The Secret Appeal of Leavenworth, Cashmere & Chelan for Second Homes

Washington State isn’t short on scenic getaways—but a growing number of second-home buyers are quietly turning their attention east of the Cascades. While the Seattle area continues to thrive, those looking for lifestyle, adventure, and long-term value are discovering something special in Leavenworth, Cashmere, and Chelan.

From Bavarian charm and river-valley orchards to lakeside luxury, these three towns offer a balanced blend of character, comfort, and investment potential. Let’s explore what makes them standout locations for a second home—and why they’re worth considering for your next vacation retreat or investment property. We’ll also integrate current real-estate market data to give you a clearer picture.

Leavenworth: Alpine Charm With Four-Season Adventure

Why it appeals

Leavenworth is far more than kitschy Bavarian storefronts—it’s a community framed by mountains, world-class recreation, and a thriving cultural scene. Buyers can enjoy:

• Just over two hours from Seattle—close enough for weekends, far enough to unwind.

• Year-round recreation: skiing at Stevens Pass, river rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and holiday festivals.

• Strong tourism which supports seasonal rentals and vacation-home appeal.

• Craft culture: independent breweries, distilleries, farm-to-table restaurants, boutique shops.Whether you're dreaming of a cozy cabin or a modern mountain retreat, Leavenworth offers a rare blend of resort-town energy and small-town comfort.

Market snapshot

Here are some of the latest data points:

• According to Zillow, the average home value in Leavenworth is about $674,929, up about +0.2% over the past year. Zillow+1

• For the 98826 zip (Leavenworth area) the median sale price was around $755,000, down 8.8% year-over-year, with a median price per square foot of roughly $428. Redfin

• Realtor.com shows a median listing home price of about $899,000 in mid-2025, up roughly +5.8% year-over-year. Realtor

• As of May 2025 a local market report listed the median sold price at about $775,500, up ~14.9% year-over-year; median price per square foot ~$423. RocketIn short: Leavenworth prices are elevated (reflecting its resort-town status), there’s been some year-over-year growth, though some data show slight declines—indicating a nuanced market. Good news for second-home buyers: you’re buying into a mature, desirable market.

Cashmere: Quiet Luxury in Washington Wine Country

Why it appeals

Tucked between Leavenworth and Wenatchee, Cashmere is a hidden gem for those wanting a slower pace and more privacy. Think: river-valley views, sprawling orchards, charming historic downtown. Buyers love it because:

• It’s under-the-radar but gaining traction—less tourist-heavy than some resort spots.

• Outdoor living: golf, fly-fishing, hiking, wineries, cycling routes.

• Local craftsmanship: small-town artisanal vibe meets agriculture and wine country.

• More space: larger lots, farm-style properties, and a sense of openness.Cashmere blends rural ease with access to outdoor recreation—and offers excellent value for buyers looking ahead of the curve.

Market snapshot

Here are recent numbers:

• Zillow reports average home value in Cashmere at about $539,066, up ~1.8% over the past year. Zillow

• A RocketHomes report lists the median home sold price at about $535,000, down ~5.3% year-over-year, with median price per square foot ~$265. Rocket

• Realtor.com shows that in September 2025, the median listing price was about $801,500, up ~14.6% year-over-year; median sold price around $557,000. Realtor

• NeighborhoodScout estimates that over the past 10 years Cashmere real-estate appreciated ~122.7% (~8.34% annually)—placing it in the top 20% of U.S. markets historically. NeighborhoodScoutSo: the market here is a bit less overheated than resort towns, but growing steadily. For second-home buyers looking for value plus growth, Cashmere is a compelling choice.

Chelan: Lakefront Lifestyle & Resort-Town Comfort

Why it appeals

If summer-home dreamscapes are part of your vision, Chelan hits the mark. With crystal-clear lake water, vineyard-lined hills, sun-drenched days—and increasingly, homeowners ready to put down roots—Chelan is ideal for the lake-life crowd. Key draws include:

• Waterfront living: boating, swimming, kayaking, lakeside dining.

• Wine country elegance: dozens of tasting rooms, vineyards, upscale resorts.

• Luxury amenities: resorts, golf courses, spas, higher-end dining.

• Investment potential: strong seasonal rental market + increasing long-term value.Hospitable and high-energy in the summer—and serene under starlit winter skies—Chelan is perfect for those who crave lake life.

Market snapshot

Recent data:

• Redfin shows median sale price in Chelan (city) at about $722,000, up ~14.2% year-over-year. Price per square foot ~ $507. Redfin

• RocketHomes reports a median sold price of roughly $660,000, up ~3.9% year-over-year; median price per square foot ~$413 (June 2025). Rocket

• Realtor.com for September 2025 lists median listing price at about $697,000, up ~3.7% year-over-year; median sold price around $770,000. Realtor

• At the county level (Chelan County) median sale price ~ $615,000, down ~5.6% year-over-year. RedfinSo: Chelan’s city market shows strong signs of premium value and year-over-year growth, though broader county-level data suggest more softness in some segments. For second-homes, this means premium properties may still offer upside.

Why Second-Homeowners Are Looking East

For many buyers, Leavenworth, Cashmere and Chelan offer something the Puget Sound region can’t always provide: more sunshine, more space, and more time outdoors.

Some overarching benefits include:

• Access to high-quality craftsmanship and modern mountain or lakeside architecture.

• Proximity to nature and recreational activities without sacrificing modern comfort.

• Growing communities that are refining their offerings—luxury homes, amenities, dining.

• Increasing desirability, especially in an era of remote/hybrid work—second homes are becoming more regular homes.And with the real-estate data above, you can see they’re not just picturesque—they’re also backed by solid market fundamentals.

Build Your Vision with modFORM

At modFORM, we design and build homes that fit your lifestyle—whether you’re dreaming of a minimalist cabin tucked into the pines, a modern farmhouse overlooking orchards, or a lakeside contemporary retreat.

We believe a second home should feel like a personal getaway—crafted with quality, sustainability, and connection to the land.

Curious about building or renovating in Leavenworth, Cashmere, or Chelan?Let’s talk about making your second-home vision a reality.