Best places to buy a vacation home in Florida

Kissimmee has ranked on several of our Best Places to Buy reports and for good reason. Visitors to the Kissimmee area, which also encompasses nearby Davenport, have a plethora of activities at their fingertips. Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios Resort, and LEGOLAND are all a short jaunt away. But, if you’re not into the amusement park scene, fear not. Old Town Kissimmee is a place where time slows down as visitors stroll through 18 acres of beautiful brick streets flanked by tall trees. Those looking for a more adventurous experience have plenty of options as well: hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking are all central to Kissimmee’s offerings. Boasting a cap rate of 6.9% and median home prices in the $250,000 range, Kissimmee promises to deliver both vacation rental revenue and memorable experiences for guests.

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Located in the northwest corner of Florida, Navarre welcomes visitors to the area with 12 miles of white-sand shoreline punctuated by emerald waters. The main attraction of Navarre is best captured in just one word: relaxation. The area’s award-winning beaches are named among the nation’s best year after year, and it’s been noted that crossing the Navarre Beach Bridge feels like you’re journeying into absolute bliss. Start the morning off right with yoga atop a paddleboard in the bay. Then, take a turn fishing along the longest fishing pier in Florida, which stretches more than 1,500 feet. If it’s a bum day for catch, you’re sure to be entertained by views of the area’s rolling dunes. The short-term rental market is a bit smaller in Navarre, driving the median sale price up to $382,000, but it’s worth every penny.

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Located just off the northeast coast of Florida, Amelia Island is a barrier island that has become a favorite of Florida travelers for a variety of reasons. Golfers looking to take to the links can find courses of every skill level, while those looking to lounge can relax in one of the island’s transformational spas. The food and dining scene on Amelia Island is second to none and features tastes for all palates, from fresh hamachi sushi to Southern culinary staples. While all Florida destinations are family-friendly, Amelia Island might better serve guests seeking a peaceful retreat from the little ones in luxurious surroundings. Those looking to buy on Amelia Island will pay a little more, as the median home sale price hovers around $450,000.

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Key West lies at the southernmost tip of the U.S. and is known for a variety of things critical (for many) to a fun vacation: sun-soaked beaches, a lively nightlife scene, historic sites, and great food. Guests to the area can take in their colorful surroundings all while relaxing in a town that feels like it took a step back in time. This is best experienced through a stroll on Duval Street: a one-mile stretch known as the heartbeat of Key West, with many restaurants, shops, world-famous pubs, and attractions. An insider tip to enjoying Duval: prepare to be waitlisted for some of the area’s most popular eateries. Once you’ve filled up, take nearly any form of transportation (sailboat, jet boat, kayak, paddleboard, or even parasail) to experience Key West’s idyllic waters. Key West’s average home sale price is the highest on our list at just over $650,000, but hopefully, the $60,000 average vacation rental income will soften the blow.

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This South Walton neighborhood is another classic Florida charmer. One might argue that the best way to enjoy a Miramar Beach vacation is simply to kick back and soak up the sun. The soft sand and warm water of Florida's Emerald Coast await guests at their doorstep, and there are plenty of options in the area for fishing, boating, and other water activities. Emerald Bay Golf Club offers peaceful fairways graced by ocean breezes and homes in the area often provide access to tennis and swimming pools, too. Shoppers can peruse the popular Silver Sands outlets for bargains or spend the day at Spa Sandestin finding their zen. The ninth-ranked market on our Best Places to Buy a Vacation Home in Florida list yields a stable 4.6% cap rate.

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