Top 9 U.S. Destinations for Mountain Vacation Homes

1. Introduction

Cool breezes, fresh air, and stunning mountain views galore. Mountains have always provided travelers with a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

2. The Appeal of Mountain Living

Conservationist John Muir once said, “We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us.” His poetic description beautifully depicts the mysterious influence mountains have over us. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that more and more people are looking to relocate and buy property in one of the many mountain ranges extending all over the country.

3. Mountain Real Estate Markets

Second-home markets in mountain destinations are exploding, attracting people with an array of outdoor activities, fresh air, and stunning views. If you’re thinking about buying a mountain vacation home, read on for our handy guide to the most attractive real estate markets in the U.S. right now.

Suncadia, Washington

Under two hours from Seattle, Suncadia is surrounded by more than 6,000 acres of lush, mountainous landscapes that attract second-home buyers looking for a laid-back, year-round retreat and luxury resort amenities.

“I’ve lived in this community since 2010 and love the four-season resort,” Susan West, a broker with John L. Scott Real Estate, Luxury Portfolio International, shared. “There are lots of walking, biking, and hiking trails in the neighborhoods, several community pools with memberships, golf courses, a winery, playground parks, tennis courts, and a myriad of events going on throughout the year.” Moreover, several of her latest home transactions went for above-asking price, with one buyer making an offer for $2.6 million after seeing the property via FaceTime.

Snowmass Village, Colorado

“One of the prettiest sights in the Roaring Fork Valley is driving up toward Snowmass Village from Highway 82,” said Walker Moriarty, a broker with Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty. Located a mere eight miles west of Aspen, Snowmass Village is a quieter, family-friendly, and more affordable alternative to its famous neighbor.

This small resort town has recently been gaining popularity, thanks to major new developments — namely Base Village, Aura, the Havens, Electric Pass Lodge, Lumin, One East, and One West — which have attracted many second-home buyers to the area. The price per square foot overall has increased, but it’s still about half of what Aspen gets, consequently attracting many young families and full-time residents who want access to Aspen, but at a more affordable price with a bit more privacy.

Asheville, North Carolina

In Asheville, the Blue Ridge Mountains create the ideal backdrop for everything from hiking and skiing to world-class mountain biking and fly-fishing. Moreover, for those not ready to compromise on urban amenities, Asheville provides the perfect balance between idyllic mountain landscapes and a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene. The restaurants in downtown Asheville are some of the best in the southeastern U.S., while the city’s many craft breweries make it a top choice for beer lovers.

“The increased buyer demand over the last few years has created a competitive market with limited supply,” said Alec Cantley of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. “As the Asheville Regional Airport has expanded with daily flights to feeder markets around the country, many buyers have entered the local market for access. You can wake up in Asheville, and within a few hours, fly directly into some of the biggest cities in the U.S., including Miami, New York, Houston, Denver, and Chicago.”

Lenox and Great Barrington, Berkshires, Massachusetts

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts for numerous activities, including hiking, water sports, and horseback riding in the summer to skiing in the winter. The towns of Lenox and Great Barrington, located about 13 miles apart along Route 7, seem to be getting the most attention from second-home buyers.

“Lenox, once the summer home of [novelist] Edith Wharton, is known for its grand ‘Berkshire Cottage’ estates, while Great Barrington’s brick buildings feel like an extension of Manhattan’s Upper West Side,” shared Gladys Montgomery of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. Both towns offer an excellent selection of boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries, while keeping their residents active.

“Prices in Berkshire County jumped 25 to 30% across the board, regaining all the ground they had lost during the recession,” added Montgomery, noting that inventory is low and homes usually sell for above-asking price.

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

With 63 trails spread over 464 acres, Bretton Woods is New Hampshire’s largest ski area and a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. This scenic destination nestled in the White Mountains is also popular with golfers in the summer, as it boasts a spectacular 18-hole course that treats players to stunning views of Mount Washington.

“The demand from buyers wanting to purchase in Bretton Woods remains strong, while the inventory of available units remains limited,” said Michele Penner, managing broker at Badger Peabody & Smith Realty, Luxury Portfolio International. She added that this area remains a popular vacation home destination, resulting in properties appreciating in value.

New River Valley, Virginia

The scenic New River Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains comprises four counties — Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski — and 10 towns. This area is home to two universities and offers numerous cultural and recreational activities. Whether you’re into water sports or prefer hiking and biking, you’ll find plenty of natural landmarks here to keep you active.

“The pandemic caused a lot of people to relocate down this way to escape the city,” said Darin Greear, an agent at Long & Foster. “The New River Valley represents a rural area, but over the last two years, they’ve installed fiber-optic cable, making it perfect for individuals wanting to get away, have some land, and work remotely.”

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Easily accessible from Atlanta and Chattanooga, Blue Ridge has become wildly popular with second-home buyers looking for an idyllic escape in the mountains or an investment property. The town serves as the gateway to the Appalachian Trail, making it a year-round hiking and biking destination.

“We are a national forest town, meaning that much of our privately owned property backs up to United States national forests, with trails in our backyards,” said Logan Fitts, an agent with Harry Norman Realtors, Luxury Portfolio International. Furthermore, Lake Blue Ridge, a 3,000-acre body of water, provides plenty of water sports and fishing opportunities.

Healdsburg and Cloverdale, California

The Sonoma Mountain region needs no introduction. This area is renowned for its world-class dining and wine scene, alongside music, art, and outdoor events. With easy access from San Francisco, the greater Healdsburg area serves as a popular vacation destination for urbanites searching for beautiful vistas and outdoor activities. Downtown Healdsburg also features several Michelin-starred restaurants, ensuring great culinary experiences.

About 17 miles north of Healdsburg, Cloverdale has emerged as another Sonoma wine country mountain destination for discerning second-home buyers. It showcases beautiful vistas, rolling hills, vineyards, and sprawling valleys, additionally featuring numerous nearby wineries and a robust downtown with farmers markets and outdoor music events during summer.

Flagstaff, Arizona

While Arizona may not conjure up images of towering mountains, the state is home to the San Francisco Peaks and Humphreys Peak, which rises 12,633 feet. Flagstaff is centrally located, providing many cultural and recreational opportunities while its residents enjoy 288 days of sunshine annually. Furthermore, Flagstaff is surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in North America, offering endless outdoor adventures.

Another significant reason why purchasing property in Flagstaff is a good investment is the close proximity to major northern Arizona attractions, including Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona, the Painted Desert, and Saguaro National Park, making the rental potential here excellent.