A second home offers an escape from the stresses of everyday life, giving you that essential opportunity to rejuvenate and relax. Getaways provide quality time to spend with yourself, family, and friends. On average, 77 percent of American employees get eight days of paid vacation every year. It’s been shown that families who own vacation homes take more family vacations. The characteristics vacation home buyers are looking for include a property which is: close to an ocean, river, lake or mountain; nearby to family members; accessible to favorite recreational activities; and close to their primary residence. The most popular activities that buyers seek for their vacation home includes beach, lake or water sports, boating, golf, theme parks, winter recreation, and hunting or fishing. More than three-fourths of vacation home buyers plan not to rent their property, and one-in-five look for it to become a primary residence upon retirement.
Vacation real estate comes in all shapes and sizes, from single family homes to maintenance-free townhomes, condos and villas to quaint mountain and beach cottages. Interval ownership and timeshare options continue to be an affordable and convenient option for many vacation home buyers and are available in most desirable vacation destinations. The most popular domestic vacation real estate markets are Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; South Padre Island, Texas; Naples, Florida; Holden Beach, North Carolina; Ocean City, New Jersey; Las Vegas, Nevada; San Diego, California; Park City, Utah; Orlando, Florida and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Vacation real estate studies indicate that the most common vacation property is located in the countryside at a median of just over 200 miles from the buyer’s primary home. Therealestatehomeguide.com features vacation real estate, second homes and investment properties in the most desirable locations across the country.
Looking for a waterfront retreat which is convenient to Dallas or Houston? Look no further than The Shores at Richland Chambers Lake, located on I–45 near Corsicana, Texas. Regarded as the newest coast in Texas, the lake area is ideal for full–time residence, a weekend escape, vacations or your retirement. Fabulous 2 to 5 acre homesites are available including horse parcels and direct lakefront. °
Send Me Free Information Now! View More Photos & InfoSet in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Dataw Island has earned a reputation for superlative golf, excellent country club facilities, world–class boating and gracious homes with a casual coastal lifestyle. Surround yourself with the beauty of the marshes and rivers and enjoy 36 holes of golf, just minutes from the historic waterfront of Beaufort, South Carolina. °
View More Photos & InfoWoodside Plantation is a master–planned community that holds itself to the highest standards of excellence. A lovely neighborhood within the historic city of Aiken, Woodside Plantation offers natural beauty, parks, a host of amenities, uncommonly superb golf, gorgeous homes and neighborhoods and a simply beautiful way of life. °
View More Photos & InfoMount Vintage Plantation is a carefully–planned residential community that rivals the best in America. With the finest lifestyle amenities imaginable in a relaxed setting of natural beauty, Mount Vintage has an amazing setting and a rich tradition. Spectacular views and a serene lifestyle make this the ultimate in carefree living. °
View More Photos & InfoAn oceanfront community, DeBordieu Colony begins at the sea and flows inland along freshwater creeks, wetlands and tidal creeks. The Pete Dye golf course has won countless awards, and has a Georgian–styled clubhouse. A large beach club and an oceanside pool, and eight clay tennis courts add so much to this private, comfortable lifestyle that is DeBordieu. °
View More Photos & InfoA new community of villas, townhomes, and homes in Myrtle Beach, Berkshire Forest is in a serene environment of woods around a large freshwater lake. Excellent tennis courts and a fitness center, and close to Myrtle Beach's wonderful entertainment and dining, Berkshire Forest has many amenities and activities. °
View More Photos & InfoGrande Dunes stretches from the Atlantic to the the white beaches of the Intercoastal waterway. Featuring South Carolina's beautiful landscapes and coastlines all incorporated in this quiet, gated tree–lined neighborhood. Only walking distance from the ocean, Grande Dunes is perfect for the boat and golf lover. °
View More Photos & InfoA friendly life is how the community of Berkeley Hall is described. Although secluded in the natural beauty of the Lowcountry, Berkeley Hall is close to Hilton Head Island and Savannah. With many interests and activities, Berkeley Hall is also the only private community in the world featuring two Tom Fazio designed core golf courses. °
View More Photos & InfoCoosaw Point is the perfect home by the river. Surrounded by the marshes and the forests, Coosaw Point has 130 acres of open space with duck ponds and wetland bird sanctuaries. The St. Helena Sound and the Atlantic Ocean meet here at this beautiful riverfront location. °
View More Photos & InfoSecluded homes and a beautiful environment perfect for the sporting lifestyle of a traditional Lowcountry plantation. Equestrian trails, fresh and saltwater ponds, tennis courts, and a premier location for hunting. Sporting Classics magazine called it, “the South’s most outstanding residential sporting community - the one by which all others are judged.” °
View More Photos & InfoQuality luxury homes, natural beauty, moderate climate, championship golf, outstanding tennis, and a private marina are just the start of what makes Harbor Hills truly special. It's a wonderful place to live and an ideal place to spend leisure time with friends and family. °
View More Photos & InfoResembling a desert oasis, Elim Valley is a lush master-planned community surrounded by the dramatic red rock buttes of southwest Utah. This exceptional property will offer 12 spectacular neighborhoods, a town center, parks and trails and a world-class Robert Trent Jones II golf course. Elim Valley is ideally located near numerous national parks, fast growing St. George and just 90 minutes from Las Vegas. °
View More Photos & InfoEscape from today’s hectic pace for a relaxed waterfront lifestyle at Handsmill on Lake Wylie, where you’ll enjoy custom designed homes inspired by graceful southern living. This luxury lakefront community is located just 17 miles from Charlotte, NC near the North Carolina/ South Carolina border. °
View More Photos & InfoDiscover for yourself Eagle Mountain Reserve, the premier Texas (TX) lakeside community on Lake Buchanan, located within easy driving distance of Austin in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Perfect for vacations or retirement living, the exclusive amenities include a private marina, lakeside park and community recreation center. °
View More Photos & InfoPlanned and built to the highest standards, the Savannah River Club is the premier gated residential community on beautiful Lake Russell. Experience the luxury of country club amenities and generous 1 acre lakefront, lake–view and wooded interior building sites for your ideal second home or retirement destination. Located along the South Carolina/Georgia border, just 90 miles from Atlanta. °
View More Photos & InfoBecome a part of this vibrant mountain community, and enjoy sunsets over the Blue Ridge Mountains from your custom single family home, elegant townhome or wonderfully unique treehouse. Walk to the classic, Old World inspired Village Center and enjoy outstanding recreational amenities including a world–class racquet club and health center. Cheshire is conveniently just a 10 minute drive from beautiful downtown Asheville. °
View More Photos & InfoLocated in pastoral Powhatan County, Tilman’s Farm is a magnificent new community offering generous 2–6 acre lakeview and meadow estates. This rural setting, just 20 miles from Richmond, provides a tranquil retreat from urban life. This exceptional Virginia property is conveniently located near Washington, D.C. and the Chesapeake Bay. °
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