Best places to buy a vacation home
Destination | Safety score | Walkability score | Cap rate | Median home price | Comfort index |
Hudson, New York | 1 | 67 | 7.74 | 450,000 | 9.1 |
Portsmouth, New Hampshire | 2 | 78 | 7.1 | 824,000 | 9.2 |
Sandusky, Ohio | 2 | 37 | 10.5 | 155,000 | 9.1 |
San Diego, California | 2 | 51 | 9.22 | 914,809 | 9.6 |
Cape Cod, Massachusetts | 3 | 37 | 10.88 | 641,000 | 9.1 |
Harbor Springs, Michigan | 4 | 29 | 11 | 525,300 | 9.2 |
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin | 2 | 35 | 6.6 | 224,950 | 9.1 |
Healdsburg, California | 3 | 65 | 6.4 | 1,158,000 | 8.3 |
Ocean City, Maryland | 1 | 40 | 7.39 | 439,438 | 7.4 |
Bend, Oregon | 3 | 36 | 7.54 | 789,000 | 9 |
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1. Hudson, New York
Hudson, located in the Hudson Valley, offers a charming escape brimming with history and artistry. Rolling hills surround the town, providing a picturesque natural backdrop and making it a wonderful place for a second home.
2. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a gem for those seeking to buy a vacation home in a community that offers a delightful blend of historic charm and waterfront attractions. Portsmouth is nestled along the Piscataqua River and boasts a walkable downtown packed with brick buildings and cobblestone streets. History buffs will love exploring the waterfront, which significantly shaped the town's shipbuilding heritage.
3. Sandusky, Ohio
Located on one of the Great Lakes, Sandusky is a great destination for water enthusiasts. Multiple water parks options cater to all preferences. Kalahari Resorts boasts an expansive indoor water park complex, ideal for year-round enjoyment. For those seeking a more natural aquatic experience, Lake Erie's shores beckon with pristine beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
4. San Diego, California
San Diego basks in sunshine, making it ideal for those who crave a warm-weather escape. This coastal city offers a plethora of outdoor activities and stunning beaches amidst a relaxed Southern California vibe. Nature lovers will find endless opportunities to explore. Hike and bike the scenic trails of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, kayak in the calm waters of Mission Bay, or go whale watching off the coast.
5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod beckons with its iconic lighthouses, villages and beaches. This enchanting peninsula provides an environment for relaxation and exploration, making it a perfect vacation home destination. Spend your days sunbathing or indulging in watersports along the endless coastline. Explore quaint villages brimming with art galleries and fresh seafood shacks.
6. Harbor Springs, Michigan
On the shore of Lake Michigan, Harbor Springs offers an escape that transforms throughout the year. Fall ignites the landscape with stunning foliage that’s perfect for hikes on trails like the Bluffton Headlands Hiking Trail.
7. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells, also known as the "Waterpark Capital of the World," is a Midwest vacation spot for families seeking excitement and adventure. Beyond the world-famous waterparks, the Dells offers an appealing blend of natural wonders and family-friendly activities. Thrill-seekers of all ages will find endless fun at iconic waterparks like Noah's Ark Water Park and Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park.
8. Healdsburg, California
Healdsburg offers a compelling blend of sophistication, world-class wineries and outdoor adventure — making it a romantic destination for wine lovers seeking a California retreat. Located in the middle of Sonoma County, Healdsburg boasts a downtown square lined with art galleries, upscale boutiques and restaurants showcasing farm-to-table cuisine.
9. Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City is an attractive vacation home destination with its vibrant three-mile boardwalk and a family-friendly atmosphere. Beyond the iconic boardwalk with its amusement rides, arcades and delicious treats, Ocean City offers a variety of things to do. Thrill-seekers can tackle the waves at Assateague State Park, while fishing enthusiasts can cast a line at the Ocean City Fishing Center.
10. Bend, Oregon
Bend is an outdoor paradise offering a great blend of adventure, craft beer culture and stunning natural beauty. Outdoor enthusiasts seeking more active vacations will love this vacation home destination. Surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and majestic mountains, Bend caters to all seasons. Hike or bike well-marked trails, explore cascading waterfalls like Deschutes Falls, or go whitewater rafting down the Deschutes River. Winter transforms Bend into a wonderland, offering opportunities for skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor.
Top 25 best places to buy a vacation home
Destination | Safety score | Walkability score | Cap rate | Median home price | Comfort index |
Hudson, New York | 1 | 67 | 7.74 | 450,000 | 9.1 |
Portsmouth, New Hampshire | 2 | 78 | 7.1 | 824,000 | 9.2 |
Sandusky, Ohio | 2 | 37 | 10.5 | 155,000 | 9.1 |
San Diego, California | 2 | 51 | 9.22 | 914,809 | 9.6 |
Cape Cod, Massachusetts | 3 | 37 | 10.88 | 641,000 | 9.1 |
Harbor Springs, Michigan | 4 | 29 | 11 | 525,300 | 9.2 |
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin | 2 | 35 | 6.6 | 224,950 | 9.1 |
Healdsburg, California | 3 | 65 | 6.4 | 1,158,000 | 8.3 |
Ocean City, Maryland | 1 | 40 | 7.39 | 439,438 | 7.4 |
Bend, Oregon | 3 | 36 | 7.54 | 789,000 | 9 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota | 1 | 70 | 6.5 | 343,683 | 6.6 |
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware | 2 | 50 | 7.54 | 765,420 | 7.4 |
Rockaway Beach, Oregon | 2 | 42 | 10.11 | 533,500 | 6.9 |
Newport Beach, California | 1 | 55 | 3.14 | 3,356,190 | 9.7 |
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California | 4 | 59 | 6.2 | 2,200,000 | 8.3 |
Santa Barbara, California | 3 | 61 | 4.5 | 2,195,208 | 8.9 |
Asheville, North Carolina | 3 | 36 | 6.77 | 488,117 | 7.6 |
Santa Cruz, California | 1 | 62 | 4.5 | 1,305,000 | 8.5 |
Bar Harbor, Maine | 3 | 29 | 7.28 | 770,000 | 9.2 |
Santa Fe, New Mexico | 3 | 40 | 6.6 | 622,027 | 7.5 |
Manchester, Vermont | 4 | 49 | 7.87 | 450,000 | 6.3 |
Fort Bragg, California | 3 | 33 | 6.73 | 640,000 | 8.9 |
Galveston, Texas | 2 | 54 | 6.36 | 445,361 | 6.7 |
Branson, Missouri | 3 | 22 | 11.8 | 259,994 | 7.8 |
Newport, Rhode Island | 3 | 72 | 5.64 | 850,000 | 7.1 |
Co-own a vacation home with Pacaso
If you want to own a vacation home but are worried about the commitment and expense, Pacaso offers a revolutionary approach to second home ownership. Pacaso co-ownership allows you to own a share of a fully managed, luxurious vacation property in a coveted location.Pacaso takes care of everything: professional home design and furnishings, property management and, maintenance, and easy online scheduling. You spend your time relaxing and creating memories in your dream destination. Search for the perfect home in your ideal destination, and start spending your vacations in the place you love.Methodology
Here are the factors we used to analyze 100 cities and find the 25 best places to buy a vacation home.- Safety score: This indicates how safe the neighborhood is. A score of 4 represents a grade of A, indicating the location is as safe as it gets.
- Walkability score: This score indicates how easy it is to get around on foot. The higher the score, the more walkable an area.
- Cap rate: This is the potential rate of return on investment from rental income. The higher the cap rate, the higher the potential ROI.
- Median home sale price: This is the midpoint price of homes typically sold in the area. We ranked lower home sale prices higher in favor of affordability.
Best place to buy a vacation home FAQ
01: Is it hard to finance a vacation home?
Financing a vacation home can be more difficult than a primary residence due to stricter down payment requirements and interest rates.
02: Should I buy or rent a vacation home?
Buying vs. renting a vacation home depends on personal use, potential rental income and long-term goals.
03: What is the best state to buy a vacation home?
There's no single "best" state, but you should consider factors like affordability, the rental market and your desired activities.