Real estate agents share which locales are ideal places to live for those who like to get outside – and what the current housing markets are like there.
Grab your parkas, paddles or poles (whether for skiing or camping tents!).
According to RE/MAX real estate agents, these four U.S. cities could be ideal home bases for anyone looking to prioritize purchasing a home near easily accessible outdoor recreation. Curious what the current local housing markets are like? Read on to learn more about these near-to-nature locales.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is an epicenter for the arts, music, fine dining and local breweries, says Margaret Vestal, an agent with RE/MAX Executive in Asheville. She explains that the small city in western North Carolina has a neighborly feel and environmentally aware mindset. The area attracts a wide array of folks looking to get outdoors and enjoy a slower pace of life, and many have their sights set on Asheville to escape harsher climates and larger cities.
“The Asheville area has always drawn outdoor enthusiasts as well as those just seeking a place of natural beauty and mild weather throughout four distinct seasons,” Vestal adds. “The Appalachian, Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain Ranges are nature’s playground, and locals love to hike, mountain bike, kayak, fish, tube and camp in our abundant nearby National Forests and National and State Parks.”
The housing market in Asheville is booming, she says, but like many places, there aren’t enough homes for sale to meet the demand.
“Prices are up 20% year-over-year, and buyer demand remains high while inventory is still at record lows. It’s not impossible for buyers to find a home, but there is a strategy to it and they need to connect with an agent who understands how to win in a competitive market.”
Burlington, Vermont
Set on Lake Champlain in northern Vermont, Burlington is a city with a small town-like feel.
“Burlington has changed a lot over the last couple of decades,” says Lauren Gaffney Cohen, a longtime Vermont resident and REALTOR® with RE/MAX North Professionals. “We have a very walkable downtown shopping area and we have numerous nearby outdoor activities. In the summertime, you can bike from Burlington to Colchester and take a bike ferry to the islands on the causeway. My family loves to rent sailboats at the sailing center.”
An ideal place to enjoy four seasons, Burlington has close proximity to classic New England ski resorts like Stowe and Sugarbush and offers easy access to nearby state parks like the popular Camel’s Hump State Park.
When it comes to the housing market, Cohen recommends considering opening the home search to beyond the city limits.
“It’s definitely a challenging housing market right now. We’re facing low inventory,” Cohen says. “Living close by, however, doesn’t need to mean you live in Burlington – you can be outside of the city in the surrounding towns and still reap the benefits of going downtown or getting out to mountains, lakes and parks.”