Lake Anna is located in Virginia and has the potential to earn investors close to $80,000 a year; however, lakefront properties in the area are as rare as a unicorn and, when they do appear, they come with a steep price tag. Smith Mountain Lake, in contrast, has a shoreline of 500 miles, which is more than twice as long as Lake Anna, and waterfront homes there cost between $500,000 and $1 million. Even while it may still seem like a lot, you're talking about an annual salary of almost $33,000. The low property taxes in Virginia plus the area's popularity with tourists make Smith Mountain Lake a great place to put your money.

Granbury is a popular weekend getaway for people from Dallas because of its historic charm and abundance of outdoor activities, many of which can be enjoyed on Lake Granbury or the Brazos River's waterways.

An investment in a home here would serve you well. Evolve reports that owners should expect an additional $28,305 annually because their properties are rented for more than six months of the year. Obviously, a driving directions home with direct water access is a good investment if you want to make more money, but you should be prepared to pay more than the median listing price of $394,776 in the area.

Pocono Lake is a popular getaway for New Yorkers due to its scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and abundance of outdoor activities (skiing, hiking, and fishing, to name a few). As a result, if you set your sights on the area, you can anticipate a regular influx of city dwellers looking to rent a home away from the madding crowd (the area is about a two-hour drive from Manhattan).

Pocono Lake is one of the more reasonably priced lakeside locations on the market at a median listing price of $273,682. Nonetheless, the professionals at Evolve advise working with a real estate agent who is well-versed in the local HOA regulations.

Norris Lake, located in the Cumberland Mountains' foothills, is a boater's and nature lover's paradise thanks to its 800 miles of shoreline, two rivers, and several creeks. Norris Lake attracts both thrill-seekers (waterskiing, anyone?) and those who prefer a more tranquil, laid-back boating experience (there are 20 marinas on the lake).

The area is a popular vacation home destination because of its closeness to Knoxville (it's the state's second-largest market for a lake property), but in locations like LaFollette and New Tazewell, you can find a home for under $500,000. Potential investors might receive around $27,000 if the cap rate is 4.4%.

The northern region of the Ozarks is known for its breathtaking autumn color, picturesque tiny villages, and abundance of outdoor activities. In the summer, the lake is crowded with boats, and the nearby golf courses are always at capacity. Off-season visitors come for the quiet, the beautiful lake vistas, and the lack of crowds.

The cap rate in this area is 4.3%, and the typical house value is little under $345,000, according to data from Evolve. If you want to optimize your rental revenue, the company's specialists advise looking for a property in Gravois Mills, Osage Beach, or Lake Ozark.

Gilford, New Hampshire, on the southern side of Lake Winnipesaukee, is the prototypical New England lake town, complete with picturesque scenery, outdoor activities like hiking and biking, water sports like boating, and a thriving music scene at the 9,000-capacity Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion. Gunstock Mountain Resort attracts skiers and snowboarders every winter for its 49 trails and 227 acres of skiable terrain.

Waterfront mansions can cost several million dollars and have a plethora of high-end amenities, while properties closer to Gilford's typical listing price of $518,389 are also available. A 4% capitalization rate would translate to an annual rental income of around $30,000.