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7 best places to buy a vacation home in Florida

Published Date: March 12, 2024

Aerial view of luxury vacation home with the Miami skyline in the background
With year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and endless attractions for every traveler’s interest, there’s a lot to love about Florida. And while Florida has plenty of full-time residents, it leads the country in second homes. According to the National Association of Home Builders, there are more than a million second homes in the Sunshine State. 

Luxury vacation homes by the beach

Florida has so many great second home destinations, it’s hard to know where to start. If you’re considering buying a vacation home in Florida, here are seven destinations you’ll want to check out.  

1. 30A

Also called the Emerald Coast, the region known as 30A spans 20 miles of the Northwest Florida coastline. It’s named for the road that connects area towns, including Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, Grayton Beach and WaterColor. The area is popular among second home owners in search of beautiful white-sand beaches, impossibly blue-green waters and a slower pace of life. Its Florida Panhandle location makes this area a convenient vacation home location for homeowners throughout the South. 

2. Delray Beach

Located between West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, Delray Beach offers the perfect blend of outdoor recreation, pristine natural spaces and cultural activities. This town of 60,000 was voted Most Fun Small Town in America by USA Today, and you’ll quickly discover why. Delray Beach has an eclectic restaurant scene, a walkable downtown and an incredible range of live music venues. Atlantic Avenue, known by locals as “The Ave,” is bursting with local boutiques, galleries, spas, breweries and more. 

3. Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is the perfect second home destination for those who believe that the best days are those with plenty of fun in the sun. Located 30 minutes north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale wows with 24 miles of beachfront, restaurants with cuisine from all over the world, and the walkable Fort Lauderdale Ale Trail, which features 50 breweries and taprooms. Cultural offerings abound, thanks to venues like the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District. 

4. Marco Island

Spend your vacation days surrounded by the beauty of the Florida Everglades. A barrier island located off the southwest coast of Florida near Naples, Marco Island is a relaxing getaway with something for everyone. During sun-soaked days, explore the Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge by kayak, take a sportfishing excursion in the Gulf of Mexico, go bird watching at Tigertail Beach or enjoy some upscale waterfront shopping at the Esplanade Shoppes. 

5. Miami

Cosmopolitan, multicultural and action-packed, Miami is a one-of-a-kind vacation destination. Second home owners in South Florida’s biggest city have a world of opportunities at their fingertips. Miami has a wide range of neighborhoods, so it’s easy to find a vacation home to fit your style and lifestyle. Maybe you’ll choose trendy South Beach, colorful Little Havana, beautiful Miami Beach, historic Coconut Grove or exclusive Coral Gables.  

6. The Florida Keys

Nowhere in the world is quite like the Florida Keys. With a distinctly Caribbean vibe, a laid-back lifestyle and a colorful history, The Keys attract would-be second home owners. Because the archipelago spans 125 miles, there’s an island town to fit every buyer. Key Largo is prized for its convenience — it’s just an hour from Miami. Watersports enthusiasts and anglers may choose the Middle Keys for its incredible sportfishing and colorful offshore reefs. For a truly remote getaway, consider buying in Key West, the southernmost point in the United States.  

7. West Palm Beach

Like many parts of Florida, West Palm Beach is a popular second home destination, especially for those enjoying their retirement years. With an average of 238 days of sunshine, West Palm Beach is the perfect place to enjoy all your favorite hobbies. Golf at more than 20 courses within the city limits and some 75 more within 20 miles. Sink your toes into the sand at local beaches including Lake Worth, Juno Beach and Ocean Reef Park. And on that rare rainy day, find shelter at the Norton Museum of Art or the Flagler Museum. 

Factors to consider when buying a second home in Florida

Choosing a destination is just one of the many decisions you’ll need to make on your journey to buying a vacation home in Florida. Here are a few more things you’ll want to keep in mind. 

1. Home type

Florida’s second home real estate market includes a wide range of home types, from sprawling estates in gated communities to oceanfront condos, and everything in between. As you start your search, consider what’s most important to you. For some people, a low-maintenance property like a high-rise condominium is more appealing than a large house, even if it means having a smaller living space.

2. Amenities and lifestyle

Swimming pools are one of the most popular amenities second home buyers look for in Florida, but there are plenty of others to consider. What’s on your wish list? Perhaps it’s a private boat dock, home gym, private golf course access, space for entertaining or a dedicated work-from-home office space. Simply put, your second home’s location and amenities should reflect the way you like to spend your free time. 

3. Affordability

As one of the most popular destinations in the United States, it’s no surprise that real estate in Florida doesn’t come cheap — especially if you want to live close to the beach. Some Florida destinations are considerably more expensive than others, so having some flexibility with your target destination can put more homes within reach. 

4. Rental potential

Some second home owners aim to offset ownership costs by renting out their second home when they aren’t using it. If this appeals to you, be sure to do your research on rental potential and regulations in the city you’re interested in. A local real estate agent can be a huge help here. They’ll be able to tell you what types of properties appeal most to renters, how often you can expect bookings and what rules you’ll need to follow.  

5. Accessibility 

Second home owners in Florida come from all over the United States, and beyond. But how often you’re able to use your second home often comes down to how easy it is to get there. You may find you’ll get more use out of a vacation home that’s close to a major airport or within easy driving distance of your hometown. 

6. Low season experience 

While Florida does boast plenty of year-round sunshine, there are seasonal variations to consider. People sometimes make the mistake of buying a second home in a destination they’ve only visited under ideal conditions. Take the time to experience your favorite Florida destination in non-peak seasons, like during the heat of summer or the unpredictability of hurricane season. 

Discover co-ownership with Pacaso

Buying and owning a Florida vacation home doesn’t have to be a solo pursuit. When you buy with Pacaso, you can enjoy all the benefits of second home ownership without all the hassle — or the full price tag. Each Pacaso home has a maximum of eight owners, giving everyone plenty of access to the home while splitting both the upfront purchase price and ongoing maintenance. Every Pacaso home comes fully furnished and expertly decorated, and includes the services of a local home manager. Luxury Pacaso homes are available across Florida and beyond.
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Jen Lyons

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