Travel and Leisure's 7 Best Places to Buy a Vacation Home in North Carolina

Whether you're after idyllic mountain vistas or pristine beaches, the Old North State has it all.

By Dobrina Zhekova, March 22, 2022

With more than 320 miles of coastline, dozens of lakes, and some of the highest peaks of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina is a natural gem and one of the best states to invest in a second home. In fact, a recent Vacasa survey of the top 10 places to buy a waterfront home featured two North Carolina destinations — Corolla, which ranked second, and Hatteras Island, at number seven.

But even if you're not interested in laying on the beach all day or hiking up mountains, the Old North State will not disappoint. North Carolina is steeped in history and culture, and its culinary heritage is legendary (barbecue, anyone?). Plus, with close to 400 breweries, 80 craft distilleries, and 200 wineries, the state will leave you in high spirits.

Surrounded by the scenic and lush Blue Ridge Mountains, this charming area offers visitors year-round golfing, tennis, boating, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing, and spectacular views. Just be prepared for some competition when you decide to make Lake Lure your home away from home.

"Lake Lure is a really hot area for vacationers — one of the fastest-growing in the U.S.," says Lane Robbat, a broker with Premier Sotheby's International Realty. The median list price has increased almost two-fold since last year to $699,000, according to data from real estate website 

So, if you'd like to make North Carolina your second home, read on for a list of the best, expert-recommended places to invest in a vacation property.