Warm, sunny weather seems all too enticing after the doom and gloom of winter.

Perhaps you dream of sunbathing by the beach, enjoying freshly caught salmon, and the smell of saltwater. Or maybe you want to run through a natural open field, surrounded by awe-inspiring greenery treasured by its city.

There are many places to call a second home, but not all of them can impress you. That’s why we’ve listed some of the best places for vacation homes located in southern U.S. states.

Let us lead you to your second humble abode. All of these cities feature warm climates and friendly folk but have their own charms that earn the loyalty of their residents.

Santa Barbara, California

Population: 91,616

If you want a quintessential taste of Southern California without the corporate buildings or heavy traffic, then consider a home in Santa Barbara. The city’s commercial buildings don’t reach a great height and are typically built with Spanish-Mediterranean mission-style architecture. This gives Santa Barbara a sense of quaintness despite its diverse city features.

Santa Barbara is coveted for its mild weather, gorgeous beaches, and well-reputed seafood. The city’s natives often profess that they’d never dream of leaving.

At Santa Barbara, you could learn how to surf, eat great food, and walk along the pier — all while enjoying a city that emphasizes a rich history at every turn. Consider one of their beach vacation homes so you can enjoy a daily stroll by their lagoons.

Tallahassee, Florida

Population: 191,279

Whether you’re young or old, it's hard not to love Tallahassee. You might want to retire here, but Tallahassee is also loved by the bright-eyed students from its two large universities, Florida State University and Florida A&M.

Residents also don’t need to embark on long commutes to their destination, and the city offers a great selection of entertainment. If you’re a sports fan, you can also enjoy the passionate college sports scene provided by Tallahassee’s sizable student population.

Tallahassee’s a city, but not an overbearing one. It’s got the markers of a metropolis without diminishing its natural roots. This makes the city perfect for those that want a beautiful green view without the typical sleepiness of the countryside.

Of course, if you’d like to enter a more pristine, quieter area of Tallahassee, they’ve got lush new homes for sale. These luxury vacation homes can shield away from the main city’s loud hum while still benefiting from the country air.

Nashville, Tennessee

Population: 1,249,000

Nashville's perfect for those that want to oscillate between nature and urbanity. The city offers homes that are both suburban and noble while boasting a downtown area with a rich music scene.

Not only that, but Nashville is much cheaper to live in than most other US cities. So if you want to rent a lovely home without shelling out top dollar, then Nashville's your place. Of course, a gorgeous home needs beautiful scenery, and this city doesn’t disappoint.

Between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rainbow Falls, Lover's Leap Waterfall, and more — you get to totter between a luscious natural landscape and a sleek, cool urban area. There’s a reason why Nashville’s out-of-towner growth has spiked exponentially in 2020.

Journey to the Best Places for Vacation Homes

If you’re getting bored of the same scenery, then it’s probably time to change it. Scour one of these best places for vacation homes and stake your claim. Life is short, and if you have the means, you should also make it fun. 

Swap your coat for tennis shoes or a swimsuit, and find a place you can call a second home. You might even want to make it your only home.

Did this article inspire you to make a lifestyle change? Then check out the rest of our blog! We've got plenty of other information on how to make life a little more interesting.