Now that we are well into summer, vacation is front and center on the minds of most of us. Kids are out of school, forget about work for a while and discover these fantastic locations to buy a vacation home that you and your family can enjoy for years to come. With a vacation home, there will be no more reservations or hoping that you can still even get a place to stay. You can explore communities and find a second home in the area that you choose, building memories and making new friends along the way. Some of our picks for best places to buy a vacation home are popular destinations, and some are off the beaten path.
Breckenridge, Colorado
No matter what time of year you go, it’s always a great time to be in Colorado. Summer brings opportunities for swimming, rafting, and hiking, along with clear nights to enjoy time with your family and friends. Winter, of course, brings winter sports in the form of skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and of course snowball fights! Breckenridge is no exception and is a fantastic place for a vacation home. When you are in the Breckenridge area, make sure you make a couple of popular stops for grown-ups with a visit to the Breckenridge Distillery and Broken Compass Brewery and Tap House. If you’ve decided to bring your four-legged family members, you’ll be happy to hear that Broken Compass is pet AND kid friendly. Try a fun and thrilling family adventure through the canyons with a white-water rafting trip or hot air balloon ride. When there’s plenty of snow, you can take a snow or ski tour, or hit the slopes with traditional or cross-country skiing options. No matter how many times you go back to Breckenridge, there will always be something new to do, as well as plenty of places you can go back to over and over again.
Curious about other ski destinations to buy a home? Check out our post on the best places to buy a ski home.
Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi is an ideal place for a vacation home. The City is near several beaches and offers plenty of family fun to be had. Corpus is home to Schlitterbahn Riverpark and Resort. The Riverpark is fun for the whole family and you don’t have to shell out big bucks for a stay at the resort when you have your own place to stay already. With nine beaches to brag about, there is no lack of sand in or around Corpus Christi. A little-known gem is the J.P. Luby Surf Park on North Packery Beach where there are surfing classes available for all ages. The Texas State Aquarium is located in Corpus as well, a welcome cooling off experience to keep everyone happy and entertained even during the hottest parts of the summer. A unique experience offered in Corpus Christi is a tour of the U.S.S. Lexington, a World War II naval aircraft carrier that has become a museum complete with a flight simulator and on-board movies. The Lexington is a sure-fire way to impress and entertain guests who join you at your vacation home. The sound of the waves alone will keep you coming back all year ‘round to enjoy all that Corpus Christi has to offer.
Panama City Beach, Florida
This small community of only approximately 12,700 people boasts clean beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water. There is something for everyone, from families to singles and couples who are out to have fun. There are many amusement park options and arcades to take the kids to or just enjoy yourself. For those there for leisurely time sans kids, golf and wineries are part of the enjoyable activities the Florida coastal city has to offer. When it’s time to relax, there are spas galore, so you can indulge and enjoy. If you are bringing your furry friend, which is much easier to do when you have your own home to enjoy, there are pet-friendly parks to enjoy with them as well. When it comes to water activities, there is no end. Panama City Beach has a marina, plenty of cruises and chartered boat options, as well as snorkeling and scuba diving treks. To learn more about the plethora of entertainment, dining and recreational options, visit their visitor’s website for information.
Thomasville, Georgia
Tucked in the Red Hills of Georgia, Thomasville is attractive to many for the charm of downtown and brick-paved streets, as well as the historic houses and winter estates. The charm of the area is undeniable, with local cuisine and shops in which to browse. Festival season is at its peak from October to May. The area makes for an ideal winter getaway whether during the holidays or just because. Additionally, through spring and summer, there is easy access to Florida beaches, just a short drive away. There are many historical homes that can be purchased and restored or renovated for a fraction of the price of the southern estates in other popular southern cities. If you’re looking for a pleasant, low key getaway, Thomasville may be the best option for your next vacation home.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis takes a much cooler approach to help you find what you would enjoy around town with planning tools you can use to determine what you should do while spending time there. Memphis is rich in music history with attractions like Sun Studio, Graceland and the Gibson Guitar Factory. Once you’ve dragged your kids through the history of some of your favorite musicians, you can reward them with some fun! The Memphis Zoo includes exciting features like a replica of Old Faithful in the grizzly bear and wolf enclosure and has giant pandas on display. For older kids and grown-ups who love adventure, Memphis doesn’t disappoint. From safari tours to a cruise on the American Queen, you can enjoy unique and fun activities. Beale Street is the main attraction to find music in the present. It’s an exciting, neon-washed district where you can enjoy some of the most talented musicians the south has to offer. The character imbued in the city pulses through the clubs and restaurants through the night. This and more awaits you in Memphis, along with a new vacation home so you can enjoy it year after year and explore all the corners of the city.
The best places to buy a vacation home for you depends on your interests and the time of year you plan to take a vacation. The three communities listed here hold different attractions for a variety of vacationers. Contact Park Place Finance today to learn more about what to expect when purchasing a vacation home in the U.S.