Luxury Living: The Best Places to Purchase a Vacation Home in the Carolinas

When identifying the best place to buy a vacation home, the lifestyle the location affords should be at the top of your list. At the end of the day, your time spent at the property should allow you to enjoy all of your favorite activities and amenities –– you are on vacation after all! 

Here in the Carolinas, we have soaring mountain peaks in the West and miles of sandy shorelines in the East, offering homeowners the best of both worlds. So, no matter what lifestyle you’re looking to experience, you are always well connected to the region’s top destinations.   

To help you get started on your search for a second home, here are a few of the best places to buy a vacation home in the Carolinas.

1. Asheville, North Carolina 

Widely recognized across the country for its eclectic atmosphere and ideal location, this mountain gem is a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers residents outdoor adventure around every turn. 

From the Blue Ridge Parkway, you have access to panoramic viewpoints and endless miles of hiking trails. This easy connection makes it the perfect place to explore charming mountain towns scattered along this scenic route. In the city, the arts take center stage, offering visitors and residents alike a front-row seat to the countless art shows and events held throughout the year. The city is also known for its culinary and craft brewery scene and was recently named #1 for Top Food Destination and #14 for Best Cities by Travel and Leisure. So, if you’re looking for a great place to socialize and meet new people, Asheville is the place to be.  

Homes in The Asheville Region vary from quaint mountain cottages to grand estates located along mountain golf courses. In some communities, such as The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, home buyers have the opportunity to build the custom home of their dreams. Trust us, you can’t go wrong with a vacation home in Asheville! 

Related: 7 Reasons to Consider Living in Asheville

2. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

For those who prefer the sound of crashing waves and the soft sand beneath their toes, Kiawah Island is known as one of the most desirable places in the Carolinas to own a beach vacation home. The island boasts a diverse landscape that makes for spectacular views throughout, including ocean, marsh, maritime forest, and river vistas. This rich landscape makes Kiawah Island one of the world’s top golfing destinations and home to the 2021 PGA Championship.

Home buyers can choose from a variety of property types, including single-family luxury homes, villas, cottages, and even homesites for building a custom property. Once a homeowner, you are given the unique opportunity to join the exclusive Kiawah Island Club. Among the amenities available to club members are access to state-of-the-art golf courses, clubhouses, award-winning restaurants, private events –– and much more!

3. Greenville, South Carolina

Located in the Upstate region of South Carolina, Greenville is one of the best places to buy a vacation home if you’re looking to be in between both the mountains and the region’s lakes! In recent years, this city has gained popularity as a top place to visit in the Carolinas –– with many choosing to make it their permanent home. With some of the state’s finest hospitals and healthcare facilities, top-ranked school systems, and the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, this city boasts a quality of life that is unparalleled. For those looking to live near the city, both our Mountain and Lake Regions at The Cliffs are just a short drive away from Greenville –– offering a wide range of luxury properties.

With its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and large cities like Charlotte and Columbia, this area offers the best combination of natural and urban amenities. Right in the downtown area, the Falls Park on the Reedy offers visitors and residents easy access to hiking and cycling trails, gardens, and other recreational activities close to the city. One of the latest parks to open in Greenville is Unity Park, with 60 acres of green space, playgrounds, and pedestrian paths located West of the downtown area. Once in the historic downtown, the streets boast tree-lined avenues scattered with fine dining venues, cozy cafes, boutiques, and antique shops — perfect for a day out on the town.   

Read More: 7 Reasons to Consider Living in Greenville, SC

4. Clemson, South Carolina 

Surrounded by Lake Keowee, life in Clemson offers lake living at its finest –– creating another wonderful option for a vacation home in the Upstate region. From tailgates to art shows, a stroll through the state’s botanical gardens, or an evening on the lake, this vibrant college town offers endless entertainment –– making it a great place to unwind and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Clemson is only a short drive from The Lake Region at The Cliffs. Here, lakefront homes showcase views of the water framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. So, if you’re looking to make a splash on your vacations, be sure to take this Southern city into consideration for your next home! 

Related: Living in Clemson: Mountain & Lake Living in South Carolina

The Cliffs: Find Your Dream Vacation Home in One of Our Seven Communities 

With seven locations in both Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, The Cliffs is one of the best places to buy your next vacation home. Whether you’re looking for mountain living, or prefer being by the water, we have exactly what you’re looking for. And, with club membership you have access to all seven clubs, multiplying the luxury amenities you can enjoy!  

During the time you’re not at The Cliffs, your property can be a rental to other members with our Cliffs Home Rental Program led by our private property management company. Not only does this allow you to generate income when away from your home, but it also gives members the opportunity to stay in other communities at The Cliffs, and take advantage of all they have to offer.

So, if you’re ready to find the home you always dreamed of, simply browse our available properties online and start planning your next vacation!