3 Dreamy Second Home Communities in the South
Whether you're actively in the market for a vacation home or still in the daydreaming phase, this list of serene second-home communities in the South is for you. Image: Bryan Johnson Studio
With warmer temperatures settling in, weβre already catching ourselves daydreaming about tropical getaways and lakefront views. Whether youβre looking for a quick weekend getaway or youβre 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, thereβs a second home community for every lifestyle on this list!
Alys Beach, FL
Located along Floridaβs scenic 30A, Alys Beach is a coastal community where elegance meets intentional design. Offering diverse ownership opportunities β including condominiums, townhomes, and custom-built residencesβnow 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 Gulfβs blue waters and natural landscape, creating a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living.
Meanwhile, Phase 4 introduces homes near the nature preserve, centered around The Silva, an amenity featuring a pool, event lawn, and cafΓ©. 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 [email protected].Β
Russell Lands on Lake Martin | Alexander City, AL
The Heritage, Russell Lands on Lake Martinβs newest neighborhood, offers 1,500 acres of luxurious lakeside living with 12 miles of pristine shoreline. Since its initial release in 2022, over 100 waterfront homesites have sold, many with custom lake homes completed or underway.
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, Alabamaβs 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.
The community offers exceptional dining, shopping, and entertainment, including Kowaliga Restaurant, Fannyβs, and Russell Crossroads. Outdoor lovers can explore 100+ miles of trails in Russell Forest or enjoy boating and fishing on Lake Martinβs 40,000-acre waters. With stunning home designs and premier amenities, The Heritage is the ultimate lakeside retreat.Β (To view a sampling of Heritage designs, clickβ―HERE.)Β
To learn more about The Heritage or to schedule a tour, reach out to a Russell Lands Sales Executive atβ―(256) 215-7011β―orβ―email themβ―today.
Balsam Mountain Preserve | Sylva, NC
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Balsam Mountain Preserve offers a refreshing escape into nature without sacrificing luxury. Stretching 4,400 acres, this private mountain community is thoughtfully designed around conservation, with more than 3,400 acres remaining permanently protected.
Balsam Mountain Preserve is home to approximately 140 families, creating a close-knit community where residents can connect with neighbors while still enjoying plenty of space to spread out. Whether youβre gathering for a community event or spending a quiet afternoon on the trails, you can enjoy a lifestyle centered around adventure and connection.
At the heart of the community is its commitment to outdoor recreation. Homeowners have access to more than 40 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, stocked trout streams for fly-fishing, and countless opportunities to explore the surrounding landscape.
Golf enthusiasts will love the Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, a mountain course known for its dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views that stretch for miles across the surrounding peaks.
Life at Balsam Mountain Preserve extends well beyond outdoor pursuits. The communityβs Summit House serves as a gathering place for residents, offering dining experiences, social events, and sweeping mountain vistas. Additional amenities include a fitness center, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a robust calendar of activities designed to bring homeowners together year-round.
The homes themselves are designed to complement the natural surroundings, merging classic mountain architecture with modern comforts. Whether youβre searching for a custom homesite, a seasonal retreat, or a place to create lasting family memories, Balsam Mountain Preserve offers a secluded and welcoming setting.
With its balance of conservation, recreation, and luxury living, Balsam Mountain Preserve delivers an elevated mountain lifestyle rooted in the beauty of Western North Carolina.
From coastal elegance to lakefront living and mountain escapes, these second-home communities each offer their own version of everyday retreat. Wherever you find yourself drawn, the South makes it easy to slow down, settle in, and stay awhile.
This article is sponsored by Alys Beach & Russel Lands.
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprintβs Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.