05 Oct 5 Vacation Home Types That Make Perfect Getaways
Table of Contents
Looking for a great place to get away? You can pick from these vacation homes: beach houses, mountain lodges, woodland cabins, city townhomes, and capsule houses. Look at the table below to see where these homes are most popular. The chart shows why these places are top choices for buying a vacation home.
County | Seasonal Homes | % of Total Housing | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Lee County, FL | 69,007 | 17% | $247,000 |
Barnstable County, MA | 54,267 | 33% | $475,000 |
Collier County, FL | 57,494 | 25% | $314,000 |
Dukes County, MA | 7,747 | 44% | $1,400,000 |
Tip: Anna Maria, FL and Nags Head, NC are some of the best places to buy a vacation home. They have great choices for every kind of trip.
Key Takeaways
Think about how you like to travel when picking a vacation home. Choices like beach houses, mountain lodges, and city townhomes fit different likes.
Find vacation homes with things you want, like kitchens, pools, and outdoor spaces. These things make your stay better and more comfortable.
Check locations closely. Popular places often have more chances to rent and fun things to do. This makes your money spent worth it.
Vacation Home Options
There are lots of vacation home choices. Each one matches a different way to travel. Some people want more space and comfort. Others want to save money or try something new. You might want to rest by the ocean, hike in the mountains, or visit a busy city. The best home for you depends on what you want from your trip.
Did you know? Last year, 44% of Americans stayed in a short-term rental. More than half picked vacation rentals to save money over hotels. Millennials really like these places because they are cheaper and different.
Here’s why people pick certain vacation homes:
Families and groups get more space and comfort
Big groups can save money
You can have real local experiences
The next parts will show each type and what makes them special.
Beach Houses
Beach houses are a favorite for vacations. You can walk to the ocean and see pretty views. There are lots of things to do outside. These homes are good for families, couples, and anyone who loves the beach. You can cook in a nice kitchen and relax inside. Some have game rooms or pools for extra fun.
People look for these things in beach houses:
Great views
Outdoor fun
Modern kitchens and dining areas
Cozy and useful rooms
Extra games or pools
Clean and well-kept spaces
Here are some top places to buy a beach house:
Destination | Median Home Price | Occupancy Rate | Annual Revenue | ADR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Destin, Florida | $580,667 | N/A | $61,878 | $378 |
Gulf Shores, Alabama | $430,833 | 58% | $49,000 | $392 |
South Padre Island, Texas | $508,810 | 73%+ (peak) | N/A | $235–$290 |
Virginia Beach, Virginia | $373,833 | 57% | $30,800 | $353.7 |
Ocean City, Maryland | $455,800 | 56% | $27,600 | $336.8 |
Beach houses are great for families and groups. They are perfect for relaxing or having fun together.
Mountain Lodges
Mountain lodges are cozy and have amazing views. People like them for winter sports, hiking, and relaxing. You can stay in big rooms, sit by the fire, or use a private hot tub. Many lodges have spas, ski helpers, and tours. Families like the kids’ clubs and babysitting.
Mountain lodges usually have:
Big rooms and private homes
Warm fireplaces
Beautiful mountain views
Soft beds and heated floors
Private hot tubs
Spa and wellness services
Ski helpers
Private lessons and tours
Kids’ clubs and babysitting
Indoor pools, movie rooms, and game rooms
Great wedding spots and fancy food
Frisco and Breckenridge, Colorado are top places to buy a mountain vacation home. They have lots of seasonal homes and many people want to rent there.
Woodland Cabins
Woodland cabins are peaceful and close to nature. They feel rustic and cozy. You can relax, write, or make art in a quiet place. Even though you are in the woods, you still get modern comforts.
People like woodland cabins because:
They feel warm and rustic
You can relax in nature
Modern things make your stay easy
Woodland cabins are best for people who love nature, writers, and artists. You get quiet time and can relax, so they are great for creative trips.
Vacation Home Type | Description | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
Gives you peace and time to relax in nature, great for creativity. | Nature lovers, writers, artists | |
Beach House | Lets you enjoy the ocean and relax, good for families and couples. | Families, couples, beach fans |
Lakeside Retreat | Has fun things like kayaking and bonfires, nice for family time. | Families, adventure seekers |
City Townhomes
City townhomes put you in the middle of the city. They are easy to take care of, so you have more time to explore. Townhomes cost less than single-family homes and have more space than apartments. Many have pools, BBQ spots, and other extras.
City townhomes are good because:
Easy to take care of
Cost less
More room for families or groups
Extras like pools and BBQs
Close to fun places, food, and shops
Cities with lots of vacation townhome rentals are Atlanta, Orlando, Nashville, San Diego, Charlotte, Dallas, and Cleveland.
City | Median Home Price | Rental Yields | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
Atlanta, Georgia | $370,000 | 6–7% | Good jobs, tourism, and low prices. |
Orlando, Florida | $390,000 | 5–7% | Lots of tourists for theme parks, steady bookings. |
Nashville, Tennessee | $425,000 | 6–7% | Music, events all year, steady demand. |
San Diego, California | $850,000 | 4–5% | Many tourists, strong home values, and demand. |
Charlotte, North Carolina | $380,000 | 5–6% | Mix of business and fun trips, more people moving in. |
Dallas, Texas | $375,000 | ~5% | Always needed for business trips and events. |
Cleveland, Ohio | < $200,000 | 9–10% | Good cash flow, steady bookings from hospitals and tourists. |
Capsule Houses
Capsule houses are a new kind of vacation home. They are small, modern, and don’t cost much. You can use them for glamping or as cool short-term rentals. Capsule houses mix comfort with nature and are good for people who want something different.
People pick capsule houses because:
They are cheap and flexible
You can make money renting them
Made for glamping with modern looks and eco-friendly design
Good for the environment and comfy
Best for outdoor adventures
Capsule houses are showing up in places where people want something special. Owners use them to earn more money and attract guests who want a unique stay.
Serviced Apartments
Serviced apartments feel like home but have hotel services. They come with furniture and have separate rooms for living and sleeping. You get a kitchen, cleaning, and help any time. Serviced apartments give you privacy and freedom, so they work for short or long trips.
Here’s how serviced apartments compare to others:
Amenities/Services | Serviced Apartments | Self-Contained Apartments |
|---|---|---|
Fully furnished units | Yes | Yes |
Kitchen facilities | Yes | Yes |
Housekeeping | Yes | No |
24/7 customer support | Yes | No |
Serviced apartments are getting more popular in big U.S. cities. Business travelers and families like them because they are flexible and feel like home. In 2024, serviced apartments for short stays will be over 65% of the market. This shows people really want flexible, fully equipped places to stay.
There are many vacation home choices. Each one fits a different way to travel and spend money. If you want to buy or rent, think about what matters most—location, extras, and the kind of trip you want. The best places to buy match your lifestyle and travel dreams.
Comparing Vacation Rental Properties
Features and Amenities
When you look for vacation homes, you want choices that make your trip simple and fun. You may want private places with things for families. Many people like having a hot tub or jacuzzi to relax. Some homes have fancy kitchen tools and nice bathrooms with rain showers. You might get gourmet coffee, natural bath items, or special chocolates as gifts.
Here are things people like in vacation rental properties:
Kitchen with everything you need to cook
Clean beds that feel good
Wi-Fi that works for streaming and work
Fun things like smart TVs and sound systems
Washer and dryer to clean clothes
Outdoor things like grills and patio chairs
Nice soaps and sheets for a hotel feel
Gift baskets or help from a concierge
Parking and fun places to play
If you travel with kids, you need homes made for families. A group of family homes lets you pick child-friendly places. Homes with many rooms help when you book for groups. You can feel calm knowing your vacation home fits what you need.
Tip: Always look for family-friendly things in vacation rentals before you book.
Investment Potential
You want to buy a vacation home that gets more valuable over time. Some homes have grown a lot in price. Pacaso homes went up 9.7% each year for five years. The luxury market grew by 4.9% each year. Good places to buy are Napa-Sonoma, Malibu, Lake Tahoe, Vail, Charleston, Park City, San Diego, Newport Beach, Palm Springs, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale.
The vacation rental market keeps getting bigger. Short-term rentals give steady money. It is important to find homes you can afford, but the best places to buy have lots of people who want to stay and great locations. You should look for vacation homes with family-friendly things and private places. This helps you get more guests and enjoy your investment.
Note: Picking the right place and the right home can help you earn more money and make your property special.
How to Buy a Vacation Home
Are you thinking about buying a vacation home? There are lots of choices. It is smart to make a plan first. Here are some steps to help you get your dream place.
Budgeting
First, look at how much money you have. Vacation homes cost more than just the price. You need to think about extra costs too.
Property taxes are often higher for second homes.
Insurance matters, especially for disasters or renting out.
Maintenance costs can grow. You need to pay for repairs, cleaning, and yard work.
Mortgage rates for second homes might be higher than your main house.
If you want to rent your place, check the rules and how much money you could make.
Tip: Make sure your buy matches your long-term money plans. Your vacation home should be fun, not stressful.
Location Factors
Where you buy changes everything. Some places cost more because they are near beaches, golf courses, or ski resorts. The average price for second homes in 2024 is $495,000. In popular towns, it can be $583,000. Pick a place close to fun things, food, and shopping. Easy trips to airports and highways make travel simple.
Pretty places help you relax and make your home easy to rent.
Tourist spots often mean you get steady rental money.
New schools or hospitals can make your home worth more.
Note: Florida, Cape May County in New Jersey, and Coconino County in Arizona are great places for vacation homes now. Each one has special choices for different trips.
Legal Considerations
Check the rules before you buy a vacation home. Some cities only let you rent short-term in certain areas. Others need lots of paperwork or limit rentals in neighborhoods. Here is a quick look:
Rule or Regulation | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
Might limit where you can rent your home | |
Paperwork | Adds time and cost to your choices |
Local restrictions | Can stop you from renting your home at all |
You should talk to a lawyer who knows vacation home rules. Always do your homework and check for special rules in your area. This helps you avoid problems and keeps your vacation home working well.
You have many vacation home options, from beach houses to city townhomes. Think about what you love to do and where you want to relax. Check if the place is easy to reach and has fun things nearby. Try staying in the area first to see if it feels right for you.
Key Considerations | Description |
|---|---|
Personal Lifestyle Preferences | Pick a spot that matches your favorite activities. |
Accessibility | Choose a location that is easy for you to visit often. |
Local Amenities | Look for places with shops, food, and things to do. |
Ready to start? Make a list of your top vacation goals and match them with the perfect home and location!
FAQ
What are the best vacation rental sites for finding unique homes?
You can look for special homes on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. These sites let you pick where you want to go. You can choose your price and the kind of home you want.
How do vacation rental sites help you compare different vacation homes?
Vacation rental sites show pictures and prices. You can see what each home has. You can read what other people say about their stay. This helps you pick the best place for your trip.
Can you trust reviews on vacation rental sites?
Most sites check that reviews come from real guests. You should read a few reviews before you decide. This helps you know more about the home and the person renting it.