Smart Money Meets Paradise
The vacation rental market is heating up across The United States. So, if you are looking to invest in a worthy vacation home but do not know where to start, then here are a few helpful options for you. Let the holiday marketing begin!
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Here is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that generates a 6.9% cap rate with annual revenue that averages around $729K. At a median price of $729.5K, rustic-style cabins with fireplaces and hot tubs show the highest level of performance.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee (Cont.)
The Gatlinburg Space Needle, which is a 407-foot observation tower, is one of the famous attractions. The Winter Magic celebration also includes functions, such as the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, which displays festive floats and local performances.
Navarre, Florida
Navarre is located between Pensacola and Destin in Florida. There is a Sea Turtle Conservation Center at Navarre Beach Marine Park that is dedicated to protecting sea turtles. The Navarre Beach Art, Crafts & Holiday Fest held in early November is also lovely.
Navarre, Florida (Cont.)
So, the median home price for this one hangs around $460K. If you look at market trends, it’s clear that Gulf-front properties are where the action is. The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is the longest fishing pier in Florida; it is 1,545 feet over the Gulf.
Okaloosa Island, Florida
The island was handed over to Okaloosa County in 1950 and has a rich history. Apparently, the name “Okaloosa” comes from a Choctaw word meaning “black water,” which shows off the area’s Indigenous roots. It has a median price of $435K.
Okaloosa Island, Florida (Cont.)
Present between Destin and Fort Walton Beach, this three-mile stretch of white sand is a popular spot for millions of visitors every year. Studies show that about 60% of guests like to stay longer, usually four nights or more, especially in beachfront condos.
GagliardiPhotography, Shutterstock
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
North Myrtle Beach is located in Horry County, which is about 15 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach. It came together in 1968 when four towns—Cherry Grove Beach, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive Beach, and Windy Hill Beach, decided to merge, forming hot spots.
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (Cont.)
First-time investors can jump in with a median home price of around $399.9K. When it comes to tourism data, it is reported that about 78% of folks are all about soaking up the beach, and 73% are focused on checking out the food experiences.
GagliardiPhotography, Shutterstock
North Topsail Beach, North Carolina
The town covers a total area of 10.6 square miles, with about 6.4 square miles of land and 4.2 square miles of water. It reportedly sees a good 47% of visitors that book weeklong stays, while around 33% arrive in groups of seven or more.
North Topsail Beach, North Carolina (Cont.)
The property data shows that the median home price is around $550K, with bigger beach houses driving the market. It turns out that North Topsail Beach has a history tied to the African American community, especially back in the 1940s when Ocean City became popular.
Girdwood, Alaska
Alaska’s top resort town presents an investment chance, with affordable median home prices starting at $734.5K. Being the only real resort area in the state, Girdwood is just a quick 45-minute drive from Anchorage. It has the biggest ski area around and glacier views.
Claudine Van Massenhove, Shutterstock
Girdwood, Alaska (Cont.)
Originally called “Glacier City” because of all the nearby glaciers, the name was changed to honor James Girdwood, who had gold claims in the area in the 1890s. The Alyeska Aerial Tram offers vistas of the nearby mountains and leads to great hiking trails.
Corolla, North Carolina
Corolla is based right along NC Highway 12, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Currituck Sound on the other. It has a cap rate of 6.60%. This locale is ideal for anyone who loves outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and hiking.
Frederick Millett, Shutterstock
Corolla, North Carolina (Cont.)
You will get to see wild Spanish mustangs literally roaming freely along the beaches. But, there are guided tours for those wanting a closer look. With median home rates at $999.5K, the market caters to luxury seekers and has an annual revenue of $80,785.
Truro, Massachusetts
This nostalgic Cape Cod village has a median listing home price of about $999.9K. Truro is seen as the first home to the Wampanoag Native American people, who called it “Pamet” or “Payomet.” The area officially became a town back in 1709.
Truro, Massachusetts (Cont.)
About 65% of the bookings are from couples looking for a romantic getaway. Homes that offer a private experience surrounded by the scenery of Cape Cod National Seashore usually go for higher prices, especially during the busy seasons.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Compared to the busier areas nearby, this one is way more laid-back, but it still offers great returns. You’ll find 32 miles of white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Plus, the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber throws the National Shrimp Festival every year.
Gulf Shores, Alabama (Cont.)
With median home prices at $538.7K, the property types range from luxury condos to traditional beach houses while maintaining steady occupancy. Gulf Shores is part of Baldwin County and is approximately 50 miles southwest of Mobile.
Bass Lake, California
This mountain lake spot near Yosemite National Park has lake activities and is close to one of the most visited national parks in the country. It features upscale median home prices of $735K. Bass Lake is also known for a couple of recreational activities.
Bass Lake, California (Cont.)
Apparently, Bass Lake was originally home to the Mono Native Americans. Back in 1895, it started out as “Bass Lake Village.” The place then grew up around a new reservoir that was important for generating hydroelectric power in Central California.
Xianghong Garrison, Shutterstock
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Waterfront properties with private pools and views of the Gulf are always at the top when it comes to rentals. This fabulous barrier island is definitely worth a look, showing off a 6.2% cap rate and median home value of around $1.5M.
Dennis MacDonald, Shutterstock
Anna Maria Island, Florida (Cont.)
The island consists of three municipalities: the City of Anna Maria (north), Holmes Beach (center), and Bradenton Beach (south). Beaches like Bean Point, Manatee Public Beach, Anna Maria Beach, and Cortez Beach enhance the overall environment.
NYCKellyWilliams, Shutterstock
Phoenix, Arizona
The Valley of the Sun gives a chance to invest in urban real estate, with the average home price around $499K. Unlike your typical vacation places, Phoenix has a steady stream of visitors throughout, thanks to its desert views, golf courses, and sports events.
Around the World Photos, Shutterstock
Phoenix, Arizona (Cont.)
Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and the fifth most populous city in the United States, located in the Salt River Valley in the Sonoran Desert. It’s home to the Camelback Mountain which offers two challenging hiking trails: Echo Canyon and Cholla.
You Touch Pix of EuToch, Shutterstock
Florence, Oregon
You can expect a decent median home price of around $555k here. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area has the biggest coastal dunes in North America, making it a great place to check out. Plus, the Heceta Head Lighthouse is preferred for photos.
Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0,Wikimedia Commons
Florence, Oregon (Cont.)
Winter Whale Watch Week in Florence, Oregon, usually goes down in December. This event is a great chance for everyone to catch a glimpse of gray whales migrating south to their winter breeding spots in Baja California, Mexico.
Acroterion, CC BY-SA 3.0,Wikimedia Commons
Bradenton, Florida
Situated in Manatee County, Bradenton is approximately 45 minutes south of Tampa. The South Florida Museum is home to all kinds of local history, art, and marine life. You’ll find the Bishop Planetarium and the Parker Manatee Aquarium there too.
Dennis MacDonald, Shutterstock
Bradenton, Florida (Cont.)
Delivering a steady 6.1% cap rate with an approachable median price of $435K this Gulf Coast market balances affordability with consistent returns. The area’s mix of local culture and scenic beaches drives diverse visitor traffic throughout the year.
Nags Head, North Carolina
Nags Head is located on Bodie Island, between the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound. It’s south of Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills and is part of Dare County. The Jockey’s Ridge State Park covers 427 acres and has the tallest natural dunes on the East Coast.
Nags Head, North Carolina (Cont.)
Family holiday spots are fast growing in the market, thanks to the area’s reputation for great multi-generational beach trips. You can also find median home prices here starting around $899K. The Black Pelican Oceanfront restaurant is highly rated for its seafood.
James Willamor, CC BY-SA 3.0,Wikimedia Commons
Dauphin Island, Alabama
With a median price of $550K, you can enjoy plenty of space and amenities that bring in the bucks. Dauphin Island is a tropical paradise in Alabama, just 45 minutes south of Mobile. It offers a solid 8% cap rate, with average earnings around $50K.
Dauphin Island, Alabama (Cont.)
Dauphin Island has a couple of beaches, like Dauphin Island Public Beach and East End Beach. Then there’s West End Beach, a more private area that’s good for fishing. Oh, and don’t forget about the beach at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary.
Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain,Wikimedia Commons
Long Beach, Washington
This Pacific Northwest destination keeps median prices accessible at $398.5K. Investment opportunities highlight a range of cozy beachfront cottages to larger family-friendly properties, all benefiting from the region’s natural beauty and recreational options.
Long Beach, Washington (Cont.)
A highlight of the regional Razor Clam & Shellfish Festival is that it features local restaurants competing for the title of “Best Clam Chowder.” Visitors can even sample chowders and vote for their favorites. The World Kite Museum is another attraction.
Victoria Ditkovsky, Shutterstock
Tybee Island, Georgia
It’s just a short drive from historic Savannah, so you get the best of both worlds: beach vibes and cool cultural locations. The stated median home price is around $667K. Tybee Island is an important nesting ground for endangered loggerhead sea turtles.
Dennis MacDonald, Shutterstock
Tybee Island, Georgia (Cont.)
The most popular beaches include North Beach, Mid Beach, and South Beach. The historic Tybee Island lighthouse was first constructed in 1736 and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the US. Tybee Island Pirate Fest is also a family-friendly festival.
Infinite Voyager, Shutterstock
Indian Rocks Beach, Florida
This Gulf Coast place owns homes that typically go for about $937K. The city has over 2.7 miles of sandy beaches with 26 areas to access the water. Also, Kolb Park has many sports facilities, including a baseball field, skate park, tennis courts, and more.
Indian Rocks Beach, Florida (Cont.)
The Taste of IRB is a yearly food fest that goes down in Indian Rocks Beach. It usually happens at Chief Chic-A-Si Park on 4th Avenue. Here, local restaurants set up booths to dish out samples of their best eats. It’s a fun event to attend.
Michelle Maria, CC BY 3.0,Wikimedia Commons
Branson, Missouri
Branson is famous for its live music shows and theaters along the 76 Country Boulevard. The city hosts over 100 live performances ranging from country music to comedy and theatrical productions. Also, The Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-themed amusement park.
Branson, Missouri (Cont.)
The median price is $259.9K. Branson Landing is another place on Lake Taneycomo where you can do some shopping and grab your facorite snack. They’ve got many stores and restaurants, along with the Branson Landing Fountains that feature water shows set to music.
Espandero, CC BY-SA 4.0,Wikimedia Commons
Hatteras Island, North Carolina
The Outer Banks stretch over 50 miles of Atlantic shoreline, providing good investment potential. Hatteras includes communities like Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, and Hatteras Village. Due to its strategic location, Union forces occupied Hatteras during the Civil War.
Hatteras Island, North Carolina (Cont.)
The average home price is around $599K, but if you’re looking at places with private pools and quick access to the beach, expect to pay a premium for those. Cape Hatteras National Seashore (1937) hosts activities like fishing, surfing, and watching wildlife.
Surf City, North Carolina
Providing premium property prices around $720K, this coastal area is a hotspot for savvy investors. Surf City hosts various community events throughout the year. Some of them are Dolphin Dip, Surf City Expo, Easter Egg Hunt and Floatilla.
Surf City, North Carolina (Cont.)
The center of Topsail Island is home to Surf City, which is located in both Pender and Onslow counties. The brand-new, tall bridge that spans the island and the mainland makes it simple to get to. You can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, etc.
