9 Vacation Rental Markets Where You Can Still Find Bargains

Scouting out the best (and most financially secure) location when purchasing a home is right up there with doing a thorough inspection when it comes to smart homeowner moves — and that applies when you're in the market for a vacation home, too.

Beyond having a go-to spot for a getaway, there are many perks to owning a vacation home: you can take advantage of the property when you want, can work from home in a stunning location, and can rent out the property when you're not using it to make some extra cash.

If you're in the market for a vacation property, consider these 9 towns where bargains are still possible.

Beach lovers will find plenty to love in this South Carolina gem — which stretches across 60 miles of South Carolina's shoreline. Despite Myrtle Beach's popularity, it is still quite affordable, with average home sale prices hovering around $282,000.

For vacationers, it offers the tranquility of a stunning southern shore alongside a lively and iconic boardwalk.

Atlantic City has a storied past; it was once a thriving beach town ideal for family getaways, suffered a major decline in popularity in the '50s and '60s, and underwent several revitalization efforts, including the legalization of gambling, construction of massive, glitzy casinos, and more.

These days, AC offers a packed schedule of activities that fill its boardwalk regularly.

Home prices are on the rise, but the average sale is still around $267,000 (much lower than other Jersey Shore towns).

Two Rivers is located along Lake Michigan and offers all the charm and natural beauty you'd expect from lakeside living in a small town.

With miles of beautiful hiking trails, excellent museums, and solid dining and brewery options, it's an ideal (and affordable) spot for a Great Lakes vacation.

Median home sale prices have been on the rise over the past year, but the current average, $190,000, is still significantly lower than the average home sale price in the U.S.

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A south Texas, Gulf Coast favorite, Corpus Christi still manages to offer quite affordable home options, with an average sale price around $265,000.

Aside from the beautiful beaches, there's plenty to do and see in the area, from the Texas State Aquarium to beachside horseback riding to the plethora of delicious dining options that range from Tex-Mex classics to local seafood specialties.

If you've been dreaming of living lakeside (at least for part of the year), Rogers City, a small town located on the banks of Lake Huron, may just be the ideal place to do it.

Home prices have remained low — with the average sale price around $118,000 — and there's plenty to do for both short- and long-term visitors. The area is known for its fishing and fishing tournaments, great food, and natural beauty.

Compared to many other hot destinations around the Sunshine State, St. Petersburg offers an ideal vacation location while still maintaining affordability.

From beautiful beaches to a thriving downtown, there is plenty to do in the coastal city — and average home prices are down a bit compared to last year, with a median sale price of $414,000.

Keep in mind, though, that while Florida has a favorable tax situation, it also has very high homeowners insurance — and it's critical to know what your home insurance won't cover.

Ocean Springs, a historic town located on Mississippi's Gulf Coast, offers a healthy mix of stunning natural beauty and landscapes and a thriving and walkable downtown.

It's located about two miles east of Biloxi and though it offers a tranquil getaway, it's also close enough (about an hour and a half drive) from major tourist draws like New Orleans.

Average home sales in the charming town are hovering around $260,000.

It might be a tranquil slice of beachside paradise in the Pacific Northwest, but prices in this picturesque small town certainly don't reflect that, making it a great place to nab an affordable vacation home.

Along 28 miles of coastline, you'll find plenty of shops, great restaurants, and entertainment.

Home prices have been on the rise lately, but the median sale price is still a manageable $323,000.

One of the oldest cities in the country, Virginia's capital is often a bucket list vacation for history buffs.

Aside from its rich history, the city has plenty to offer visitors of all sorts — including an excellent food scene, plenty of natural beauty, and a thriving arts culture.

The average home price is a bit higher than other cities on the list (around $400,000), but buyers can rest assured that they are purchasing in a hot market. And if you decide to occasionally rent out your vacation home to help pay for your mortgage, you'll have plenty of clientele.

You may be in the market for a vacation home as a way to supplement your income — and renting out your property for part of the year can be a great way to set up a passive income.

Still, investing in a vacation home can be a smart money move even if you have no plans to rent it out, as you'll avoid the many fees associated with staying in a hotel or Airbnb.