Posted on 05 December 2023
The best mountain towns to buy real estate in the USA are nothing short of spectacular. Acting as winter ski towns, from spring to autumn, many also attract outdoor enthusiasts and buyers who want to experience the best of the great USA outdoors. From investment properties to vacation homes with gorgeous mountain views, the USA mountain real estate market is growing in popularity as the trend of urban living ends.
Additionally, more people are looking to buy mountain homes to rent out for vacations. Short-term rentals are another investment choice that can be profitable if done right. From summer biking and hiking trails to winter ski resorts, here are the best places for buyers to experience mountain living in the US all year round.
Best Mountain Towns to Buy Real Estate in the USA
1: Gorgeous Views in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs doesn’t have a ski resort in itself. Still, the larger region of Colorado has 28 ski resorts that count as the best ski destinations in the USA. Many are also within a two-hour drive. Otherwise, Colorado Springs, at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, provides residents and prospective buyers with breathtaking views of Pikes Peak, a famous mountain in the United States.
Pikes Peak, standing over 14,000 feet (4,300 meters), is a prominent mountain popular with tourists. The Pikes Peak Highway allows visitors to drive to the summit or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway for scenic train rides. Additionally, the Rocky Mountain National Park is a short drive away. Colorado Springs has experienced population growth in recent years, attracting residents seeking quality lifestyles and lower living costs compared to some other cities in Colorado. There is much to see and do, and local property owners feel right at home.
2: Suncadia in Washington
Suncadia, a resort community in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, USA, is near Cle Elum, approximately 80 miles east of Seattle. Suncadia offers stunning views of surrounding mountains, forests, and the Cle Elum River, that make getting up in the morning worth it. Suncadia’s leading golf courses are the Prospector and Rope Rider Golf Course.
Both courses complement natural landscapes and provide challenging play for golf enthusiasts, but for other activities, enjoy biking, fishing, horse-riding, and snowshoeing in winter. The Cle Elum River and nearby lakes also offer opportunities for water-based activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding.
In winter, guests enjoy activities like skiing at nearby Snoqualmie Pass, while the focus shifts to golf, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits in summer. Suncadia provides luxurious and recreational escapes in picturesque mountain settings. Whether visitors seek outdoor adventures, relaxation, or both, Suncadia offers comprehensive resort experiences at costs that don’t break the bank.
In addition to vacation rental investment, Suncadia offers real estate options for those interested in owning property within the resort community. This includes custom homes, homesites, and condominiums at reasonable costs.
3: Blue Ridge in Georgia for Culture
Blue Ridge, a charming mountain town in northern Georgia, sits in the Appalachian Mountains. Blue Ridge boasts scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a quaint downtown area. Surrounded by the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, buyers and visitors have stunning views, especially during fall when the foliage is vibrant.
The Toccoa River flows through the area, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and tubing, and there are numerous hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail. Lake Blue Ridge is nearby and ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming, while Aska Adventure Area, belonging to Chattahoochee National Forest, offers additional hiking and biking trails.
For scenic journeys through the mountains, hope on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, and at the end you can also rent cabins for overnight stays. Enjoy festive atmospheres in winter, and outdoor adventures and water activities are popular in the summer. Overall, Blue Ridge, Georgia, is peaceful and scenic for mountain retreats and outdoor adventures, and an ideal place to own a mountain home.
4: Mammoth Lakes in California
Mammoth Lakes, a famous resort town in the Eastern Sierra region of California offers property buyers stunning alpine scenery. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes, including the Eastern Sierra peaks and the Mammoth Mountain, an active volcano, the town sits near several pristine lakes, like Lake Mary, Convict Lake, and June Lake, adding to the area’s natural beauty.
The town is a year-round destination. In winter, Mammoth Mountain is a premier skiing destination, offering diverse ski areas and an ideal investment spot for ski property. The ski resort offers various terrain, including challenging slopes and terrain parks. In summer, Mammoth Mountain transforms with trails accessible by chairlifts, and activities include biking, fishing, golfing, and water sports on the lakes.
The region around Mammoth Lakes features natural hot springs for visitors to relax while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and other prominent nature spots include Inyo National Forest, providing ample hiking and camping opportunities and being home to the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. Whether skiing down the slopes, hiking through alpine meadows, or simply taking in mountain views, Mammoth Lakes offers reasonable costs and a diverse and picturesque experience for residents and tourists alike.
5: Dramatic Views from Avon in Colorado
Avon, a town in Eagle County, Colorado, in the central part, sits near the stunning Rocky Mountains, and attracts people from all over the USA with outdoor recreation, proximity to ski resorts, and access to the scenic Eagle River. Additionally, the region offers lower costs than other hotspots. It belongs to the Vail Valley, a region famous for its world-class ski resorts and year-round activities. It is near the Beaver Creek Resort and premier ski resorts that offer excellent skiing in winter and transforms for biking and other activities in summer.
Avon also features Nottingham Lake, surrounded by parks that are popular spots for paddleboarding, fishing, and other water activities in summer, while in winter, it may freeze over, allowing for ice skating. The town features several walking and biking trails, providing opportunities to explore the surrounding area’s natural beauty. While Avon is widely recognized for winter sports and activities, don’t underestimate it, because it is a vibrant destination year-round. Enjoy the area’s beauty in all seasons, with hiking, golfing, and festivals during warmer months.
Avon also acts as a gateway to the larger Vail Valley, allowing easy access to Vail town and the renowned ski resort. The Vail Valley easily attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking for mountain getaways. Overall, whether enjoying winter sports, exploring the natural landscapes, or attending community events, Avon provides diverse and welcoming mountain town experiences.
6: Jackson Hole in Wyoming For Ultimate Vacations
Jackson Hole, a picturesque valley in northwestern Wyoming, is one of the more expensive mountain towns for costs. Still, it has much to offer. Surrounded by the western Teton Range and the eastern Gros Ventre Range, Jackson Hole offers buyers stunning mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and vibrant Western atmospheres.
Jackson Hole, the southern gateway to Grand Teton National Park, boasts iconic mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. In contrast, the Grand Teton, the highest peak in the Teton Range, dominates landscapes. Jackson Hole is also close to Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, where visitors take day trips to explore geothermal features, wildlife, and the natural wonders of Yellowstone.
In winter, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a world-renowned destination for skiing, offering challenging terrain and breathtaking views. During warmer months, activities include biking, fishing, and whitewater rafting. Jackson town features a classic Western-style town square with arches made of elk antlers at each corner, and embraces its Western heritage, so experience cowboy culture through rodeos, dude ranches, and events like the Jackson Hole Rodeo.
Snow King Mountain, near Jackson, also provides additional skiing opportunities. Teton Village, at the foot of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, serves skiers and snowboarders in winter with various lodging, dining, and shopping options. In summer, attention turns towards zip-lining, biking, and hiking. Lastly, Snake River flows through Jackson Hole, offering scenic float trips, fishing opportunities, and dramatic landscapes.
7: Charming Whitefish in Montana
Whitefish, an affordable mountain town in northwestern Montana in the Flathead Valley near the Canadian border earns fame for natural beauty, activities, and welcoming communities. Formerly known as Big Mountain, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers excellent skiing in winter and biking, zip-lining, and scenic chairlift rides during summer, while Whitefish Lake, is where to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking in crystal-clear waters.
The surrounding area offers numerous biking trails, providing opportunities to explore the stunning landscapes of the Flathead Valley. The Whitefish Trail system is popular among outdoor enthusiasts, and the Glacier National Park via the park’s west entrance is where to explore Going-to-the-Sun Road and marvel at the park’s glaciers, alpine lakes, and wildlife.
Overall, the town easily attracts locals and visitors seeking relaxed mountain town atmospheres. The downtown area of Whitefish gives off quaint charm, with historic buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and several dining options. Central Avenue is the main street, lined with shops and cafes. You will definitely find a beautiful mountain home here.
8: Park City in Utah for the Best Skiing
Park City, a vibrant mountain town in Summit County, Utah, just a short drive from Salt Lake City, attracts buyers with world-class ski resorts, activities, and a historic downtown. Park City’s ski resorts include Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort. The town gained international attention by hosting alpine skiing events during the 2002 Winter Olympics but residents also enjoy biking, hiking, golfing, zip-lining, and hot-air ballooning.
The extensive trail system around Park City offers some of the best mountain biking is this is proved in the status of Gold-Level Ride Center credited by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Whereas golf enthusiasts also enjoy the picturesque golf courses in and around Park City, such as the Park City Golf Club.
The historic Main Street of Park City, a charming and well-preserved area, is lined with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars, and Park City also hosts the Sundance Film Festival, held annually in January. Alongside outdoor activities, expect thriving arts and cultural scenes with numerous galleries, theatres, and art events like The Kimball Arts Center. Overall, this is a destination that ticks all the boxes you want for a second home location.
9: Lake Tahoe in California for the Best Scenery
Lake Tahoe, in North America’s Sierra Nevada Mountain range, straddles the border of California and Nevada. Just a 3-hour flight from San Francisco, boasting clear blue waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and offering various recreational activities, Lake Tahoe is popular year-round with reasonable monthly rent. The 22 miles long and 12 miles wide lake, with a maximum depth of about 1,645 feet, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and second-home buyers.
Chairs and fire pit overlooking the Edgewood GC on a winter day in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Visitors enjoy several activities, including skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. In winter, Lake Tahoe is a premier destination for skiing. The region features several world-class ski resorts, including Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California Resort, and Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. Tahoe Rim Trail, a 165-mile-long hiking trail, circumnavigates the lake, providing panoramic views and access to the region’s diverse ecosystems during summer.
The Lake Tahoe area is dotted with charming towns and villages to explore on your house hunting endeavours. South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe are significant hubs, each offering shopping, dining, and entertainment. Whether house hunters seek outdoor adventure, relaxation on the beach, or entertainment at the casinos, the stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it popular for house prices and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
10: Asheville in North Carolina for Affordability
Bryson City is famous, but people head to Asheville, a city in western North Carolina, for more affordable alternatives on the vacation rental market. Asheville sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the largest city in Western North Carolina, surrounded by mountains, forests, and the French Broad River. Often celebrated for arts and culture, the city’s art galleries, studios, and craft shops are mainly in the River Arts District.
The region also attracts outdoor enthusiasts with activities like hiking and whitewater rafting. The nearby Pisgah National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. One famous landmark in Asheville is the Biltmore Estate. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, this grand mansion is the largest privately owned home. The Biltmore Estate includes beautiful gardens and a winery.
For those who like to dine out, Asheville’s thriving culinary scene includes farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and a vibrant food culture. At the same time, the city’s beer scene has also gained recognition, and Asheville has been named “Beer City USA” several times. Asheville has lively music scenes, with numerous venues hosting performances, including bluegrass, folk, and indie music, and the city often hosts various events and festivals.
Asheville is often characterized by its progressive and eclectic atmosphere. It has an open-minded reputation and welcomes diverse lifestyles. Downtown Asheville, a vibrant area with historic architecture, shops, cafes, and street performers, adds to the city’s unique character.
11: Big Sky in Montana – The Firm Favourite
Big Sky, a picturesque mountain community in southwestern Montana, is a good choice for those looking for rental revenues from their investment. Big Sky is characterized by vast meadows, dense forests, and stunning mountain vistas in the Rocky Mountains. The Gallatin River flows through the region. Big Sky is near the northwestern border of Yellowstone National Park and one of the most famous and ecologically diverse USA national parks.
Big Sky offers several recreational activities, including skiing, snowboarding, biking, and fly fishing. It is a significant draw for winter sports enthusiasts, featuring extensive ski terrain and winter activities. The Big Sky Resort is one of America’s largest ski resorts, offering various slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The resort’s extensive network of ski lifts and Lone Peak Tram provides access to challenging terrain.
Yellowstone, a private residential community and ski resort near Big Sky, is about exclusivity. The members-only club with luxurious amenities, including a private golf course and ski slopes, is relatively small but has experienced growth in recent years as a recreational destination for mountain lifestyles. At the same time, surrounding areas offer scenic drives of breathtaking landscapes, including Gallatin Canyon Drive and the route to Yellowstone National Park.
12: Boyne City to be Near the Mountain Resort
Boyne City, a charming city on the eastern shore of Lake Charlevoix in northern Michigan, has decent vacation rental markets and average home prices. The town, surrounded by natural beauty, offers outdoor recreational activities, making it ideal for those who want vacation rental property. Lake Charlevoix provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water sports. At the same time, the nearby Boyne Mountain Resort offers skiing and golfing.
Boyne City is near Boyne Mountain Resort, a popular year-round destination that attracts winter fame for its ski slopes and, in warmer months, offers golf courses, zip-lining, and mountain biking. The Boyne Thunder Poker Run attracts boating enthusiasts, and the Boyne City Pirate Fest is family-friendly. The Boyne City Farmers Market is popular with both locals and visitors, as it features fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local goods.
Boyne City’s history dates from the 19th century, and visitors explore historical sites and learn about the area’s heritage, including its Native American and logging history. The city and surrounding areas offer parks, trails, and camping in Young State Park. Boyne City’s combined natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and community spirit make the region attractive for peaceful retreats or outdoor adventures in picturesque settings.
Also About Ski Property
Which Country is Best for Ski? That is our list of the best mountain towns to buy real estate in the USA, but advanced skiers are always eager to know which country has the best ski resorts, slopes and conditions. They analyse every ski destination to discover whether it can deliver excellence for ski lifts, varied terrain, off-piste skiing, and ability levels. Well, one hot spot ranks year after year as the disputed king.
What Do Buyers Want from a Ski Resort: To cater to ski property buyers seeking winter retreats, it is critical to understand what buyers want from investment properties. While preferences like the purchase price may vary, certain purchasing decisions universally contribute to successful experiences. By understanding these purchasing decisions and delivering on them, destinations set themselves apart from the competition and stand out to potential purchasers seeking international property.