The top luxury vacation home markets for 2024 have been identified by Pacaso‘s fourth annual Top Vacation Home Markets Report. By analyzing second home-to-primary house ratios, rate lock growth, and price trends for properties costing more than $700,000, the research identifies the top 20 counties in the U.S.
“The destinations on this year’s list really capture the breadth of the luxury vacation home market,” said Austin Allison, CEO and Co-Founder of Pacaso. “Legacy destinations remain as timeless as ever, Florida’s panhandle is solidifying its status as a favorite for vacationers, and Manhattan is resurging as a place where buyers are doubling down on second-home investments. These aren’t just weekend getaways anymore—they’re lifestyle investments for people looking to create endless cherished memories with friends and family.”
Cape May County, New Jersey, which is home to famous beach communities like Ocean City and Avalon, leads the list of the top 20 markets for vacation home growth this year with a second-home to primary house ratio of more than 150%. Walton and Gulf counties in the Panhandle of Florida are the top coastal choices, surpassing former top picks like Palm Beach and Collier counties.
In the west, picturesque counties that are close to U.S. National Parks, such as Washington County, Utah, which is close to Zion National Park; Coconino County, Arizona, which is home to the Grand Canyon; and Gallatin County, Montana, which is near Yellowstone National Park, demonstrate the ongoing and increasing demand for travel destinations that are close to outdoor recreation and scenic beauty.
“As 2024 comes to an end, mortgage rates are starting to ease, home purchase applications have hit their highest levels since January, and growing inventory is helping drive more transactions. We’re seeing strong indications that demand for both primary and secondary homes will continue to grow into 2025,” Allison said.
Cape Cod (Barnstable County), Newport, Rhode Island (Newport County), Maui (Maui County), and the Carolinas’ Beaufort and Charleston counties—which draw wealthy second-home purchasers with their classic Southern charm—are also highlighted in the research as having enduring appeal.
To view the complete report for more data, charts, and methodology, click here.
