Would you rather have a 2nd house by the ocean or in the mountains?
Dec 27th, 2006, 10:21 AM
#1
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Would you rather have a 2nd house by the ocean or in the mountains?
If you could have a second home anywhere in the US, where would you choose? Do you prefer the ocean or the mountains?
Dec 27th, 2006, 10:29 AM
#2
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By the ocean - Southampton for preference - although our budget definitely won't allow for one ON the ocean there. But we do hope to start on a small house in the area once our younger finishes college.
(Mountains are nice - but too many bugs - and nothing can match being able to walk on a deserted beach in the eraly morning or evening - even if 5 miutes from the house. And mountains take too long to get to from Manhattan. We can be at the beach in 2 hours driving off peak.)
(Mountains are nice - but too many bugs - and nothing can match being able to walk on a deserted beach in the eraly morning or evening - even if 5 miutes from the house. And mountains take too long to get to from Manhattan. We can be at the beach in 2 hours driving off peak.)
Dec 27th, 2006, 11:02 AM
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I have a second home, and I just love it: A place to get away, entertain family and friends in a relaxed atmosphere, a place to keep some of my favorite things and yet live a simpler life.
Fortunately, my second home is motorhome, so it can be in the mountains, on the ocean, or above the fruited plains, whatever I choose. I can go where the weather is good or where I hear that the scenery or museums are interesting.
Fortunately, my second home is motorhome, so it can be in the mountains, on the ocean, or above the fruited plains, whatever I choose. I can go where the weather is good or where I hear that the scenery or museums are interesting.
Dec 27th, 2006, 11:55 AM
#8
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In my case I have never wanted a second house thornyroses. So many family members and friends that have had second houses spend all their extra time and money maintaining them instead of travelling to other locations. But that is just me.
I do love the water however and sure miss my boat! Another "moneypit" though.
I do love the water however and sure miss my boat! Another "moneypit" though.
Dec 27th, 2006, 12:05 PM
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Neither. I have one and it is on a spring fed natural fresh water inland lake- 600 acres of water (bass/crappie/perch/walleye) and then a couple thousand acres of wetlands/ bird sanctuary actually.
If I was a millionaire or even moderately wealthy I would much prefer lake but would be looking for a more Southern USA milder climate. Mine is MI and has snowy winters, but is quite breathtaking the other 3/4ths of the year, IMHO.
Ocean houses are wonderful living but I think the sea can be very cruel, as can weather by the sea.
Mountains are for some. Those souls are braver and heartier than I am. I have found enough trouble and adventure, without having to climb anything, thank you. If you are a mountain person, nothing else comes close for you, if the one I know is any example.
I'm a swimmer and water person and love my lake. Enough to sacrifice much for it.
If I was a millionaire or even moderately wealthy I would much prefer lake but would be looking for a more Southern USA milder climate. Mine is MI and has snowy winters, but is quite breathtaking the other 3/4ths of the year, IMHO.
Ocean houses are wonderful living but I think the sea can be very cruel, as can weather by the sea.
Mountains are for some. Those souls are braver and heartier than I am. I have found enough trouble and adventure, without having to climb anything, thank you. If you are a mountain person, nothing else comes close for you, if the one I know is any example.
I'm a swimmer and water person and love my lake. Enough to sacrifice much for it.
Dec 27th, 2006, 12:09 PM
#10
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Mountains.
I am a mountain girl and love hiking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. I like the outdoorsy vibe of the cool folks that live in mountain towns. Telluride and Durango top my list.
I am a mountain girl and love hiking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. I like the outdoorsy vibe of the cool folks that live in mountain towns. Telluride and Durango top my list.
Dec 27th, 2006, 12:11 PM
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The mountains for me. More variety for my tastes - skiing in the winter, hiking, mountain biking in the summer.
But I'm not a second home person, either. I'd rather travel to new places.
We just invested in a property and debated doing it down the shore. Everyone gave us advice that this only works if you plan to use the house yourself, too. There is no way I could give up our summer vacations for a week at the Jersey shore. And winter at the shore is unappealing to me, too, but that's just me.
Now it was very nice when my in-laws had a home at the shore, though...
But I'm not a second home person, either. I'd rather travel to new places.
We just invested in a property and debated doing it down the shore. Everyone gave us advice that this only works if you plan to use the house yourself, too. There is no way I could give up our summer vacations for a week at the Jersey shore. And winter at the shore is unappealing to me, too, but that's just me.
Now it was very nice when my in-laws had a home at the shore, though...
Dec 27th, 2006, 12:12 PM
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I would absolutely love a home near the ocean, but the ocean is so far away from where I live. I'd like my second home to be 2 hours away at the most.
I'd also love a ski-in/ski-out condo in the mountains. It's a little more practical for my area, and my family loves to ski.
I'd also love a ski-in/ski-out condo in the mountains. It's a little more practical for my area, and my family loves to ski.
Dec 27th, 2006, 12:26 PM
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An oceanfront house is high risk. Just this November on a trip to a North Carolina beach, I noticed three oceanfront houses on the ocean for sale for $500,000 less than any other oceanfront house. The dunes defending these homes had been not only breached but large gaps caused by the sea had cut through the dunes. The road in front of the houses were heavily sanded and certainly the tide occasionally passes over the road. These desperate homeowners were trying to get the ignorant to pay them something as the three homes were destined to be condemned or washed away in the near future.
So I'd take the mountains for a second home, rent when you want a week at the beach and let the owner of the oceanfront take the risk. The sea is a powerful force.
So I'd take the mountains for a second home, rent when you want a week at the beach and let the owner of the oceanfront take the risk. The sea is a powerful force.
Dec 27th, 2006, 12:44 PM
#14
We have gone over this as well. If it were up to me, I would just travel the world. But, my DH wanted one very badly. We couldn't afford ocean. Too expensive with lots of risk. So, we went with mountains. We use it and rent it. It is a great get away with limited cell phone use and not the best tv reception. We spend a lot of time together. The kids helped paint and revive the old condo. 
We all worked together and the place looks great.
I think of the mountains as a healthy place.
We will still travel.(A stipulation for the travel lover (me).
We all worked together and the place looks great. I think of the mountains as a healthy place.
We will still travel.(A stipulation for the travel lover (me).
Dec 27th, 2006, 12:49 PM
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Everyone told me that I would never get to go anywhere but the lake, if I bought it. That has not been true at all. My kids have used it more than I and I go more places than any of my friends who do not have a second house.
It does take high energy and lots of things I LIKE to do, hat others do not. I love home rehabbing, for instance and do it myself.
Without the money I have made from real estate in my life, I would never have traveled anywhere at all. Because it has made the $$ value added to make all my trips in my 40's and 50's possible.
It does take high energy and lots of things I LIKE to do, hat others do not. I love home rehabbing, for instance and do it myself.
Without the money I have made from real estate in my life, I would never have traveled anywhere at all. Because it has made the $$ value added to make all my trips in my 40's and 50's possible.
