of the best fall foliage viewing in the region come October.
4. South Lake Tahoe, California
A favorite for outdoor lovers year-round, South Lake Tahoe blends small-town living with easy access to hiking, boating, and skiing, all within a few hours of San Francisco.
5. Lake Ozark, Missouri
One of several towns ringing the Lake of the Ozarks, Lake Ozark has grown from a seasonal getaway into a year-round community, drawing retirees and remote workers alike.
6. Greensboro, Georgia
Built around Lake Oconee, Greensboro keeps a close-knit, small-town feel with a lively food and wine festival each spring and water sports on the lake for much of the year.
7. Truckee, California
Truckee pairs alpine charm with lakefront living near Donner Lake, just 20 minutes from Lake Tahoe, with a historic downtown full of shops and restaurants.
8. Sandpoint, Idaho
Life in Sandpoint centers on Lake Pend Oreille, the largest lake in the state. Summer brings swimming and a well-attended local music festival; winter sends everyone to the nearby mountain resort instead.
Worth Knowing, Wherever You Live
Flood risk isn’t only a waterfront concern. Almost one-third of flood insurance claims from the past 10 years came from outside current high-risk flood areas, according to the National Flood Insurance Program. Homes near the water do tend to carry the highest risk, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) notes that floods can happen anywhere. A standard homeowners policy typically doesn’t cover flood damage, which is why flood insurance exists as a separate policy.
Get a flood insurance quote or contact a Westwood agent to get started.
Please note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.
