Where to Find Cheap Waterfront Properties

By Steve Gillman

Are there inexpensive waterfront properties out there? Well, that depends on your definition of inexpensive, but there are many places around the country where you can buy lots and acreage with waterfront for under $100,000. That's the criteria for the examples below. These are just meant as examples, though, and will likely be sold by the time you read this.

One hint though, if you want to find cheap waterfront: Think in terms of bodies of water of all sorts. You probably can afford oceanfront, for example, or maybe not even frontage on any of the great lakes. But there are rivers, lakes, canals, ponds and reservoirs that have lots available, and these can be much cheaper.

Warsaw Missouri

At $35,000, this is the cheapest example here. But this is more than just a waterfront lot on the Lake of the Ozarks. It comes with a two-bedroom mobile home, which is fully furnished, and there is a small workshop too! We found this one listed on unitedcountry.com in late February of 2012.

Sturgis, Michigan

Island living in Michigan? That's right. This lot is on an island in the middle of 1,000-acre all sports Lake Templene. Swim, boat, fish--you can even golf nearby. Listed on lakehouse.com as of February 2012, this one costs just $75,000. It's only a couple hours from either Chicago or Detroit, and there is a boathouse on the property.

Winthrop, Maine

Another listing from lakehouse.com, this one is a lot on Maranacook Lake. It is about two acres, with 200 feet of private water frontage. There is already electricity at the site, so it is ready for your future cabin or home.

Ottawa Illinois

You get waterfront wand two acres with this listing from unitedcountry.com. It's on the Illinois just across the water from the Starved Rock State Park, and close to several other state parks. There is already a gravel RV pad and electricity in place in case you want an instant getaway cabin, and there is wildlife all around. Fish and canoe and when you are ready to return to civilization you are just two hours from Chicago.

Maurepas, LA

What can you get for $79,000 on in Louisiana? How about a furnished waterfront camp? This two bedroom cabin is on Three Rivers Island, and was listed on waterfrontpropertyla.com in early 2012.

Delaware County, Oklahoma

A lot on Grand Lake, with city water and natural gas available, for only $49,000. This listing comes from primewaterfront.com, and was active as of Febraury 2012.

Siskiyou County, California

Yes, water front properties generally cost more in California, just like everything else. But we found a two-bedroom cabin that met our criteria. It's on Indian Creek, and the asking price was just $95,000 in early 2012. It is walking distance to the Klamath River, but the stream on the property is just outside the back door. There are several types of fruit trees, and a town within a short drive or walk. This one was listed on primewaterfront.com.

Gordonville, Texas

A large lot with membership in a lake resort, for $54,000 as of February 2012. This one from lakehouse.com is on Lake Texoma, and comes with a full membership to a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. There is also a swimming pool available for members and tennis courts. There are full service boat slips and sandy beaches too!

There may better examples out there of cheap waterfront properties. These are just the ones that caught our attention when researching our 2012 update.

Florida

If you want cheap waterfront in Florida you have to stay away from the Ocean--but not too far away. In many coastal cities there are canals that connect to the ocean, and property on these can be affordable.

If you found this useful or interesting, please share: