Where to Buy A Vacation Home Within Driving Distance of Long Beach CA
When it comes to buying a vacation home, location matters! Whether you’re looking for a log cabin in the woods or a home in the beach, there are some great options for you to buy a vacation home within driving distance of Long Beach, CA.
Second home sales have become increasingly popular as more and more people are realizing the long-term benefits of investing in real estate in a place where you can also have fun. What’s not to love about having a second home for weekend getaways and vacations? When determining where to buy a vacation home, it’s important to consider the lifestyle in that area, real estate prices and trends, and what exactly you will use it for. When it comes to buying a second home, the location is key – especially if you plan to re-sell or rent.
Many home owners purchase a second home and then rent it out long term or use it as an Airbnb. While this can be very financially rewarding, it comes with responsibility. If you are planning to use your second home for your own use, consider what is important to you. Do you want to live by the beach? Does the location matter more than the size? Are you planning to have guests stay there when they come to visit? Asking yourself these questions will help you narrow down your home search.
While California has endless beautiful vacation destinations, here are some of the best spots to consider buying a vacation home within 3 hours of Long Beach.
Palm Springs
This desert community has long been a popular vacation spot for Californians, especially during the winter months. Plan on spending your days playing golf, tennis, and relaxing in the famous natural hot springs or lounging by a cool blue pool. The community is quiet and offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of L.A. However, it’s also a popular retirement spot and lacks the excitement that young party goers may crave. A perk of buying a vacation home here is that you will most likely never have trouble renting it out if needed. The median sales price of a single family home was more than $600,000 in April 2023, which is actually slightly above the median sold price a year ago.
San Diego
The real estate market in San Diego has rapidly heated up in recent years and was recently ranked in the nation’s top 10 hottest real estate markets by Realtor.com. San Diego is rare in that it offers a large city hub with direct access to serene beaches. The city vibe is youthful, trendy, and laid-back. There’s much to love about San Diego, but the cost of living here is very high. In addition to the great beaches, there are wonderful restaurants and attractions including the San Diego Zoo and Legoland. It’s an excellent place to buy a vacation home. Not only is it a fun city to visit, but the demand for both short and long term rentals is high here too.
Big Bear
Two and a half hours from Long Beach, Big Bear is a beautiful place to vacation year round. However, it’s especially popular during ski season in the winter months. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, the resort community has easy access to a 7 mile lake and offers a breath of fresh air from the polluted metropolitan areas. If a log cabin in the woods, winter snow sports, and lake use sounds like your ideal vacation spot, than Big Bear is for you. The average Median Sold price of single family homes in Big Bear was more than $600,000 in April 2023, and the vacation rental industry is always hopping.
Idyllwild
Located about 2 hours from Long Beach in the San Jacinto mountains, Idyllwild is the place to buy a vacation home if you truly want to escape from the fast-paced life. With a small-town atmosphere and lots of hiking trails, Idyllwild is a great place to unwind on weekends. If you buy a vacation home here, plan on lots of rock climbing, hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors. The Median sold Price was more than $400,000 in April 2023 for a homes in Idyllwild.
Pismo Beach
Located half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Pismo Beach is a beach town community home to the largest Monarch Butterfly Grove in the state. The local saying, “What California was, Pismo still is,” rings true in this ultra laidback city. The median sold home price for a single family home in Pismo Beach was close to to $1 million in April 2023.
If you’re considering buying a vacation home in one of these locations or elsewhere in the country, let us know and we’d be happy to refer you to a great real estate agent there!
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