The Surprising Geography of Vacation Homes in the US

An analysis of US Census data reveals fascinating patterns in the distribution of vacation homes across the country. Florida leads with over 800,000, followed by California and New York. However, as a percentage of total housing, New England states like Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire boast the highest proportions, exceeding 15%. Vacation homes cluster heavily along coasts, near the Great Lakes, in New England, and parts of the West. Location correlates strongly with geographical amenities like beaches, lakes, mountains (and ski resorts), golf courses, and theme parks. Surprisingly, major cities have a disproportionately low percentage of vacation homes. The study also notes that vacation home growth lags behind overall economic growth, likely due to low construction productivity and restrictive zoning regulations.