If you’re in a position to own a second home, why not make it a summer vacation house? Somewhere you can take the family for a few weeks in the summer months to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The question is, where’s the best place to do this?
What to Look for in a Summer Vacation House
Before the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, most people thought they wanted to spend more time at home. People who had longed for the opportunity to work from home finally got that chance.
But what these folks – perhaps you included – soon realized was that being home all the time isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. People got stir-crazy, bored, and exhausted from having the same reclusive routines.
There were obviously far more important things that happened during the pandemic, but this realization was a “light bulb” moment for many. It made people realize that there’s something to be said for switching up your environment, evolving your routines, and keeping things fresh in your life.
While it’s certainly not an option for everyone, one way you can do this is by living in a summer house for a few weeks out of the year. This is basically a different house where you get away from the monotonous daily routines of your normal life and switch things up for a few weeks each summer.
A summer house means different things to different people. However, you’re typically going to want to find something that embodies some/all of the following characteristics:
- Good weather. There’s no sense in going somewhere with unpleasant weather. While most areas in the country are going to be fairly hot during the summer months, don’t choose somewhere with blistering heat or suffocating humidity. You want a place with decent weather that allows you to enjoy the great outdoors.
- Low maintenance. The last thing you want to do is spend your time doing a bunch of maintenance projects and tasks all the time. Pick a low-maintenance property that doesn’t have a massive yard and lots of landscaping (unless you’re comfortable paying someone to do it for you).
- Plenty to do. There should be plenty of things to do in the surrounding city or town. You want to give yourself the flexibility to dine out, go on excursions, or enjoy activities.
- House potential. Look for a house that has lots of potential for being a fun summer house. For example, is there room to build your own outdoor kitchen? Is there space to build a workshop? What about a swimming pool? Think in terms of potential.
- Resale value. There’s always a possibility that you’ll want to resell this property in the near future. Make sure you’re buying a summer house in a city and neighborhood that has good resale value. (In other words, don’t choose a tiny rural town where people are no longer moving.)
4 Top Cities for a Summer Vacation House
Okay, now that we’ve discussed some of the things to look for in a summer house, here’s a quick rundown of some of our favorite cities for buying a summer house:
1. Seaside, Florida
Have you ever seen The Truman Show with Jim Carey? Well, you can actually live in that same idyllic town (without all the hidden cameras and paid actors, of course). Located along a 26-mile stretch of beaches that are known collectively as 30A, Seaside is a picturesque beach town with pastel homes, world-class dining, and plenty of shopping.
2. Bend, Oregon
Did you know that Bend has the highest average sunny days in the state of Oregon? The weather is seemingly gorgeous all spring and summer. It’s just a three-hour drive south of Portland and has plenty to do.
If you love the outdoors, you’re going to enjoy the 300-plus miles of climbing routes and biking trails. Plus, there’s a massive river snaking through the town, which is perfect for fishing, kayaking, or floating on a tube. Check out our tips for things to do in Oregon.
3. Harbor Springs, Michigan
This is a serene town located on the banks of Lake Michigan. During the summer, there’s incredibly pleasant weather, lots of fishing, good golfing, sailing, and plenty of good food and shopping. Stick around for autumn and you’ll be blown away by the foliage.
4. Grand Lake, Colorado
If hiking, adventure, and great views are your thing, you’ll love Grand Lake. It’s located at the mouth of the Rocky Mountain National Park and offers plenty to do. This includes shopping, fine dining, and a thriving arts scene.
Find Your Dream Summer Escape
Where do you want to buy your dream summer escape? From Seaside, Florida to Bend, Oregon, and everywhere in between, there’s a summer house for everyone. Find yours and make this next summer one to remember.
