Attom Data Solutions recently came out with its report on the best vacation home cities in the country. Among the top 10 are cities in Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida and Maryland with median home prices of $275,000. or less. We’ll take a look at one city in each of these respective states where it’s possible to buy a summer home without breaking the bank. Attom Data Solutions also factored good air quality, comfortable summer temperatures, low crime rates, and appreciating home values into the mix of still reasonable home prices.
Berlin, Maryland – ranked 14th overall
Berlin was ranked America’s “coolest small town” in 2014. It’s also considered to be the safest and cutest city in the state. Of the top 10 “liveliest” main streets in the state, Berlin came in second. The Smithsonian consistently ranks Berlin in the top 20 small towns in the country. It was also the birthplace and home to the great Triple Crown champion,War Admiral, in 1937.
Berlin cuts a wide, deep swath when it comes to fun, recreational and cultural events for all ages. The town is artistically alive with regular Art Strolls, Lunchtime Concerts, Outdoor Movies, Concerts, the Peach Festival, the Germantown Heritage Foundation, the Farmer’s Market and daily trolley rides. Shopping and dining are considered to be “great.”
The state/county/city tax rate is 6.0%, the income tax rate range is 1.75-3.2% and the real property tax rate is $0.68/$100.
Crossville, Tennessee – ranked 1st overall
Crossville has something for everyone…it is the golf capital of Tennessee with 12 courses and 150 holes, the United States Chess Federation Headquarters and home to the Cumberland Community Playhouse, one of the ten largest professional theaters in rural America. To add to its wide ranging interests/distractions, Crossville also hosts the Highway 127 Corridor Sale, the world’s largest yard sale, every August.
The personal income tax rate is 0; the sales tax is 9.75%; its property taxes are based upon the ratio of 0.63%/$100. assessment.
Deerfield Beach, Florida – ranked 6th overall
Just south of Palm Beach County and a principal city of the Miami Metro, Deerfield has the best of both a major beach town and a major city. Like all beach towns, Deerfield Beach hosts a wide variety of festivals, celebrations, parades and special events. International visitors and locals alike take advantage of convenient transportation connections with AMTRAK and Tri-Rail.
Tuesday Nite Beach Dances, Movies in the Park, Dunn’s Run and Walk, the Country Music Festival, etc. are just a sampling of Deerfield Beach’s entertainments. Water sports galore, fishing, and the Deerfield Beach Arboretum are available year-round.
Personal income tax is 0; sales tax is 6%; and property taxes are determined at a .938% meaning that a $250,000. home would render a yearly tax of approximately $2,345.
Asheville, North Carolina – ranked 4th overall
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains as you can see from the main article photo, Asheville is often mentioned as one of the ten most beautiful places in America. It is also mentioned as one of the 50 Most Alive Places To Be, a great beer town, one of the 25 Best Places for Business and Careers by Forbes, one of the Best Outside Towns, one of the Most Romantic Cities in the South, America’s Best River Town and a great and tasty food town.
If all of this doesn’t cover it, Asheville is one of the architecturally interesting towns, specifically Art Deco, in the country. And, its job growth is predicted to grow by more than 40% over the next ten years.
Personal income tax is 5.75%; sales tax is 7%; and property tax is based upon .84%, the 20th west in the US.
