Top 9+ Underrated Areas to Get a Vacation Home

From knowing you will always have a place to stay when you travel to never needing to pack a suitcase, there are so many reasons to invest in a vacation home. It's exciting to find a destination that makes you want to return time and time again, but why settle for only the most popular locations? If you're thinking about purchasing a second home for yourself or to rent out from time to time, you should think outside the box. Consider these under-the-radar areas that will make you want to visit as often as possible.

1) Encinitas, California

1) Encinitas, California, 3) Lake Carey, Pennsylvania, 4) Taos, New Mexico, 5) Ellicottville, New York, 6) Bend, Oregon, 7) Sausalito, California, 8) Pensacola, Florida, 9) Corpus Christi, Texas

A hip beach community known for its world-class surfing, Encinitas, California is just 30 minutes north of San Diego. Between the countless restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and outdoor activities, there's never a shortage of things to do, and the weather is gorgeous all year round.

3) Lake Carey, Pennsylvania

1) Encinitas, California, 3) Lake Carey, Pennsylvania, 4) Taos, New Mexico, 5) Ellicottville, New York, 6) Bend, Oregon, 7) Sausalito, California, 8) Pensacola, Florida, 9) Corpus Christi, Texas

Named for the 182-acre lake at its center, Lake Carey, Pennsylvania is a quiet lakefront community with a charming, small-town feel. Though the city was a popular vacation destination in the 1800s, it has flown under the radar more recently.

4) Taos, New Mexico

1) Encinitas, California, 3) Lake Carey, Pennsylvania, 4) Taos, New Mexico, 5) Ellicottville, New York, 6) Bend, Oregon, 7) Sausalito, California, 8) Pensacola, Florida, 9) Corpus Christi, Texas

Situated in the high desert of northern New Mexico, Taos is best known for its historic architecture, art galleries and museums, and abundant outdoor recreational activities. Visitors and locals all enjoy rafting, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and countless other adventurous options.

5) Ellicottville, New York

1) Encinitas, California, 3) Lake Carey, Pennsylvania, 4) Taos, New Mexico, 5) Ellicottville, New York, 6) Bend, Oregon, 7) Sausalito, California, 8) Pensacola, Florida, 9) Corpus Christi, Texas

A lesser-known ski destination in Upstate New York, Ellicottville lies at the foot of Holiday Valley, only minutes from HoliMont Ski Club. The tiny town is just as lively in the warmer months as in the winter, with a bustling restaurant scene, winery, and seasonal adventure park.

6) Bend, Oregon

1) Encinitas, California, 3) Lake Carey, Pennsylvania, 4) Taos, New Mexico, 5) Ellicottville, New York, 6) Bend, Oregon, 7) Sausalito, California, 8) Pensacola, Florida, 9) Corpus Christi, Texas

Home to ski resorts, hiking trails, and an extinct volcano, Bend, Oregon offers seemingly endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The city is filled with craft breweries, wildlife exhibitions, and a buzzing arts and culture scene, making it a great locale for people of all ages.

7) Sausalito, California

1) Encinitas, California, 3) Lake Carey, Pennsylvania, 4) Taos, New Mexico, 5) Ellicottville, New York, 6) Bend, Oregon, 7) Sausalito, California, 8) Pensacola, Florida, 9) Corpus Christi, Texas

Sausalito, California provides the perfect blend of small-town charm with access to San Francisco. Located only forty minutes from northern California's Wine Country, Sausalito is home to water activities, hiking, world-class dining, and plenty of boutiques for those who prefer to shop than swim.

8) Pensacola, Florida

1) Encinitas, California, 3) Lake Carey, Pennsylvania, 4) Taos, New Mexico, 5) Ellicottville, New York, 6) Bend, Oregon, 7) Sausalito, California, 8) Pensacola, Florida, 9) Corpus Christi, Texas

If your dream vacation destination is one with white, sandy shores and seemingly endless sunshine, Pensacola, Florida is the best place to be. In addition to Pensacola's natural splendor, it's home to enough restaurants, shopping, and entertainment to be your home away from home.

9) Corpus Christi, Texas

1) Encinitas, California, 3) Lake Carey, Pennsylvania, 4) Taos, New Mexico, 5) Ellicottville, New York, 6) Bend, Oregon, 7) Sausalito, California, 8) Pensacola, Florida, 9) Corpus Christi, Texas

Situated along the Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi, Texas is rich with sunshine, sights, and the sea. The city features activities the entire family can enjoy, like fishing, windsurfing, sailing, and paddle boarding.

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