The Best Areas for Buying Luxury Real Estate

When deciding where to purchase luxury real estate, consider the amenities, weather, and overall lifestyle you are interested in living. 

Those with a passion for winter sports may be interested in finding a ski town tucked away in the mountains, whereas someone looking for temperate weather may be more interested in the South or a home on the beach. With so many wonderful locations to choose from, you are bound to find the perfect place for you.

Below is a list of the top 13 locations to purchase luxury real estate, giving you an idea of what life is like in each one. 

1. Asheville, North Carolina

Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina is the quaint town of Asheville. As a creative, art-forward town, residents here are as charming as they are outdoorsy. 

While the warm community is a big draw to living here, the luxury real estate market is even better. There are many luxury communities with European-inspired design elements and architecture reflecting the Biltmore Estate.  

2. Austin, Texas

Throughout the city of Austin, luxury homebuyers can find gorgeous homes of varying architectural styles and property sizes. In particular, some of the most beautiful residences sit against the banks of Lake Austin, a water reservoir stemming from the Colorado River. 

The diverse population and rich history of this city has created a blend of iconic home styles that can be found here. Typical styles include Victorian architecture, Craftsman, bungalows, Hill Country homes, Spanish and Mediterranean influence, and contemporary options.

3. Barrington Hills, Illinois 

Barrington Hills is an affluent village in Northern Illinois near Chicago. Visit Barrington Hills and you will stumble upon large estates built amongst rolling hills. The biggest benefit of living in this unique community is the access to four thousand acres of forest preserve meandering throughout the residential areas. Most of the communities have country clubs and trails for riding horses.

Stately homes with traditional brick exteriors, stone paver terraces, and multiple stories are the standard. In addition, sophisticated French-style manors are also common here. 

4. Boca Raton, Florida

Sitting on Florida’s Gold Coast is the famous seaside destination of Boca Raton. Luxury real estate properties include oceanfront or lakefront, and lush tropical landscapes. Boca is a popular destination among retirees, thanks to its warm weather and various outdoor activities that can be enjoyed throughout most of the year. 

Home architecture styles tend to be more modern. Depending on the area within Boca Raton, certain residences may have a Spanish revival or Mediterranean influence. 

5. Clyde Hill, Washington

Clyde Hills is a small community located just outside of Seattle near Bellevue. From Clyde Hill, admire the views of Lake Washington, Downtown Seattle’s skyline, the Cascade mountain range, and the Olympic mountains. Tech giants such as Expedia, Microsoft, and T-Mobile have offices nearby, lending “techies” a quiet place to live. 

Homes in Clyde Hill are set on spacious lots due to a city ordinance that requires all homes be built on lots with a minimum of 20,000 square feet. In terms of architecture, homes range from traditional French Country manors to ranch homes and modern, sleek homes. 

6. Coeur D’Alene, Idaho

At the very Northern tip of the state of Idaho you will find a serene lake town by the French name of Coeur D’Alene. Spanning the shores of a glassy mountain lake, Coeur D’Alene has miles of lakefront, forest, and mountain ranges providing picturesque views and outdoor recreation. 

Luxury real estate options range from hillside ranch homes to lakefront residences with panoramic mountain views. Reflecting the surrounding geography, a generous amount of homes have a rustic mountain or cabin flair. Features such as wood beams, neutral color palettes, and wood-burning fireplaces are common.

7. Deephaven, Minnesota

Another idyllic lakefront community, Deephaven rests on the shores of Lake Minnetonka and is 12 miles from downtown Minneapolis. Life in Deephaven feels rural and tranquil. As a small town, it provides residents with a safe and close-knit community, making it another great option for retirees. 

In recent years, there’s been a significant increase in residential construction in Deephaven. Because of its alluring outdoor recreation and lakefront living, the town continues to grow and attract new residents. The style of homes tend to lean more traditional — think cedar shingles and Craftsman-style details throughout. 

8. Del Mar, California

Del Mar is recognized as one of the top suburbs in the San Diego area. With a population of less than 5,000, this town offers an urban-suburban mix feel. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy living here because of easy access to top West Coast beaches and nature preserves that keep the surrounding area feeling wild. 

In typical California fashion, home architectural styles don’t follow a particular theme, so expect to see a variety of styles across the different neighborhoods. 

9. Edwards, Colorado

The small ski town of Edwards is home to many second homeowners who enjoy having a winter property to escape to. Edwards is situated next to Beaver Creek, one of the best ski resorts in the entire state. Outdoor enthusiasts will also be glad to discover Vail is just 14 miles away.

The majority of homes in Edwards have a ski chalet look that’s reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. Design elements include sloped rooftops, stone exteriors with dark wood trims, and expansive windows in every room. 

10. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

This coastal community is located on a scenic, private island. What’s more, life on Kiawah Island is centered around outdoor living and exceptional, world-class amenities. Notable golf courses, fantastic restaurants, and top-rated beaches are just part of a resident’s daily routine. It comes as no surprise this Island is known for being one of the best places to purchase luxury real estate. 

Kiawah Island homes are built to reflect the natural surroundings. For example, exterior earth-toned colors are standard in order to seamlessly blend manmade structures with the Island’s beauty. What’s more, each home on Kiawah is designed to provide multiple vistas throughout the home, whether it be of world-class fairways, marshland, open sea, or winding rivers. 

11. Newport, Rhode Island

Quaint, and as if from a storybook, Newport is a seaside destination known for its history, architecture, and ample activities. Residents living here partake in an adventurous lifestyle, whether they’re sailing out at sea or walking along the rugged coastline. 

The homes in Newport are Americana at its finest with shingle sidings, red brick chimneys, and colonial influences. Modest homes can be found near the town’s center, with larger estates closer to the water’s edge.

12. Park City, Utah

Park City is home to some of the best skiing in the world. Both full- and part-time residents make up this small mountain town. Enclosed by breathtaking views of the Wasatch mountains, Park City’s main street is the center of it all. Both locals and tourists alike spend much of their time dining and shopping here.

Luxury real estate in Park City comes in the form of sprawling mountain homes with spacious lots. Homes located on Main Street enjoy walkable access to top dining, shopping, and entertainment. As you get deeper into the mountains, the homes become greater, with some including ski-in ski-out access. 

13. Scottsdale, Arizona

A suburb of Phoenix, Scottsdale is one of the most well-known cities in the state. It boasts excellent golf courses, desert scenery, and an amazing nightlife. Old Town Scottsdale is the original townsite, but has gradually transformed into the city’s hub for all things eating, drinking, and entertainment. 

The architecture of luxury real estate in Scottsdale is vastly different from the other locations on this list. The homes here are truly Southwestern, with a mix of Spanish influences, Pueblo architecture, and a touch of modernity. Living in Scottsdale, you get to experience desert sunsets, lavish swimming pools, and close proximity to some of the best amenities in the Phoenix valley. 

Discover What Life is Like on Kiawah Island

We invite you to come visit Kiawah Island and discover what life can be like. Serene landscapes, elegant homes, and top-tier amenities are all right here on the Island. Come see it all for yourself and book a visit. Click the button below to get started on planning!