Seattle, Washington
This week’s Top 10 list comes from Mike Tyler at Boating Magazine. He brings a fresh look at the top boating communities across the United States.
1. Seattle, Washington
Seattle life revolves around the outdoors, mostly the water. The gray skies can not keep boater indoors. Seattle’s boating communities are the heart beat of the city.
2. Benton County, Arkansas
Benton County used to be boating hidden treasure in the Ozark Mountains. Well, secrets out now. Benton is now the third-fastest growing county in the United States. For the most part because of the clean environment, improving economy and accessibility of 30,000 acres of boatable water.
3. Tampa Bay, Florida
Tampa bay equals sunshine.This fact alone makes it a top contender for one of the best places to live and boat. On one side you have the the Gulf of Mexico (St. Petersburg), then there’s the bay. With all of that water, it’s not wonder why Tampa is one of the top ten places to live and boat.
4. Knoxville, Tennessee
The Tennessee River is a major is part every aspect of life in Knoxville. Travel upstream from the city is a popular fishing and camping spot. Recreation is found closer to the city.
5. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
“Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale feel of a “floating city.” Fort Lauderdale has 165 miles of canals and waterways following around and through the city. Also, Florida’s year-round boating weather, contributes to making it a great boating city!
6. Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Minnesota has been named the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Otter Tail County officially contains 1,048 lakes. Minnesota does have a shorter summer but its made up by its passionate boaters.
7. Finger Lakes, New York
In the Finger Lakes, summer revolves around the water. There are trout derbies, day cruises, vacation lake houses and family/romantics picnics surrounding its lakes.
8. Austin, Texas
From Austin to 85 miles northwest of the city, the Highland Lakes region of Texas harbors six lakes known for boating and fishing. Austin caters to both the younger demographic and retirees, caturing its place on the top ten best places to live and boat.
9. Oconee County, South Carolina
Lake Keowee and neighboring Lake Jocassee are quiet considering how close they are to Clemson University. The college student crowd stick to Lake Hartwell, Keowee and Jocassee.The region has become a center retreat for boaters relocating from up north or from down south.
10. San Diego, California
Sunny San Diego is a 100% correct common cliche. Boaters in San Diego rarely take plan their day out on the boat around the forecast. Boaters enjoy relaxing in Mission Bay, cruising out to Catalina Island, and catching concerts at the downtown San Diego amphitheater.
Let us know where you love to boat and live by commenting on this post!
Being a river enthusiast, I am happy to see some river cities on the list. Knoxville, TN is indeed a great river city as well as Chattanooga. The great thing about rivers is that a person with even a small boat can travel great distances to other cities while still being close to shore.
You forgot Annapolis (sailing capitol of the world), Norfolk and Newport, RI