by Robert Borges on April 4, 2022
For those who love the recreation and natural beauty of the great outdoors, it’s hard to beat living in or near the mountains. Unfortunately, many feel that calling a mountain community home can be far too expensive. While that can certainly be true, it doesn’t always have to be the case! Throughout the U.S., there are plenty of communities that offer affordable mountain homes—many are even well under $400,000.
In this article, we’ll spotlight several communities—from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the southern Appalachians and Smokies, all the way northeast to New England—that offer both an abundance of recreational amenities and stunning low-cost mountain homes.
The Hamlet by Simple Life
Cottage homes starting in the mid $100,000s
Located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Hamlet offers affordable tiny home ownership for adults looking to retire in North Carolina. This gated community boasts resort-style amenities like a pool, fitness center, and social events, all while keeping things low-maintenance with included yard upkeep. With one and two-bedroom cottages ranging from 399 to 540 square feet, The Hamlet is perfect for those seeking a downsized and social mountain lifestyle.
Lake Arrowhead- Waleska, GA
Homes starting in the low $300,000s
Situated around a 540-acre spring-fed lake in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this community rolls lake, mountain, and golf living all in one. Just 40 minutes north of Atlanta, the mountain homes here start under $350,000 and provide a selection of new ranch and basement floor plans, active adult homes, lakeside retreats, and villas all with backyard access to the great outdoors. With 8,000+ acres of lush woodland, residents enjoy an array of amenities including an award-winning golf course, two swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, nature trails, community parks, a sandy beach, and a private marina.
Eastman- Grantham, NH
Homes starting in the low $300,000s
Two hours from Boston and minutes from Hanover and New London, Eastman encompasses more than 3,700 acres of environmentally protected woodlands with nature trails, an 18-hole championship golf course, a full-service community recreation center, and 345-acre lake with boat docks and six private beaches. Mountain and outdoor enthusiasts love the location and affordable New England homes, as well as the extensive selection of community amenities supporting an active lifestyle. The Eastman Nordic Center offers more than 37K of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, plus a groomed sledding hill and lighted ice-skating rink.
Fairfield Glade- Crossville, TN
Homes starting in the $300,000s
At 2,000 feet above sea level—the highest point between the Rocky and Smoky Mountains—residents of this Tennessee community enjoy a mild climate with four distinct seasons that complement the abundance of natural wooded beauty, wildlife, pristine lakes and beautiful mountain views. Situated on a 12,500-acre site near the small town of Crossville on the Cumberland Plateau, the development supports multiple subdivisions with a wide range of inexpensive lots and homes with lake, mountain, woodland, or golf course views. Among the amenities are five championship golf courses, 11 spring-fed lakes, tennis/pickleball and equestrian centers, swimming pools, fitness center, and marina facilities.
Glade Springs- Daniels, WV
Homes starting in the mid $200,000s
Sprinkled throughout 4,100 acres in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Glade Springs has some wonderful low-cost mountain homes in southern West Virginia. A gated golf community that offers mountain resort living with a wide selection of homes and homesites, residents are treated to 26 miles of walking and biking trails, kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing at Mallard Lake, Lake Chatham, and Glade Creek. The peaceful mountain community is just over an hour away from West Virginia’s capital, Charleston, with its variety of cultural and entertainment attractions.
