Best places to buy a beach house in 2019

Topping our list is a small town on the coast of Washington State. If that doesn't immediately conjure up images of tropical breezes and suntanned skin, you’re right. Known as the Razor Clam capital of the West, Ocean Shores is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventure on its stretch of beaches and waterways. If all this wasn’t enough, Ocean Shores’ strong cap rate of 7.6% earns it the #1 spot on our list.

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This Atlantic coast gem is a popular Southeast vacation rental destination for its natural beauty and variety of activities. Myrtle Beach calls for swimming, sandcastles, deep-sea fishing, and dolphin cruises, so the region truly has something for everyone. Even those who prefer to stay on the green can find a bounty of golf courses engineered by some of the world’s top golfers and architects, including Robert Trent Jones and Arnold Palmer. When searching in Myrtle Beach, look for vacation rental properties that are near water of any kind; oceanfront and channel-front homes are going to generate the most income. A boat dock is also a major plus for potential renters who want to take full advantage of the ocean blue.

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Turquoise waters and 27 miles of sugar-white sand beach… We need not say more, but we will. Panama City Beach in Northwest Florida is a popular vacation destination for those in the South and the Midwest, ensuring a steady stream of vacationers throughout the year—especially around spring break. A surge of development means fewer historic homes and more high-rises, but PCB remains high on the real estate investment list. Roughly 30 miles northwest lies one of Travel + Leisure’s top five favorite towns in America, Santa Rosa Beach. Known for its classic appeal and access to nature, families seeking a coastal Americana experience will be at your vacation rental door.

Explore Panama City Beach and Santa Rosa Beach beach houses and cottage rentals, and learn about buying a vacation home.

Positioned on the Florida/Alabama state line, Gulf Shores has a variety of features that draw potential vacation rental guests to the area. Popular day trip destinations are within miles, unique yet family-friendly activities abound, and popular concerts and food festivals beckon the millennial traveler. For these reasons and more, Gulf Shores is a year-round destination and vacation rental bookings remain high. In this area, there’s a vacation home for everyone. While median home price sits around $400,000, explore your options—a condo property could yield the returns you are seeking, but so could a three-bedroom home.

Explore Gulf Shores vacation rentals and learn about buying a vacation home in Gulf Shores.

When buying a vacation rental on Galveston Island, you better learn the lingo. Both “BOI” (born on the island) residents and “IBC” (islander by choice) residents take pride in living on the island. In both cases, locals welcome tourists, and while there are plenty of hotels on the island, vacation rentals reign supreme. With a median home price hovering around $300,000, vacation home buyers should not only act on available properties quickly, but come check them out for themselves. Galveston homes bring bright colors and interesting architecture, which make for great vacation rental listing photos. The same goes for Port Bolivar, which lies just north across the water. A laid-back, drive-on-the-sand community awaits.

Explore Galveston and Port Bolivar beach house rentals, and learn about buying a vacation home.

There’s not much mystery about why to buy a vacation home in Hawaii. Travelers flock from around the world to experience the inherent beauty of the islands and to take part in a myriad of activities and sightseeing opportunities. The Aloha State has been a dream place to invest for decades, but what makes Kauai so unique is its cap rate, which is typically around 5.4%. While there are regulations to consider, a two-bedroom vacation condo is a commonly sought-after accommodation among travelers, and most condos near the ocean are vacation-rental-friendly. If a condo doesn’t suit your buying needs, fear not. All homes on the North Shore area of Princeville are also zoned for short-term vacation rental stays.

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Swimming, sunning, and socializing near the Atlantic have put Ocean City on “best beaches in America” lists for years. In addition to hitting the sand, travelers can enjoy an expansive, three-mile beachfront boardwalk that’s home to local shops, restaurants, amusement parks, and arcades—all accessible by foot or bike. Those who are seeking a bit more action will find it. Surfing, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are all available in Ocean City. Vacation home buyers in this market should keep one thing in mind: water. While Ocean City has a diverse inventory of vacation homes, being near the ocean or the bay is key in driving bookings. Can’t swing it? A pool or boardwalk access will help increase your stays.

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While each vacation rental market has a distinct personality, Key West might have one of the most memorable. The area’s architecture and laid-back feel bring travelers back to a simpler time. This tropical paradise, known for breathtaking sunsets and spectacular reefs, is also home to world-class kayaking and scuba diving. The vibrant nightlife and local fare also add to the draw of the area, and after-dinner walks on the beach are a must. The vacation home inventory in Key West is diverse but holds a steady cap rate at 5%. Whether you settle on an old Victorian, a conch house, or an upscale condo, Key West delivers on vacation rental revenue.

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The Florida Keys are the perfect place to unwind, umbrella cocktail in hand. Sunny and spectacular, the Keys have a variety of things to offer. But, if you’re looking to invest in a vacation rental, look no further than Marathon. Located square in the middle of the island chain, you can find Marathon on the other end of the famous Seven Mile Bridge. There, travelers can indulge in every water sport imaginable—from paddleboarding and fishing to diving and snorkeling. Vacation rentals between Marathon and Long Key are plentiful, so if you’re looking to stand out and get the most on your vacation home investment, look for a pool, a deck, or a dock.

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Cocoa Beach hangs its (sun) hat on being one of the most affordable beach destinations in Florida. Located on the Space Coast and just an hour east of Orlando, Cocoa Beach lures travelers with unique activities and experiences. Into nature? Hop on a kayak or an airboat and get in touch with the area’s wildlife. History buff? Check out Kennedy Space Center, the U.S. Space Walk of Fame and Museum, and the Air Force Space and Missile Museum, which are all nestled in Cocoa Beach and ripe for exploring. With these activities and Disney World just an hour away, search for homes with multiple bedrooms and large spaces for families to relax after a day of exploring.

Explore Cocoa Beach vacation rentals and learn about buying a vacation home in Cocoa Beach.