In 2007, the Log & Timber Homes Network created a list of the best locations across the United States to build a log home for vacation purposes. Although this information is now over a decade old, it is believed that popular vacation home destinations remain relatively stable over time. Therefore, it is worth comparing the hot spots for log homes both then and now. In contrast, the Log & Timber Living Magazine recently published their “Best Places to Build a Log Cabin in 2021,” which can also serve as a reference point for current ideal log home vacation locations.
2007 vs 2021 Log Home Hot Spots
They are presented alphabetically by state.
| Log & Timber 2007 | Log Home Living 2021 |
|---|---|
| Bull Shoals, Arkansas | Fairhope, Alabama |
| Prescott, Arizona | Eureka Springs, Arkansas |
| Angels Camp, California | Stone County, Arkansas |
| Del Norte County, California | Whistler, British Columbia |
| Mancos, Colorado | Estes Park, Colorado |
| Ocala, Florida * | Gunnison County, Colorado |
| Ellijay, Georgia | Fannin County, Georgia |
| Island Park, Idaho | Berea, Kentucky |
| Brown County, Indiana ** | McCall, Idaho |
| Petoskey, Michigan | Waldo County, Maine |
| Ely, Minnesota | Garrett County, Maryland |
| Warsaw, Missouri | Douglas County, Minnesota |
| Anaconda, Montana | Big Sky, Montana |
| Lincoln-Woodstock, New Hampshire | Hendersonville, North Carolina |
| Logan, Ohio | Grafton County, New Hampshire |
| Deschutes County, Oregon | Greene County, New York |
| Somerset County, Pennsylvania | Shenandoah County, Virginia |
| Pickens County, South Carolina | Walla Walla, Washington |
| Roane County, Tennessee | Davis, West Virginia |
| Port Angeles, Washington | Dubois, Wyoming |
| Door County, Wisconsin | |
| Fayette County, West Virginia | |
| Pocahontas County, West Virginia | |
| Thermopolis, Wyoming | |
| *We had property there — in Ocala Shores — but sold it a couple years ago. Not nearly as hip & cool as other areas, in our opinion. **I went to college near there and can attest to the fact that it’s a very sweet woodsy little community. |
Comparing the list of hot spots to build log homes in 2007 to the 2021 list, there are significant differences in the locations recommended. In 2007, the list covered 24 locations across the United States, while the 2021 list includes 20 locations across the US and Canada. Only one location, Davis, West Virginia, is on both lists. Overall, the 2021 list features locations that are more spread out across the US and Canada and includes destinations that are more upscale and offer a range of recreational opportunities.
Based on the two lists, it is difficult to determine which states are the most popular for building log homes since the locations are spread across multiple states. However, some states appear on both lists, including Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Montana, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Wyoming. It’s worth noting that the popularity of certain states for building log homes may change over time due to factors such as economic conditions, population growth, and environmental factors.
In simpler terms, the choice of where to build a log home ultimately depends on personal preferences, budget constraints, and the importance placed on factors such as outdoor activities or access to dining and shopping and the internet. Additionally, factors like population density and overpopulation may also influence the decision. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider these factors and choose a location that best fits your individual needs and priorities.
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