Welcome to The Escape Home.
Demand for second homes is rising. But as we explained last week, financing them is another matter. And so The Escape Home’s Neve Wallace and Danielle Hyams scoured listings in second-home markets around the country to find getaways for under $100,000. With renovations and a little imagination, these simple homes can become outstanding showcases — your own version of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” or “The Property Brothers.”  

Colorado
Durango is a quaint city in southwestern Colorado, not too far from the “Four Corners,” where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado meet. Home to the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the city also has a sophisticated dining scene and easy access to outdoor and adventure activities. 

photo: zillow.com
This yard for $91,000
 

Vermont
Bennington is classic Vermont: It boasts a charming Main Street and is rich in history with covered bridges and a Revolutionary War monument. The city is a year-round destination: skiing in the winter, lakes in the summer and of course, stunning fall foliage. 

photo: harschrealestate.com
This one’s listed at $110,000  


Florida
Pensacola is on the panhandle and offers the perks of Florida — beautiful beaches and happening nightlife — without the cost. 

photo: zillow.com
Palm trees, included, for $79,900


Georgia
Thomasville is a cute city in southern Georgia. There’s great food, history, nature reserves and a bustling downtown. The annual Rose Festival is beloved. 

photo: realtor.com
Cute house, cuter price at $92,000  


Missouri
Branson, Missouri, in the Ozarks, is known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World.”  Beyond that, it offers parks, restaurants and three stunning lakes for water sports, fishing and swimming in the summer.

photo: sunsetrealty.com
This one listed at $100,000  


New Mexico 
Santa Fe can meet this price point if you’re willing to invest in a share in a condo rather than a house. The city has so much to offer in terms of culture and nature, including a top-notch art scene. 

photo: propertyshark.com
Those beams (!) alone worth the $85,000
 

Mississippi
Bay St. Louis in southern Mississippi is a hidden gem on the Gulf Coast. The small town offers a dose of southern charm, with white sand beaches and no shortage of antique stores. Plus, it’s just an hour drive to New Orleans. 

photo: zillow.com
Above listed at $79,215


In the news 

Real-estate dumps Trump: The fallout from the Capitol Hill insurrection has been swift and vast, especially among businesses. Commercial brokers Cushman & Wakefield cut ties with the Trumps after decades of doing business together. New York City is canceling contracts with the Trump Organization for the Central Park Carousel, the Wollman and Lasker skating rinks and Gold Links at Ferry Point in the Bronx. And, in what might be the biggest blow, the PGA revoked its decision to host the 2022 championship at the Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster, New Jersey.  

Online showings: In an interview with the Washington Post, Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman says 10% of buyers buy from a virtual tour. “This will likely continue with cross-country moves,” he said, “but we also see people doing online tours to eliminate homes and then just visiting their three finalists in person.” 

Colorado bound: Denver broke a ton of housing records in 2020, with the average price of a single-family home surpassing $600,000 for the first time in history. 
 

By the numbers 

750



photo: ny.gov

That’s how many miles the just-completed Empire State Trails spans. The trail, which was introduced in 2017, goes from New York City to Buffalo and up through the Adirondacks, allowing hikers and cyclists to pass through New York’s varied and iconic landscapes. 


Products we love 

Now that the holiday season is over, winter is, well, just cold. Here’s a few tried and true products to help you get through the next few months.  Whether you’re hiking or dining outside (oh, the times we live in) these merino wool blend socks (they’re unisex!) are a must-have for staying warm and cozy. 

Speaking of cozy, we are big fans of curling up on the couch with a piping hot mug of this fancy hot chocolate (whiskey optional). 

Seasonal Affective Disorder got you feeling gloomy? We’ve been hearing great things about this light therapy lamp.

photo: amazon.com

There’s something about sitting around a fire pit that just feels so right, don’t you agree? We love this one — and we aren’t the only ones, it’s back-ordered until February. However, we promise that you will get enjoyment from it year-round.  

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