Interest in owning a vacation property has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with many potential homebuyers seeking out investment opportunities, serene getaways to escape daily life, or even a little bit of both. While the more “obvious” vacation-home markets– like the Hamptons, Palm Springs, and Miami– remain both popular and lucrative, there are also many relatively untapped markets slowly-but-surely climbing the ladder of desirability. Take a peek at some of the top untapped cities and towns that are seeing an increase in vacation home ownership– and a handful of tried-and-true activity recommendations for each.
1. Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Asheville has become a popular destination for second-home buyers seeking a quiet, peaceful mountain retreat with no shortage of fresh air and stunning views. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and kayaking. Home prices in Asheville have been on the rise in recent years, but still offer a more affordable option than many other mountain towns.
Things to do:
For the artist: River Arts District
For the foodie: Cúrate Bar de Tapas
For the beer-enthusiast: Asheville Brews Cruise
For the nature-lover: Moore Cove Falls
For kids: Asheville Museum of Science
2. Bozeman, Montana
Though you may not have heard of it, Bozeman, Montana, is a picturesque mountain town located just outside Yellowstone National Park. The town has seen a notable surge in visitors in recent years due to its range of outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and fly-fishing. Bozeman also boasts a vibrant downtown area with a thriving arts and culture scene.
Things to do:
For the artist: The Downtown Bozeman Art Walks
For the foodie: Bozeman Farmer's Market
For the history-lover: Cooper Park Historic District
For the adventure-seeker: Yellowstone National Park
For kids: Visit a goat farm!
3. Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon, has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a getaway to call their own in the Pacific Northwest. The town is known for its world-class skiing, mountain biking, and hiking trails, as well as its many craft breweries and restaurants. Bend offers an alternative to other go-to Pacific Northwest destinations, like Seattle and Portland.
Things to do:
For the curious: High Desert Museum
For the sweet tooth: The Sparrow Bakery
For the sommelier: Va Piano Vineyards
For the nature-lover: Riley Ranch Nature Reserve
For kids: TZ Adventure Park
4. Traverse City, Michigan
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Traverse City has become a popular second-home destination, with its surroundings offering a range of outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as a vibrant downtown area with restaurants, bars, and shops. The beaches of Traverse City will make you forget you're on Lake Michigan, as it sometimes feels more like Malibu than the midwest.
Things to do:
For the foodie: amical
For the scenery: Boardman Loop Lake Trail
For the sailor: Nauti-Cat Cruises
For the mixologist: Low Bar
For kids: Grand Traverse Lighthouse
5. Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico, is a small town located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico. The town is known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene, as well as its world-class skiing and hiking trails. Taos offers a unique alternative to the more mainstream Western ski destinations, like Vail and Aspen, and offers more affordable attractions and rich cultural history.
Things to do:
For the foodie: La Carreta Food Truck
For the outdoorsy: Rio Grande Stables
For the wannabe-local: Taos Farmer's Market
For the views: La Junta Overlook Point
For kids: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
These destinations offer a range of outdoor activities, vibrant cultural scenes, and affordable real estate options, making them ideal for vacation homebuyers seeking a more affordable or off-the-beaten-path option. As always, it's important to do your research and choose the market that best fits your investment goals and personal preferences.
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