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Based on data by Realtor.com and search performance on Google, we combed through the top 100 Vacation Rental Markets to uncover the most exclusive, expensive, cheapest, best value, and most expensive per square foot vacation home markets for 2022.
This study began in late 2021 and was finished in early 2022, using up-to-date data provided by Realtor.com. Our interest in this study came from years of working in the vacation home industry and with our goal of providing you, our readers, the most in-depth and insightful information possible.
Table of Contents
An Introduction to the 2022 Vacation Home Market
Every year, the vacation home market changes. Depending on the market fluctuations in the housing market, the rise and fall of popular spots, and other outlining factors, each year the market looks slightly different than the last.
Our goal is to provide you with focused market categories, giving you the best, most recent information, whether you’re already a vacation home owner, you’re in the market to buy your first home, or you’re simply real estate enthusiasts like we are.
For our study, we set out with the goal of uncovering the:
- Most Exclusive Vacation Home Markets
- Most Expensive Vacation Home Markets
- Cheapest Vacation Home Markets
- Best Value Vacation Home Markets
- Highest Cost Per Square Foot Vacation Home Markets
Table Of Contents
An Introduction to the 2022 Vacation Home Market
Most Exclusive Vacation Home Markets
Most Expensive Vacation Home Markets
Cheapest Vacation Home Markets
Best Value Vacation Home Markets
Highest Cost per Square Foot Vacation Homes
Methodology for the Vacation Home Market Study
Top 100 Vacation Rental Markets
At the bottom of our study, you can read more about our methodology and how we used data from Google keyword research and Realtor.com to give us the top 10 markets in each category below.
Most Exclusive Vacation Home Markets
The first category we revealed is the “Most Exclusive” vacation home markets. By using the data from the top 100 markets, we based our results on which markets had the fewest number of real estate listings.
The term “exclusive” is to show that these markets are highly popular yet have the least amount of real estate listings, meaning that regardless of price and square footage these markets are harder to come by and highly desirable for a vacation home.
1. Bryson City, North Carolina
- County: Swain, NC
- Median Sales Price per Home: $674,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $250.57
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,208
- Real Estate Listings: 41
Bryson City, North Carolina is a small town in North Carolina, known as the “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” Its small size and small population yet nearness to incredible natural beauty makes it no surprise to be #1 on our list of Most Exclusive Vacation Home Markets.
Bryson City is a fantastic market for those wanting a vacation home in the mountains but not too difficult to get to. The city is only 1 hour from Asheville, 2 hours from Knoxville, and 3 hours from Atlanta. From hiking, river rafting, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the mountains, there are plenty of things to do in Bryson City to keep you and your guests entertained.
2. Yosemite National Park Greater Area, California
Yosemite, CA
- County: Mariposa, CA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $515,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $300.09
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,800
- Real Estate Listings: 74
Mammoth Lakes, CA
- County: Mono, CA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $823,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $600.54
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,845
- Real Estate Listings: 77
The Yosemite National Park Greater Area is home to two exclusive vacation home markets. Yosemite, CA only offers 74 listings and nearby Mammoth Lakes offers 77.
During the winter months, many of the roads in Yosemite National Park are closed due to snow and ice, making the drive between the two areas much longer. In warmer months, though, the eastern entrance to the park is only 30-minutes from Mammoth Lakes.
Buying a home in Mariposa, California has its obvious advantages. You’ll be near Yosemite National Park, one of the most beautiful National Parks in the US. The county is also only 3 hours drive from Napa Valley, another popular vacation destination.
In Mammoth Lakes, the homes are not only near Yosemite National Park, but you also have the natural beauty of the lakes and mountains right in town. In winter, it’s a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding and in summer, it’s a great place for hiking, swimming, and relaxing with amazing views.
3. Cape San Blas, Florida
- County: Gulf, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $441,950.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $309.30
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,608
- Real Estate Listings: 101
Cape San Blas is a small cape town on St. Joseph Peninsula, located nearly at the exact center of the Florida Panhandle. Situated between Apalachicola National Forest and Panama City beach, Cape San Blas offers access to amazing nature and lively restaurants and events, only an hour away in each direction.
With only 101 real estate listings and its prime location, it’s no wonder that Cape San Blas is 2022’s #3 Most Exclusive Vacation Home Market.
Cape San Blas itself has pristine white sand beaches and thriving sea life. It’s a popular vacation spot for those that want a more secluded and tranquil beach experience. Here, visitors can enjoy horseback riding on empty beaches, kayaking in the bay, and simply relaxing in the sand.
4. Helen, Georgia
- County: White, GA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $387,499.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $202.64
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,879
- Real Estate Listings: 102
Helen is a mountain town in North Georgia at the start of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This town is a more popular travel destination than other North Georgia towns due to its unique Bavarian architecture downtown. Not only is it a great place for easy access to nature and amazing mountain views, but the small downtown is quaint yet offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and events, like Oktoberfest, a spinoff of the real Oktoberfest in Muni ch, Germany.
Helen, Georgia is not only an exclusive real estate market, but with the low price per square foot compared to others on this list, it’s a great opportunity for people searching for exclusivity along with affordability.
Another notable North Georgia mountain town is Ellijay, GA, located in Gilmer County. This market has 205 real estate listings. Ellijay is also one of the first towns of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about an hour and half to the west of Helen.
5. Topsail Island, North Carolina
- County: Pender, NC
- Median Sales Price per Home: $461,100.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $181.41
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,468
- Real Estate Listings: 111
While most people think primarily of Florida as an ideal beach getaway, North Carolina is home to some of the country’s best beaches. Topsail Island, just north of Wilmington, is a great example of a fantastic beach in the heart of North Carolina.
Topsail Island is only 26 miles long but divided into three areas: North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach. While all three areas offer the same exclusivity for vacation home owners, they all offer different perks to prospective renters.
North Topsail is surrounded on three sides by water and is best for dog-friendly beaches. Surf City is at the center of the barrier island and offers the most restaurants, shopping, and things to do. At the southern end of the island, Topsail Beach is where most locals live, although the residential population is under 500 residents.
6. Cannon Beach, Oregon
- County: Clatsop, OR
- Median Sales Price per Home: $602,450.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $331.42
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,885
- Real Estate Listings: 145
Cannon Beach, Oregon is on the northern coast of the state, just south of Washington. What this beach lacks in warm weather and clear water, it makes up for in epic views, huge, sandy beaches, and seasonally nesting puffins.
While it might not be your most stereotypical beach experience, it will be one of the most unique. This uniqueness combined with the low number of real estate listing makes it a shoe-in for our #6 Most Exclusive Vacation Markets in 2022.
Most beach-front properties on Cannon Beach are built on the small hills just behind the beach, providing not only easy access to the sand, but amazing views of Haystack Rock and the Pacific Ocean. The slope of the hill and small amount of land between the beach and the highway also means the possibility of someone building a new property and blocking off your view is slim.
7. Branson, Missouri
- County: Taney, MO
- Median Sales Price per Home: $289,900.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $171.57
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,742
- Real Estate Listing: 233
While Branson, Missouri might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about the top vacation markets in the US, it has a lot more to offer than you might initially think. Located in the Ozark Mountains, it’s a great getaway for people living in the Midwest that don’t want to deal with flights or long road trips to enjoy a vacation.
The Ozarks are home to lakes, mountains, and caves, and are a great place for camping and hiking. Branson, on the other hand, offers visitors amazing cabins and rentals for those that want to enjoy nature during the day but top it off with a delicious meal and a cozy bed to sleep in at night.
8. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Corolla, NC
- North Outer Banks
- County: Currituck, NC
- Median Sales Price per Home: $530,506.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $242.50
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,589
- Real Estate Listings: 175
Emerald Isle, NC
- South Outer Banks
- County: Carteret, NC
- Median Sales Price per Home: $444,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $250.31
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,779
- Real Estate Listing: 242
Nags Head, NC
- North Outer Banks
- County: Dare, NC
- Median Sales Price per Home: $649,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $317.25
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,113
- Real Estate Listings: 257
Hatteras, NC
- Central Outer Banks
- County: Dare, NC
- Median Sales Price per Home: $649,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $317.25
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,113
- Real Estate Listings: 257
The Outer Banks, North Carolina is a chain of islands off the coast of mainland North Carolina, stretching from Corolla in the north to Emerald Isle in the south. With over 100 communities speckled throughout the islands, there’s plenty of great vacation spots to choose from.
Specifically though, Corolla Island, Emerald Isle, Nags Head, and Hatteras are the 4 most exclusive areas in the Outer Banks, putting the Outer Banks in the top 10 Most Exclusive Vacation Home Markets in the US.
With no cities in the area, the Outer Banks are a great place to really get away from the stress of daily life and decompress on quiet, wide beaches. While strolling through the quaint beach towns of the Outer Banks, you’ll have no doubt as to why this is an exclusive area. The narrowness of the islands alone prove that even if the area became highly developed, there just isn’t much room for many people to get a piece of the pristine pie.
9. Ocean City, Maryland
- County: Worcester, MD
- Median Sales Price per Home: $449,950.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $335.95
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,462
- Real Estate Listings: 304
Ocean City, Maryland is regularly rated as one of the best places to visit in Maryland, making it a popular beach destination for the northeast. Situated on the Maryland coast, just south of the Delaware border, Ocean City is a family-friendly vacation haven. It’s well-located and easy to get to from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and D.C., making it a haven for weekend getaways, summer retreats, and off season relaxation.
Given that it only has 10 miles of coastline, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most exclusive places to own a vacation home in the US.
For families that don’t necessarily want to spend every day of their holiday on the beach, Ocean City has plenty more to offer. One of their biggest attractions is their famed boardwalk and action-packed amusement park, Trimper’s Rides.
10. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Townsend, TN
- County: Blount, TN
- Median Sales Price per Home: $407,400.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $191.12
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,035
- Real Estate Listings: 110
Gatlinburg, TN
- County: Sevier, TN
- Median Sales Price per Home: $599,950.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $290.31
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,296
- Real Estate Listings: 459
Pigeon Forge, TN
- County: Sevier, TN
- Median Sales Price per Home: $599,950.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $290.31
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,296
- Real Estate Listings: 459
In a similar location to our #1 Most Exclusive Market, Bryson City, the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee are another exclusive market that shouldn’t be overlooked. Townsend in particular is a highly exclusive area, with only 110 real estate listings. Townsend’s neighbors, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, offer a wider variety of listings and are slightly less exclusive.
Townsend, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge are all near Knoxville and easily accessible for people traveling to the Smoky Mountains from the west. Whereas Bryson City is an easier option coming from the east and Helen, GA and Ellijay, GA are great options coming from the south.
Each of the markets provide fantastic access to nature. Townsend is a much smaller town and better for someone that is interested in the area simply for the natural resources. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are much bigger and have more options in terms of entertainment, with plenty of restaurants and shopping to keep guests entertained.
Most Expensive Vacation Home Markets
The next category we’ll divulge is the Most Expensive Vacation Home Markets in the United States. These are the most expensive places to buy a property in 2022 within the top 100 real estate markets.
The top 10 was decided based on the median sales price of all homes in the area. In another category below, we’ll rank the markets by price per square foot instead.
1. Key West, Florida
- County: Monroe, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $1,265,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $804.30
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,600
- Real Estate Listings: 585
Topping the list of the most expensive vacation home markets by nearly $300,000 is Key West, Florida. Key West is the southernmost point of the Florida Keys, a stretch of around 120 miles of tropical islands that starts off the coast of Miami.
Key West is the most popular destination among the Florida Keys. The lack of a winter makes the Florida Keys a popular destination all year long. The fact that there never really is an off season for Key West, it’s understandable that homes on the island are so expensive. It’s hard to pass on somewhere that can be enjoyed to the fullest year round.
Another great selling point for Key West is that although it has the feel of a Caribbean Island, it’s reachable by land on the 7-Mile Bridge. While it might feel secluded, it’s an easily accessible vacation spot.
2. Sea Ranch, California
- County: Sonoma, CA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $899,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $501.27
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,921
- Real Estate Listings: 492
Sea Ranch is a private, coastal community along California’s famous Highway 1. The community sits along the rugged Pacific coast and boasts unique architecture and an environmentally-friendly mindset that makes it a unique place to purchase a vacation home, so long as you can afford the hefty price tag.
Owners and guests staying at Sea Ranch have access to the tennis courts, golf course, and 50 miles of private trails along the coastline. While the perks are obvious for buying a vacation home in Sea Ranch, you will need to abide by a number of rules and regulations, with strict house design guidelines being at the forefront.
3. Santa Catalina Island, California
- County: Los Angeles, California
- Median Sales Price per Home: $867,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $574.55
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,703
- Total Real Estate Listings for LA County: 7432
Santa Catalina Island sits just off the coast of Los Angeles and has been a holiday haven for wealthy Los Angeles residents for decades. To get to the island, you can either take a high speed ferry, a helicopter, a private plane, or a personal sailboat or yacht. There is no public airport on the island, maintaining the air of exclusivity, even if it didn’t make our most exclusive list.
The island is known for its wildlife and amazing dive sites. Most visitors choose to spend their time in the resort town of Two Harbors in the north of the island or in the city of Avalon. There you’ll find plenty of options for shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and bars.
4. Mammoth Lakes, California
- County: Mono, CA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $823,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $600.54
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,845
- Real Estate Listings: 77
Mammoth Lakes, a market that nearly topped our list of Most Exclusive Vacation Home Markets, is also one of the most expensive. Mammoth Lakes sits in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers unique experiences all year round.
In the summer, Mammoth Lakes is a popular spot for hikers, bikers, and boaters. Its close proximity to Yosemite National Park also makes for an appealing day trip when the weather is good and the roads are open. In the winter, Mammoth Lakes is one of the most popular ski towns in the United States. In the spring, it’s usually still possible to ski until late in the season, sometimes even until summer and, in the fall, you won’t be disappointed by the beautiful fall foliage that covers the mountains.
5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- County: Barnstable, MA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $762,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $448.48
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,827
- Real Estate Listings: 886
Cape Cod is the hook-shaped peninsula on the coast of Massachusetts. On Cape Cod, there are a number of seaside villages and larger towns. Cape Cod has historically been a popular vacation destination on the northeast coast of the US, with the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard two of the most well-known and most expensive areas on the cape.
Cape Cod is a hotspot in the summer but still a common weekend getaway destination throughout the year, even with the chilly weather keeping people from enjoying the beach as much.
Along with visiting the amazing history of the cape (the pilgrims landed on the tip of the cape in Provincetown), there are also tours for whale watching, opportunities to see seals, and great coastal hikes on the Cape Cod National Seashore, a protected wildlife area along the coast.
6. Marco Island, Florida
- County: Collier, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $750,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $403.85
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,003
- Total Real Estate Listings in Collier County: 1378
Marco Island is a barrier island off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s just south of Naples, Florida, the seventh most expensive market on this list. Marco Island is a popular upscale tourist destination. While it’s relatively quiet and secluded, there are plenty of high rises along the coast, so it doesn’t have a quaint feel like Cape Cod listed above.
The water is clear, the sand is white, and the weather is warm year round. Marco Island only has two public beaches but both are large and offer different experiences to visitors. Marco Beach is on the southern side of the island and has plenty of access points to get to it. On the other hand, Tigertail Beach is larger and sits on a calm lagoon, making it a great spot for kayaking and paddle boarding.
7. Naples, Florida
- County: Collier, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $750,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $403.85
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,003
- Real Estate Listings: 1378
Naples is a city on the Gulf Coast of Florida, just a few miles north of Marco Island. Naples is known for its high end shopping, golf courses, and millionaires. It’s also a well-known place for wealthy people to retire and has the amenities to fit. From shopping, tennis, golf, and a plethora of high-end restaurants, it most likely has what you’re looking for.
Even if you’re not aiming to retire in Naples, there are plenty of things to do for a younger crowd as well. Naples sits just outside of the Everglades, making it an easy day trip for some adventure. The beaches are also picturesque and are a great spot to relax and spend the day in the sun.
8. Honolulu, Hawaii
- County: Honolulu, HI
- Average Sale Price of Home: $709,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $658.91
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,000
- Real Estate Listings: 1578
Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu, is the capital of the Hawaiian Islands. While the Hawaiian Islands in general are known as amazing, albeit expensive, vacation spots, Honolulu tops the charts in terms of a high median price tag for a vacation home.
Honolulu is the largest city on all of the islands and home to a pretty unique blend of tropical and urban, giving it a unique feel you won’t find in many other places. Waikiki Beach is the heart of the city and a surfers paradise. There you won’t lack for a great place to lounge in the sun during the day and bars, restaurants, and shopping to enjoy in the evening.
Not nearly as accessible as other markets on this list, the Hawaiian Islands are a dream destination for many, making it a highly sought after vacation destination that warrants the price tag.
9. Bend, Oregon
- County: Deschutes, OR
- Median Sales Price per Home: $689,450.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $349.64
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,985
- Real Estate Listings: 616
Bend is a small town located nearly right in the center of Oregon. It’s unique location has it surrounded by mountains, excellent for skiing and snowboarding during the winter, and the desert, with great hiking in warmer weather.
While downtown Bend is quaint, it still offers great options for dining and shopping. The real appeal of Bend though comes from the surrounding area and the year round outdoor activities you can enjoy.
Also notable in that same area is Sunriver, Oregon. Sunriver is also located in Deschutes county and the median sales price per home is the same, coming in at $689,450.00. Sunriver is a residential and resort community, boasting luxury for its residents and guests.
10. Lake Tahoe, California
- County: El Dorado, CA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $675,450.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $335.10
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,078
- Real Estate Listings: 476
Lake Tahoe is one of the United State’s natural icons. The lake itself sits on the border of California and Nevada and attracts tourism year round. This data includes the entire area of Lake Tahoe on the California side, from Tahoe City to the resort town of South Lake Tahoe.
In the winter, the area is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding, with Heavenly Resort in South Lake Tahoe as a shining gem. The views from the top of the mountain with the lake shining in the sun below is really a spectacular site for avid skiers and first timers alike. In the summer, most people tend to stay around the lake, enjoying its calm, clear water for swimming and paddle boarding.
Cheapest Vacation Home Markets
Next on our study was to uncover the cheapest vacation home markets in the United States. The data was taken from the top 100 real estate markets in the country.
The top 10 was decided by which markets had the lowest median house prices. The price per square foot was not taken into account for this category, but instead is used below to decide on the markets with the best value.
1. Branson, MO
- County: Taney, MO
- Median Sales Price per Home: $289,900.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $171.57
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,742
- Real Estate Listing: 233
This is Branson’s second appearance on our lists of top 10 markets. Along with being #7 on the Most Exclusive Vacation Home Markets, it’s also the cheapest place to purchase a vacation home. The exclusivity combined with the low price tag makes it a very appealing option for vacation home owners.
Branson is located in the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri and combined with being a college town, it has plenty to offer visitors in terms of great natural resources and a lively downtown. You’re going to get a lot of bang for your buck by buying a property in Branson.
2. The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
- County: Monroe, PA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $299,450.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $152.24
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,000
- Real Estate Listings: 669
The Pocono Mountains, or simply the Poconos, are a popular holiday destination in western Pennsylvania, not far from New Jersey. The Poconos boasts attractions year round, with skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking, camping, and swimming in the summer.
The Poconos is a common holiday destination for people coming from New York City and Philadelphia, along with residents of smaller cities in the area. While it might not be as exclusive or luxurious of an area as others in the top 100 destinations, it’s a fantastic family-friendly place where you can get a good size vacation home for a fraction of the cost of other areas.
3. Greater Savannah Area, Georgia
Savannah, GA
- County: Chatham, GA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $320,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $171.85
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,863
- Real Estate Listings: 485
Tybee Island, GA
- County: Chatham, GA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $320,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $171.85
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,863
- Real Estate Listings: 485
Savannah is one of the gems of Georgia, with many people from the state in agreement on its beauty and desirability as a travel destination. It’s a coastal city, but doesn’t have any beaches accessible from the city. Instead, it sits nearer to marsh land and has the mighty Savannah River outlining downtown.
If you’re after the beach, though, you won’t have to go far to reach Tybee Island. Tybee is a barrier island just off the coast of Savannah and is reachable by bridge in only 25 minutes. Both markets, located in Chatham county, offer tourists plenty to do in terms of access to the beach and the city, but without the high price tag of other areas along the Atlantic Coast.
4. Pensacola, Florida
- County: Escambia, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $325,650.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $177.49
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,787
- Real Estate Listings: 725
Pensacola is the westernmost city on the Florida Panhandle, right next to the border with Alabama. Similar to the Savannah area, Pensacola offers a city on the Pensacola Bay but is only a 15 minute drive to Pensacola Beach on the Gulf of Mexico.
Pensacola offers a great mix of city and beach, giving visitors the beach of both worlds. Escambia County emcompasses the city and beach, along with more rural parts north of the city. Meaning you can enjoy whichever aspect of Pensacola you prefer, while saving some money along the way.
5. Galveston, Texas
- County: Galveston, TX
- Median Sales Price per Home: $357,688.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $181.72
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,889
- Real Estate Listings: 1345
Galveston is an island in the Gulf of Mexico, right off the coast of Houston. This location has made it a prime vacation spot for people needing a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Galveston is a family-friendly beach with plenty of attractions and entertainment for adults and children alike. Pleasure Pier is a great place to start any holiday, with amusement rides and restaurants lining the shore.
It’s a great opportunity for people from Houston looking for a vacation home, but has also become a popular destination for people from all over Texas.
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- County: Horry, SC
- Median Sales Price per Home: $359,142.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $197.70
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,774
- Real Estate Listings: 1770
Myrtle Beach is a popular beach destination on the coast of South Carolina. It’s known as a family-friendly beach that will keep the entire family entertained on and off the beach. Myrtle Beach offers great golfing, an exciting boardwalk full of games, entertainment, and restaurants, and an amusement park.
Myrtle Beach is a great option for those who want a vacation home on the South Carolina coast but don’t want to spend as much as you would buying a property around Charleston or Hilton Head Island.
The data from this study includes Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, a popular beach just a few miles north of Myrtle Beach.
7. Greater Orlando, Florida Area
Orlando, FL
- County: Orange, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $386,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $213.20
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,742
- Real Estate Listings: 1,703
Kissimmee, FL
- County: Osceola, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $397,450.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $198.83
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,997
- Real Estate Listings: 823
While we weren’t surprised to find Orlando in the list of the top 100 vacation home markets in the US, we were surprised to find it in the list of top 10 Cheapest Vacation Home Markets in 2022. Orlando, as many people know, is home to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios and is one of the most popular places to visit in the U.S.
What many people don’t know is that there is plenty to do in Orlando besides their famous amusement parks, ensuring you and your guests are entertained year after year.
Kissimmee is a city just south of Orlando. With similar proximity to Orlando’s attractions and a few of its own, like Lake Tohopekaliga, it’s a great option for someone looking to buy near Orlando but looking for even cheaper price tags.
8. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- County: Broward, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $387,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $276.57
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,307
- Real Estate Listings: 4,893
Fort Lauderdale sits just north of Miami but has a completely different feel to it. Uniquely to a few other places in Florida, Ft. Lauderdale included, are the rows of canals allowing homeowners to live in residential areas but keep their boats or yachts docked in their backyards.
Along with being a great city of boating enthusiasts, Ft. Lauderdale is also home to a large number of gated communities, many of which offer private golf courses, tennis courts, and private pools at each home.
9. Helen, Georgia
- County: White, GA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $387,499.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $202.64
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,879
- Real Estate Listings: 102
At #9 on our list of Cheapest Vacation Home Markets, Helen, Georgia also made our list as #4 Most Exclusive Vacation Home Market. With a great combination of exclusivity and low price per home, Helen is an excellent choice for people in the market for a vacation home in the mountains.
Helen sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains which is part of the great Appalachian Mountains. It even boasts easy access to the Appalachian Trail, providing visitors and residents a chance to walk on the trail, even for just a few miles.
Helen is one of the most visited places in Georgia, making it a great market for vacation homes, simply due to the high number of people interested in visiting the quaint mountain town.
10. Panama City Beach, Florida
- County: Bay, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $399,900.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $266.44
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,643
- Real Estate Listings: 994
Panama City Beach is a great vacation home market for those looking for a lively beach town, in comparison to Seaside and Rosemary Beach down the coast. Panama City Beach, commonly referred to as P.C.B., is also a popular Spring Break destination for families and college students in the midwest and east coast of the U.S.
Panama City Beach is on the Florida Panhandle and boasts white sand beaches, with clear, calm water. While this beach might not be the best for quiet relaxation in the sand, it’s the perfect spot for a home-owner looking for a place with plenty of events and entertainment for their guests.
Best Value Vacation Home Markets
“Best Value” is an important criteria to many who are looking to buy a vacation home. To uncover the Best Value Vacation Home Markets for 2022, we set a few criteria. We aimed to discover in which markets you could find a large home that was reasonably priced per square foot.
The guidelines we set to find the top 10 Best Value Vacation Markets were to find markets where the median square footage per home was around 2,000 square feet and the price per square foot was around or under $250.00.
Other than The Poconos and Greater Savannah Area, we did not see any overlap between the Best Value Markets and the Cheapest Markets.
1. The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
- County: Monroe, PA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $299,450.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $152.24
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,000
- Real Estate Listings: 669
The Pocono Mountains, or the Poconos, top our list for the Best Value Vacation Home Markets. It is also #2 on our list of the Cheapest Vacation Home Markets. In 2022, the median price per square foot is $152.24 on a home that likely is around 2,000 square feet. The ability to get a large home at a low price per square foot makes it an appealing market for vacation homes.
The Pocono Mountains provide guests with activities year round. Perched in the mountains of eastern Pennsylvania, it’s geographical location makes it a great place for a weekend getaway from bigger northeastern cities.
2. Greater Savannah Area, Georgia
Savannah, GA
- County: Chatham, GA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $320,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $171.85
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,863
- Real Estate Listings: 485
Tybee Island, GA
- County: Chatham, GA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $320,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $171.85
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,863
- Real Estate Listings: 485
The Greater Savannah Area includes Savannah and Tybee Island into one market. Given their close proximity and same data, we have included them together as #2 on our list of Best Value Vacation Market Homes for 2022.
In both Savannah and on Tybee Island, the median price per square foot is $171.85. With an average home size of just below 2,000 at 1,873, home buyers are able to find a large home at a low cost per square foot.
Savannah offers a uniquely southern city experience. Much of the history of Savannah is still intact, making it a great place for history buffs and those wanting to experience the architecture of the historical south. Tybee Island is just off the coast of Savannah and an easy and quick drive. Tybee Island has large, usually quiet beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day in the sun.
3. Topsail Island, North Carolina
- County: Pender, NC
- Median Sales Price per Home: $461,100.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $181.41
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,468
- Real Estate Listings: 111
Topsail Island is a small town nestled between Wilmington, North Carolina to the south and the Outer Banks to the north. The median square footage of homes in Topsail is much larger than its predecessors on this list, but does come with a slightly higher price per square foot at $181.41.
Topsail is a great beach option for someone looking for a small town environment. In Topsail, you won’t find busy boardwalks or even busy beaches. Even in high season, you’ll be able to find a quiet stretch of sand along its 26-mile beach.
4. Ellijay, Georgia
- County: Gilmer, GA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $479,629.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $218.15
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,460
- Real Estate Listings: 205
At just under the median square foot per home for Topsail, in Ellijay, Georgia you can get a large vacation home, with the median square footage per home at a whopping 2,460. Only one other vacation market in our top 100 markets outdid Ellijay and Topsail in size. You’ll see at #5 which market that is.
Ellijay was also noted with #5 Helen, GA as one of the most exclusive markets in 2022. With only 205 real estate listings and such a great value per home, it’s no wonder Ellijay is an exclusive and sought after vacation home market.
As a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia, it provides guests a much quieter retreat and less tourist options other than enjoying nature than those who head to nearby Helen instead.
5. Corolla, North Carolina
- County: Currituck, NC
- Median Sales Price per Home: $530,506.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $242.50
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,589
- Real Estate Listings: 175
Corolla, North Carolina offers the largest median square foot of our entire top 100 Vacation Home Markets in 2022. At 2,589, the median home in Corolla is definitely not small. This gives homeowners a great opportunity to offer houses that can sleep more than one family, making it a great place for extended family or groups of friends to holiday together.
Although you will most likely pay more per square foot than you would by buying at the Topsail or Tybee Island market, Corolla is a better option for people who live in the northeast, as it’s a much easier drive than heading farther south.
6. Bryson City, North Carolina
- County: Swain, NC
- Median Sales Price per Home: $674,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $250.57
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,208
- Real Estate Listings: 41
Coming in at #6 on the Best Value Vacation Home Markets, Bryson City is also #1 on the Most Exclusive Vacation Home Markets in 2022. Bryson City is a small town in the Smoky Mountains, just outside of Asheville, North Carolina.
With a median square foot per home at 2,208 square feet and a median price per square foot at roughly $250.00, it’s a great market for those looking for a large home without such a large cost. Bryson City is a popular destination for groups of friends or multiple families to vacation together, making a large home an especially beneficial draw to be able to consistently rent your vacation home out.
7. Anna Maria Island, Florida
- County: Manatee, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $504,495.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $253.66
- Median Square Foot per Home: 1,918
- Real Estate Listings: 565
Anna Maria Island is a small barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, just off the coast of Tampa, Florida. Strict regulations on Anna Maria Island control the type of buildings and businesses allowed on the island, maintaining its small town island feel. With the median square foot per home nearly at 2,000 square feet and the cost per square foot at a little over $250.00, it’s a market where you’re sure to get great value.
Anna Maria Island is a popular vacation destination for people wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city without needing to travel far. Although only one hour away from Tampa and St. Petersburg, you’ll feel much farther away once you arrive on Anna Maria Island.
8. Sedona, Arizona
- County: Yavapai, AZ
- Median Sales Price per Home: $599,895.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $286.77
- Median Square Foot per Home: 2,062
- Real Estate Listings: 594
Sedona, Arizona is a vacation haven for those looking for a high-end, holistic vacation where you can easily connect with nature. Sedona is home to one of the world’s vortexes, a place where the Earth’s energy is said to be at its strongest.
Many people flock to Sedona for yoga retreats, outstanding hiking, or simply to recharge and replenish their energy. Located in central Arizona, it’s located right between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon. Regardless of where you are in Sedona, you’ll be rewarded with unbelievable views of the red rocks.
While you won’t be surprised that it’s such a sought after tourist destination in the U.S., you might be surprised by the value in a vacation home you can get in Sedona. With a median square footage of over 2,000 feet and a cost per square foot slightly higher than $280, it’s a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to buy in the southwest.
9. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- County: Beaufort, SC
- Median Sales Price per Home: $544,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $286.79
- Median Square Foot per Home: 1,995
- Real Estate Listings: 605
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is just north of Tybee Island and Savannah, Georgia. It’s a popular summer vacation destination where people flock to the wide beaches that wrap end-to-end on the island.
In the off season, tourists still visit the island, but it becomes much quieter than in the peak of summer. On the inland side of the island, people who prefer tranquility and easy access to boating set up shop in the marshland.
Hilton Head Island offers a vast amount of restaurants, shopping, and golf courses. Plus, Harbor Town usually holds outdoor concerts in the summer which is the perfect way to wind down from your day in the sun.
10. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Townsend, TN
- County: Blount, TN
- Median Sales Price per Home: $407,400.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $191.12
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,035
- Real Estate Listings: 110
Gatlinburg, TN
- County: Sevier, TN
- Median Sales Price per Home: $599,950.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $290.31
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,296
- Real Estate Listings: 459
Pigeon Forge, TN
- County: Sevier, TN
- Median Sales Price per Home: $599,950.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $290.31
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,296
- Real Estate Listings: 459
Listed previously in our study as the #10 Most Exclusive Vacation Home Market in 2022, the Smoky Mountains are #10 again as the Best Value Vacation Home Market.
These three towns, Townsend, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge, are all in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, which is a part of the larger Appalachian Mountains. All towns offer great views, easy access to trails, and unforgettable outdoor activities.
Out of the three towns, Townsend has the best value, with the median cost per square foot at $191.12 on median sized houses of 2,035 square feet. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge share the same stats, both offering homes for $290.31 per square foot and sizes around 2,296 square feet.
Highest Cost per Square Foot Vacation Homes
Conversely, the next category we studied were ones that boast the highest median cost per square foot. We sorted our data of the top 100 markets by median price per square foot.
While you might think this information would be the same as the Most Expensive Vacation Home Markets, that was not always the case. A few of the markets did overlap between both categories, but the rankings were different and there were a few outliers to point out.
1. Key West, Florida
- County: Monroe, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $1,265,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $804.30
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,600
- Real Estate Listings: 585
Key West, Florida is not only the market with the highest cost per square foot but it’s also leading the charts as the most expensive vacation home market in the U.S. At just over $800 per square foot, it’s much more expensive than any other market on the list by nearly $150 per square foot.
Key West is a thriving vacation destination, given its warm weather year round, clear blue water, white sandy beaches and Caribbean feel without actually leaving the continental U.S. While you will be paying big with a vacation home in Key West, the risk might be warranted given the buzzing tourist activity.
2. Honolulu, Hawaii
- County: Honolulu, HI
- Average Sale Price of Home: $709,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $658.91
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,000
- Real Estate Listings: 1578
Honolulu is the capital of the beautiful Hawaiian islands and also the #2 Highest Cost per Square Foot Vacation Home Market. Also the 8th most expensive market in the U.S., you need to be prepared to spend a good amount of money to be able to get a great vacation home in Honolulu.
With the median price per square foot at roughly $650 and the median sales price per home at just over $700,000, this is a market you need to be ready to invest in before deciding to make a purchase. As it’s much more difficult and expensive to get to for a vacation, you can count on visitors wanting to stay for a week or longer, instead of only popping in for a weekend getaway like they’d be likely to in other, more accessible markets.
3. Mammoth Lakes, California
- County: Mono, CA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $823,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $600.54
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,845
- Real Estate Listings: 77
Mammoth Lakes, California has now found its way in the top 10 of three out of five categories. Combined with Yosemite, CA it’s the 2nd Most Exclusive Vacation Rental Market. On its own, it holds the title for 4th Most Expensive Vacation Rental Market, and now, it’s the 3rd Highest Cost per Square Foot Vacation Rental Market.
There’s a reason Mammoth is a top destination for tourists and rental owners alike. Given its close proximity to coastal cities in California and desert locations in Nevada, Mammoth offers what those locations can’t – unbeatable mountains with winter sports in the snow and plenty of outdoor fun for warmer, summer months.
4. Santa Catalina Island, California
- County: Los Angeles, California
- Median Sales Price per Home: $867,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $574.55
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,703
- Real Estate Listings: 7432
Santa Catalina boasts a high price per square foot at $574.55, cementing it into the #4 position on the Highest Cost per Square Foot Vacation Home Market. Given its proximity to Los Angeles and their steep housing market, it’s no surprise that Santa Catalina would follow suit and also find itself as the #3 Most Expensive Vacation Home Market.
Santa Catalina can only be reached by private plane, boat, helicopter, or ferry. There are no commercial airports on the island, making visitors work a bit harder to enjoy a vacation on Santa Catalina. Because of this, though, many people dream of one day visiting the island and are willing to pay more for their holiday, knowing the island isn’t easily accessible to most.
5. Sea Ranch, California
- County: Sonoma, CA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $899,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $501.27
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,921
- Real Estate Listings: 492
Sea Ranch, California is a private community and resort off of Highway 1 in Northern California. The majority of homes in the community are second homes or vacation homes, as it’s a popular place for wealthy travelers to get some seclusion and beautiful views. Sea Ranch alludes tranquility with its unique architecture and oneness with nature.
At $501.27 per square foot it might not be a good fit for every budget, but if you’re looking for something truly unique that you can offer guests as a once in a lifetime experience, Sea Ranch is worth considering.
6. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- County: Barnstable, MA
- Median Sales Price per Home: $762,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $448.48
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,827
- Real Estate Listings: 886
Cape Cod has been a longtime haunt for well-off politicians and business owners to have second homes or rent vacation homes for the summer. Even today, Cape Cod carries with it a reputation of being primarily catered towards wealthy families. Whether that’s actually true or not, as the #6 Highest Cost per Square Foot and the #5 Most Expensive Vacation Home Market, it seems as though its reputation matches reality.
While this data compiles the entire cape into one market, Nantucket, Matha’s Vineyard, and Chatham will most likely have the most expensive houses on the market, with outliers speckled in all other areas of the cape.
7. Miami, Florida
- County: Miami-Dade, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $547,450.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $448.48
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,330
- Real Estate Listings: 9,820
Miami is one of only two markets that made the list for Highest Cost per Square Foot but didn’t quite make the top 10 Most Expensive Markets. Miami is one of the U.S.’s most southern cities and the gateway to the Florida Keys.
Like other areas in the region, its warm weather year round makes it a popular destination regardless of the season. It’s well known for its white sand beaches, vibrant Latino communities, and for wild parties and clubs.
Miami is a great place to be for someone who isn’t looking for simply a relaxing getaway, but someone who craves entertainment and extravagance.
8. Marco Island, Florida
- County: Collier, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $750,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $403.85
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,003
- Real Estate Listings: 1378
Marco Island, Florida is an upscale resort island just off the coast of Naples, Florida. Along with being listed as the #7 Most Expensive Market, it’s also the #8 Highest Cost per Square Foot Vacation Home Market in the U.S.
At $403.85 per square foot, the median price per home on Marco Island will cost around $750,500. With crystal clear water and quiet, clean white sand beaches, the price tag is warranted when you see the area you’re buying into.
9. Naples, Florida
- County: Collier, FL
- Median Sales Price per Home: $750,500.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $403.85
- Median Square Footage per Home: 2,003
- Real Estate Listings: 1378
Naples, Florida, a mainland city on the Gulf Coast nearing the tip of Florida, is known as a well-off area and one of the top places for people to retire to in the U.S. Although that’s its reputation, vacationers of all ages visit Naples yearly, all drawn by the fantastic weather and beautiful surroundings.
To buy a vacation home in Naples, you can expect to spend around $400 per square foot, putting it as #9 on our list of Highest Cost per Square Foot Vacation Market.
10. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
- County: Hawaii, HI
- Median Sales Price per Home: $525,000.00
- Median Price per Square Foot: $397.40
- Median Square Footage per Home: 1,452
- Real Estate Listing: 491
Kailua-Kona, most commonly referred to as simply Kona, is a town on the west coast of Hawaii Island, or the Big Island. Kona is the most popular place for tourists to stay if planning a trip to the Big Island. From spectacular beaches and scenery to unique history, Kona offers a lot to its residents and guests.
Compared to Honolulu, the other Hawaiian Island city on this list, Kona’s prices are much more affordable at just under $400 per square foot. While Kona isn’t nearly as developed and urban as Honolulu, Kona is the better market choice for someone looking for a more unique Hawaiian charm to their property and surroundings.
Methodology for the Vacation Home Market Study
For each category, we only analyzed data from real estate markets in the United States. We also only focused on data from 2021 to be able to provide the most accurate information possible. By organizing the data by year, this also allows us to complete the same survey next year to see how drastically the markets change over one calendar year.
We did not include on any of the lists urban areas, with the exception of Miami, as many of these properties are not for vacation homes, skewing our data. We only focused on areas that are well-known areas for holidays, therefore keeping our findings focused on the vacation home market.
By utilizing Google keyword research, we were able to isolate the top 100 markets based on the quantity of search queries for “location vacation rental.” We used Ahrefs and Google Ads Keyword API to complete this step.
Using our top 100, we then took real estate data for 2021 from Realtor.com. We organized it based on county, median sales price, median price per square foot, median square foot per home, and number of real estate listings. Each of these classifications were used to organize the data to give us the results needed to create our rankings.
We chose to organize the markets by medians instead of by averages. A median is the middle number of a list organized from smallest to largest. On the other hand, the average is the sum of the numbers, divided by the amount of numbers in a list. Given the possibility of extreme highs and lows in the real estate market, we decided the median would give us a better, more accurate measure than the average would.
Conclusion
By the end of the study, we were able to accomplish our goal of highlighting the top 10 markets in the following categories:
- Most Exclusive Vacation Home Market
- Most Expensive Vacation Home Market
- Cheapest Vacation Home Market
- Best Value Vacation Home Market
- Highest Cost per Square Foot Vacation Home Market
In some cases, the results were what we expected, but in a majority of the markets, we were surprised by their ranking, or lack of ranking. We hope this study provided you with as much insight as it provided us and has helped you better understand the Vacation Home Market for 2022.
For more travel-based information throughout the United States and Mexico, consult our Travel Journal.
Top 100 Vacation Rental Markets
Each of the top 10 markets above were created based on this list of top 100 markets. As mentioned in the methodology above, this list was created based on keyword research via Ahrefs and Google Ads Keyword API.
Below find the top 100 Vacation Rental Markets, based on Google search quantity for 2021 in the United States.
1. Hocking Hills, Ohio (26K searches)*
2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee (25K searches)
3. Outerbanks, North Carolina (22K searches)
4. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (20K searches)
5. Smoky Mountains (15K searches)**
6. Big Bear, California (14K searches)
7. Tennessee (13K searches)***
8. Florida (13K searches)***
9. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (12K searches)
10. Blue Ridge Mountains (11K searches)**
11. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (8.7K searches)
12. Bryson City, North Carolina (8.6K searches)
13. Helen, Georgia (6.4K searches)
14. North Georgia (6.1K searches)**
15. Gulf Shores, Alabama (5.3K searches)
16. Destin, Florida (5.3K searches)
17. Tybee Island, Georgia (5.2K searches)
18. Key West, Florida (4.9K searches)
19. Oregon Coast (4.8K searches)**
20. Cape Cod, Massachusetts (4.7K searches)
21. Maui, Hawaii (4.7K searches)
22. Cape San Blas, Florida (4.4 searches)
23. Maine (4.4K searches)***
24. West Virginia (4.4K searches)***
25. Kentucky (4.4K searches)***
26. Anna Maria Island, Florida (4.3K searches)
27. Virginia Beach, Virginia (4.3K searches)
28. Sanibel Island, Florida (3.8K searches)
29. Emerald Isle, North Carolina (3.8K searches)
30. 30A, Florida (3.8K searches)**
31. North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (3.5K searches)
32. San Diego, California (3.4K searches)****
33. Wisconsin (3.2K searches)***
34. Ocean City, Maryland (3.1K searches)
35. Miami, Florida (2.9K searches)
36. Marco Island, Florida (2.9K searches)
37. Palm Springs, California (2.9K searches)
38. Orange Beach, Alabama (2.8K searches)
39. Red River Gorge, Kentucky (2.8K searches)
40. Yosemite, California (2.7K searches)
41. Kauai, Hawaii (2.6K searches)
42. Siesta Key, Florida (2.3K searches)
43. Lake Tahoe, California (2.1K searches)
44. Nags Head, North Carolina (2.1K searches)
45. Ellijay, Georgia (2.1K searches)
46. Kiawah Island, Georgia (1.9K searches)
47. Folly Beach, South Carolina (1.9K searches)
48. Townsend, Tennessee (1.9K searches)
49. Hawaii (1.9K searches)***
50. Michigan (1.9K searches)***
51. Branson, Missouri (1.8K searches)
52. Panama City Beach, Florida (1.8K searches)
53. Charleston, South Carolina (1.8K searches)
54. Orlando, Florida (1.6K searches)
55. Galveston, Texas (1.6K searches)
56. Sunriver, Oregon (1.5K searches)
57. Carolina Beaches (1.5K searches)**
58. Cannon Beach, Oregon (1.4K searches)
59. Los Angeles, California (1.3K searches)****
60. Kissimmee, Florida (1.3K searches)
61. Santa Catalina Island, California (1.2K searches)
62. Sedona, Arizona (1.1K searches)
63. Nashville, Tennessee (1.1K searches)****
64. The Poconos, Pennsylvania (1.1K searches)
65. Savannah, Georgia (1.1K searches)
66. Asheville, North Carolina (1K searches)****
67. Tampa, Florida (1K searches)****
68. Austin, Texas (1K searches)****
69. Topsail Island, North Carolina (1K searches)
70. Sarasota, Florida (1K searches)
71. Vermont (1K searches)***
72. Colorado (1K searches)***
73. Las Vegas, Nevada (900 searches)****
74. South Lake Tahoe, California (900 searches)
75. Chicago, Illinois (800 searches)****
76. Denver, Colorado (800 searches)****
77. Boston, Massachusetts (800 searches)****
78. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (800 searches)
79. Sea Ranch, California (700 searches)
80. Austin, Texas (700 searches)****
81. Corolla, North Carolina (700 searches)
82. Clearwater, Florida (700 searches)
83. Oregon (700 searches)***
84. Honolulu, Hawaii (600 searches)
85. Charlotte, North Carolina (600 searches)****
86. Pensacola, Florida (600 searches)
87. Breckenridge, Colorado (600 searches)
88. Hatteras, North Carolina (600 searches)
89. Naples, Florida (600 searches)
90. Miami Beach, Florida (500 searches)
91. Bend, Oregon (500 searches)
92. Portland, Oregon (500 searches)****
93. Mammoth Lakes, California (450 searches)
94. Tucson, Arizona (450 searches)****
95. Seattle, Washington (450 searches)****
96. Raleigh, North Carolina (400 searches)****
97. Salt Lake City, Utah (400 searches)****
98. Fort Lauderdale, Florida (350 searches)
99. Wilmington, North Carolina (350 searches)****
100. Greenville, South Carolina (300 searches)****
*This search was not included in the top 10 lists because the county we received data for was much larger than the vacation area, altering our data.
**Regional searches were not included as “markets” in our study given that they include multiple markets.
***State-specific searches were not included in our study, given they include multiple markets.
****Highly urbanized areas were not included in our study, given that many of the real estate listings are not meant for vacation homes, skewing our results.
Featured image credit: Stock_SK
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