The Empire State has no shortage of idyllic towns to make your second home. From the majestic Adirondacks to the postcard-worthy beaches of the Hamptons and the bucolic Hudson River Valley, New York truly has it all. The Empire State boasts 180 state parks that are home to lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, making it a prime destination for water sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, its three major mountain ranges—the Adirondack, Catskill, and Appalachian mountains—create a hiker’s paradise. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, New York’s charming small towns offer something for every type of traveler. With so much appeal, it’s not surprising that more buyers are opting to invest in a vacation property here.

According to a recent report by Redfin, demand for second homes in the state is up 35% since before the pandemic, with prices rising 20% year over year to a median of $513,000.

If you’re seeking a home away from home, we’ve rounded up the most popular places in New York to buy a vacation home.

Skaneateles Lake

The Finger Lakes area—comprising 11 glacier-formed lakes, many gorges, and waterfalls—remains a preferred vacation destination for travelers craving a laid-back vibe and gorgeous views.

“The village of Skaneateles is considered the ‘jewel’ of the Finger Lakes region,” explained Ellen O’Connor of Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty. There are waterfront restaurants, majestic lake views, quaint shops, and elegant historic homes. Skaneateles Lake is considered one of the cleanest in the United States and is home to some of the most spectacular residences in the Finger Lakes region.”

She noted that eight of the top 10 most expensive homes sold in the last 12 months in the Finger Lakes region were on Skaneateles Lake, which had the highest sale of $13 million. Inventory of available properties is limited. Multiple offers are the norm, and buyers have to submit extremely competitive offers to secure a home.

Mid-Hudson Valley

Located less than a two-hour drive from Manhattan, the Mid-Hudson Valley is known for its rich history and scenic landscapes dominated by the beautiful Hudson Highlands. Tour the area’s many historic mansions, attend an open-air art show or a play, or explore the region’s vibrant food and wine scene.

“Vacation seekers can find exactly what they’re looking for—dreamy country cottages, farms, and estates to rent or buy,” said Heather Croner of Heather Croner Real Estate Sotheby’s International Realty. Popular second-home destinations include the villages of Millbrook and Rhinebeck.

Thousand Islands

Comprising more than 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River between Canada and New York, the Thousand Islands offers over 100 miles of coastline—a true outdoor enthusiast’s dream vacation destination. Activities such as scuba diving, world-class fishing, boating, camping, and hiking thrive here. The area’s rich historical and cultural heritage adds another dimension, spanning Native American sites, opulent Gilded Age homes, castles, and forts.

“The Thousand Islands area is easily accessible by car, creating increased demand for getaway vacation spots,” said Robin Lucas of Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty. “Low interest rates have also bolstered this demand. Our local marinas are now experiencing a shortage of dock space and boat inventory compared to previous seasons.” If you wish to make the Thousand Islands your home, act quickly—homes typically go under contract within one to two months of being listed.

The Hamptons

The East End of Long Island, known as the Hamptons, has long been a favorite destination for summer vacationers. With miles of pristine beaches, cultural events, world-class dining, designer shops, and charming villages, this region has become a prime choice for second-home buyers. The surge in demand experienced over the past two years has been unprecedented. In 2021, the average home price in the Hamptons reached $2,803,562, an increase of 19.3% from 2020, according to Shannan North, an associate broker with Brown Harris Stevens, Luxury Portfolio International.

“In the current climate, if a property is priced correctly from the start, interested buyers must move quickly,” explained North. “This rapid pace is unusual for a traditional second home market, but has become the norm as buyers increasingly make the Hamptons their primary residence.” For a more laid-back vibe, consider Montauk, a small hamlet known as the East Coast’s premier surfing and fishing destination.

Upper Hudson Valley

Referred to by many as upstate New York, the Upper Hudson Valley is nestled between the Catskills and the Berkshires. Excellent restaurants, farmers markets, breweries, wineries, and boutique hotels attract travelers eager to enjoy stunning river and mountain views in a peaceful environment.

“Each county has its own charm. Columbia County has seen a boom in popularity with Hudson—a city featuring fabulous restaurants, eclectic coffee shops, and boutiques—as well as hamlets like Old Chatham,” said Nancy Felcetto, a broker with Brown Harris Stevens. The area, already popular pre-pandemic, is now experiencing an influx of buyers even from the West Coast, with almost double the luxury home sales in 2021 compared to 2019 in Columbia County.

Lake Placid

The scenic Lake Placid in the Adirondacks has been a hub of resort activity for decades. Having hosted two Olympic Winter Games (in 1932 and 1980), the area continues to attract sporting events. In winter, visitors can enjoy ski jumping, skiing, bobsledding, and luging; summer offers numerous opportunities for hiking and water sports.

Additionally, the area is less developed than other popular vacation hotspots, providing homeowners with stunning views in a private setting. However, this limited inventory correlates with rising prices, as noted by Margie Philo, a real estate broker and owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Adirondack Premier Properties. “During COVID, people felt particularly safe here thanks to the fresh air and outdoor lifestyle. We have seen a surge in sales from the Manhattan tri-state area, with many purchasing homes sight unseen and establishing remote work arrangements, leading to permanent residency,” said Philo.

Ulster County, Catskill Mountains

With its Hudson River shoreline, Shawangunk Mountains, and Rondout Valley, Ulster County promises year-round excitement for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, skiing, camping, and boating are prevalent activities, complemented by culinary farm-to-table experiences that delight food aficionados.

“When prospective buyers inquire about our region, I emphasize our ‘farmstand speeches,’ portraying the size and charm of our community,” explained Laurel Sweeney, an associate broker at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nutshell Realty and a long-time resident of the Catskills and Hudson Valley. The average and median sale prices of properties continue to rise—$442,000 and $360,000, respectively, in 2022. As inventory dwindles, buyers should prepare to offer more than asking prices if they find a desirable home. Interestingly, four of the homes she recently sold went for above asking price, with Woodstock, Gardiner, and Marbletown recording the highest average sale prices in 2021.