Top 10 Best Places to Buy a Vacation Home in 2027

Direct Answer

The Best Overall place to buy a vacation home in 2027 is Scottsdale, Arizona, where median home prices sit around $850K and luxury estates run well past $2M, combining 300-plus days of sun, strong short-term-rental demand, no state tax on Social Security, and an airport an easy drive away.

The Best Value pick is Gulf Shores / Orange Beach, Alabama, where beachfront and near-beach condos and homes still start in the $350K-$600K range — a fraction of comparable Florida Gulf Coast pricing — with strong rental income. This list is for buyers seeking a second home that doubles as a getaway and an income or appreciation play, at budgets from $350K to well over $3M.

Every market below reflects real, current pricing and conditions as of 2027.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each market against what second-home buyers actually weigh — lifestyle, income potential, carrying costs, and long-term value. We leaned on data from Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, AirDNA short-term-rental analytics, local MLS records, and tax data from each state's revenue department. The weighting:

• Appreciation potential and resale — 20%
• Short-term rental income potential — 20%
• Lifestyle and amenities — 20%
• Carrying cost (taxes, insurance, HOA) — 15%
• Accessibility and travel ease — 15%
• Entry price affordability — 10%

A market with stunning scenery but punishing insurance costs or no rental demand drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Scottsdale, Arizona 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Market | Entry price: ~$550K | Best for: Buyers who want year-round sun, rental income, and appreciation

Scottsdale is the most complete vacation-home market in the country, with a median home price around $850K, entry condos near $550K, and luxury estates in Paradise Valley and North Scottsdale running $2M to $10M-plus. The draw is relentless: 300-plus sunny days a year, championship golf, Old Town nightlife, spa resorts, and Sky Harbor airport 20 minutes away.

Arizona has no estate tax and relatively low property taxes (roughly 0.5%-0.6% effective). Strong winter-season short-term-rental demand makes the carrying cost manageable. It's the rare market that delivers lifestyle, income, and appreciation at once.

Pros:

• 300-plus days of sun and year-round outdoor living
• Strong winter short-term-rental demand and ADR
• Low effective property taxes near 0.5%-0.6%
• Major airport 20 minutes from most homes

Cons:

• Summer heat softens warm-season rental rates
• Water and growth concerns weigh on the long term

Verdict: Scottsdale wins on balance — sun, income, low taxes, and easy access with no real weak spot.

2. Gulf Shores / Orange Beach, Alabama 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Market | Entry price: ~$350K | Best for: Buyers who want beachfront access at a fraction of Florida pricing

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on Alabama's Gulf Coast offer white-sand beaches and warm Gulf water at prices that undercut Florida dramatically. Near-beach condos start around $350K, beachfront units run $600K-$1.2M, and Gulf-front homes reach $2M-plus. The area posts strong summer short-term-rental occupancy and Alabama property taxes are among the lowest in the nation (effective rates near 0.4%).

For buyers who want real Gulf beachfront income and lifestyle without pading Florida's premiums and insurance costs, this is the smartest dollar on the list.

Pros:

• Beachfront entry hundreds of thousands below Florida Gulf Coast
• Among the lowest property taxes in the U.S. Near 0.4%
• Strong summer rental occupancy and family demand
• White-sand beaches and warm Gulf water

Cons:

• Heavily seasonal, with softer winter rental income
• Hurricane exposure raises insurance costs

Verdict: Gulf Shores is the value champion — real Gulf beachfront and rental income for a fraction of Florida pricing.

3. Park City, Utah

Type: Market | Entry price: ~$700K | Best for: Ski buyers who want year-round mountain demand

Park City is the premier ski-town vacation market in the Mountain West, home to two major resorts and a 35-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport. Condos start around $700K, single-family homes run $1.5M-$4M, and Deer Valley estates exceed $10M. The market enjoys year-round demand — skiing in winter, festivals and trails in summer — keeping short-term-rental income strong in both seasons.

Utah's effective property taxes are low (near 0.5%). For buyers who want a true four-season mountain asset with airport access most ski towns can't match, Park City leads.

Pros:

• Two major ski resorts plus strong summer demand
• Salt Lake airport just 35 minutes away
• Low effective property taxes near 0.5%
• Premium resale strength in Deer Valley and Old Town

Cons:

• Steep entry pricing relative to other ski towns
• Short-term-rental rules vary by neighborhood

Verdict: The four-season mountain pick — best for ski buyers who want year-round demand and rare airport convenience.

4. Sarasota, Florida

Type: Market | Entry price: ~$450K | Best for: Buyers who want Gulf beaches plus arts and culture

Sarasota pairs the sugar-sand beaches of Siesta Key with a genuine arts scene, making it one of Florida's most livable second-home markets. Median prices run around $500K, beach condos start near $450K, and waterfront estates on Bird Key or Longboat Key reach $3M-$8M-plus.

Florida has no state income tax, a major draw for buyers eyeing eventual relocation. Rental demand is strong for much of the year. Insurance costs have risen, so budget carefully, but Sarasota's blend of beach, culture, and tax advantages keeps it near the top.

Pros:

• Siesta Key beaches consistently ranked among the best in the U.S.
• No Florida state income tax for future residents
• Strong cultural amenities and dining for a beach town
• Broad price range from $450K condos to $8M estates

Cons:

• Property insurance costs have climbed sharply
• Peak-season traffic and crowds on the keys

Verdict: The culture-meets-beach pick — strongest for buyers who want Gulf sand, the arts, and no state income tax.

5. Greenville / Lake Keowee, South Carolina

Type: Market | Entry price: ~$400K | Best for: Buyers who want lake living and Blue Ridge access

The Greenville / Lake Keowee area of upstate South Carolina is a rising vacation market combining a vibrant small city with clear mountain lakes at the foot of the Blue Ridge. Lake-area homes start around $400K, waterfront properties run $800K-$2M, and gated communities like The Reserve at Lake Keowee reach higher.

South Carolina property taxes are modest, and the four-season climate avoids extreme heat or cold. For buyers who want lake and mountain lifestyle, a walkable downtown, and reasonable carrying costs, this corner of the Carolinas is undervalued.

Pros:

• Clear mountain lakes with strong boating and recreation
• Vibrant, walkable downtown Greenville nearby
• Reasonable entry pricing and property taxes
• Mild four-season climate at the foot of the Blue Ridge

Cons:

• Lakefront short-term rentals can be restricted
• Smaller airport limits direct flight options

Verdict: The lake-and-mountain value pick — undervalued living for buyers who want water, walkability, and four seasons.

6. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Type: Market | Entry price: ~$600K | Best for: Northeast buyers who want classic coastal New England

Cape Cod is the iconic Northeast summer destination, drawing generations of families to its beaches, harbors, and shingled cottages. Entry homes start around $600K, classic Cape houses run $900K-$2M, and waterfront estates in towns like Chatham and Osterville exceed $5M.

Summer rental demand is intense and rates are high, concentrating income into a short, lucrative season. The Cape is an easy drive from Boston and the broader Northeast corridor. For buyers in the region who want a timeless summer asset with deep rental demand, Cape Cod remains a benchmark.

Pros:

• Intense, high-rate summer rental demand
• Easy drive from Boston and the Northeast corridor
• Timeless coastal lifestyle with strong brand recognition
• Durable long-term appreciation in prime towns

Cons:

• Income is heavily concentrated in the summer season
• High entry pricing and seasonal carrying costs

Verdict: The classic Northeast pick — best for regional buyers who want a timeless summer home with premium peak-season rents.

7. Bend, Oregon

Type: Market | Entry price: ~$550K | Best for: Outdoor buyers who want high-desert four-season recreation

Bend is the Pacific Northwest's outdoor-recreation capital, offering skiing at Mt. Bachelor, world-class mountain biking, rivers, and a renowned craft-beer scene. Median prices run around $650K, entry homes start near $550K, and upscale homes in areas like Tetherow and the Old Mill District reach $1.5M-$3M.

Oregon has no sales tax, and the high-desert climate delivers 300-plus sunny days with four real seasons. Year-round recreation supports steady rental demand. For active buyers who want a four-season basecamp with genuine town life, Bend is hard to beat.

Pros:

• Four-season recreation from skiing to mountain biking
• 300-plus sunny days in a high-desert climate
• No Oregon sales tax
• Thriving town with dining and craft-beer culture

Cons:

• No direct flights to many major cities
• Short-term-rental permits are capped in parts of town

Verdict: The outdoor-basecamp pick — strongest for active buyers who want four-season recreation with real town amenities.

8. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Type: Market | Entry price: ~$400K | Best for: Buyers who want golf, beaches, and a turnkey resort feel

Hilton Head Island is one of the East Coast's most established resort markets, known for golf, biking trails, and gentle Atlantic beaches inside gated plantations like Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes. Villas start around $400K, beach-area homes run $800K-$2M, and oceanfront estates exceed $5M.

The island posts steady spring-through-fall rental demand and a mature property-management infrastructure that makes remote ownership easy. For buyers who want a turnkey, amenity-rich resort island with reliable income, Hilton Head is a proven choice.

Pros:

• World-class golf and an extensive trail network
• Mature property-management makes remote ownership easy
• Steady spring-through-fall rental demand
• Gated resort communities with strong amenities

Cons:

• HOA and community fees add to carrying costs
• Summer crowds and traffic on the island

Verdict: The turnkey resort pick — best for buyers who want golf, beaches, and hands-off rental management.

9. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Type: Market | Entry price: ~$500K | Best for: Buyers who want lakefront living and low taxes

Coeur d'Alene sits on a stunning glacial lake in the Idaho panhandle, 35 minutes from Spokane's airport and drawing buyers priced out of other Western markets. Median prices run around $600K, lake-area homes start near $500K, and waterfront estates reach $3M-plus. Idaho's property taxes are low and the state has no tax on certain retirement income.

The lake supports boating, paddleboarding, and a lively summer scene, while nearby mountains add winter skiing. For buyers who want genuine lakefront recreation and a low-tax base, Coeur d'Alene is one of the West's best values.

Pros:

• Stunning glacial lake with strong summer recreation
• Spokane airport just 35 minutes away
• Low property taxes and retirement-income advantages
• Nearby skiing adds winter demand

Cons:

• Heavily seasonal lake-driven demand
• Rapid price growth has narrowed the value gap

Verdict: The lakefront value pick — strongest for buyers who want a Western lake home with low taxes and airport access.

10. Asheville, North Carolina

Type: Market | Entry price: ~$450K | Best for: Buyers who want mountain culture and four-season appeal

Asheville is the cultural heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, pairing a renowned food-and-arts scene with cool summers and easy access to hiking and the Biltmore Estate. Median prices run around $500K, entry homes start near $450K, and upscale mountain homes in Biltmore Forest or Montford reach $1.5M-$4M.

The four-season climate and steady tourism support year-round rental demand, though the city limits some short-term rentals — county and resort properties offer more flexibility. For buyers who want mountain lifestyle with genuine culture, Asheville stands out.

Pros:

• Renowned food, arts, and craft-brewery culture
• Cool mountain summers and four real seasons
• Steady year-round tourism demand
• Strong appreciation in prime mountain neighborhoods

Cons:

• City short-term-rental rules are restrictive
• Mountain terrain can complicate access and parking

Verdict: The mountain-culture pick — best for buyers who want four-season living with a genuine arts-and-food scene.

Which One Is Right for You?

What to Look For

• Short-term-rental rules — Confirm local ordinances before you buy. Cities like Asheville and Bend cap permits, while resort communities in Scottsdale and Hilton Head are more rental-friendly. Rules can change rental math overnight.
• Carrying cost reality — Add property tax, insurance, HOA, and management. Florida insurance has climbed sharply, while Alabama and Arizona keep property taxes near 0.4%-0.6%.
• Seasonality of income — Single-season markets like Cape Cod earn intensely but briefly; four-season markets like Park City and Bend spread income across the year.
• Travel access — A nearby major airport (Scottsdale's Sky Harbor, Park City's Salt Lake) protects both your use and your rental demand. Hard-to-reach markets see thinner bookings.
• Tax advantages — No-income-tax states like Florida and low-tax states like Arizona, Alabama, and Idaho improve your long-term math, especially if the home becomes a primary residence.

What matters less than the hype: a single record sale price, glossy resort marketing, and headline appreciation in a hot year. Verified rental occupancy, real carrying costs, and local rental rules drive your actual return far more.

FAQ

Where is the best place to buy a vacation home in 2027? Scottsdale, Arizona earns our top spot — a median near $850K buys 300-plus sunny days, strong winter rental demand, low property taxes near 0.5%-0.6%, and an airport 20 minutes away, balancing lifestyle, income, and appreciation.

What is the best-value vacation-home market? Gulf Shores / Orange Beach, Alabama, where near-beach condos start around $350K and beachfront runs $600K-$1.2M — a fraction of Florida Gulf Coast pricing — with some of the lowest property taxes in the country near 0.4%.

Which markets have the best rental income potential? Scottsdale, Cape Cod, and Hilton Head post strong rental demand. Cape Cod earns the highest peak-season rates but in a short window, while Scottsdale and Park City spread income across more of the year.

Which vacation markets have the lowest taxes? Florida has no state income tax, and Alabama (near 0.4%), Arizona (near 0.5%-0.6%), and Idaho all carry low effective property taxes, improving your long-term carrying-cost math.

Are ski towns a good vacation-home investment? Four-season ski markets like Park City and Bend offer year-round demand — skiing in winter, trails and festivals in summer — which makes them more resilient than single-season destinations, though entry prices run higher.

How do short-term-rental rules affect my purchase? They are decisive. Cities such as Asheville and Bend cap permits, while resort communities in Scottsdale and Hilton Head are rental-friendly. Always verify local ordinances before you buy, because they directly shape your income.

Bottom Line

For 2027, Scottsdale, Arizona is our Best Overall place to buy a vacation home — a median around $850K delivers sun, strong rental demand, low taxes, and easy airport access with no real weak spot. Gulf Shores / Orange Beach, Alabama is our Best Value, putting real Gulf beachfront and rental income within reach from around $350K.

If your getaway leans toward skiing, lakefront living, classic Northeast summers, or mountain culture, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Park City, Coeur d'Alene, Cape Cod, or Asheville instead. Buy on verified rental demand, real carrying costs, and local rental rules — not headline appreciation — and your second home will pay you back in both lifestyle and value.

Sources

• Zillow — home values and market data
• Redfin — market trends and median prices
• Realtor.com — local market reports
• AirDNA — short-term rental analytics
• Mansion Global — luxury and second-home markets
• Robb Report — resort real estate
• Wall Street Journal — real estate
• National Association of Realtors — vacation home trends
• Redfin — short-term rental and tax data

*Vacation home markets review — best places to buy a vacation home reviews, rating, best vacation home markets 2027, and a review of the top second-home destinations for buyers.*