Vacation homes are popular for a number of reasons.
They are an investment that can grow in value if you’re smart about your purchase. They are a place for families to gather generation after generation. They allow you to live, if only for a week or two at a time, in your dream location, even if you have to work elsewhere.
While you’re there, you can live like a local rather than simply being a tourist. This is a chance to see a completely different side of the place that you love so much.
But choosing the right location for your vacation home can be a challenge.
If you’re considering building a vacation home but aren’t sure where to start looking, keep reading. These are a few of the best places to invest in real estate right now.
Palm Springs, California
While major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami offer few real estate options and skyrocketing price tags on tiny properties, there has been major growth in the towns and cities that border these metropolises.
Palm Springs is one such city. Located a short distance from Los Angeles, this desert city is more of a cluster of towns spread across a large area.
With huge art and foodie scenes, several National Parks and conservation areas, film festivals, and plenty of sunshine, Palm Springs is truly paradise.
Money that would buy you a postage-stamp apartment on the outskirts of Los Angeles will land you a 2 or 3 bedroom luxury condo in parts of Palm Springs. And you won’t have to battle the city’s infamous traffic!
Costa Rica
If you’re looking for a slice of paradise you’ll be able to hand down for generations, Costa Rica may be just the answer.
Named one of the greenest countries in the world, this tropical oasis is ahead of the world in sustainable living. If you buy a home in a remote area, you won’t have to worry about high rises or factories moving in next door as you might in other countries.
Costa Rica offers plenty of activity to keep you busy for vacation after vacation too. There’s eco tours, zip lining, swimming, wildlife, and more to entertain every member of your family.
Plus, Costa Rica has a low cost of living. This means more money to spend on your dream vacation home, or on things to do while you’re there.
Livingston, Montana
When you want more than just a beautiful home, you need to search for the best places to buy property.
With $100,000, you can buy your own 3 or 4-acre property in Livingston, Montana to start your own homestead.
Hiking and biking trails, natural spaces, and mountains abound in this western paradise. If your dream vacation home offers you an escape from the hustle and bustle of cities, without giving up the amenities a city can offer, Livingston is a great alternative.
Recent years have seen a surge in popularity of ranches for the rich and famous. But real estate is still plentiful in Livingston, making it a great time to grab your own piece of the old wild west. You can build a ranch or your dream mountain cabin and enjoy fresh air and plenty of nature year after year.
Albania
If you’re looking for an international real estate investment that will grow in value and soon, Albania might be just the answer.
Never heard of this small nation? You’re not alone.
Bordering Greece, Albania offers much of the same seaside, Mediterranean charm, but on a smaller scale. It also hasn’t had the same history of tourism, which means that property values are still pretty low.
Around $50,000 will land you a charming beachfront apartment.
The country recently made the change to capitalism, which means that property values will likely begin to climb soon. Buying in now will get you a larger or better-placed property that will increase in value in the coming years.
Easton, Maryland
While smaller cities neighboring busy capitals might sometimes offer lower housing costs, others are just as expensive. But they still offer a number of major benefits, like larger properties, more privacy, less traffic, or lower crime rates.
Easton, Maryland is one example. Located just across the Bay Bridge from Annapolis, Maryland, it is popular with celebrities and politicians. It offers very low property taxes, waterfront properties, and a small town feel.
In fact, the city boasts just 15,000 residents, compared to Washington, D.C.’s nearly 700,000 occupants. Not to mention the city’s millions of yearly tourists.
Logan City, Queensland
If you’re someone who loves to eat, explore, play, and more, the best place to buy real estate is somewhere right in the middle of the action.
Located Brisbane to the north and the City of Gold Coast to the south, Logan City, Queensland is right where you’ll want to be.
The city boasts more than 900 parks, plenty of public pools, golf courses, and more, perfect for enjoying the Australian sunshine.
Foreign residents will feel right at home here, as nearly a quarter of all of Logan City’s occupants were born overseas.
Beautiful homes abound here. Read more here about finding your dream home in Queensland.
Choosing the Best Places to Invest in Real Estate
The best places to invest in real estate varies from individual to individual. What is a good investment for one family, might not be a good investment for the next.
If you’re looking for affordability, you’ll want a country with a low cost of living and cheap property. But if your dream homes is a luxurious property on prime real estate, you’ll want to invest in a city that can give you that.
The best way to choose the perfect place for your vacation home is to vacation there at least once or twice first!
If somewhere that allows you to enjoy the outdoors is a top priority for you, check out these 3 other spots that might just be perfect for your next vacation or for your dream vacation home.
