What makes one of the 11 most wanted second-home spots in the U.S.? It should be close to the activities you value most, whether hiking or boating or boutique shopping, and it should be affordable for your family. America is dotted with places known in the press as “playgrounds for the wealthy” — Jackson Hole, Vail, Nantucket, Southampton. But you don’t have to be wealthy to buy a second home, or at least . . . not that wealthy, especially when your second home can be used as a rental property.
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To rank the most in-demand destinations for vacation homes, I’ve tallied extensive data from real-estate sites Zillow — which indexed towns by their closeness to attractions like beaches, golf courses, and national parks — and Trulia, and then added list information from the Washington Post and Barron’s. In some cases, several communities very near each other appeared across the lists, and I consolidated those into one umbrella area. (If I hadn’t, even more of the top 11 would be in Florida!)
Communities received points for each of the lists on which they appeared. The resulting list includes places all over the country and in a variety of levels of affordability, with much more realistic family value than the 8 most secluded homes in the world. I think the list also works as a way to choose a vacation spot, especially for families who like to have a vacation experience that’s like everyday life in a more special or beautiful place.
Start saving those pennies for these most wanted second-home spots in the U.S.
11. Stillwater, NJ — 12 points
Sandra Bullock’s character in 2000’s Miss Congeniality calls New Jersey “The Oil and Petrochemical Refinery State,” but most of New Jersey is surprising in its beauty — rolling green hills, curvy roads, and historical small towns. Stillwater dates to 1824.
10. Cape Cod, MA — 13 points
The Cape is more accessible than its exclusive island neighbors — Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket — but is still very posh. Furthest-point Provincetown has the largest percentage of same-sex couples in the nation. The area offers public access to dozens of beaches.
9. High Point, FL — 19 points
Rated high by Zillow for both beaches and golf, High Point is centrally located on the peninsula of the Tampa Bay area, surrounded by beautiful waterfronts and close to a ton of fun activities but with all the everyday amenities of a midsize city.
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8. Deal Island, MD — 19 points
The small town of Deal Island received high scores for its beaches and national parks. It is actually an island but separated by only a hair’s breadth from the Maryland-Delaware peninsula, offering historical beauty and culture.
7. Lake Tahoe, CA — 20 points
Lake Tahoe has long been a year-round vacation and weekend playground for the west coast’s wealthy. There’s skiing and snowboarding along with gambling and summer boating and hiking fun. But it’s also very expensive.
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6. Hamptons, NY — 20 points
Like Tahoe, the Hamptons are a perennial flock-to destination for the rich — celebrity chef Ina Garten makes her home there, along with countless other famous and very wealthy faces. Many New Yorkers will tell you they wish their place in the boroughs were a pied-à-terre to their primary home in the Hamptons.
5. Port Salerno, FL — 21 points
Between Port St. Lucie and West Palm Beach is the community of Port Salerno. With high marks for beaches and nearby golf and two neighboring towns further down the list, this waterfront spot is near beaches, state parks, and great boating.
4. Daytona Beach, FL — 22 points
Daytona Beach is famous for hosting the Daytona 500, the crown jewel in NASCAR’s encrusted portfolio. But the Daytona region has great golf and Atlantic waterfront all year round, and three nearby towns appear further down the list.
3. Kissimmee, FL — 23 points
Kissimmee and its many neighbors form one corner of the greater Orlando area, so fans of Disney World and amusement parks in general are wise to look here. But Kissimmee has established its own identity as a getaway.
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2. Fort Myers, FL — 40 points
The beautiful Fort Myers area offers a spectrum of lifestyles, from humbler everyday houses to the mansions of the very rich. Retirees love the sheltered beauty of communities like Punta Gorda and vacationers love the walkability and relative affordability of Fort Myers Beach. Come for the sun, stay for the golf and nearby attractions.
1. Palm Springs, CA — 45 points
The ultimate U.S. getaway is an undeniable classic. With high scores for nearby national parks and attractions and one of the most famous spa cultures in the country, Palm Springs offers a perfect hot-weather retreat for stylish people who need to relax. The area is also home to the annual Coachella music festival.
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The 11 most wanted second-home spots in the U.S. offer sea and surf, golf, historical sites, nearby national parks, and even great skiing. Maybe you’re in the market or maybe you just like to dream. These locations are the cream of the crop, but you’ll find a great spot close to wherever you live if you really want to get away.
