Hot Vacation-Home Spots

I also stayed away from the most hurricane-prone areas or other areas with high risk -- and high cost -- of protecting against natural disasters. You shouldn't have to worry about your vacation home.

So here are my criteria:

• Affordable: Median home prices less than $350,000, although "prime" properties in these areas, along the shore for instance, can be much higher.
• Convenient: Close to a major city or airport gateway -- less than two hours away.
• Active vacation rental market: Self-explanatory.
• Plenty to do: When going outside is difficult, an attractive town center with historic interest is a plus, as is a relatively pleasant climate for the region.
• Room to grow: Moderate appreciation rates below the 2005-06 U.S. average. Also, where possible, close to more upscale and expensive destinations.

And here are my picks:

• Granby, Colo.: About 90 miles northwest of Denver, Granby sits at a major crossroads and gateway to a vast mountain area, including ski and mountain resort Winter Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, both within 20 miles. Granby itself is an old railroad town featuring new residential and resort areas and two new golf course communities. Median home prices of $275,000 are $200,000 below those of nearby Winter Park.
• Brunswick, Ga.: The town of Brunswick itself has plenty of historic interest, but the so-called Golden Isles barrier islands areas of St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island are rapidly coming into their own as destinations. Some areas are quite upscale, with multimillion-dollar homes and fancy shopping districts. Brunswick is about 80 miles north of Jacksonville, Fla., and lies in a zone thus far relatively immune from hurricanes.
• Freeport, Maine: Long famous for L.L. Bean, this cute town just off the shore and just north of Portland -- and Boston -- has a lot to offer besides shopping. Nearby areas include Yarmouth and the more well-known Kennebunkport. You can get there cheaply by flying Southwest to Manchester, N.H. Lobster, anyone?
• Fairhope, Ala.: This artsy and somewhat eclectic town sits just east of Mobile Bay, adjacent to Alabama's Gulf Shore beaches. Waterfront and town features have brought the local name "Carmel by the Bay" in reference to the more-famous central California namesake.
• Depoe Bay-Lincoln City, Ore.: Southwest of Portland, this area features lush rugged coastal scenery and a series of classic and mostly unspoiled coastal towns along U.S. 101. The area is dotted with state parks and beaches. There's plenty of right-sized housing along the coast and a short distance away, and it attracts a cultured population from other West Coast cities.

These choices, of course, only scratch the surface. Dozens of places all over the country meet my criteria, probably some nearer to where you live. But my list gives you a place to start and, more importantly, a thought process to decide what works best for you.

Build up that cozy fire, and I'll be over.