S C O R E I N D E X F O R E X P LO R E R S
MARKETS TO WATCH: EXPLORERS
Safe Environment Hobbies or Lifestyle Considerations Cost of Living Property Size Close to Nature/Outdoors Access to Luxury Amenities Property Amenities Privacy Driveability/Accessibility Schools Health Proximity to Workplace
79 67 66 60 57 56 51 50 40 34 33 31
Many explorers are choosing to live in towns we’ve dubbed “hidden gems” — exurbs, suburbs and small towns far from city centers with a lower cost of living. These towns are not typical luxury markets. Often remote with reasonable high-end price thresholds starting at around $500,000, they satisfy a desire for more space and privacy, yet still offer town-like features, good schools and a strong sense of community. You might find them in states like Indiana, Montana, Idaho or Sun Belt states like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas. It might be places like Rock Hill in South Carolina that have big-city amenities with a small-town feel, or charming Fredericksburg in Texas Hill Country — a true small town with a population under 12,000. In California, it’s places like Vallejo, Olivehurst, Winton or Truckee, a mountain paradise just northwest of Lake Tahoe that has a median home price roughly half that of San Francisco and a population of about 16,500.
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA “Rock Hill is a hidden gem just outside of the Charlotte metro, where your dollar goes just a bit further but still provides you with an opportunity to acquire the type of home and lifestyle that makes you feel at home. Climate, jobs, affordability, the local culture and Southern charm make it attractive to people. It really is a ‘Field of Dreams’ scenario for Rock Hill. The city’s growth and future plans are enticing to buyers of all price ranges. The buzz has gotten the attention of businesses such as the Carolina Panthers, which made its corporate move last year here.”
T Y PE OF MOV E: Permanent
R ELOCATING FROM: Northern and Midwestern states
HOTTEST PR ICE POINT: $750,000
MOST WA NTED A MENIT Y: SAM GROG AN & CANDACE THOMPSON, C O L D W E L L B A N K E R R E A LT Y, B A L L A N T Y N E
34 COLDWELL BANKER GLOBAL LUXURY | A LOOK AT WEALTH 2020: AFFLUENT TRAILBLAZERS
Outdoor spaces
Source: Score Index based on survey from local Coldwell Banker experts in eight identified explorer markets.
