Buying a second home may seem like a pipe dream, something reserved for only the most well-off. But in reality, that’s far from the truth. Buying a second home is more doable than you might think for homeowners of all income levels who are looking to make a property investment or just have a place to vacation. According to a Redfin study, demand for second homes skyrocketed over the pandemic, growing an astonishing 84% year over year.
Where you purchase your second home can make or break your investment, not to mention how much enjoyment you get from your new pad. To help ensure you make the right decision for your needs, the team at Hippo analyzed data such as median home costs, average home insurance premiums, property value gain, crime rates, and much more for the 100 most populous cities across the nation. Below, we break down the top cities in every region of the U.S. that are worth investing in.
TOP CITIES FOR A SECOND HOME
If you don’t have your heart set on living in any particular part of the country but feel you’re financially ready to buy a second home, consider any of the following cities to settle down. With low median housing prices, relatively low property crime rates and high walkability scores and comfort indexes, these cities are perfect for families and young homeowners alike.
- Fort Wayne, Indiana
- El Paso, Texas
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Glendale, Arizona
- Laredo, Texas
- Boise, Idaho
- North Las Vegas, Nevada
- Bakersfield, California
- Riverside, California
- Tucson, Arizona
To learn more about what makes these cities so exceptional, keep reading for our regional breakdown.
5 BEST SOUTHERN CITIES
There’s a lot to love about the South. From good old Southern hospitality to the best BBQ and fried chicken around, it’s no surprise that so many people are moving to this part of the country in recent years. And while places like Austin, Texas, may be all the rage, high housing prices are starting to make cities like this unattainable for the average homeowner.
Below are the top five cities in the Southern portion of the U.S. poised for an Austin-like boom over the next few years, meaning if you get in now, you will likely see a terrific return on your investment. Plus, you can enjoy all the cities have to offer in the best way possible – as a local!
#5 – Lexington, Kentucky
Median home price: $240,302
Average home insurance premium: $1,852
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 53.05%
Comfort index: 7.3
Cost of living: 89.5
Percentage of those who own their own home: 54%
Property crime rate: 471.4 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 34
Nestled in the heart of Kentucky is Lexington, a town known for its horses, bourbon and festivals that draw in sizable crowds from across the country every year. With a lower property crime rate and cost of living than the nationwide average, Lexington is a smart move for those wanting to soak in the city’s rich history, art, and culture (or just watch a derby or two). The city is even home to some of the nation’s best hospitals and colleges, making it a tremendous place to settle down no matter where you’re at in life.
#4 – Greensboro, North Carolina
Median home price: $195,842
Average home insurance premium: $1,636
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 53%
Comfort index: 7.6
Cost of living: 91.2
Percentage of those who own their own home: 50%
Property crime rate: 743.2 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 29
If you’re looking to buy a home where you can not only experience all four seasons but where both mountains and beaches are just a short drive away, look no further than Greensboro, North Carolina. Nicknamed “Tournament Town” for its vast array of college sports, Greensboro is a wonderful place to settle down if you want to get behind a great team and feel the comradery throughout the community. Add to that a low median home price, little to no traffic and a 53% increase in property value over the last 10 years, and it’s not hard to see why Greensboro made it to the fourth spot on our list.
#3 – Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Median home price: $184,934
Average home insurance premium: $1,555
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 52.83%
Comfort index: 7.6
Cost of living: 88.4
Percentage of those who own their own home: 53%
Property crime rate: 1,564.2 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 23
Who wouldn’t want to live in the town where Krispy Kreme was invented? Though it’s worth noting that Winston-Salem has much more to offer than just donuts. This hip and historic town boasts an extensive roster of attractions, exceptional restaurants and year-round entertainment made for families and bar crawlers alike. And with low housing and insurance premium averages, you’ll have plenty of cash left over to get in on all the fun.
#2 – Laredo, Texas
Median home price: $162,959
Average home insurance premium: $2,242
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 15.57%
Comfort index: 6.4
Cost of living: 82.6
Percentage of those who own their own home: 62%
Property crime rate: 267.3 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 41
Lean into the blend of Mexican-American culture and purchase your second home in Laredo, Texas, one of the southernmost cities in the U.S. With the lowest home price and highest walkability score of our top Southern cities, Laredo is a no-brainer for young homeowners who don’t have a lot of savings built up (and love exploring on foot). Plus, most of your neighbors will be homeowners too, a good sign for overall curb appeal and increasing property value. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for the most authentic Mexican food you’ve ever had and plenty of river access in the border town of Laredo.
#1 – El Paso, Texas
Median home price: $165,671
Average home insurance premium: $2,361
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 32.53%
Comfort index: 8
Cost of living: 82.2
Percentage of those who own their own home: 59%
Property crime rate: 152.6 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 41
Another Texas gem secures a top spot on our list of the best cities to buy a second home in the Southern region of the U.S. El Paso scores high on our list due to a low average home price, high ROI, high comfort index (it’s known as “Sun City,” after all) and one of the lowest property crime rates seen in all 100 cities we studied. Other reasons to call El Paso your second home include a rich culture, burgeoning culinary scene, and easy access to the Franklin Mountains and the Rio Grande river.
5 BEST MIDWESTERN CITIES
The Midwest may not be top of mind when you think of popular tourist destinations or vacation spots. But don’t count out this portion of the U.S. just yet, as Midwest is home to a lot more than meets the eye. With an abundance of natural wonders to explore and several unique foods only found in this area of the country – anyone up for cheese curds and Chicago-style hot dogs? – the following Midwest cities have plenty to offer those looking for a new place to purchase real estate.
#5 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Median home price: $163,980
Average home insurance premium: $1,541
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 77.42%
Comfort index: 6.8
Cost of living: 97.3
Percentage of those who own their own home: 41%
Property crime rate: 608.2 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 63
Set on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, takes the fifth spot for the best city to buy a second home in the Midwest. What exactly makes this city so fab? It’s seen a huge property value increase over the last decade, has a lower cost of living than the nationwide average and is a pretty walkable city. There’s also plenty of fun things to do inside Milwaukee’s city limits, from skating on an ice rink that’s bigger than Times Square to seeing the largest T-Rex skull in the world at the Milwaukee Public Museum.
#4 – Lincoln, Nebraska
Median home price: $237,557
Average home insurance premium: $2,278
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 67.29%
Comfort index: 7.2
Cost of living: 84.4
Percentage of those who own their own home: 57%
Property crime rate: 339.4% (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 43
The state capital of Nebraska, Lincoln, is another outstanding place to scoop up property and see a positive ROI. (Property value has gone up 67% there in the past 10 years). Named after former President Abraham Lincoln, this city is chock-full of historic places and museums. It also boasts a low property crime rate for a college town, meaning it’s a good choice if you’re looking to lease out your second home throughout the majority of the year.
#3 – Detroit, Michigan
Median home price: $52,905
Average home insurance premium: $3,279
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 234.48%
Comfort index: 6.9
Cost of living: 87.6
Percentage of those who own their own home: 47%
Property crime rate: 1,027.9 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 53
If you’ve got a hankering for Detroit-style pizza and love to jam out to Motown music, Detroit, Michigan, is the city for you. Hallmarked for its extensive theatre district, booming auto industry and emerging art scene, Detroit is a fine place to buy if you want a solid deal on a house (the lowest out of all the cities we studied) and plenty of things to do. But if the high crime rate has you concerned, don’t fret. Detroit is looking up, with significant drops in property crime and an extensive rise in property value over the last 10 years.
#2 – Saint Louis, Missouri
Median home price: $158,572
Average home insurance premium: $2,648
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 46.82%
Comfort index: 7.2
Cost of living: 88.4
Percentage of those who own their own home: 69%
Property crime rate: 363.9 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 65
With the highest walkability score of our top five Midwestern cities, St. Louis, Missouri scores high on our list due to a low cost of living and property crime rate, as well as a relatively low median house price. While you may be most aware of the St. Louis Cardinals and the famous Gateway Arch, you might be surprised to learn that the city is also well-loved for its plethora of beautiful parks and its own unique style of BBQ. It’s also a terrific place to bring the kids for vacations, as the city is home to The Magic House, one of the best children’s museums in the U.S.
#1 – Fort Wayne, Indiana
Median home price: $174,473
Average home insurance premium: $1,698
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 72.74%
Comfort index: 6.9
Cost of living: 86.2
Percentage of those who own their own home: 62%
Property crime rate: 367.5 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 30
Rounding out our list of best cities to buy a second home in the Midwest is Fort Wayne, Indiana, a big city with a small-town feel. This charm is a prominent part of what keeps people around – that, and a lower cost of living than the national average. If you’re looking for a noteworthy place to visit and enjoy the snow or escape the brutal summer heat seen in most other portions of the country, Fort Wayne is your best bet.
5 BEST WESTERN CITIES
The biggest region in the United States, the Western portion of our country is a melting pot of landscapes, cultures, and activities. This means if you aren’t quite sure where you want to buy your second home yet, but you know what you want to be nearby, it’s safe to assume you’ll find what you’re looking for in this portion of the country. From the bright lights and casinos of Las Vegas to the perfect temps and beaches of sunny California, there is something for everyone in the Western half of the U.S.
Unfortunately, many states on the West Coast are known for their high cost of living and sky-high home prices. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t great places to purchase property. You just might be surprised at the affordability of some of the smaller cities peppered throughout the region. Take a look at the top five cities for a second home I the West below.
#5 – Riverside, California
Median home price: $533,062
Average home insurance premium: $835
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 142.3%
Comfort index: 8.7
Cost of living: 82.1
Percentage of those who own their own home: 54%
Property crime rate: 390.7 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 42
Are you surprised to see a California city on our list? Don’t be! While housing prices may be relatively high (although extremely low when compared to its neighbor Los Angeles), the city’s affordable home insurance premiums, cost of living, comfort index and continually rising property value make investing in Riverside a no-brainer. Riverside also boasts one of the lowest costs of living and highest comfort indexes in all the cities we studied, making California dreamin’ no longer just a dream for many homeowners.
#4 – Bakersfield, California
Median home price: $315,014
Average home insurance premium: $800
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 115.76%
Comfort index: 8.1
Cost of living: 91.8
Percentage of those who own their own home: 59%
Property crime rate: 1001.9 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 34
With even lower home and home insurance prices than Riverside, Bakersfield, California, takes the fourth spot on our list of best cities for a second home in the West. Bakersfield earned an A+ rating for ethnic and economic diversity, making it a strong choice for young professionals looking to expand their real estate portfolio. Plus, the proximity to mountains, beaches, and major cities combined with a low cost of living solidifies Bakersfield as a little-known gem of the Golden State.
#3 – North Las Vegas, Nevada
Median home price: $325,485
Average home insurance premium: $1,119
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 195.89%
Comfort index: 7.4
Cost of living: 97.8
Percentage of those who own their own home: 58%
Property crime rate: 480.3 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 33
A stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip, buying a second home in North Las Vegas, Nevada, is an awesome idea for younger homeowners. Whether you want to live close to the action or you’re just planning leasing out the property to tourists to make some cash, this suburb of Vegas can be a perfect fit. And if you’re a NASCAR fan, you’ll love the proximity to the Las Vegas motor Speedway, which also hosts various dirt and drag racing events.
#2 – Boise, Idaho
Median home price: $495,485
Average home insurance premium: $1,216
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 234.78%
Comfort index: 7.3
Cost of living: 93.7
Percentage of those who own their own home: 61%
Property crime rate: 203.2 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 39
Want to own a home in a city where you can go to a jazz festival, watch minor league sports teams, and go skiing and hiking all within city limits? Then head on over to Boise, Idaho, a city perfect for families due to its low crime rate, highly regarded schools and huge property ROI. In fact, Boise saw the most considerable property value increase over the last 10 years out of all 100 cities we studied.
#1 – Glendale, Arizona
Median home price: $333,159
Average home insurance premium: $797
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 229.86%
Comfort index: 7.3
Cost of living: 94.9
Percentage of those who own their own home: 55%
Property crime rate: 557.6 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 40
A northwestern suburb of Phoenix, Glendale, Arizona, has secured the top spot in the Western region due to its affordable home insurance premiums, high property value growth rate and walkability rating. But outside of the numbers, Glendale draws people in with its fun attractions such as the West Wind Drive-In and a vast array of antique stores that have earned Glendale the nickname “Arizona’s Antique Capital.”
5 BEST NORTHEASTERN CITIES
While overall, cities in the Northeast region of the U.S. scored lower on our list than any other, there’s still lots to love about the country’s smallest region. Whether you’re looking for a second home in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan or you want to slow things down in Philly, our breakdown of the top five cities in the Northeast will help you decide exactly where to buy your next home. A big bonus? They’re all super walkable!
#5 – Newark, New Jersey
Median home price: $359,845
Average home insurance premium: $1,980
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 69.73%
Comfort index: 7.2
Cost of living: 119.1
Percentage of those who own their own home: 22%
Property crime rate: 256.2 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 79
No matter if you’re obsessed with Taylor ham rolls or just want a second home that’s close to New York without all the noise, Newark, New Jersey is the place to be. The second most walkable city on our list, Newark is also known for its famous ice hockey team, the New Jersey Devils, as well as a wide array of colleges. However, only 22% of Newark residents are homeowners, making purchasing in this area a bit of an anomaly.
#4 – New York, New York
Median home price: $662,535
Average home insurance premium: $1,045
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 53.01%
Comfort index: 7.3
Cost of living: 162.3
Percentage of those who own their own home: 33%
Property crime rate: 117.5 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 88
What is there to say about New York City that hasn’t already been said? There’s a reason thousands of movies, TV shows and books are set there, after all. NYC is pure magic, and it’s a hotspot for young professionals looking to make moves in their careers. (It’s also the most walkable city we studied.) And while you may not think of NYC as being relatively affordable – and to live there, you’d be right – but the recent pandemic has caused housing prices to drop dramatically over the past year. This means if you’ve been dreaming of owning property in the City That Never Sleeps, now’s the time.
#3 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Median home price: $221,996
Average home insurance premium: $2,946
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 63.23%
Comfort index: 7.3
Cost of living: 103.6
Percentage of those who own their own home: 53%
Property crime rate: 409.4 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 79
Often considered the birthplace of the United States, it’s safe to say there’s a lot of history packed into the bustling city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Foodies and artists alike will find plenty to do in Philly’s city limits, such as the Manayunk Arts Festival and over 300 BYOB restaurants across the city. Philly scored high on our list of second home cities due to its low housing prices, high percentage of homeownership and first-class walkability score. (Our love for Philly cheesesteaks played no factor – we swear!)
#2 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Median home price: $219,571
Average home insurance premium: $2,052
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 97.81%
Comfort index: 7.1
Cost of living: 95.5
Percentage of those who own their own home: 47%
Property crime rate: 443.2 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 63
If you want to move to one of the best cities in the Northeast, but you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg to do it, consider Pittsburgh. With the lowest cost of living of our top Northeastern cities – and low housing costs to boot – Pittsburgh is a smart move for those who want to invest in property for the very first time. Other highlights of life in Pittsburgh include impressive (but hilly) biking trails, the Carnegie Museum of Art and plenty of Steelers games.
#1 – Buffalo, New York
Median home price: $186,970
Average home insurance premium: $1,703
Property value gain over the last 10 years: 133.86%
Comfort index: 6.4
Cost of living: 101.4
Percentage of those who own their own home: 41%
Property crime rate: 629.7 (U.S. average is 500.1)
Walkability score: 68
Seated on the coast of Lake Erie, Buffalo is an excellent second home location for those wanting to enjoy the beauty of upstate New York. The city secured the top spot in the Northeastern region thanks to its super-low housing prices (the lowest out of all the top cities in this region), a cost-of-living average on par with the rest of the nation and a relatively high walkability score. It’s also the birthplace of Buffalo wings – you know, if you’re into easy access to delicious food.
GETTING COVERAGE FOR YOUR SECOND HOME
Though you may not spend all your time at your second home, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve protection. Quite the opposite, actually. Since you won’t always be around to keep watch, it’s a smart idea to beef up security and invest in proper insurance for your home. It’s also worth noting that the type of insurance you need will vary based on how often you plan on visiting and if you plan to rent it out to others.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hippo is an InsurTech company that’s reimagining home insurance through the lens of homeowners – building policies with more comprehensive coverage for today’s consumers at up to 20% less than competitors.