Top 10 U.S. Towns Where Vacation Homes Rule the Market

Top 10 U.S. Towns with the Highest Share of Seasonal Homes

In several American towns, a significant portion of the housing stock remains unoccupied for much of the year. These seasonal homes are often owned by part-time residents and can make up nearly 100% of the housing in some areas. From beachside bungalows to mountain chalets and lakeside estates, these properties cater to those seeking temporary retreats.

The trend is particularly noticeable in popular vacation destinations across the country. Here’s a look at the top 10 U.S. towns where seasonal housing dominates the market:

1. Dewey Beach, Delaware
2. Seasonal housing share: 98.3%
3. Total seasonal housing units: 1,376
4. Permanent population: 328
5. Median sale price: $995,000

Located along Delaware’s Cape Region, Dewey Beach is known for its colonial architecture, sandy shorelines, and family-owned shops. The town has seen rapid growth since the early 2000s, with many new developments replacing farmland. While the permanent population is small, the town experiences a surge in visitors during the summer months.

1. Quogue, New York
2. Seasonal housing share: 97.9%
3. Total seasonal housing units: 1,376
4. Permanent population: 602
5. Median sale price: $10,800,000

Quogue, a small Hamptons town, offers a low-key atmosphere compared to other affluent areas. However, it is far from affordable, with high living costs and luxury amenities. The median sale price fluctuates significantly, ranging from around $2 million to $12 million in recent years.

1. Bald Head Island, North Carolina
2. Seasonal housing share: 97.5%
3. Total seasonal housing units: 1,052
4. Permanent population: 149
5. Median sale price: $2,292,500

Accessible only by ferry, Bald Head Island is a peaceful resort community. Cars are not allowed on the island, which contributes to its tranquil environment. Residents rely on golf carts, bikes, or walking to get around.

1. Barnegat Light, New Jersey
2. Seasonal housing share: 97.2%
3. Total seasonal housing units: 1,020
4. Permanent population: 473
5. Median sale price: $1,490,000

Barnegat Light, located on Long Beach Island, is known for its seaside homes, lighthouse, and miles of beaches. It is part of the iconic Jersey Shore region, which saw nearly 30% of New Jersey’s 124 million visitors in 2024.

1. Frisco, Colorado
2. Seasonal housing share: 96.9%
3. Total seasonal housing units: 2,344
4. Permanent population: 2,865
5. Median sale price: $1,095,000

Frisco is a mountain town near renowned ski resorts like Breckenridge. Its attractions include a quaint downtown, views of alpine lakes, and a marina. Despite its appeal, house prices often exceed $1 million, making it difficult for locals to afford.

1. Breckenridge, Colorado
2. Seasonal housing share: 96.7%
3. Total seasonal housing units: 5,518
4. Permanent population: 5,001
5. Median sale price: $1,107,000

Breckenridge is synonymous with skiing, offering access to five peaks and over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. During the pandemic, house prices in mountain towns skyrocketed, pricing out many locals. Other high-end ski towns like Vail, Telluride, and Aspen have slightly lower seasonality.

1. Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, Wisconsin
2. Seasonal housing share: 96.7%
3. Total seasonal housing units: 1,651
4. Permanent population: 1,633
5. Median sale price: $572,500

Fontana-on-Geneva Lake is a small village northeast of Chicago, known for its water sports and yacht club. The area has long been a getaway for Midwestern millionaires, with large estates lining the lake.

1. Innsbrook, Missouri
2. Seasonal housing share: 96.4%
3. Total seasonal housing units: 1,158
4. Permanent population: 872
5. Median sale price: $582,500

Innsbrook is a private, gated community featuring a golf course, stables, and nature trails. Its A-frame architecture reflects the style of Austria’s Tyrol region. The typical sale price is about double the statewide median.

1. Longport, New Jersey
2. Seasonal housing share: 96.4%
3. Total seasonal housing units: 1,070
4. Permanent population: 897
5. Median sale price: $2,825,000

Longport, located on the southern tip of Absecon Island, is among the most expensive places to live in New Jersey. House prices have soared in recent decades, with many homes costing $2 million or more.

1. McCall, Idaho

   • Seasonal housing share: 96.1%
   • Total seasonal housing units: 2,708
   • Permanent population: 3,847
   • Median sale price: $581,000

   McCall is a resort town on Payette Lake, two hours north of Boise. Known for its alpine wilderness and outdoor recreation, it is less expensive than nearby ski towns like Aspen but still attracts wealthy buyers.

Understanding Seasonal Housing Trends

Seasonal homes are properties used only part of the year, typically for vacations or recreation. They are common in popular tourist destinations, but demand can fluctuate based on affordability and economic conditions. During the pandemic, second-home purchases surged due to low mortgage rates, but they have since declined as housing costs rise.

Recent data shows that home sales in seasonal towns fell by 3% in July, compared to a 1% drop in nonseasonal towns. High costs have made it harder for people to maintain or purchase vacation homes, leading to a cooling effect in these markets.

These trends highlight the challenges faced by both buyers and residents in areas where seasonal housing dominates. As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, understanding these dynamics is essential for anyone considering a property in these unique communities.