The Top 5 Gay Getaways for 2009 Vacation Home Buyers

The largest Internet-based real estate company on the planet, GayRealEstate.com, has just released its 2009 picks in the category of “Top 5 Gay Getaways” and the timing could not be better. Prices are down, interest rates are still attractively low, and summertime is finally here. That makes this the ideal time to browse around for the perfect seasonal getaway in a spectacular GLBT vacation destination.

#1

South Beach, Florida

South Beach requires no introduction. But what may deserve emphasis is that property prices in Miami have plummeted, and the downward trend has finally hit recession-resistant “SoBe.” Today prices are 20-25 percent lower than they were last year, and undervalued pricing is attracting investors from all over the world. But prices are expected to rebound within the next several months. That will reward those who buy now, but will most likely put a velvet rope around prime South Beach real estate, making vacation homes there beyond the financial reach of all except the most well-heeled of international buyers.

#2

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

The GLBT enclave of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is located just two hours from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, and Philadelphia, PA – and only four hours from NY – making it a choice destination for anyone along the mid-Atlantic looking for a vacation getaway. Rehoboth has an authentic and charming small town feel and you can enjoy salt water taffy and retro amusement park thrill rides – or gourmet cuisine in one of its many restaurants. The white sand beaches are gorgeous and there is a mile-long boardwalk. In October the Sea Witch Festival provides a unique way to celebrate Halloween and harvest time – with a treasure hunt, broom-throwing contest, golf tournament, and an old fashioned community bonfire and clam bake on the beach. Those buying foreclosures in Delaware are enjoying discounts of nearly 45 percent off list price this year, and some of those bargains are located in and around Rehoboth Beach. Visit this summer and while you’re there pick up a permanent vacation home as a keepsake souvenir.

#3

Ogunquit Beach, Maine

Ogunquit is another quaint village with beautiful beaches, an abundance of recreational and entertainment amenities, and an unusually large and well established lesbian demographic. The quintessential New England town has picturesque harbors and even a unique drawbridge for pedestrians. The Ogunquit Playhouse attracts star talent and there are several small repertory companies in town. The Marginal Way hiking trail leads to a high and craggy promontory above the rocky coastline for a stunning view. Fresh caught seafood is served up in the town’s fine restaurants, and you can go deep sea fishing or take a scenic voyage on a local pleasure boat. But there is nothing old fashioned about the attitude of the community. In fact you can get legally married to a same-sex partner with a ceremony on the beach because Maine is now one of the few states in the USA that recognizes gay marriage. The real estate decline has not affected Maine as much as it has many of the more high-flying markets, because prices in the state never fell victim to frenzied overpricing. But prices have slumped, especially within the past few months, and this is an excellent time to invest in Ogunquit Beach.

#4

Denver, Colorado

OutTraveler.com named the Mile High City as one of only two places in the USA to make its “Top 10 Up-and-Coming Destinations for 2008.” Denver enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year – which is more than either San Diego or Miami – and the winters are surprisingly mild. Outdoor cafes, restaurants, and golf courses are open all year ‘round, and the high altitude summers are known for low humidity and temperatures that peak out around 85 degrees during the hottest month of August. Denver has one of the best GLBT Pride celebrations in the world and there is even an annual gay rodeo event. But the city was hit unusually hard by the real estate crisis, and that means there is currently an unprecedented opportunity to lasso a dream vacation home in the Rockies.

#5

Asheville, North Carolina

The small Appalachian city of Asheville, NC is famous for its ancient mountain scenery, antique architecture, and forward-thinking attitude. The downtown offers dozens of restaurants and shops and is both pedestrian and GLBT friendly – plus it is a stone’s throw from some of the best outdoor recreation in the USA. Enjoy hiking, climbing, and kayaking or a sophisticated urban night life – and highly affordable mountain homes and condos just a few hours from Savannah, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.

Choose a mountain hideaway to escape the stifling heat and humidity or head to the coast to soak up some sun and sip umbrella drinks with your toes in the sand. Whatever your preference, there are some great GLBT friendly destinations awaiting you and 2009 offers a rare investment opportunity.

To find a fabulous vacation or investment property this summer, visit www.GayRealEstate.com or toll free at 1-888-420-MOVE (6683). The brokers in this exclusive network specialize in serving the GLBT community.