With rugged mountains, valleys, and prairies like the Appalachian Mountains, as well as rivers, caves, and lakes, Alabama has countless natural features to explore. If you live in Alabama and want to enjoy the state’s natural beauty, there are countless lakeside towns worth considering for a home purchase.
To help you find the right area, Redfin has rounded up ten of the best lakes to live in in Alabama this year. Whether you prefer bustling city life near Lake Tuscaloosa or a quiet, charming town like Lake Wilsonville, Alabama has an array of lakefront homes to suit every lifestyle and budget. Let’s take a look at them.
1. Lake Guntersville (Guntersville)
Nearest city: Guntersville, Alabama
Median home sales price: $324,000
population: 8,500
Homes for Sale in Guntersville, AL
Apartments for Rent in Guntersville, AL
The first place to live on our list of Alabama lakes is Lake Guntersville. As the largest lake in Alabama, Lake Guntersville is a paradise for anglers, boaters, and nature lovers, with plenty of bass and catfish. The area is surrounded by several parks, including the popular Guntersville State Park and Sunset Strip Park, which offer amenities such as boat launches, hiking trails, and stunning lake views. The lake is also the site of the annual Guntersville Lake HydroFest, which attracts visitors from around the world. With small-town charm and a variety of outdoor activities, Guntersville is ideal for those looking to be close to water and nature.
2. Hardin Lake (Lannett)
Nearest city: Lanett, Alabama
Median home sales price: $80,000
population: 6,200
Lanett, AL Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Lanett, AL
Harding Lake is picturesque and known for its tranquil waters and beautiful scenery. The nearly 5,850-acre lake is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as kayaking, fishing and boating. Nearby Hardin Lake State Park offers boat ramps, picnic areas and trails for those who want to enjoy the outdoors. Lanett is the nearest town and has a cozy downtown with unique shops and restaurants, giving it the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and small-town charm.
3. Lake Tuscaloosa (Tuscaloosa)
Nearest city: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Median home sales price: $244,000
Average rent for one bedroom: $925
population: 102,000
Homes for Sale in Tuscaloosa, AL
Apartments for Rent in Tuscaloosa, AL
Located in the historic city of Tuscaloosa, Lake Tuscaloosa is a great place for guests to relax. The lake offers a variety of activities, from fishing and boating to picnicking along the shore. The surrounding area is filled with parks and trails, including the popular Treasure Island County Park, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation. Home to the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa is a vibrant town with many activities, dining, and shopping options. If you’re looking for a lakeside town with city amenities, Tuscaloosa might be for you.
4. Lake Martin (Dadeville)
Nearest city: Dadeville, Alabama
Median home sales price: $155,000
population: 3,200
Dadeville, AL Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Dadeville, AL
Lake Martin is a popular lake for those seeking a peaceful, natural retreat. The lake is known for its clear waters and extensive shoreline, perfect for boating, fishing and swimming. The area is rich in natural beauty and is home to Wind Creek State Park, which offers campgrounds, hiking trails and boat ramps. The nearby quaint town of Dadeville is known for its friendly community and annual events, making it an ideal place for potential homebuyers looking for a lakefront home.
5. Lay Lake (Wilsonville)
Nearest city: wilsonville alabama
Median home sales price: $206,000
population: 2,000
Wilsonville, AL Homes for Sale
Wilsonville, AL Apartments for Rent
Lay Lake is famous for its bass fishing tournaments and pristine waters perfect for water sports. The lakeshore is dotted with residences and parks, such as Beeswax Creek Park, which features a boat launch, fishing pier, and picnic areas. Wilsonville is the nearest town and has several markets. The area is about an hour from Birmingham, so it’s not too far from a big city. Whether you’re looking for a vacation home or a permanent move, be sure to check out Lay Lake.
6. Lewis Smith Lake (Cullman)
Nearest city: Cullman, Alabama
Median home sales price: $239,158
Average rent for one bedroom: $797
population: 16,000
Cullman, AL Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Cullman, AL
Lewis Smith Lake is located in the Bankhead National Forest and has clear water suitable for fishing, boating and swimming. The lake is surrounded by dense forest, making it an ideal place for hiking and bird watching. The nearby city of Cullman blends cultural heritage and modern amenities, with attractions such as the Cullman County Museum and annual Oktoberfest celebrations. The combination of natural beauty and small-town charm makes Lewis Smith Lake the most livable lake in Alabama.
7. Lake Logan Martin (Riverside)
Nearest city: Riverside, Alabama
Median home sales price: $235,000
population: 2,500 people
Homes for Sale in Riverside, AL
Apartments for Rent in Riverside, AL
Affectionately known as the “Lake of a Thousand Lakes,” Lake Logan Martin is a picturesque place for Alabamians to enjoy the outdoors. The lake is a popular spot for boating, skiing, and fishing, with many bays and inlets to explore. The surrounding area is home to several parks and recreation areas, such as Lake Logan Martin Park, providing residents with plenty of outdoor activities. Riverside offers a quiet, laid-back lifestyle with easy access to major cities like Birmingham for shopping and entertainment.
8-9. Pickwick and Wilson Lakes (Florence)
Nearest city: Florence, Alabama
Median home sales price: $235,000
Average rent for one bedroom: $675
population: 40,000
Florence, AL Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Florence, AL
Pickwick Lake and Wilson Lake flank Florence and offer residents countless activities. These lakes are known for their excellent bass fishing, water sports, and beautiful scenery. The area is home to several parks and recreation facilities, including McFarland Park and Joe Wheeler State Park, which offer camping, hiking trails and picnic areas. Don’t miss Wilson Dam Falls on the south side of Pickwick Lake. Florence is a historic city that hosts a variety of events and festivals, so it’s a great place for those looking for a busy waterside town.
10. Wheeler Lake (Rogersville)
Nearest city: Rogersville, Alabama
Median home sales price: $292,000
population: 1,200
Rogersville, AL Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Rogersville, AL
Wheeler Lake is the perfect place to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature, with many small towns and large cities lining its shores. This vast lake is perfect for fishing, boating, and stunning sunsets. Nearby Joe Wheeler State Park offers amenities such as marinas, hiking trails, and golf courses to suit a variety of interests. Rogersville has small-town charm and friendly communities that provide a tranquil backdrop for a lakeside lifestyle. If you’re looking for a larger city to call home, then be sure to check out Decatur’s lakefront homes.
Please note that this list does not include all lakes in Alabama. Median home sales price data from the Redfin data center in April 2024.
