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22 best places to buy a second home in the U.S. and abroad

Pacaso’s Editorial Team

, Author

Published Date:

July 10, 2026

A family enjoys dinner on their patio in one of the best places for a second home.

Key takeaways
The best places to buy a second home balance lifestyle, accessibility and long-term value, whether you want a beach escape, a desert retreat, a mountain hideaway or an international base. This guide covers 22 top destinations across the U.S. and abroad, plus key factors to consider before you buy. Sole ownership isn't the only path: Pacaso's LLC co-ownership model lets you own a share of a fully managed luxury second home in the destination you love, without the full cost or hassle.

Key takeaways

The best places to buy a second home balance lifestyle, accessibility and long-term value, whether you want a beach escape, a desert retreat, a mountain hideaway or an international base. This guide covers 22 top destinations across the U.S. and abroad, plus key factors to consider before you buy. Sole ownership isn't the only path: Pacaso's LLC co-ownership model lets you own a share of a fully managed luxury second home in the destination you love, without the full cost or hassle.

Finding the best place to buy a second home comes down to matching the location to your lifestyle, favorite hobbies and climate preferences. Consider how you want to spend your free time, who will be traveling with you, and how the market will look in five to ten years.

To help you narrow down the choices, we've divided 22 top second home destinations into four groups: sunny beach escapes, desert retreats, quiet nature-filled destinations, and exciting international bases.

What are the best beach destinations for a second home?

1. Miami, Florida

Vacation home category: Beach destination
Climate: Warm and tropical year-round
Best for: Urban beach lovers who want nightlife, dining, and international access
Signature day: Biscayne Bay boating, museum visits in the Design District, and dinner on the water
Owner advantage: Nonstop flights, beach access and year-round outdoor living
When to be here: Winter for peak season, early summer for calmer shores
Neighborhood focus: Waterfront enclaves from Miami Beach to Fort Lauderdale

Dusk skyline and palm trees that match the calm mood minimalist architecture aims to create in Miami vacation homes.

Miami is one of the best places to buy a second home in Florida because of its unique blend of tropical relaxation and high-end urban energy.

Pacaso spotlight: For classic Miami Beach elegance, Pacaso's Casa Estrada listing has stunning architecture and prime proximity to the water. If island living is more your speed, the Venetian property offers a private, waterfront escape minutes from the city.

2. Hilton Head, South Carolina

Vacation home category: Beach destination
Climate: Mild, humid subtropical with warm summers
Best for: Golf and tennis enthusiasts and families wanting a coastal retreat
Signature day: Morning tee time on a championship golf course, biking along the hard-packed sand, and a lowcountry seafood dinner
Owner advantage: Miles of wide beaches, access to premier golf and tennis, and a family-friendly atmosphere
When to be here: Spring and fall for ideal outdoor weather, summer for classic beach days
Neighborhood focus: Sea Pines resort area and quiet oceanfront communities

Hilton Head Island sits between Charleston and Savannah, offering a less congested escape packed with wildlife, more than 60 specialty stores and 32 golf courses.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Bald Eagle estate provides spacious layouts for family gatherings just steps from the sand, while the Seaside property has direct, private coastal access.

3. San Diego, California

Vacation home category: Beach destination
Climate: Mild and sunny nearly year-round, around 70 degrees
Best for: Beach lovers who want consistent weather and an active outdoor lifestyle
Signature day: Morning surf at La Jolla Shores, lunch in Little Italy, and a walk at Sunset Cliffs
Owner advantage: Near-perfect weather year-round, high quality of life, and easy access to a major international airport
When to be here: Late summer for the warmest ocean temperatures, or "Local's Summer" in September for fewer crowds
Neighborhood focus: The upscale cliffs of La Jolla and the lively, sun-drenched paths of Mission Bay

A photo shows the shores of La Jolla, one of the best neighborhoods in San Diego.

San Diego has the most consistent weather in the country, hovering around 70 degrees nearly year-round. The vacation rental market here remains strong thanks to high demand and limited coastal inventory.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Pacific Shores and Westbourne listings place you in the sought-after La Jolla area, while Marine Lair offers direct oceanfront proximity.

4. Charleston, South Carolina

Vacation home category: Beach destination
Climate: Humid subtropical, mild winters and hot summers
Best for: History and food lovers who want a walkable coastal city
Signature day: Strolling cobblestone streets, browsing the French Quarter, and a lowcountry seafood dinner near The Battery
Owner advantage: Historic charm, a walkable downtown, and quick access to nearby beaches
When to be here: Spring and fall for mild weather, summer for classic beach days
Neighborhood focus: Downtown's French Quarter and the quieter Isle of Palms

A photo of Charleston, South Carolina, one of the most romantic fall getaways.

Charleston regularly appears on lists of the best places to live, and it ranked in the top five of Pacaso's own most relaxing places to visit.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Paradise Palms listing sits 30 minutes outside the city on the Isle of Palms, a quick walk to the beach.

5. The Keys, Florida

Vacation home category: Beach destination
Climate: Tropical and warm year-round, with a summer and fall hurricane season
Best for: Island-living and boating enthusiasts
Signature day: Beach mornings, boating between the islands, and sunset at the southernmost point in the U.S.
Owner advantage: Miles of sandy coastline, island living, and Caribbean-style ease
When to be here: Winter and spring for the mildest weather, avoiding hurricane season
Neighborhood focus: The quiet Marlin Beach enclave in Islamorada

A colorful beach hut with casual seating in the Florida Keys, representing the relaxed, inviting atmosphere of the destination.

The Florida Keys are brimming with stories of shipwrecks and celebrities, with a Caribbean ease that's hard to find elsewhere in the U.S.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's White Marlin listing is tucked into the Marlin Beach enclave with a serene, palm-framed pool.

6. Maui, Hawaii

Vacation home category: Beach destination
Climate: Tropical and warm year-round with steady trade winds
Best for: Beach and nature lovers, and whale-watching enthusiasts
Signature day: Farm-to-table breakfast, a scenic coastal hike, and whale watching at sunset
Owner advantage: World-renowned beaches, golf access, and a laid-back island lifestyle
When to be here: Winter for humpback whale season, year-round for beach weather
Neighborhood focus: Lahaina's oceanfront enclaves

Sunset surf in Maui captures the island’s daily rhythm of water activities near Wailea and Makena, ideal for paddle and snorkel focused stays.

Hawaii and paradise are practically synonymous, and Maui is a world-renowned example: farm-to-table dining, picturesque trails and humpback whales offshore.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Lani listing features ocean views, an open floor plan, and golf access.

What are the best desert escapes for a second home?

7. Palm Springs, California

Vacation home category: Desert escape destination
Climate: Desert, hot summers, and mild, sunny winters
Best for: Design lovers and golfers seeking a winter escape
Signature day: A morning hike through Indian Canyons, browsing mid-century modern boutiques downtown, and lounging by the pool with a mountain view
Owner advantage: Iconic mid-century architecture, world-class golf and tennis, and a lively arts and culture scene
When to be here: Winter and spring for perfect sunny days and cool nights, avoiding the intense summer heat
Neighborhood focus: Historic and stylish enclaves like the Movie Colony, Old Las Palmas, and nearby La Quinta

A photo of Palm Springs, California, one of the best spots for fall vacations.

Palm Springs has long attracted old-school Hollywood elite, and the reliable winter weather still draws luxury buyers escaping the cold.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Palm Canyon and The Oasis listings capture that classic indoor-outdoor lifestyle, while Casa Del Sol in nearby La Quinta offers a tranquil desert retreat with mountain views.

8. Scottsdale, Arizona

Vacation home category: Desert escape destination
Climate: Desert, hot summers, and warm, dry winters
Best for: Golfers and snowbirds escaping cold winters
Signature day: A morning hike up Camelback Mountain, followed by a spa afternoon and a sunset dinner in Old Town
Owner advantage: Over 300 days of sunshine, access to world-class golf, and a highly stable luxury market
When to be here: Spring for the Phoenix Open and MLB Spring Training, or late autumn for perfect patio weather
Neighborhood focus: The quiet, elevated desert of Cave Creek or the sleek, central streets near the Scottsdale Waterfront

Scottsdale’s desert sunsets and mild winters set the stage for outdoor days and relaxed evenings.

Scottsdale is becoming a magnet for buyers who want to trade snow for saguaros, with year-round sunshine and strict zoning laws that preserve its rugged trails and natural beauty.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Desert Haven listing in Cave Creek overlooks the high desert mountains, while Tulum Oasis offers a modern, resort-style retreat with a private pool.

What are the best mountain and nature destinations for a second home?

9. Aspen, Colorado

Vacation home category: Nature-filled destination
Climate: Alpine, cold snowy winters, and mild summers
Best for: Skiers and those wanting a premier mountain lifestyle
Signature day: First tracks on Ajax, apres in town, and a chef's table dinner
Owner advantage: Walk-to-town access and four-mountain variety through the season
When to be here: December to March for snow, July to September for hiking and festivals
Neighborhood focus: Core town for access, slopeside for ski-first mornings

Sunset over Aspen highlights the calmer pace after peak ski season, when buyers often find more room to evaluate neighborhoods, views, and walkability without peak season pressure.

Aspen balances powder days with gallery nights, keeping real estate demand consistently high.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Aspen Grove listing is minutes from downtown, and Alpine Ridge offers a Snowmass slopeside experience.

10. Lake Tahoe, California

Vacation home category: Nature-filled destination
Climate: Four-season alpine, snowy winters and warm summers
Best for: Outdoor adventurers who want both skiing and lake life
Signature day: Skiing fresh powder in the morning, hiking scenic trails in the afternoon, and dinner with lake views
Owner advantage: Year-round outdoor recreation, distinct four-season weather, and a mix of vibrant towns and quiet alpine retreats
When to be here: Winter for world-class skiing, summer for boating, swimming, and warm beach days
Neighborhood focus: Slopeside communities in Olympic Valley and private, forested enclaves in Truckee

A bright living room with a fireplace and water views at Lakeridge shows how Tahoe interiors can support rest, reading, and unhurried evenings after outdoor time.

Lake Tahoe offers year-round appeal: deep winter snow for skiing at resorts like Palisades Tahoe, followed by warm summers for boating on the crystal-clear lake.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Sierra listing in Truckee is a secluded, forested escape, while the Majestic home in Olympic Valley places you near world-class slopes.

11. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Vacation home category: Nature-filled destination
Climate: Alpine, cold snowy winters and mild summers
Best for: Nature lovers seeking privacy near national parks
Signature day: Skiing at the mountain resort, wildlife spotting in Grand Teton National Park, and dinner near the town square
Owner advantage: Proximity to two national parks, world-class winter sports, and favorable Wyoming tax policies
When to be here: Winter for deep snow, summer for hiking and river access
Neighborhood focus: Teton Village for ski access and downtown Jackson for dining and culture

Horses graze in a field at Jackson Hole, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Jackson Hole offers both privacy and adventure as a basecamp for Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Because nearly 97% of Teton County's land is federally protected or state-owned, private real estate supply stays scarce, keeping the market stable.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Snow King listing sits steps from local dining and the slopes, and Teton Sky offers a grand lodge experience with sweeping mountain views.

12. Napa Valley, California

Vacation home category: Nature-filled destination
Climate: Mediterranean, warm dry summers, and mild winters
Best for: Wine lovers and foodies
Signature day: A sunrise hot air balloon ride over the mist, a Michelin-starred lunch in Yountville, and a private cellar tasting
Owner advantage: Proximity to San Francisco, a world-class culinary scene and a strictly limited land supply that supports long-term value
When to be here: Cabernet Season in winter for cozy firesides and fewer crowds, or autumn for harvest energy
Neighborhood focus: The quiet, elevated estates of Atlas Peak or the lush, private valleys near St. Helena

A photo of Napa Valley, California, one of the most romantic fall getaways.

If you're a foodie or wine lover, Napa Valley is one of the best places to buy a second home in California.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Infinite Road listing has sweeping vineyard views, while Arterra offers a sleek, modern hilltop escape on Atlas Peak.

13. Vail, Colorado

Vacation home category: Nature-filled destination
Climate: Alpine, cold snowy winters and mild summers
Best for: Skiers wanting a ski-in, ski-out lifestyle
Signature day: Skiing the Simba run in the morning, exploring the pedestrian village and a soak in the hot tub after
Owner advantage: Ski-in, ski-out access, a walkable village and a free shuttle system
When to be here: Winter for skiing, summer for whitewater rafting and outdoor concerts
Neighborhood focus: Lionshead for direct ski access

Vail wildflower meadow and mountain backdrop highlighting the year-round draw of owning in a ski market beyond winter weekends.

Va il lets residents live in luxury as they hit the slopes, with a pedestrian street system and free shuttle connecting your second home to restaurants, spas and shops. When the snow melts, the town becomes a summer destination full of things to do.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Lionshead listing sits just 500 feet from the Simba ski run.

14. Bend, Oregon

Vacation home category: Nature-filled destination
Climate: High desert with four distinct seasons and sunny summers
Best for: Craft beer lovers and outdoor trail enthusiasts
Signature day: Trail miles in the morning, a brewery tour in the afternoon, and a lake or golf course evening
Owner advantage: The highest concentration of microbreweries in the state and over 50 miles of urban trails
When to be here: Summer for festivals, year-round for brewery culture
Neighborhood focus: Communities near Mt. Bachelor with lake and golf course access

Be nd has the highest concentration of microbreweries in Oregon and one of the largest beer trails in the West, plus over 50 miles of urban trails.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Dancing Rock listing has epic views of Mt. Bachelor along with lake and golf course access.

15. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Vacation home category: Nature-filled destination
Climate: Alpine, cold snowy winters and mild summers
Best for: Winter sports enthusiasts who also want off-slope nature access
Signature day: Skiing the slopes, canoeing on Pearl Lake, and soaking in geothermal hot springs
Owner advantage: Prime winter sports access plus year-round nature activities in the Yampa Valley
When to be here: Winter for skiing, summer for lake and hot springs access
Neighborhood focus: A short walk from the Wildhorse Gondola

A Steamboat Springs winter sunset that reinforces the early season mood and the appeal of returning to a warm home after skiing.

Steamboat Springs is a known ski resort hotspot, but there's plenty to do off the slopes, too, from canoeing on Pearl Lake to soaking in geothermal hot springs at Old Town Hot Springs.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Morningside listing is a short walk from the Wildhorse Gondola.

16. Park City, Utah

Vacation home category: Nature-filled destination
Climate: Alpine, snowy winters and mild summers
Best for: Skiers and festival-goers
Signature day: Skiing in the morning, a gourmet dinner and an evening film screening during festival season
Owner advantage: A mix of outdoor adventure and homebound elegance, plus proximity to major events
When to be here: Winter for skiing, January for the Sundance Film Festival
Neighborhood focus: The SkyRidge Mountain community near Jordanelle Reservoir

Park City blends the great outdoors with homebound elegance, and buying here means proximity to the Sundance Film Festival, Grand Teton National Park, and Olympic Park.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Sky Valley listing sits within the SkyRidge Mountain community with panoramic views.

What are the best international destinations for a second home?

17. Paris, France

Vacation home category: International destination
Climate: Temperate, with mild summers and cool winters
Best for: Culture and art lovers wanting a European base
Signature day: Museum visits and designer shopping, capped by a three-course evening within steps of home
Owner advantage: A world-renowned cultural footprint and effortless regional connectivity via Eurostar and TGV networks
When to be here: March to June for spring culture, September to December for fashion and fetes
Neighborhood focus: The 7th for classic elegance, the 8th for grand avenues and Saint-Germain for cafe life

A city at dusk underscores quiet luxury cues for winter stays, from warm lighting to calm, layered color.

Paris rewards owners with walkable neighborhoods, rich arts and effortless access to wider Europe.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Rue du Bac listing sits on the Bel Etage of an 18th-century building in the 7th arrondissement, and the Saint Germain residence puts you in the center of Left Bank cafe life.

18. London, England

Vacation home category: International destination
Climate: Temperate and mild year-round, with frequent rain
Best for: Global travelers who want business and culture access in one city
Signature day: Gallery visits, afternoon tea, a West End show, and a late dinner in Soho
Owner advantage: Direct flights to every major hub and effortless car service access
When to be here: Spring for the social calendar, December for festive lights
Neighborhood focus: Chelsea for village charm, Mayfair for art and retail, Marylebone for calm

An image shows a flyover view of Kensington, one of the many posh areas in London.

London blends global finance and world-class culture, giving second home buyers an unmatched network effect for business and leisure in any season.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Chelsea Gardens listing sits moments from King's Road, while the King Yard Penthouse offers a refined base in prestigious Mayfair.

19. Tuscany, Italy

Vacation home category: International destination
Climate: Mediterranean, with warm dry summers and mild winters
Best for: Wine and art lovers wanting a timeless Italian escape
Signature day: Espresso in a sun-drenched piazza, a visit to the Uffizi, and a long sunset dinner in the hills
Owner advantage: High demand for luxury rentals, strict historic preservation, and world-class culinary access
When to be here: Late spring for blooming hills or autumn for the olive and grape harvests
Neighborhood focus: The historic heart of Florence for culture or the rolling Chianti countryside for seclusion

A photo of Tuscany, Italy, one of the most romantic fall getaways.

Tuscany has a timeless appeal that makes it a top choice for a second home abroad, blending art and history with rolling vineyard landscapes. Many consider the region one of the best for international family vacations, and Florence in particular acts as a stable market thanks to its architectural heritage and global tourism.

20. Madrid, Spain

Vacation home category: International destination
Climate: Continental, with hot summers and cool winters
Best for: Culture lovers wanting a walkable, well-connected European base
Signature day: A morning stroll through Buen Retiro Park, an afternoon touring the Prado Museum, and late-night tapas in La Latina
Owner advantage: Walkable historic districts, a world-class culinary scene, and effortless high-speed rail access to the rest of Spain
When to be here: Spring and fall for comfortable exploring, avoiding the intense summer heat
Neighborhood focus: The upscale boutiques of Salamanca and the historic charm of Chamberi

Madrid combines historic architecture with modern urban energy, notable attractions like the Royal Palace and world-renowned art galleries, and a culinary scene that never sleeps. Its blend of heritage, lifestyle and connectivity makes it one of the best places to invest in a second home abroad.

21. French Alps, France

Vacation home category: International destination
Climate: Alpine, cold snowy winters and mild summers
Best for: Skiers and mountain adventure seekers
Signature day: Skiing fresh alpine powder, a fondue lunch on the mountain, and relaxing by a crackling fire
Owner advantage: World-renowned ski slopes, breathtaking mountain views, and easy access from the Geneva airport
When to be here: December to April for winter sports, July to September for hiking and alpine sunshine
Neighborhood focus: Chamonix for thrilling alpine adventures and historic mountain culture

The French Alps offer true year-round appeal: heavy winter snowfall for incredible skiing at spots like Mont Blanc, followed by bright, mild summers perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Demand for luxury chalets consistently outpaces new listings, reinforcing the region's status as a reliable, high-security market.

22. Los Cabos, Mexico

Vacation home category: International destination
Climate: Desert, dry, and sunny for most of the year
Best for: Golfers and beach lovers wanting a short flight from the U.S.
Signature day: A morning round of golf on a desert-lined course, whale watching at Land's End, and dinner in the San Jose Arts District
Owner advantage: Short direct flights from major U.S. hubs, world-class resort infrastructure, and a favorable climate for year-round visits
When to be here: November to May for pristine weather and the peak of the whale migration
Neighborhood focus: The San Jose Corridor for its quiet luxury and beachfront estates

Pool and patio at Casa Bella in Los Cabos, highlighting indoor-outdoor living and the Cabo lifestyle.

Los Cabos sits where the desert meets the sea, with championship golf courses, swimmable beaches, and a dry, sunny climate for most of the year.

Pacaso spotlight: Pacaso's Playa Linda and Casa Miel listings blend modern luxury with traditional Mexican architecture, and in the exclusive Palmilla area, Palmilla and Casa Bella offer expansive ocean views and chef-grade kitchens.

What should you consider when choosing where to buy a second home?

Figuring out where to buy a second home starts with pinpointing exactly what you want out of your property. Keep a few key lifestyle factors in mind to narrow down the map and find a retreat that truly fits your needs.

Travel radius: A home within a short drive or a direct flight makes weekend getaways much easier to pull off. Keeping your travel time brief gives you more opportunities to actually use the property throughout the year.
Weather and seasonal preferences: Think about whether you want a year-round sunny escape or a destination with snowy winters and mild summers. Some destinations cater to seasonal visitors, like ski towns or sunny snowbird destinations, and can transform into quiet, locals-only spots off-season. Matching the local climate to your favorite outdoor activities ensures you get the most out of your surroundings.
Lifestyle: Does a remote home surrounded by nature appeal to you, or do you want to be within a stone's throw of urban amenities? Isolated locations are peaceful but come with fewer amenities and more drive time to restaurants. City living offers less privacy but greater proximity to good food, hospitals, and airports.
Ownership model: Exploring co-ownership is a great step if you want the luxury of a second home without full-time maintenance. Co-ownership with Pacaso gives you a true real estate asset while sharing the costs and upkeep with other owners.

How does Pacaso make buying a second home easier?

Finding the right second home destination comes down to knowing what you want and having a realistic path to get there. With the right location locked in, the next step is figuring out how to own it without taking on the full cost and responsibility of a whole home.That's where Pacaso comes in. Through LLC co-ownership, you can purchase a share (1/8 to 1/2) of a fully managed and professionally designed luxury home in the destination you keep returning to. Plus, Pacaso's proprietary SmartStay™ system provides easy and flexible online scheduling. No compromise on quality, no stress of solo management, and no wasted time in a home you're not using.Browse Pacaso listings across the top second home destinations in the U.S. and abroad, and take the first step toward making your second home a reality.

Best places to buy a second home FAQs

01: Where is the best place to buy a second home?

The best place to buy a second home is one you'll actually enjoy and that serves as a stable, long-term asset. The ideal spot fits your travel preferences (ideally a short flight or drive from your primary residence), matches a climate you love, and offers activities that keep you coming back year after year.

02: What are the best places to invest in a second home?

High-demand markets like Aspen, Napa Valley, and Jackson Hole are among the best places to invest in a second home. These locations have limited land and world-class prestige, which gives them a high level of long-term price resilience.

03: Where does Pacaso have second home listings in the U.S.?

Pacaso has listings in many of the most sought-after states for second homes, including California, Florida, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Hawaii, and South Carolina.

04: Does Pacaso have second home listings in Europe?

Yes. Pacaso has a strong presence in Europe, with luxury homes in major cultural hubs like London and Paris, plus additional destinations across the continent.

05: Does Pacaso have second home listings in Mexico?

Yes. Pacaso has several luxury listings in Mexico, specifically in the Los Cabos region, including exclusive areas like the San Jose Corridor and Palmilla.

06: How does Pacaso LLC co-ownership work?

Up to eight owners each hold a share of the home through an LLC. Each owner's share determines how much time they can spend in the home, and Pacaso's SmartStay™ system makes scheduling stays simple.

07: Is it harder to get a mortgage on a second home?

Generally, yes. It's more difficult and time-consuming to secure a mortgage for a second home than a primary residence, since lenders have stricter requirements like higher credit scores, better debt-to-income ratios, and higher down payments. Second home mortgage rates also tend to run higher because lenders perceive increased risk.

08: How do I buy a second home?

Buying a second home starts with exploring co-ownership, which gives you a luxury property without the full cost of sole ownership. Pacaso manages the entire purchase process and the ongoing care of the home, making it easy to step into the second home lifestyle without the stress of managing a property on your own.

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