3 Dreamy Second Home Communities in the South

With warmer temperatures settling in, we’re already catching ourselves daydreaming about tropical getaways and lakefront views. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway, or you’re in the market for a vacation home, here are four incredibly serene second home communities across the South. From outdoor adventures to quiet evenings spent by a fire pit, there’s a second home community for every lifestyle on this list!

Alys Beach, FL

Located along Florida’s scenic 30A, Alys Beach is a coastal community where elegance meets intentional design. Offering diverse ownership opportunities — including condominiums, townhomes, and custom-built residences—now is the ideal time to invest in this one-of-a-kind destination.

Rooted in the principles of New Urbanism, Alys Beach prioritizes walkability, with dining, shopping, and green spaces just steps away. Its striking white architecture, inspired by Bermudian design, contrasts beautifully with the Gulf’s blue waters and natural landscape, creating a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living.

Woman doing yoga in an indoor fitness studio. — Homeowners are encouraged to take advantage of ZUMA Wellness Center, which offers a multitude of fitness training opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and treatment rooms for a holistic health experience. Image: Alys Beach

The newly released Phase 4 introduces homes near the nature preserve, centered around The Silva, an amenity featuring a pool, event lawn, and café. Exclusive amenities like ZUMA Wellness Center, Caliza Pool & Restaurant, and the Beach Club enhance the lifestyle, offering relaxation and recreation. As Alys Beach celebrates 20 years, its vision of beauty, balance, and community continues to unfold with thoughtful development.

For additional information, contact the Alys Beach sales team at (850) 213-5500 or reception.sales@alysbeach.com.

Aerial view of pool area in Alys Beach, FL. — The Beach Club at Alys Beach is a home-owner exclusive, offering multiple swimming pools, an outdoor terrace, and more. Image: Alys Beach

Russell Lands on Lake Martin | Alexander City, AL

The Heritage, Russell Lands on Lake Martin’s newest neighborhood, offers 1,500 acres of luxurious lakeside living with 12 miles of pristine shoreline. Due to high demand, the next phase of waterfront homesites is coming this summer!

A stone and wood house with a sloped roof sits by a calm lake, nestled in one of the serene second home communities, surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a clear sky. — Russell Lands offers beautiful lake homes on Lake Martin, including their newest development called The Heritage. Image: Russell Lands

Homeowners enjoy exclusive access to The Benjamin Lake Club, featuring saline pools, tennis and pickleball courts, fire pits, and more. Golf enthusiasts can experience the private Wicker Point Golf Club, Alabama’s only Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw-designed course, surrounded by pine trees, creeks, and lakefront views. The clubhouse, designed by Hank Long, boasts a stunning wraparound porch overlooking the course and lake.

Aerial view of The Heritage at Russell Lands at Lake Martin — The Heritage is waterfront living at its finest, featuring 12 miles of pristine shoreline. Image: Russell Lands

The community offers exceptional dining, shopping, and entertainment, including Kowaliga Restaurant, Fanny’s, and Russell Crossroads. Outdoor lovers can explore 100+ miles of trails in Russell Forest or enjoy boating and fishing on Lake Martin’s 40,000-acre waters. With stunning home designs and premier amenities, The Heritage is the ultimate lakeside retreat. (To view a sampling of Heritage designs, click HERE.)

Aerial view of a golf course in serene second home communities, with a green surrounded by trees and a nearby lake, all illuminated by the gentle light of sunrise. — The private Wicker Point Golf Club is the first course in Alabama designed by Coore & Crenshaw. Image: Russell Lands

To learn more about The Heritage or to schedule a tour, reach out to a Russell Lands Sales Executive at (256) 215-7011 or email them today.

McLemore Resort & Community | Lookout Mountain, GA

Owning a home at McLemore isn’t just about having a place to retreat; it’s an invitation to become part of something truly special. Tucked into the stunning mountains of North Georgia, McLemore’s homesites offer everything from dramatic cliffside views to quiet, wooded sanctuaries and peaceful golf course outlooks.

Aerial view of a golf course surrounded by forested hills, second home communities, residential houses, and club buildings under a partly cloudy sky. — Each home’s location is carefully chosen to honor and preserve the beauty of the land. Image: McLemore Resort

When it comes time to build, you’ll work with a skilled team that truly understands mountain living. They combine sustainable materials with a mountain-modern style, helping bring your vision to life.

And life at McLemore goes far beyond the walls of your home. The clubhouse is the heart of the community, where neighbors gather for delicious meals, sunset cocktails, and cozy fireside chats. Nature lovers will feel right at home too, with private trails, guided hikes, and seasonal events that foster your sense of connection to the land.

A large stone clubhouse sits beside a well-maintained golf course in one of the area's premier second home communities, under a partly cloudy sky and surrounded by lush trees and greenery. — While McLemore is definitely a peaceful escape, it’s located just outside of Chattanooga and less than three hours’ driving distance from Atlanta, Nashville, and Birmingham — so you’re never too far from the city! Image: McLemore Resort

What really sets McLemore apart is its commitment to preserving the landscape and creating something enduring. With over 1,600 acres of thoughtfully developed land, every detail supports both natural beauty and long-term sustainability.

The new G&G Home, created in partnership with Garden & Gun, is the perfect example, blending Southern charm with elevated mountain living in a way that feels both classic and contemporary.

Covered patio with stone fireplace, wall-mounted TV, four black chairs, and a modern table—perfect for relaxing in second home communities while enjoying stunning views of trees and mountains in the background. — What a view! Image: McLemore Resort

Owning a home at McLemore means more than just having a beautiful place to lay your head — it’s all about building community, connecting to the land, and creating a legacy.

This article is sponsored.

All photography provided unless otherwise noted.

About the Author
Brianna Goebel

Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.