Buoyed on by the pandemic and remote working boom, vacation home sales have soared across the US, up 16.4% in 2020 compared to just 5.6% for regular residential real estate according to the National Association of Realtors' Vacation Home Counties 2021 Report. With more and more city dwellers snapping up properties they can escape to, we reveal the country's 10 hottest second-home markets, from blissful mountain idylls to sun-kissed beach destinations. Click or scroll on for more...

Situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina's Macon County comes in at number 10. It boasts everything from trout-filled rivers to sprawling forests, making it a great place for whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, hunting, and more. In 2020, home sales increased by 155.3% and prices surged 30.6%, with the median sales price coming in at $320,000.

Billed as “a serene place to be”, this delightful three-bedroom, three-bathroom Swiss chalet-style home for sale is located in the mountain community of Watuga Vista near the county seat of Franklin. Recently remodeled, the property offers all sorts of charming touches including a stone fireplace and wood-burning stove for added coziness, and best of all, it's priced below the median for the county at $299,900.

As stated on its flag, Alcona is the "First of 83" counties in Michigan and the perfect place to get away from it all. Highlights include the scenic Sunrise Coast of Lake Huron and miles of pristine forest, not to mention quirky museums and fascinating historic sites such as the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse. In 2020, home sales spiked 80.4% and the median price rose 51.5%, though it has remained refreshingly low at $150,000.

As well as the mighty Huron, Alcona County has a wealth of lakes, including Lake Hubbard, and this pastel blue clapboard cabin is located in a tranquil wooded area not far from its shoreline. Like the previous property, the three-bedroom, one-bathroom house was recently revamped and features a new roof, kitchen, and flooring. It is listed for a reasonable $149,900, so $100 under the median price for the county.

America's second-largest vacation home county, Barnstable encompasses Cape Cod and several adjacent islands. A perennially popular vacay destination, the hook-shaped peninsula wows with gorgeous beaches, quaint fishing villages, historic towns, and a whole lot more besides. In 2020, home sales were up 20.4% and prices increased by 16.1%, averaging out at a rather hefty $475,000.

How's this for a cute home? Quintessentially Cape Cod, this four-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage in East Falmouth is bursting with charm and is totally turnkey-ready with its immaculately decorated rooms. The property is on the market for $499,900, which while above the median, is still a pretty decent price for such a beautiful home in this area.

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Maryland's westernmost county is a magnet for lovers of rural pursuits, from hikers, hunters and campers to angling enthusiasts. Though it's a relatively small vacation home county, Garrett saw residential real estate sales grow 35.8% in 2020, while the median price rose by a similar figure, hitting $325,000.

Dating from 1885, this adorable three-bedroom, two-bathroom Victorian farmhouse home just outside Friendsville is a real find. Rocking a slew of original period features plus a new kitchen, siding, windows and shutters, it also offers three acres of land, as well as an age-old granary and milk house, making the list price of $339,900 a real bargain.

North Carolina's Alleghany County has an enviable position in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is famed for its southern hospitality along with its captivating highland scenery – no wonder this little piece of heaven is such a hit with second-home owners. In 2020, residential real estate sales skyrocketed 248%, though the median price increased by a far more modest 9.9%, leveling out at $219,900.

This adorable 1930s cottage in welcoming Sparta, the county seat, sits on a 1.3-acre lot adjoining the town's Crouse Park, which is the scene of regular bluegrass music concerts. Comprising three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious living room, and more, the old house was recently renovated and features refinished hardwood flooring and doors, and new lighting, wiring, and plumbing. It is priced at $239,000, which isn't far off the median for the county.

The summer playground of presidents, A-list celebrities, and billionaire tycoons, Dukes County is made up of Martha's Vineyard, Chappaquiddick Island and other picturesque isles off the Massachusetts coast. Needless to say, property here is super expensive. In 2020, home sales rose 13.8% and the median price surged to a massive $1.4 million, up 63.6% compared to 2019.

This beguiling Martha's Vineyard property is made up of two homes: a two-bedroom, one-bathroom main house and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom guesthouse, both of which feature traditional design with weathered clapboard and striking red shutters. This rustic idyll doesn't come cheap though at just less than $1.6 million.

Collier County has plenty to tempt the potential second-home owner, including the upscale city of Naples with its high-end shopping and restaurants, ravishing Paradise Coast beaches and the Everglades National Park. In 2020, home sales in the county increased by 4.6% and the median price went up 10.2% to come in at $314,000.

This Mediterranean-style two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo in Naples' Treviso Bay gated community is picture-perfect. Its top-selling points include an airy, open-plan living room and a kitchen packed with quartz countertops and the latest appliances. Adding to the property's allure, the lucky buyer will also get access to the community's excellent amenities, including a pool, tennis courts and a beauty salon. The home is priced at $349,999.

Another one for lovers of the great outdoors, Swain County is located in the Great Smoky Mountains and tourism is a primary industry there for good reason. Top attractions include Oconaluftee Indian Village and it's also not far from the ever-popular Dollywood theme park. In 2020, home sales leaped 140.7% and the median residential real estate price rose by 19.8%, averaging out at $245,000.

This cozy cabin near laid-back Bryson City offers breathtaking views of the mountains and Lake Fontana, which can be enjoyed from the deck or through the large windows. With an open-plan living area featuring wood beams and a stone fireplace, two snug bedrooms and bathrooms, it makes for the ideal mountain vacay home, though it's priced above the median for the county at $270,000.

Back to rural Michigan, Oscoda County is blessed with thousands of acres of virgin forest, miles of trails, the Au Sable River and a sugar-sand beach on the shores of Lake Huron. In 2020, home sales increased by 53.8% and the typical price rose 79.2%. That said, with the median home price just $107,500, Oscoda remains one of the most affordable vacation home counties in the nation.

The cheapest second home in our round-up, this bucolic beauty is on the market for only $125,000, reflecting the low property prices in the county. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage, which is located in Lewiston's Garland Golf Resort, has a good amount of living space with wood-paneled walls and ceilings, as well as other attractive features.

America's hottest vacation home real estate market taking first place in the ranking, Lee County on Florida's Gulf Coast includes the cities of Fort Myers and Cape Coral, and has much to offer, including magnificent beaches, nature preserves, amusement parks, museums, you name it. In 2020, home sales were up 10% and the median price increased 12.3% to a not overly excessive $247,000.

Situated in Fort Myer's Paseo, an award-winning gated community, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom Spanish-style apartment has an elegant living area and comes with a semi-private pool out back and a sunny front patio to kick back and relax on. The property is on the market for $232,000, well below the median sales price for the county. We don't know about you, but we're in the mood for a well-deserved vacation now!

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