In a recent study inquiring American cities with high influxes in seasonal residency, the Niles-Benton Harbor area was rated among the top ten summer towns by 24/7 Wall St.

According to an article published by USA Today, “the lakeside destination is a popular location for summer homes, including for families from the Chicago area, which is less than a two-hour drive away.”

In order to compile the list, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed statistical areas with at least 20 percent of homes and rental properties that were vacant during part of the year. Then, the research team found metropolitan areas from their findings where at least half of the vacancy was a result of seasonal or recreational use. Niles and Benton Harbor ranked ninth in the country.

According to the article, the study found that there was a 50.8 percent vacancy in the Niles-Benton Harbor area for seasonal use, and that the city’s vacancy rate was 26.2 percent, the twelfth highest in the country.

The article also states that “as of 2011, over 10,000 homes in Berrien County were used either seasonally or only occasionally. Many homes in the area, especially in Saint Joseph, can often exceed $1 million.”

USA Today cited the area’s main draws as the beaches along Lake Michigan and the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph.

Other cities that made the list included more popular vacation destinations such as Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Ocean City, N.J.

Niles and Benton Harbor preceded Atlantic City, N.J. on the list.