7 Cheap Waterfront Cities To Live in the Midwest

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Ever dreamed of waking up to gorgeous water views without the sky-high coastal price tag? You’re not alone! While oceanfront property typically comes with jaw-dropping costs, the Midwest offers plenty of stunning waterfront locations at a fraction of the price.

From charming lake towns to vibrant river cities, these affordable Midwest gems give you all the waterfront perks — beautiful views, recreational opportunities and that peaceful water lifestyle — without going broke in the process.

Here are seven Midwest waterfront cities where your real estate dollars stretch much further.

Muskegon, Michigan

Nestled on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, Muskegon offers incredible beach access and water recreation at bargain prices. With a median annual income of $40,900 and average home values of $170,361 (a full $73,316 below Michigan’s state average), residents enjoy affordable waterfront living with modest monthly mortgage payments averaging $1,019.

The city boasts miles of sandy shoreline, a vibrant downtown and family-friendly attractions like the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, making it the perfect spot for lake lovers on a budget.

Toledo, Ohio 

Sitting at the western tip of Lake Erie, Toledo has some of the most affordable waterfront living in the Midwest. Residents earning the median income of $45,405 can comfortably afford the incredibly low average home value of $119,053 — which is a whopping $110,328 below Ohio’s state average.

With monthly mortgage payments averaging just $712, Toledo’s location at the mouth of the Maumee River means plenty of waterfront activities, from boating to fishing, plus cultural amenities like the world-class Toledo Museum of Art that you’d expect in much pricier cities.

Detroit, Michigan 

Detroit’s prime location along the Detroit River offers international waterfront views (you can see Canada!) at unbelievably low prices. Despite a median annual income of $37,761, Detroit’s average home value sits at just $72,292 — an astonishing $171,386 below Michigan’s average. This translates to monthly mortgage payments of only $432, making it the most affordable option on our list.

The city’s ongoing revitalization has created stunning riverfront parks and walking paths, perfect for enjoying the water without the coastal premium.

Cleveland, Ohio 

Cleveland’s position on Lake Erie’s shoreline offers residents beautiful water views and recreational opportunities for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. With a median annual income of $37,271 and average home values of $107,571 (nearly $121,810 below Ohio’s average), monthly mortgage payments average just $643.

The city’s Edgewater Beach and lakefront parks provide amazing public access to the water, while cultural attractions like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame add urban amenities to this affordable lakefront living experience.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee’s prime location on Lake Michigan means you get stunning waterfront living with average home values of $205,132 — over $101,328 less than Wisconsin’s average. Residents who make the median income of $49,733 can manage the monthly mortgage payments averaging $1,227 while enjoying the city’s combination of big-city amenities with beach town vibes.

The Milwaukee RiverWalk, public beaches and super fun harbor area provide multiple ways to enjoy the water, alongside a thriving food and brewery scene that means a high quality of life for less.

Algoma, Wisconsin 

This charming Lake Michigan community gives residents small-town waterfront living with average home values of $225,496 — about $80,963 below Wisconsin’s average. With the highest median income on our list at $72,232, residents can comfortably handle monthly mortgage payments averaging $1,349 while enjoying absolutely beautiful beaches, a happening harbor, and excellent fishing opportunities.

Algoma is perfect if you want a comfortable, waterfront lifestyle at a bargain rate. 

Duluth, Minnesota 

Perched at the western tip of Lake Superior, Duluth combines stunning water views with outdoor recreation at surprisingly affordable prices. With a median annual income of $63,545 and home values averaging $263,379 (over $77,221 below Minnesota’s average), residents pay monthly mortgage payments around $1,575.

The city’s Canal Park district and 7.5-mile Lakewalk provide amazing public water access, while four distinct seasons offer everything from summer water sports to winter ice fishing, making Duluth a year-round waterfront playground.

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