Looking for that perfect summer home? Maybe it’s a cabin in the mountains, a lakeside retreat, or the perfect place for a seaside retreat. 

A summer home not only means having a place to stay in a fabulous vacation destination anytime you like, but if you don’t plan to use it all summer, you might be able to rent it out for part of the season to earn some extra money. If that’s a primary motivating factor, a recent report by GoBankingRates.com revealed the cities that can yield an especially high return on investment. 

Whatever it is you’re looking for, simply a destination for fun, a place to maximize profits, or both, there are some fabulous spots in the South to fulfill your dream. 

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs was named for the natural wonders that initially attracted visitors to the area. But there’s more than soothing thermal waters here. You’ll find striking natural beauty, opportunities for all sorts of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, a wide range of dining options, shops, and more. 

Combined with the many reasons people are attracted to this Arkansas town are that the homes are surprisingly affordable with a high rental yield percentage. Average rental incomes according to the report mentioned are nearly $12,000. 

Charleston, South Carolina

One of the most beautiful southern towns with its cobbled streets, moss-draped trees, and grand historic mansions, Charleston has often been named among the top destinations to visit in the world. It’s been called America’s friendliest city, is globally recognized as a thriving culinary destination, and it provides access to gorgeous beaches too. No wonder so many who visit tend to return again and again.

If you purchase one of the Charleston houses for sale, your summer home can be ideal for beating the heat by catching cool ocean breezes from your porch or a beach chair. You might wake up to wood storks and egrets along a picturesque tidal creek or kick off your flip-flops at a beachfront home to dip your toes in the sand. After dark, theres a vibrant nightlife scene, particularly in the districts of King and East Bay streets.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the country’s most visited national park making it ideal for those who want to enjoy its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and endless hiking trails. With so many tourists arriving, it provides one of the best returns on investment for a second home.

There are many log cabins in this area, providing the opportunity to own that picture-perfect cabin in the woods at a more affordable price range with budget-friendly overhead costs than what you’d find in many other places. Over time, you’re likely to reap big financial rewards, too.

St. Augustine, Florida

America’s oldest city, founded in 1565, St. Augustine lies along Florida’s east coast north of Palm Coast, providing access to beautiful beaches while bringing a high rate of return on investment. Plus, median home sale prices are relatively low compared to other markets. 

While this city does get hot in the summer, you can take surfing lessons and hit the waves to cool off, go sailing and take in spectacular summer sunsets from the water, watch fireworks along the bay on the 4th of July, and enjoy the live music on St. George Street.

Published: 2022-02-17 12:08:18