Across the country, many people are buying second homes in America today. Although a sizable number of vacation home buyers plan to retire in those homes someday, another segment hopes their second home will do double duty--as a vacation getaway and an investment property. If you fit into the latter category, here are five areas of the country where you might want to begin your search.

• There are trade-offs to buying a second home in an area that's going to become one of THE hot places of the future, because you won't be the only one looking in that area, and it's going to grow quickly, bringing in more and more people. However, if those factors don't deter you, here are a few tips on how to look for a vacation property that will also prove to be a good investment over the long haul.

• Of course, a beautiful setting and decent weather are first and foremost, but the property must also meet a number of other criteria, as well. You'll want to begin your search in smaller towns that are still within a two or three-hour drive from a growing urban area with a large airport.

• There should be plenty of recreational opportunities. And that means things to do other than just shopping. Depending upon your personal taste, that typically means near a ski area, a beach, or in the mountains.

• It's also nice to have some cultural amenities nearby, since you won't always be in the mood to do strenuous physical activities. So make sure there are both stage and movie theatres, and its also advantageous to have art galleries and museums within easy reach.

• Take a look around and see if theres commercial development going on in the area. Long-time residents may complain about how much the area is changing, but seeing new motels, malls, and other business investments moving into town is a good indicator that you're not the only one who thinks this section of the country is going to continue to grow.

With some diligent searching and a keen eye for what's going on in the area, you can find properties that will provide the best of both worlds. A wonderful getaway in a delightful vacation area AND a great investment that will continue to increase significantly in value while you make use of it.

Copyright 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

Jeanette Joy Fisher

Jeanette Fisher, author of over ten books, including university textbooks and encyclopedia articles on color psychology, has researched the effects of the environment on emotions for over 15 years. Jeanette has appeared on internationally syndicated radio and television and teaches Design Psychology and real estate investing.

She offers free information on interior design, real estate investing, and mortgage credit help from her websites. Jeanette Fisher's books, available from her websites and from Amazon, help real estate investors, home sellers, and home makers. To find out the four steps for beginning real estate investors, five ways to use interior design for home staging, or how to makeover your home for joy, visit Jeanette Fisher.com. And while there, don't forget to subscribe to her free newsletters.

Jeanette has so many websites because her name can be spelled so many ways.