If you’re searching for a vacation home in the United States, you’ve got plenty of options. Whether you’re looking for a secluded mountain cabin, a home on the beach, or a villa in the midst of a huge tourist destination, America offers plentiful possibilities. Here are some of the top places to buy a vacation home in the U.S.
Kissimmee, Florida
Practically next door to Walt Disney World, Kissimmee draws people every year to buy a home here rather than in Orlando, its busier, more urban neighbor. Aside from being steps away from Disney, Kissimmee is also located close to the Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks, along with numerous other attractions. If you’re interested in more than theme parks, Kissimmee is centrally located between the Atlantic and Gulf shores, so you’ll have plenty of access to beaches. The Kennedy Space Center is less than an hour away. Many choose to buy their own vacation home, use it as time permits, and rent it out for the rest of the year – for most of the year the weather is glorious. Kissimmee too close to the theme parks? Check out Davenport, a city just a few minutes further away that offers proximity to the parks – just not too close.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most popular national park, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is the bustling gateway town to this scenic splendor in the Smoky Mountains. This area is one of the highest rated places for investors looking for vacation rentals. Gatlinburg cabins offer the rustic alternative to a hotel, and are quite luxurious, with a hot tub on the deck, full kitchen and laundry inside, and entertainments and games throughout. The area is family friendly and bursting with kid attractions. The Dollywood theme park and water park is close by, there are many mountain lifts and coasters, and the national park is a nature lover’s paradise, with waterfalls, trails and scenic drives in abundance.
Branson, Missouri
Branson is a vacation destination that is sometimes overlooked by home seekers since it’s located in the Midwest. A huge entertainment destination for families, the area’s cost of living is quite low compared with the high demand for accommodation by visitors. People who invest here can usually find a good ROI from vacation rental property. Nearby attractions include Silver Dollar City, the gorgeous Ozark Mountains, Table Rock State Park, and shopping at Branson Landing, along with several theatres and restaurants. You’ll never find yourself bored in Branson, and you’ve got plenty to work with when marketing your home for rent, if that’s your goal.
Copper Harbor, Michigan
People who appreciate outdoor recreation year-round often look to Michigan’s Copper Country. It’s hard to narrow down to one particular city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but Copper Harbor is a great place to start looking for a vacation home. Situated on majestic Lake Superior, Copper Harbor, is located at the end of a peninsula. Throughout Keweenaw County, you can enjoy spectacular views, water recreation, hunting, fishing, wildlife spotting, mountain biking, and so much more. Despite its small population, this region is bustling a good portion of the year with visitors, especially around the holidays.
Breckenridge, Colorado
History enthusiasts and those who love the great outdoors find Breckenridge, Colorado, to be an appealing vacation destination. Reminiscent of the Old West, this historic mining town is an ideal place for many to buy a vacation home. In the winter enjoy world-class skiing and sip coffee in a cozy café. Summer offers great water and other outdoor recreation options. Year-round you can take guided history tours, visit museums. explore real saloons with a guide, pan for gold, participate in escape room adventures, dine in local restaurants, and shop in quaint boutiques. With four distinct seasons throughout the year to choose from, you (or your rental guests) really can’t go wrong visiting in any season. In love with Colorado but want a different experience? Try Steamboat Springs, just two hours north – another top destination in the Centennial State.
Key West, Florida
Key West is as far south as you can get in the continental U.S. and it’s not surprising this is a popular location people choose for their vacation homes. Over the decades, Key West has appealed to artists, writers, and other creative people. Ernest Hemingway lived here in the 1930s and his home is a top tourist attraction. Jimmy Buffett’s love of Key West is well-known and you can take a tour to follow his steps. Of course, there are also the amazing beaches, fishing, water sports, and a very laid-back atmosphere to enjoy.
If you want to buy a vacation home, it’s a good idea to weigh your options carefully before signing on the dotted line. Consider your personal goals – do you want a vacation home for yourself? If so, is the destination a place you envision yourself visiting year after year?
Or, if you’re looking to buy an investment property that you use occasionally for personal use, what are the local laws associated with short-term rentals? A homeowner association could be a major obstacle to your plans over time – often HOA’s are poorly organized and with neglected landscaping slipping into disrepair or creating child hazards. Be sure the location you choose supports your goals – and talk to your tax and legal advisers beforehand to make sure you optimize the benefits of this addition to your portfolio.
