4 American Cities That Topped Airbnb’s Checklist of Finest Locations—Ought to You Make investments In Them?

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Airbnb just lately unveiled its checklist of the prime 25 trending locations worldwide for 2025, and solely 4 U.S. cities made the reduce. This was a stunning reveal, contemplating the standard dominance of American journey sizzling spots. 

Whereas these 4 cities grabbed the highlight, an honorary point out goes to Jacksonville, Florida, featured in related lists that Airbnb launched. This sudden illustration highlights rising alternatives in short-term rental (STR) markets. However are you able to guess which 4 U.S. cities made the checklist? 

Let’s play just a little sport. *Cue Jeopardy music*

Alright, let’s pull again the curtain. The not-so-expected U.S.-based stars of the Airbnb 2025 trending locations checklist are:

1. Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin

The Cheesehead Capital has earned its spot within the highlight—however not for the explanations you would possibly suppose. Internet hosting the NFL draft in 2025 is an enormous deal for Inexperienced Bay, bringing an inflow of vacationers and media consideration to this usually quiet metropolis. 

Whereas it’s higher identified for diehard Packers followers and cheese curds, Inexperienced Bay’s short-term rental market exhibits stunning potential for traders who time it proper.

Right here’s a snapshot of Inexperienced Bay’s STR stats:

• AirDNA market rating: 21
• Estimated annual income: $39,000
• Common every day charge (ADR): $323.42
• Occupancy charge: 42%
• Income per obtainable room (RevPAR): $139.81

Whereas Inexperienced Bay’s occupancy charge could seem low, the excessive ADR displays the town’s enchantment throughout key occasions, like Packers video games and the upcoming NFL draft. This market may very well be all about seasonal spikes for traders—the suitable property in the suitable location may flip a revenue with savvy pricing methods.

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Ah, Charleston. This Southern gem might sound much less stunning with its cobblestone streets, charming pastel homes, and shrimp and grits that might qualify as emotional assist meals. Nonetheless, it’s fascinating to see it highlighted on Airbnb’s trending checklist. Charleston has lengthy been a favourite of vacationers, however its short-term rental market continues to outperform expectations.

Charleston’s key STR metrics embrace:

• AirDNA market rating: 92
• Estimated annual income: $91,100
• ADR: $467.01
• Occupancy charge: 64%
• RevPAR: $309.82

These numbers affirm why Charleston is among the highest-ranked markets on AirDNA. With a stellar market rating and an ADR that ranks among the many greatest within the nation, Charleston delivers constant returns for STR hosts. It’s proof that allure and historical past by no means exit of fashion.

3. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Welcome to New Orleans’ underrated sibling: Baton Rouge. Much less Bourbon Road chaos, extra crawfish boils, and genuine Louisiana tradition, Baton Rouge is carving out a distinct segment as a quieter, extra inexpensive various to NOLA—and Airbnb has taken discover.

Right here’s how Baton Rouge’s STR market stacks up:

• AirDNA market rating: 65
• Estimated annual income: $24,800
• ADR: $183.91
• Occupancy charge: 44%
• RevPAR: $82.59

Whereas the income numbers will not be as flashy as Charleston’s, Baton Rouge has a novel benefit: affordability. Traders can enter this market at a decrease value, and with a little bit of creativity and technique, they will capitalize on its regular demand for short-term stays.

4. Houston, Texas

Lastly, we come to my hometown. Houston has handled the town’s latest short-term rental allowing crackdown, however remains to be a trending sizzling spot nationwide for guests and occasions. Whereas these rules are inflicting complications for some, they’re additionally creating alternatives for devoted hosts prepared to function responsibly and adapt to the altering panorama.

Houston’s STR metrics reveal a market that rewards cautious deal evaluation:

• AirDNA market rating: 79
• Estimated annual income: $30,900
• ADR: $201.19
• Occupancy charge: 52%
• RevPAR: $106.61

Houston’s affordability and variety of points of interest make it an attention-grabbing market to look at. From the Museum District to NASA’s House Heart and the burgeoning foodie scene, vacationers haven’t any scarcity of causes to go to. The important thing right here is discovering the suitable property in an space zoned for short-term leases and guaranteeing compliance with native legal guidelines.

What These Cities Inform Us About STR Alternatives

This checklist may need been a head-scratcher at first look. Nonetheless, it reveals a transparent pattern: Markets with extra affordability and distinctive points of interest nonetheless provide alternatives, particularly for traders who know the way to analyze a deal. Whereas Charleston stands out because the clear excessive performer, markets like Inexperienced Bay, Baton Rouge, and Houston present that even much less obvious locations can ship strong returns with the suitable method.

So, what does this imply on your subsequent STR buy? It’s easy: A listing value is only a suggestion, and success comes right down to how proficiently you’ll be able to analyze a deal. Dive into the info, perceive the market dynamics, and align your funding along with your monetary objectives.

Need to analyze your subsequent deal the suitable approach? Begin with the suitable instruments, just like the BiggerPockets STR Calculator, and make knowledgeable selections that place you for fulfillment in trending markets like these.

Observe By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the writer and don’t essentially signify the opinions of BiggerPockets.