Quick-term rental investing isn’t about grabbing the most cost effective fixer-upper and hoping friends magically seem. It’s about selecting the best markets with robust demand, versatile guidelines, and the potential to push income previous six figures. In locations the place sizzling tubs and pet-friendliness transfer the needle, the distinction between a dud and a standout typically comes all the way down to the extras.
This listing ranks the highest 10 STR markets below $500K based mostly on income potential, visitor demand, investability, and the facility of value-adding options. Every one contains insights on the kind of vacationers it attracts, what makes it particular, and the way a lot you may realistically earn. We pulled median dwelling costs from Zillow as of Might 2025 that will help you body expectations.
Simply bear in mind: Median means center. In case you goal for top-tier revenue, count on to purchase an above-average property. That additional funding is commonly what unlocks the intense money move. I listing the present STR rules obtainable on-line for every market, and each investor ought to make sure to completely perceive these earlier than severely investing in a property anyplace.
1. Lancaster, PA
Median dwelling worth: $360,383
High-performing properties: $120,000/yr (3 BR+, sizzling tub, pet-friendly)
- Occupancy fee: 56%
- ADR: $212.57
- RevPAR: $119.46
Lancaster is likely one of the most ignored STR alternatives within the Northeast. Whereas the typical itemizing brings in simply over $38K, properties that mix the proper structure with facilities like a sizzling tub and pet-friendliness can attain $120K yearly. Visitors are sometimes households, {couples}, and weekenders from close by metros like Philly, Baltimore, and D.C., visiting Amish Nation, exploring vintage retailers, and attending seasonal festivals.
Submarkets like Christiana and Conestoga provide rural appeal with STR-friendly zoning and comparatively low competitors. Income development and occupancy are climbing steadily, and with a strong ADR and rising demand, Lancaster gives among the finest ROI tales within the area.
Regulation snapshot
- STR registration is required in authorised zoning districts.
- Native 24/7 contact required (use your cleaner or useful individual for those who ask me *shrug*)
- Security inspections obligatory
- Lancaster STR data
2. Panama Metropolis Seaside, FL
Median dwelling worth: $416,972
High-performing properties: $110,000/yr (4 BR w/ sizzling tub + pet-friendly)
- Occupancy fee: 57%
- ADR: $319.21
- RevPAR: $181.65
Panama Metropolis Seaside has gone from spring break capital to a family-friendly coastal STR powerhouse. Whereas the typical dwelling brings in $52.7K, good operators who mix a four-bedroom structure with a pool, sizzling tub, and pet-friendly entry can attain six figures. Visitors listed below are largely households and multigenerational vacationers coming for the seashore, state parks, and water actions. Bahama Seaside and El Centro Seaside are prime submarkets for his or her walkability and extra relaxed regulatory enforcement.
This market thrives on quantity and facilities. ADRs have risen 14% yr over yr, signaling pricing energy regardless of elevated stock. With the correct combo of facilities and licensing in place, Panama Metropolis Seaside delivers distinctive money move for a sub-$500K funding.
Regulation snapshot
- STR license is required from the town and state.
- Native contact required inside half-hour.
- The license quantity should seem in all listings.
- Panama Metropolis Seaside STR data.
3. Logan, OH
Median dwelling worth: $242,034
High-performing properties: $106,000/yr (4-BR dwelling)
- Occupancy fee: 54%
- ADR: $353.21
- RevPAR: $189.06
Logan is the gateway to Hocking Hills, one of the crucial visited pure locations within the Midwest. That alone fuels regular STR demand from nature lovers, mountaineering teams, and {couples} on romantic escapes. The common STR earns $64K/yr, and a four-bedroom dwelling simply clears $100K. ADRs are robust due to the world’s rural appeal and restricted high-quality lodging.
Visitors in Logan are on the lookout for peace, seclusion, and nature-integrated experiences. Assume cabins, sizzling tubs below the celebs, and hearth pits. Listings have surged by 13%, however income development continues to be climbing, exhibiting that the market is way from saturated.
Regulation snapshot
- Registration varies by county.
- Lodging tax assortment is required.
- Septic and hearth code necessities for brand spanking new builds.
- Logan STR rules.
4. Columbia, SC
Median dwelling worth: $232,153
High-performing properties: $108,000/yr (5 BR w/ pool)
- Occupancy fee: 55%
- ADR: $565.67
- RevPAR: $314.74
Columbia is quietly among the finest worth STR markets within the Southeast. With median property costs simply above $230K and high-yielding five-bedroom properties producing $94K to $108K, the numbers pencil out quick. Add a pool, and also you’re properly into six-figure gross income territory. The visitor base is a mixture of college guests, navy households (Fort Jackson), and road-trippers between Atlanta and Charleston.
Demand is rising quicker than provide (10% vs. 8%), and the market has robust seasonality and income development elements. High submarkets embrace West Columbia, Arcadia Lakes, and the downtown hall.
Regulation snapshot
- STR allow and enterprise license required.
- Native contact required if the proprietor lives >45 miles away.
- Max occupancy and parking guidelines are enforced.
- Columbia STR data.
5. Fredericksburg, TX
Median dwelling worth: $496,229
High-performing properties: $102,000/yr (3 BR+ w/ sizzling tub + pet-friendly)
- Occupancy fee: 44%
- ADR: $362.97
- RevPAR: $158.53
Fredericksburg is a design-led, experience-driven market that caters to high-spending {couples} and small teams. Whereas common income sits round $54K, including a sizzling tub and pet-friendliness pushes that over $100K. This is likely one of the few Texas wine nation locations permitting STRs in the correct zones.
Visitors are weekend warriors from Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. Assume ladies’ journeys, romantic getaways, and luxurious birthday weekends. Houses that lean into aesthetics and curated experiences win large.
Regulation snapshot
- STR allow required with annual inspections.
- Zoning caps in residential areas.
- Native emergency contact inside one hour required.
- Fredericksburg STR data.
6. Joshua Tree, CA
Median dwelling worth: $362,049
High-performing properties: $98,200/yr (3 BR w/ sizzling tub)
- Occupancy fee: 52%
- ADR: $337.76
- RevPAR: $176.86
Joshua Tree stays the poster baby for design-focused desert STRs. The common dwelling earns $58.5K/yr, however a three-bedroom with a sizzling tub and group-friendly structure earns near $100K. Visitors come for the nationwide park, stargazing, and religious escapes. Many additionally search influencer-inspired structure like domes, A-frames, and micro-villas.
This market thrives on aesthetic differentiation. The visitor base contains LA creatives, {couples}, yoga retreats, and pal teams seeking to disconnect in fashion.
Regulation snapshot
- STR allow via San Bernardino County.
- 24/7 native contact required inside 30 miles.
- Strict visitor caps and promoting guidelines.
- Joshua Tree STR information.
7. Pensacola, FL
Median dwelling worth: $257,567
High-performing properties: $100,000+/yr (4 BR w/ pool and pet-friendly)
- Occupancy fee: 60%
- ADR: $328.70
- RevPAR: $197.92
Pensacola is likely one of the most substantial worth performs on the Gulf Coast, providing low buy-in costs and top-tier income development. Whereas the typical STR earns round $58K yearly, bigger properties with a pool and pet-friendly setup can push into six figures. Visitors embrace beach-going households, navy guests, and snowbirds searching for a warm-weather escape.
High submarkets like Pensacola Seaside, Navarre Seaside, and Perdido Key provide excessive demand and relaxed vibes with robust occupancy charges. With rising ADRs, Pensacola combines affordability with upside, primarily for buyers centered on long-term appreciation and powerful short-term returns.
Regulation snapshot
- Registration is required for all STRs.
- Limits on the variety of friends and automobiles.
- Native contact required for emergency response.
- Pensacola STR data.
8. Seaside, OR
Median dwelling worth: $481,317
High-performing properties: $81,000/yr (sizzling tub property)
- Occupancy fee: 58%
- ADR: $328.81
- RevPAR: $191.48
Seaside and neighboring Cannon Seaside stay coastal Oregon’s greatest STR areas. The common property earns $60.8K, however sizzling tubs increase income by over $20K. Visitors are a mixture of Portlanders, nature lovers, and households searching for mild-weather getaways.
The panorama favors scenic escapes, walkable downtowns, and seashore proximity. Seasonality is decrease right here, so returns are secure throughout the yr.
Regulation snapshot
- STR allow and inspection required.
- Native contact in Clatsop County required.
- Max occupancy guidelines enforced.
- Seaside STR data.
9. Savannah, GA
Median dwelling worth: $322,222
High-performing properties: $124,000 (4+ bed room, pool, pet pleasant)
- Occupancy fee: 59%
- ADR: $328.57
- RevPAR: $195.27
Savannah gives robust ADR and occupancy, however income development has plateaued. The common STR earns $63K/yr. Visitors go to for weddings, meals and tradition, ghost excursions, and historic appeal. Finest bets are in White Marsh and Isle of Hope, the place properties cater to small teams and marriage ceremony events. As is typical, having a pool and being pet-friendly are huge promoting factors on this space.
Regulation snapshot
- STR certificates required by the town.
- Non-owner STRs capped by zone.
- Native contact required.
- Savannah STR data.
10. Houston, TX
Median dwelling worth: $267,854
High-performing properties: $100,800/yr (5 BR w/ pool)
- Occupancy fee: 51%
- ADR: $608.57
- RevPAR: $312.32
Houston may not be the primary metropolis you consider for STRs, but it surely’s one of many highest-yielding city markets within the nation for the correct of property. A five-bedroom dwelling close to downtown with a pool can prime $100K/yr. Visitors embrace enterprise vacationers, medical sufferers (MD Anderson), sports activities followers, and event-goers.
High submarkets embrace Houston Heights, Downtown, and La Porte. Pet-friendly properties earn 13% to 25% extra. Regulation is gentle however altering; the town handed its first STR ordinance in 2025, requiring registration by 2026.
Regulation snapshot
- STR registration and a $275 price are required (beginning in 2026).
- Native contact and security posting necessities.
- Noise/occasion use restrictions.
- Houston STR ordinance overview.
Closing Ideas
Simply because these markets have robust potential doesn’t imply the right deal will seem the primary day you begin trying. The local weather continues to be aggressive. Rates of interest are excessive, and plenty of sellers are pricing prefer it’s 2022.
However that’s no purpose to take a seat on the sidelines. Good offers are on the market. The secret’s staying affected person, doing the reps, and realizing your numbers.
You need to acknowledge a strong alternative when it hits the market since you’ve already spent hours finding out the world. Perceive the rules inside and outside. Know which submarkets to observe. Construct relationships with a trusted agent and lender, so that you’re prepared to maneuver when the correct one seems.
In case you’re chasing a sound worth deal, be ready to place some cash into the property. A turnkey short-term rental often prices extra, however that is likely to be the correct path, relying in your targets. Actual property is versatile like that. Your technique ought to replicate the place you need to be 5, 10, and even 20 years from now.
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