Imagine waking up to new bookings and payments in your account. Your short-term rental property is paying for itself,generating substantial passive income, and building equity. For many investors, this dream of owning a successful Airbnb has become a wealth-building reality that provides financial freedom and portfolio diversification.

However, the path to short-term rental success isn't as simple as buying a property in your favorite vacation spot. The difference between a cash-flowing asset and a money-draining liability often comes down to one factor: location. With thousands of potential markets, varying regulations, and shifting demand, finding the best places to own an Airbnb feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.

A data-driven approach is essential. At STR Search, we've cut through the noise and speculation dominating investment advice. By leveraging advanced analytics and market intelligence, we've identified high-performing short-term rental markets that deliver superior returns. This article outlines our market selection approach and reveals today's top STR investment destinations.

Why a Data-Driven Approach to STR Investing is Important

Many aspiring investors make a critical mistake. They choose markets based on personal preference rather than performance metrics. "I love visiting Myrtle Beach, so I'll buy there" might seem intuitive, but this "vibe check" approach overlooks crucial factors like local regulations, market saturation, and economic drivers that determine profitability. The best investment markets aren't the most popular vacation destinations; they're where the numbers work in your favor.

Professional investors know that success in the STR space isn't about hunches or trends; it's about ROI. This means analyzing performance metrics like Cap Rate, Cash-on-Cash Return, Average Daily Rate (ADR), and Occupancy Rate. These aren't just complex formulas to intimidate newcomers; they're essential tools that remove emotion and allow you to predict a property's performance accurately. By mastering these metrics, you transform from a speculator into a strategic investor capable of identifying missed opportunities.

Key Metrics Defining the Best Airbnb Markets

Before exploring specific markets, understand the five key metrics professional STR investors use to evaluate opportunities. These numbers reveal a market's performance and help predict future returns.

Capitalization (Cap) Rate

Cap Rate = Net Operating Income / Property's Market Value

This fundamental real estate metric measures the unleveraged return on your investment. If a property generates $30,000 in annual net operating income (after all expenses except mortgage) and costs $300,000, the cap rate is 10%.

The cap rate is the universal benchmark for comparing properties across markets, regardless of financing terms. It reveals the asset’s inherent productivity. For short-term rentals, high cap rate Airbnb properties fall in the 8-12% range in strong markets, compared to 4-6% for long-term rentals. This higher cap rate reflects the increased revenue potential and operational complexity of STRs.

Cash-on-Cash (CoC) Return

CoC Return = Annual Pre-Tax Cash Flow / Total Cash Invested

If you invest $80,000 as a down payment and closing costs on a property that generates $12,000 in annual cash flow after all expenses, your cash-on-cash return is 15%.

This is the most important metric for investors using leverage (financing). While cap rate tells you about the property's performance, cash-on-cash return Airbnb calculations show how hard your invested dollars are working. It answers: "For every dollar I invest, how many cents am I getting back each year?" A strong CoC return (typically 10%+ for STRs) indicates an investment generating significant passive income relative to your initial capital.

Average Daily Rate (ADR)

The average daily rental income when the property is occupied.

ADR directly impacts your top-line revenue. A high ADR property can generate substantial income with fewer booked nights. However, ADR must be contextual—a $500/night property that only books on holidays won't outperform a $200/night property with consistent bookings. ADR helps you understand your target guest demographic and the amenities and services needed to justify your rates.

Occupancy Rate

The percentage of available nights that the property is booked.

A high ADR means nothing if your calendar is empty. Occupancy rate reveals actual rental demand and helps forecast revenue stability. Year-round markets have consistent occupancy patterns compared to seasonal destinations. When evaluating markets, look for occupancy rates of 60% or higher, though this varies by location and season.

Seasonality & Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR)

RevPAR = ADR × Occupancy Rate

This metric combines rate and occupancy to show your actual revenue generation per available night.

RevPAR is the ultimate performance indicator because it balances pricing and demand. A market with extreme seasonality might have great summer RevPAR but dismal winter numbers, leading to cash flow challenges during off-periods. The strongest STR markets often have multiple demand drivers (e.g., summer recreation, fall foliage, winter skiing, spring festivals) that create stable, year-round RevPAR. This analysis separates great investment markets from good ones.

Top Investment Markets: Where to Own an Airbnb

Based on our STR market analysis, here are the best places to own an Airbnb right now. This isn’t an exhaustive list, and the right market depends on your specific goals.

Smoky Mountains, Tennessee (Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge)

The Great Smoky Mountains, the most visited National Park in the U.S., attract over 12 million annual visitors, creating demand for short-term rentals. The market benefits from year-round appeal: summer hiking,fall foliage, winter holidays, and spring festivals. Family-friendly attractions in Pigeon Forge and Dollywood create additional demand, resulting in a market that consistently delivers strong returns across property types.

Data Snapshot:

• Median Home Price: ~$450,000

• Avg. Cap Rate: 8% - 12%

• Avg. ADR: ~$245

• Avg. Occupancy Rate: 65%

The Smokies are ideal for investors seeking a proven, mature STR market with high revenue potential. It works for those who can afford higher entry prices (especially for cabins with views) but want to cater to the demand for multi-bedroom, amenity-rich properties. Hot tubs, game rooms, and mountain views boost performance. This market suits investors looking for properties for larger family groups, which command premium rates during peak seasons.

Kissimmee/Davenport, Florida

Proximity to Walt Disney World and Orlando's attractions creates perpetual demand. Kissimmee and Davenport offer more affordable entry points than Disney properties while providing convenient park access. The market benefits from domestic and international tourism, with visitors staying long-term during winter and school holidays. The year-round warm weather and Florida's investor-friendly regulations add to the area's appeal.

Data Snapshot:

• Median Home Price: ~$380,000

• Avg. Cap Rate: 7% - 10%

• Avg. ADR: ~$210

• Avg. Occupancy Rate: 70%

This market suits investors seeking consistent occupancy with predictable seasonal patterns. It's ideal for those interested in resort-style communities with amenities like pools, clubhouses, and security gates. Investors targeting international visitors will find Kissimmee/Davenport attractive, as the area draws bookings from UK, Brazilian, and Canadian travelers. Properties with 4+ bedrooms that can accommodate multiple families perform exceptionally well.

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Poconos are accessible to over 30 million potential guests within a 2-hour drive of New York City and Philadelphia. This "drive-to" mountain destination offers year-round activities: summer lake recreation, fall foliage, winter skiing, and spring hiking. The market has revitalized with new attractions and amenities while maintaining reasonable property prices compared to New England. Recent infrastructure improvements and growing demand from millennial travelers seeking outdoor experiences have strengthened the area's investment potential.

Data Snapshot:

• Median Home Price: ~$320,000

• Avg. Cap Rate: 7% - 11%

• Avg. ADR: ~$275

• Avg. Occupancy Rate: 60%

The Poconos are ideal for investors seeking a lower entry price while capturing strong weekend demand from major cities. It’s great for those who can manage some seasonality (winter and summer are strongest, shoulder seasons need strategic marketing). Properties with hot tubs, fire pits, and modern interiors outperform dated ones. This market rewards investors willing to create Instagram-worthy spaces appealing to younger travelers seeking outdoor experiences with comfortable accommodations.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale's luxury short-term rental market thrives on its winter weather, world-class golf, and vibrant arts scene. Demand peaks during baseball spring training, major golf tournaments, and art festivals. High-end travelers seek desert landscapes, upscale shopping, and award-winning restaurants. Unlike many vacation markets, Scottsdale attracts substantial business travel, creating year-round demand with less pronounced seasonality than purely leisure destinations.

Data Snapshot:

• Median Home Price: ~$750,000

• Avg. Cap Rate: 6% - 9%

• Avg. ADR: ~$350

• Avg. Occupancy Rate: 68%

Scottsdale appeals to high-budget investors seeking luxury properties. It's ideal for those who understand high-end guest expectations and can deliver premium experiences. The market rewards investors who create design-forward properties with resort-like amenities like private pools, outdoor living spaces, and high-end finishes. The initial investment is higher, as are the potential returns for properly positioned properties. This market suits investors seeking to blend personal usage (winter escapes) with investment returns.

Blue Ridge/Ellijay, Georgia

These mountain towns are top drive-to destinations for Atlanta residents (90 minutes away) seeking weekend escapes. The area offers outdoor recreation, charming downtowns, and growing culinary scenes. Blue Ridge's scenic railway, fall colors, and reputation as "the Switzerland of the South" have increased its profile.Meanwhile, Ellijay (the apple capital of Georgia) offers a more affordable entry point with similar demand for drivers.

Data Snapshot:

• Median Home Price: ~$390,000

• Avg. Cap Rate: 8% - 12%

• Avg. ADR: ~$225

• Avg. Occupancy Rate: 62%

This rapidly growing market appeals to investors seeking emerging areas with reasonable prices. It's suitable for those who understand urban dwellers' preferences for authentic mountain experiences. Properties with water features (on rivers or lakes), mountain views, or downtown proximity perform well. The market rewards investors who balance rustic charm with modern amenities. This region is attractive to investors who want to participate in a growing market rather than a matured one.

How to Maximize Your Tax Savings

If you’re a high W-2 earner, you want to reduce your tax burden. A short-term rental investment can be a powerful tool to do this, but only if structured correctly. This tax advantage is why many physicians, executives, and high-income professionals are gravitating toward STR investments.

The strategy revolves around two concepts: material participation and accelerated depreciation. By actively participating in your STR business (meeting specific IRS criteria), you qualify as a real estate professional for tax purposes. This classification, combined with a cost segregation study allowing bonus depreciation on many property components, creates substantial paper losses. Unlike losses from passive long-term rentals, these STR losses can offset your active W-2 income, reducing your overall tax liability.

These tax strategies are complex and require precise implementation. Not all properties qualify, and improper structuring can eliminate benefits. Our tailored support shines. We understand the nuances of finding properties that generate great cash flow and maximize potential airbnb tax benefits. Our team connects a great investment and a smart tax strategy, working alongside your tax professionals to optimize your investment for cash flow and tax efficiency.

Conclusion

Finding the best places to own an Airbnb isn't about luck or trends. It's about a data-driven strategy that identifies favorable markets. By understanding key metrics like Cap Rate, Cash-on-Cash Return, and RevPAR, you can evaluate opportunities objectively and build a portfolio for immediate cash flow and long-term appreciation.

Investing in real estate doesn't have to be a solo journey filled with uncertainty. With STR Search, you gain a dedicated partner, backed by a 100% success rate and over $90 million in client transactions. We provide the data, analysis, and support to help you acquire high-performing assets in markets aligned with your investment goals and financial situation.

Ready to take the next step? Your first high-return STR property is closer than you think. Book your complimentary, no-obligation Live Property Analysis Session with our team today and see how our data-driven process can work for you. Let us show you what is possible with the right market, property, and strategy.