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City of Chelan Named One of the Most Affordable Lake Towns in the U.S.

lake and blue sky

Chelan made it to Realtor.com’s list of “Most Affordable Lake Towns” where buyers can still find well-priced waterfront property and property that’s close enough to the water to get amazing views.

Here’s why you should make the move to Chelan this year.

The cost of living in Chelan, WA

The overall cost of living in Chelan is lower than both the state and national average, with housing being the main factor in living expenses. But it’s a small price to pay for lakefront living in an idyllic corner of Washington State. The quality of life is second to none, with clean mountain air and stunning views of the water.

Chelan has developed a reputation as a “Zoom Town”, with an influx of new residents relocating to the area during the COVID-19 outbreak and taking advantage of telecommuting.

Local Realtors have taken notice of tech workers moving away from high-cost cities and into smaller vacation towns, which allows them to make cost-of-living adjustments and maximize their savings.

Over time, these trends will allow local buyers to have more comparable salaries to tech employees moving into the community, creating healthier competition for homes in Chelan and the surrounding areas.

Lake Chelan provides countless opportunities for water activities like paddle boarding and kayaking. The strong sense of community creates unity and stability among residents, who have access to a support network and other resources.

Homes for sale in Chelan, WA

The number of home sales in Northwest counties during the pandemic with San Juan and Chelan counties being some of the biggest winners. Residents moving away from expensive and crowded metropolitan areas like Seattle have started looking into vacation towns and less densely populated communities like Chelan, where buyers can get more value for their money.

Remote and flexible work arrangements have made it possible for city dwellers to pursue their dream home, which for some is lakefront property.

Chelan is an attractive option for many of these buyers, offering a wide range of housing options at varying price points. As of August 2020, waterfront condo prices start in the mid-300,000 range while single-family homes with private access to the lake can cost less than $2 million, which is still more affordable than a similar-sized property in Seattle and its suburbs.

But the best-priced homes can go over asking price. According to local Realtors, 98% of homes in Chelan and Douglas counties priced between $250,000 and $450,000 range sold at or above asking price.

The advantages of lakeside living

Chelan and other lake towns offer summer and wintertime activities, which can make them excellent places to live year-round. These offerings vary by location, but most lakeside communities allow for hiking, paddle boarding, boating, and fishing. They also provide a safe, clean, and peaceful environment where residents can thrive.

If you’re looking for a home in Chelan, WA and the surrounding areas, contact Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan Properties here. You can also reach us at 509.682.7777 and Info(at)CBChelan(dotted)com to schedule a consultation. We can’t wait to show you everything this community has to offer.