Where In The United States Is Best To Purchase A Winter Home?

May 26, 2025 By Kelly Walker

When winter weather sets in and the snow begins to fall, many people fantasize about escaping it all. Those looking for a warmer climate or winter activities may find buying a winter property in the United States the ideal answer. Yet, deciding where to buy a winter home might be difficult because of the many possibilities. This post will focus on 12 of the most desirable locations in the United States for a second home during winter. We've included places ranging from frigid mountains to warm beaches; each has advantages and charms. The environment, attractions, real estate market, and affordability will all be discussed in depth as we describe each location in great detail. If you look into these possibilities, you should be able to choose a cozy winter residence that suits your needs and interests.

A winter home is waiting for you, whether you want a quaint cottage in the woods, a seaside bungalow, or a desert hacienda.

Here Are The 8 Best Places To Buy A Winter Home In The U.S

Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley is a mecca for snow sports fans, drawing visitors worldwide for its excellent skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. This vacation spot is well-liked for more than just its relaxing hot springs and picturesque setting. Sun Valley has a robust housing market, with a median home price of about $850,000. Condominiums and townhouses, on the other hand, can be had for a lot less money.

Park City, Utah

Park City is another famous ski town that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and attractions year-round. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, and sledding in addition to the more traditional winter sports of skiing and snowboarding. Park City also has a thriving cultural scene, with events and festivals yearly. Park City has a median house price of about $1.3 million, but there are cheaper options out there as well.

Bend, Oregon

Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter sports are all easily accessible from Bend, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Many breweries and taprooms contribute to the city's reputation as a craft beer mecca. The Bend real estate market has a lot of competition, with the median property price being close to $600,000. On the other hand, surrounding urban centers and rural areas can provide cheaper alternatives.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe could be the ideal winter retreat for a city with a vibrant cultural scene. The city's rich history is reflected in the adobe buildings, art galleries, and delicious cuisine that have made it famous. Although Santa Fe has no ski resorts, there are many other things to do in the winter, such as hiking, relaxing in hot springs, and visiting museums and cultural landmarks. Santa Fe has a wide variety of housing alternatives at a typical price of roughly $550,000.

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is a great place to spend the winter if you like warmer temperatures and sunshine. This desert oasis's golf courses, hot springs, and mid-century modern architecture make it a popular vacation destination. Hiking, cycling, and discovering the charming shops and eateries in the area are all great activities for tourists to partake in. Palm Springs has a competitive real estate market, with median property prices hovering at about $650,000. Yet, you can find alternatives at lower prices in surrounding cities and villages.

Naples, Florida

Winter visitors flock to Naples for the pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, and challenging golf courses. The city's excellent standard of living extends to its shopping and dining establishments. The median home price in Naples is roughly $950,000, indicating a healthy real estate market. Yet, in neighboring communities, you can find cheaper alternatives.

Asheville, North Carolina (continued)

The charming mountain community is renowned for its scenic beauty, thriving artistic community, and beer lovers. In addition to hiking, fishing, and perusing the local boutiques and galleries, winter tourists can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at surrounding resorts. Asheville's real estate market is booming, and the median property price is roughly $390,000. On the other hand, surrounding urban centers and rural areas can provide cheaper alternatives.

St. George, Utah

Tourists searching for mild temperatures and outdoor activities flock to St. George every winter. Many national and state parks are close to the city, providing access to outdoor pursuits like hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. St. George is particularly well-known for its museums and scenic golf courses. St. George has a lively real estate market, with median property prices hovering around $500,000. On the other hand, surrounding urban centers and rural areas can provide cheaper alternatives.

Conclusion

There are many places in the United States to spend the winter, whether you want to be near the snow or the beach. Our featured locations have something unique to offer, and many also have housing choices to match various needs and budgets. It would help to consider temperature, cost of living, proximity to services, and entertainment options while selecting a winter residence. Find the ideal winter home for your family's needs and way of life by doing homework and dealing with a reliable real estate agent.