I live in the desert southwest in an area that is hot, dry and has few large trees. I would like to find a summer home somewhere cool, near water (any type) and with plenty of trees. My price limit is modest: <$150k, but the house need not be fancy. I would love to hear of suggestions to begin a search. Area of the country is less important than the above criteria, but access to interesting towns would certainly be a plus factor. Thanks for any suggestions about where to begin looking.

Minnesota is cool, has lots of trees and many lakes. It shouldn't be hard finding a home under $150k.

I'm a Florida resident and before retiring did a lot of looking for a "summer home". Finally decided against it and instead spend up to five months traveling every summer. When I add up the annual expenses of what a summer home would cost in maintenance (not to mention the original cash outlay and mortgage or payments), I feel I'm money ahead. I realize it's not for everyone, but offers a different possibility then the same place every year -- something I just couldn't get excited about. I thought eventually I'd do that, but as time goes on, I doubt it -- too many different places to go every year, even if it means renting and staying put a month or two someplace different each year -- and no maintenance worries.

And most important, I'm sure you know that you should go rent at least one season before buying anywhere, just to make sure it's what you want.

How about the Pocono mountain area? Lots of old growth trees, several lakes, within 2 hours of New York, Philadelphia, Jersey shore. I did a quick search and found http://www.harmonhomes.com/detail.html?2531161 and http://www.harmonhomes.com/detail.html?2530994 and http://andersonpoconorealestate.com/...ngs/l0063.html and my favorite at http://andersonpoconorealestate.com/...ngs/l0049.html

These suggestions look like a good starting place. Can you tell me what the Poconos are like in the summer (temerature wise)? Also, any thoughts on northwestern Washington? Cool summers will be an important determinant. Thanks for the input!

desertgirl,

Coastal Maine is what you are looking for....maybe the Camden area. Cool, trees, near the ocean, and access to more charm than you can shake a stick at...

desertgirl,

Coastal Maine is what you are looking for....maybe the Camden area. Cool, trees, near the ocean, and access to more charm than you can shake a stick at...

Look into the Adirondack Mountain area and towns in New York State ... Lots of lakes and trees, quaint towns, and you should be able to find something modest in your price range.

Kelleys Island Ohio. Accessible only by ferry, boat or plane.

coastal maine is the place...........as said before

My suggestion is the Petoskey/Harbor Springs area of Michigan. Another thought is the Canadian Rockies; Banff, Lake Louise areas.

Here is the url for a website which is great for finding places to live etc.

www.findyourspot.com

Haven't lived there in years, but as I recall the Poconos in summer are warm enough to enjoy water sports but not uncomfortably hot. Average temp info is online at http://www.weather.com/weather/clima...nthly/USPA1593

Areas around Durango, Silverton, Pagosa Springs, Lake City, and Leadville, Colorado are also considerations.

Pardon me if this is a repeat, but it appears that my first 4 responses have evaporated.

Northwest Washington. Bellingham Birch Bay, Whidbey Island. I have a house on North Whidbey but iam considering the Birch Bay Area.

Thank you to all posters for these suggestions. I will be researching them one by one over the coming months. I am especially interested in both Washington state and the New York and Maine areas.

If you're looking at New York State, I would recommend the Finger Lakes area. There are some very nice towns and real estate would be more affordable than downstate. Lots of choices of towns also, as this is a larage area.

before I was banned several times, I was going to also suggest upstate NY, there are tons of beautiful lakes and mountains and the housing can be extremely affordable (by NYC standards). the finger lakes would be a good starting point to look at.