11 Remote Retirement Lake Towns In The US You've Never Heard Of

The dream of getting away from it all can be deeply alluring. Retiring to an inviting community where there's access to beautiful water, relaxing outdoor activities, and cultural experiences? Yes, please. And you probably haven't heard of many of the 11 remote towns we've listed below, which combine lake access and an out-there vibe. We've made sure to list places with enough amenities and businesses to make year-round living not only possible but appealing, while still feeling relatively quiet. After all, if you're seeking a more isolated place to retire, you're probably also looking for a solid dose of tranquility.

The profile of many of these towns changes in the winter, when they become quieter. In the summer, many tend to be quite busy, and their primary draw revolves around the outdoors. This list represents a wide range of landscapes, amenities, and climates but also emphasizes a more serene pace of life suitable for a relaxed and enjoyable retirement. And while we haven't focused specifically on affordable U.S. retirement spots because lake towns tend to be a little pricier on average, there's plenty of variety, and several of these locations serve as local nuclei for further isolated satellite villages.

We've primarily focused on lake towns located at least 45 minutes — often more — from any major metropolitan area. In heavily populated areas like the eastern U.S. or Southern California, for example, distances may be shorter, but we've weighed the perception of remoteness equally. We've also researched regional tourism sites, chambers of commerce, and lists published by Travel + Leisure, Medium, Yahoo!, and more. We've also consulted real estate guides such as Home.com and Niche.com, in addition to blogs, to learn about all there is to do.

Tucked way up in the northeast, Maine can feel like a world unto itself. Partly because the state shares much more of its land border with Quebec and New Brunswick, Canada, than with the U.S. It's also very woodsy. The small town of Greenville, home to around 1,400 residents on the edge of Moosehead Lake, sits roughly in the middle of the aptly named Pine Tree State. Niche.com, which assigns letter grades for community characteristics like housing and jobs, awards Greenville an "A" for crime and safety; its only notable drawback, earning a "D," is the weather. It does get lots of snow. That may be a matter of opinion, as it's a popular place for retirees, and if rustic vibes and winter recreation top your list of things to do, this could be the spot for you.

The Moosehead Lake area is chock full of snowmobile trails, and the nearby nonprofit ski slope called Big Moose Mountain has a season pass for seniors older than 70 that's only $25. In the summer, trails are great for ATVs, or for something more relaxing, take the grandkids on a steamboat ride aboard the historic "Katahdin," which locals call "Kate." Grab comfort food favorites at the Trailside Restaurant at Leisure Life Resort, unwind at the aptly named Stress Free Moose Pub, or take in the views of the lake from the deck at Kelly's Landing. Make sure to stock up on snacks and other goodies at Indian Hill Trading Post, a local icon with a small supermarket, clothing, and outdoor gear.

Holderness is tucked amid a stunning lakeland landscape in New Hampshire, about a two-hour drive west of Portland, Maine. U.S. Highway 3 runs right through town, past a quaint and historic library, the inviting Squam Lake Restaurant & Marketplace, and the shorelines of both Squam Lake and Little Squam Lake, which sit on opposite sides of town. You'll find Holderness Harbor, a full-service marina offering slip rentals and a shop with souvenirs, snacks, gas, and more. And there's nothing quite like dinner with waterfront views, which you can find at a table at Walter's Basin. The restaurant is open all year, with its Squamside Beach Bar serving comfort food and drinks during the summer.

Lake life is what it's all about in Holderness, where beautiful conserved lands in the region make for wonderful nature walks, such as in Whitten Woods and around the West Squam Rangeway. Just east of town is the Squam Lakes Association's boat launch, which is also ideal for putting in the kayak or canoe for a relaxing paddle to one of many islands in Squam Lake. It probably goes without saying that summertime is when this region comes alive, so some attractions are seasonal, such as the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. When it gets cold enough, ice fishing is a popular pastime. And while Holderness feels small and tucked away, it's within just a few miles of a number of other towns like Plymouth and Meredith, where you'll find more year-round amenities.

Located just over 25 miles southeast of Asheville and about 60 miles north of Greenville, South Carolina, the charming mountain town of Lake Lure is a North Carolina treasure that you may not know by name, but it claims some Hollywood history. This spot was made famous as one of the filming locations for "Dirty Dancing," where, according to Architectural Digest, a boys' camp and a gymnasium were used for filming staff cabins and the movie's iconic final performance. Of course, that's just one facet of this beautiful lake's charm, as the population is around 1,400 residents, and more than 40% are 65 years old or older. With a temperate climate, it's easy to be here all year, tucked away in the hills with a remote feel, yet with city conveniences not too far away.

If the lake is calling, put the boat in at the Washburn Marina boat ramp, or head to Lake Lure Beach and Water Park to relax on the sand, which is also where you can put in paddle craft. Numerous workshops and talks fill the community calendar year-round at venues like the Lake Lure Library and the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge education center. The latter features 20 themed gardens that nestle along the Rocky Broad River, which are free to visit when volunteers are present on Tuesdays and Thursdays. And you won't want for tasty meals at local establishments like Lured Market & Grill with its inviting outdoor patio area or Grey Hawk Bar & Gardens, which also runs a local coffee shop called The Hatchling.

Grand Marais is located on Minnesota's stunning North Shore, which traces the western Lake Superior shoreline for 154 magnificent miles. There are eight state parks along this stretch, featuring lighthouses and beautiful bluffs, and about three-quarters of the way to Grand Portage, which sits at the Canadian border, Grand Marais is an artsy haven. The closest large city is Duluth at 110 miles south, so there's a true feeling of northern seclusion here, complete with a charming downtown and a natural harbor with lighthouses that watch over the largest Great Lake.

After perusing historical artwork at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, stop into the quaint Drury Lane Books. For the artsy among us, you'll enjoy classes at the Grand Marais Art Colony, which range from one-day events called Entry Points to multi-day courses. And whether it's sunny or snowy, unwind with a true northern tradition at Sisu & Löyly Nordic Sauna, which is perched over the water. (There's also a floating location docked at Skyport Lodge during the warmer months.) Start the day with coffee at Angry Trout Cafe, drop in for chair yoga or Tai Chi at The Hub, and get to know the World's Best Donuts with its retro red storefront. Then, wind down with a locally crafted beer from Voyageur Brewing or a hand-tossed pizza pie from Sven & Ole's.

For a Great Lakes gem that blends art-filled streets and the Lake Michigan shoreline, look no further than the welcoming town of Algoma, Wisconsin. It's an eastern gateway to the Door County peninsula, one of the state's most popular lakeside getaway destinations, but it's far enough removed from that atmosphere to avoid jacked-up vacationland prices. Algoma is also 125 miles north of Milwaukee, with Green Bay just 40 miles to the west past farms and rural towns — ideal for running errands or if you want to catch Packer games at Lambeau Field without dealing with the urban sprawl.

Downtown Algoma is funky, walkable, and historic. You'll find public murals throughout town, a cooperative gallery called The Pottery CO-OP, and an independent bookshop called Yardstick, all of which you can experience during monthly art walks. Von Stiehl Winery makes an array of hard ciders and spirits in addition to its vintages, but for those who prefer a beer instead, Ahnapee Brewery gets its name from the river that flows through town. In the summer, enjoy free Thursday night concerts on the lakeshore, walk along Crescent Beach, or launch the boat from Algoma Marina. The town is known for its sport fishing, especially for king salmon and brown and steelhead trout. Throughout the year, participate in a book club gathering or author talk at Algoma Public Library.

Nestled on the northeastern shore of Montana's Flathead Lake, Bigfork has historically been overshadowed by larger nearby towns like Kalispell or Whitefish, which are popular summertime destinations and gateways to the west side of Glacier National Park. The area is popular overall, but Bigfork and the eastern side of Flathead Lake are a little bit quieter and less developed. It's one of the larger communities on this list with a population of around 5,500 residents, but it maintains its small-town energy. This is especially true in the winter, when it turns on the charm — and the twinkle lights — during its annual Christmas Village celebration.

Flathead Lake has a growing reputation as Montana's up-and-coming wine region, and it's also home to numerous orchards. In the spring, you'll see cherry trees exploding with blossoms, and of course, summertime is when the lake beckons for boating, paddling, and fishing. Adjacent to town is the Wayfarers unit of the five-unit Flathead Lake State Park, where you'll find fantastic opportunities for photography, birdwatching, fishing, and much more. In the summer, catch a show at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse or join Eagle Bend Golf Club to hit the links. Fuel up or unwind at The Sitting Duck for burgers made from Montana beef and bison, or head to Andy's Crafthouse for comfort food favorites and occasional live music.

Located nearly 110 miles north of Boise, the small town of McCall sits on the southern edge of Payette Lake. It's a year-round gateway to renowned beauty and outdoor adventure that transforms from a central Idaho lake destination in the summer to a snow recreation spot in the winter. During the summer, the green is inviting at Jug Mountain Ranch's golf course, where you can also grab a seat at the Clubhouse Restaurant for scenic views from the patio. Practice your delivery at the McCall Curling Club at Manchester Ice & Event Center, then rejuvenate with a soak at Burgdorf Hot Springs, where the senior rate is $15 per person.

The year-round population of McCall is only a little more than 3,000 people, but it's the summer vacation-seekers who are to thank for a solid selection of shops and restaurants. Fishing is a big draw, with a variety of attractive places to sink a line. The mighty Snake River is a go-to for sturgeon, where you have a good chance of finding solitude surrounded by stunning nature. Payette Lake is also a destination for kokanee salmon and cutthroat, lake, and rainbow trout, among many others. And if you prefer to hang out in town, most of the shops and eateries are concentrated between E. Lake St. and N. 3rd St., such as the 44 Degrees North gift shop and the Mountain Monet make-your-own art shop. And between mid-June and September, don't miss the local farmers market, which pops up on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Located about 100 miles northwest of Denver, Grand Lake is a pleasant town that overlooks its namesake body of water and also sits adjacent to the much larger Shadow Mountain Lake, so it's almost a two-fer. Like most of the towns on this list, the high-elevation community sees a swell during the summer, as it serves as a gateway to the quieter western side of Rocky Mountain National Park, the entrance to which is just 15 minutes up the road. There are only around 400 full-time residents, though, so it has a tight-knit local community with roots going back to 1879.

Grand Lake's downtown blends contemporary mountain architecture with its original Victorian charm, and you'll find unique shops and cafes with mountain views, too. Needleworkers, don't miss a stop at Cabin Quilts & Stitches, which is right next door to Grand Lake Wine and Spirits — not a bad combo! Just down the block is Blue Water Bakery & Cafe with lake views from its outdoor tables, or you can head right down to the waterfront for a brew from The Wake Coffee Shop at Grand Lake Marina, where boat rentals are also available. In the winter, things quiet down considerably, but the region is an oasis for recreation like ice fishing and snowmobiling, plus spectacular snow-capped mountain views. Juniper Library offers monthly Lunch & Learn events for seniors, and Grand Lake Center Fitness has complimentary wellness programs for those aged 65 and older.

Of course, not all remote lake towns are located in the mountains, but that rugged geography certainly helps lend a feeling of really being "out there," and Joseph is no exception. Nestled in the Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon, the town sits directly north of the beautiful Wallowa Lake. The downtown doesn't directly overlook the water, but it's only about a mile from the edge of town to the edge of the lake. The stunning, riverine Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site nestles in between — a sacred and ancestral area for the Nez Perce Tribe — so even though Joseph is not right on the water, there are easy trails to explore. Head to Wallowa Lake Park on the northern shore for beautiful views, not to be confused with Wallowa Lake State Park, at the southern end and equally stunning.

Joseph's Main Street is lined with picturesque storefronts, and there's an artsy side to town with its large bronze statues dotting the blocks. Opt for breakfast at Cheyenne Cafe before stopping into The Sheep Shed to peruse knitting goodies and other works of art and crafts by local artisans. Later on, enjoy a drink on the patio or a hearty steak for dinner at Stubborn Mule Saloon. And keep an eye on the calendar, as every spring, a couple hundred classic motors wheel their way into town for the Wallowa Mountain Cruise Car Show.

About an hour northeast of Bakersfield and around three hours north of Los Angeles, Lake Isabella — both the lake itself and its town — comprises a California mountain destination in Kern County, one of America's best-rated counties to retire. Nestled in the southern Sierras, it's a bit more isolated-feeling than many of the other communities on this list because it doesn't sustain the same level of seasonal tourism, yet it holds a reputation as a forgotten fishing lake with stunning mountain scenery. Lake Isabella is actually a reservoir, so its levels can fluctuate, but it's known as a great place to go boating, plus angling for trout, crappie, bluegill, and more. And the town is home to around 3,700 residents.

Southwest of downtown is the Silver City Ghost Town, a purportedly haunted Wild West town that now runs as a museum reassembled from actual structures preserved from around the region. In town, Nelda's Diner is a local legend with tasty burgers and sandwiches, with rotating specials. And Dam Corner, located just north of downtown, is great for breakfast. Kern River Valley Seniors organizes casino trips, workshops, and other events, and there are numerous annual events and additional amenities just 12 miles north in the town of Kernville, which hosts the Kern River Rock & Blues Festival in September and the Lake Isabella Fishing Derby in March, among others.

At the southern end of 50.5-mile Lake Chelan sits its titular small community, a haven that's about 175 miles east of Seattle and almost the same distance west of Spokane. Home to around 4,500 residents, Chelan gets a boost in the summertime when outdoor recreation enthusiasts head for the open water and the beauty of the Cascade Mountains. Part of its charm is its combination of local amenities and access to even more serene areas along both sides of the lake, not to mention the many vineyards and wineries that make the most of the nutrient-rich soil. Many of the wineries have live music throughout the summer, plus scenic patios and cellar doors.

Outdoor recreation is Chelan's biggest draw, from hiking to scenic boat rides to boating. The lake is a must for anglers seeking trophy lake trout, king and kokanee salmon, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and more. When things freeze over, there's still plenty to see and do, and the Chelan Senior Center offers activities all year. Winterfest celebrates the season in mid-January with food and wine, ice carving, and a bonfire on the beach. And for staying active, Lake Chelan Nordic Club maintains groomed trails for cross-country skiing around Echo Ridge Recreation Area, plus snowshoeing and snowmobiling routes. You can always refuel and warm up at The Vogue Coffee Bar downtown, and The Landing is a go-to for American-style comfort food, complete with an old-timey carved wood bar.