Why You Must Buy A Second Home in These Villages

If you have the affordability, you may dream of a second home that is not just a place, but an experience.

There are times when you may want to escape to picturesque villages that offer more than just four walls. Also, you may want to spend time on warm beaches, snowy mountains, and charming small towns. Then, buying a second home may pop into your mind. A second home can be a place for a retreat or a source of income. Whatever your purpose is, you need to buy it in the right place, in particular in the right village.

Keeping that in mind, in this post we’ll highlight some incredible villages in the US that might just convince you why owning a second home here is a must.

5 Villages In The US Where You Can Buy A Second (Vacation) Home

You may or may not have a home. Whatever the case, you may consider buying a home in any of the following villages. Whether it is your first or second home, you won’t regret buying it if it is from one of these 5 villages.

01. West Palm Beach, Florida

If you like a relaxed beach lifestyle with access to water activities, cultural events, and shopping, you should definitely buy a house in West Palm Beach. As a resident, you will enjoy warm weather throughout the year. On top of that, West Palm Beach offers beautiful beaches and waterfront properties. This makes the village perfect for water enthusiasts and relaxation.

The village has a warm and tropical climate. Hot summers and mild winters prevail throughout the year. Plus, there are risks of hurricanes and flooding due to its coastal location.  

The place is thriving with an arts and cultural scene. Each year, many tourists visit West Palm Beach to explore various museums, galleries, and entertainment spots.

The Norton Museum of Art and the Clematis Street entertainment district are two popular tourist destinations. During peak seasons, you have the chance to rent your second home in West Palm Beach.

Houses in this village exhibit a mix of architectural styles, including Mediterranean, Colonial, and modern designs. They are priced at $499,950, on average. Moreover, home values are steadily rising from 2021 to 2023. So, you can hope to sell your West Palm Beach house for a higher price in the future.

02. Williams Bay, Wisconsin

Williams Bay is on the shores of Lake Geneva. If you enjoy outdoor activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and relaxing by the water, this could be an appealing destination. People are attracted to its small-town atmosphere. Plus, there are some who are fond of the outdoor activities and community events in this village.

Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. Here, storm and heat risks are severe, but there are no risks of drought or fire. The area has a minimal risk of natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes.

Most of us do not plan to use the second home year-round. If it is a condominium, then you have a high chance of renting it out as a vacation property, but only if you are not using it. Recently, the median condo price in Williams Bay has dropped 14.1% compared to last year. So, you can get a condo for cheap now. The current median home price in Williams Bay ranges from $200,000 to $434,950. Within this price range, you can expect to find traditional American homes, cabins, or cottages.

From a market analysis from September 2020 to March 2023, there has not been much change in the median listing home price and median home sold price in Williams Bay. What’s more, the sale-to-list price for homes in Williams Bay is 97.93%. This indicates that you can buy a home for less than 2.07% of the asking price.

Another reason why people want to buy a home in this area is the number of reputed schools. Williams Bay has an Elementary School, Junior High School, and High School that hold prestigious academic records. All these schools are greatly admired by people. 

03. The Hamptons, New York

The Hamptons are known for their upscale and luxurious ambiance. For this reason, this village attracts many celebrities and rich individuals. A warm and tropical climate prevails in this place throughout the year. There are low risks for any natural calamities, except for storms.

The Hamptons offer a convenient escape from the city for weekend getaways or longer vacations. If you already have a house somewhere else, you can consider another house in The Hamptons as a summer retreat. On holidays, you can live in your second home to enjoy pristine beaches, golf courses, and various outdoor activities.

You will find a wide variety of upscale architectural styles in this village, from historic to modern. The prices of these houses will vary depending on the location. However, median home prices can range from around $500,000 up to $1.3 million. With the steady growth of home prices from 2021 to 2023, this may increase further in the future.

So, you can either buy a house now and sell it for a profit, or you can rent it to tourists occasionally. Tourists come to The Hamptons during the summer to explore the main Beach, Montauk Point Lighthouse, and art galleries.

04. Bend, Oregon

This village is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and forests. With its stunning landscapes, it provides opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, skiers, and cyclists. Also, the village has a thriving craft beer culture. It makes the village appealing to those who enjoy local breweries and socializing. So, even if you do have a house, you might want to consider buying another one in Bend.

Besides a strong sense of community, Bend offers a laid-back atmosphere. Here, locals experience a high desert climate. Although the summers are warm, the winters are snowy. With that said, there is a limited risk of natural disasters and occasional wildfires.

In Bend, median home prices range from $400,000 to $750,000. Most houses in this village are Craftsman, contemporary, or log cabin-style. Except for a few minor drops, the house price has been increasing for the last 5 years. 

For skiing, hiking, and craft beer culture, many visitors come to Bend. They also visit the Deschutes River, Bend Ale Trail, and Mt. Bachelor ski area. Hence, you have a high chance of using your second home as a rental property. Moreover, Pine Ridge Elementary School, Ponderosa Elementary School, and Lava Ridge Elementary School are some of the many prestigious schools in this village.

05. Aspen, Colorado

In both winter and summer, people come to Aspen for skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor recreational activities. The place has worldwide recognition for such activities. It also attracts a sophisticated crowd with its upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment features.

Since it is a popular destination for skiing, it is natural to think that Aspen has cold winters and cool summers. The risks of heat, fire, drought, and storms are moderately high. Normally, the risk of natural disasters and occasional wildfires remains at a sustainable level.

Historically, Aspen’s real estate market has shown strong appreciation. As a result, buying a second home in Aspen can be a potential long-term investment. Home prices vary significantly depending on location, condition, and features. On average, buying a house in Aspen may cost you anywhere from $20,000 to $3.1M. However, home prices are dropping in 2023. You will mostly find luxury mountain homes, chalets, and contemporary designs.

If there are no good schools in your current residential area, then you may want to consider moving to Aspen. The village has some of the most prominent schools in the US, such as Aspen Middle School, Aspen Elementary School, and Aspen High School.

Conclusion

So there you have it—seven captivating US locations, each waiting to welcome you into their folds. Whether you want to enjoy sun-soaked shores or cozy tranquility, these villages offer a chance to live life differently, if only for a while. So, why wait? Buy a second home in any of these villages and quench your thirst for a new lifestyle.

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