Summer is almost here on the east coast. It’s a time when we see city dwellers flee for more small-town getaways, and for those looking to make the most of these next few months of warmer weather, it often makes sense to invest in a summer home. The region offers a little something for everyone, whether you’re after a secluded lakeside mountain retreat or an easily commutable coastal New England beach bungalow.
If you’re not already sold on a specific market, summer vacations are a great way to sample new markets and turn a favorite vacation spot into your next home. We’ve taken a look at five different markets in five different states to serve as the starting point in your search for the perfect summer home:
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
A port city on the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth is a regular on New England’s best getaways lists and has been named among America’s top 25 beach towns. As a historic maritime town, Portsmouth is rife with museums, stunning architecture and beachfront living. It’s also garnered quite the foodie reputation in recent years, named by USA Today as the third-best small-town food scene in the country.
Tightening inventory has already begun to drive sales prices higher in Portsmouth, but stable interest rates through the end of 2019 could encourage real estate investment.
Portland, Maine
Portland is set on a peninsula extending into Casco Bay along the Southern shore of Maine. The port city still features working fishing wharves, but also offers an up-and-coming food, culture and arts scene. It’s been named as one of TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Cities on the Rise multiple times and is known for its coffee and craft breweries. Unsurprisingly, Portland has also been recognized by Jetsetter Magazine as one of America’s Coolest Small Towns.
Housing supply is short in Portland right now, however, sales prices have not increased as they usually do in times of low inventory. Buyers here may be able to snag their dream homes at an ideal time, before sales prices rise to meet demand.
Lake Placid, New York
A former Olympic venue, this Adirondack Alpine village continues to attract outdoor enthusiasts year round. The summer months bring boating, swimming and hiking (Lake Placid is home to the “Best Hike in New York State”), combined with a quaint downtown area featuring a locally sourced food scene, wine tastings and antique shops. For those who prefer a secluded mountain getaway to sandy beaches, Lake Placid is the place to be.
Buyers here can expect mountain chalets and elaborate cabin-style lakefront homes reaching multi-million dollar price points.
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Gloucester is a coastal city on Cape Ann located just northeast of Boston. The area is home to many beaches and parks, as well as America’s oldest seaport and working art colony. This perhaps unexpected combination draws fisherman, families, artists and visitors alike to the rugged coastal fishing town. The waterfront dining and seafood here is top-rated, as are the many art festivals that take place during the summer months.
From the sprawling historic estates along Gloucester’s coveted Back Shore to the oceanfront homes on Magnolia’s iconic Shore Road, Gloucester is the destination for buyers in search of the classic summer in New England experience.
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Thirty minutes from Newport, Narragansett is a picturesque seaside town that’s known for more than just its namesake brew. Several beaches and the area’s famous (still operational) lighthouse, Point Judith Light, makes this locale quintessential New England. In fact, Narragansett was voted New England’s best beach town by Boston Globe readers last year.
Narragansett has become a quiet enclave for professional athletes and CEOs, with a range of housing inventory comprised of classic colonials to waterfront estates.
From oceanfront views to lakeside mountain cabins, sandy beaches to impressive bluffs, every buyer is sure to find a market that matches their own version of the perfect summer home destination.