Florida is home to some of the world’s best vacation spots, so it’s not surprising that 9 of the 10 top cities for vacation homes are in Florida, according to Zillow.
We all need an occasional vacation, and a chance to escape from the stresses of day-to-day life with family and friends. Staying in hotels, inns, and B&Bs can be a lot of fun; however, there’s nothing quite like getting away from it all in your very own vacation home.
A vacation home gives you all the fun and adventure of a vacation, while also giving you the feeling of familiarity and comfort that comes from staying in your own home. Plus, vacation homes have income potential when you are not on vacation, which helps to offset the cost of a second home.
The Sunshine State is home to the top cities to own a vacation home. In fact, 9 out of the top 10 U.S. cities for vacation homes are in Florida. So, let’s take a look at the top cities in Florida to own a vacation home.
Miami Beach
Of course, we can’t talk about vacation homes without talking about Miami Beach. The iconic city has premium real estate for vacationers from far and wide. Vacation homes make up a staggering 24.9% of the market with 17,509 vacation homes overall and a median value of $366,800.
Pompano Beach
North of Miami Beach, you’ll find the popular city of Pompano Beach, home to numerous beaches and marinas as well as an offshore coral reef. You’ll also find 10,794 vacation homes making up 18.7% of properties with a median home value of $214,000.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is near the Everglades, as well as home to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and famous upscale hotels and restaurants. Fort Lauderdale is the vacation spot that keeps on giving. It boasts 15,170 vacation homes with vacation properties making up 16.2% of the local market. The median value of a vacation home in Fort Lauderdale is $312,900.
Cape Coral
Famous for its manatees, aquatic birds and opulent Yacht Club, Cape Coral is a hugely popular vacation spot. In fact, 15.8% of all homes in Cape Coral are vacation homes. That’s 13,627 in total with a median value of $227,800.
Boca Raton
Located on the southeast coast, Boca Raton is an ever-popular destination for vacationers from all over the country and beyond. With ample golf courses, parks and beaches as well as the Red Reef Park, it’s easy to see why. Here vacation homes make up 13.1% of homes with 7,122 in all and a median value of $339,100.
Hollywood, FL
Hooray for Hollywood! No, not that one, the one in Florida. The one that has the stunning Anne Kolb Nature Center with its characteristic mangrove trails and the palm tree-lined Broadwalk. The one with the thriving Art and Culture Center and the surprising multitude of fine vacation homes. You’ll find 8,416 vacation homes in all, making up 12.3% of housing. Median home value here is $277,500.
Largo
As one of the largest cities in Pinellas County, Largo has grown exponentially since the 1960s and now has a plethora of vacation homes. 5,640 of them to be exact! They make up 12.3% of overall housing and their median value is $195,800.
Clearwater
Located in Tampa Bay, Clearwater is well known for its stunning beaches and bevy of luxurious vacation homes. Making up 12.2% of all homes in the city, there are 7,072 vacation homes in total with a median home value of $211,100.
West Palm Beach
The stylish and cultural city of West Palm Beach has much to tempt vacationers, but it also has a great many homes in which they can lay down their heads after shopping in the CityPlace District. You’ll find 6,020 in total with a median value of $238,600 making up 11.6% of all homes.
Finance a Vacation Home
Of course, in order to call any of these great cities your second home, you’ll need to finance your new vacation home. Here’s how you do it;
- Know the requirements. A vacation home must be 50 miles away from your primary residence. If you plan to rent out your vacation property, it will technically be an investment property with different rules.
- Qualify for a vacation home loan. There are specific mortgage products for vacation homes. You’ll need to put a significantly higher down payment on a vacation home than you would on a primary residence – usually 10-20% and at least 20% for an investment property.
- Know your options. If you’d rather not take out a vacation home loan, there are other options available like a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), cash-out refinancing on your home’s equity, or even going in with friends and sharing the property.
Marimark Mortgage
Marimark Mortgage is based in Tampa, Florida and serves the mortgage needs of homebuyers, homeowners, and investors in Florida, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
We specialize in conventional home mortgages, FHA, VA, and USDA mortgage options, refinance loans, and reverse mortgages. We’ve worked extensively with cash-out refinancing and help clients to lower their monthly mortgage payments.
To get started with a mortgage to buy your next home, please fill out our Quick Mortgage Application, or contact us direct.
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