TIMELY REASONS TO BUY A Vacation Home

With remote work on the rise, more people are looking for a permanent getaway.

- LISA GERSTNER

If you’ve been dreaming of buying a cabin in the woods, a cottage on the beach or some other retreat, you have compelling reasons to pull the trigger. As coronavirus cases surge in parts of the country, being able to shelter away from crowded areas has a lot of appeal. To keep employees healthy, some companies continue to allow telework, reducing the need for workers to be near their offices. Why not plugin with a view of the ocean or mountains?

THE POCONO MOUNTAINS COUNTIES: Monroe, Pike and Wayne, Pa. JUNE 2020 MEDIAN LISTING PRICE: $209,050 to $229,550 2019 MEDIAN SALE PRICE: $151,891 to $158,313

You can ski, hike, fish and boat to your heart's content in the Pocono Mountains, which are convenient to New York City and Philadelphia and drew 28 million visitors in 2018. Skiers and snowboarders can choose among more than 185 hills and trails, ranging from bunny slopes to double black diamonds. Or try out other winter activities, such as snow tubing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. In warmer months, tee up at any of the region’s many golf courses, which offer a variety of terrains to challenge golfers. To keep the kids happy, take them to play mini-golf or laser tag, drive go-karts, or splash down water slides at one of the area’s family entertainment centers.