Ask one particular person; we’re already deep right into a recession. Ask another person; the financial system’s tremendous—simply don’t verify your 401(ok).
Reality is, whether or not we’re in a recession, heading towards one, or dodging it by a thread, many short-term rental buyers are asking the identical factor: What sort of STR market holds up when cash will get tight?
Now, I’m not right here to argue inflation stats or get political. That’s not my lane. What I’m right here to do is stroll you thru just a few markets which might be both tried-and-true mid-tier trip gems or rising stars which might be rapidly incomes their stripes, in keeping with precise knowledge, not sizzling takes. So, whether or not you’re already internet hosting or simply buying to your first property, this data helps you construct one thing that lasts, whether or not we’re in a recession or not.
We use STR Information Professional, AirDNA, and Zillow’s median residence pricing knowledge to look additional into these markets. AirDNA has a market rating that ranks areas on a number of standards to kind a rating from 1 to 100, with one being the bottom (Park Metropolis, UT) or 100 being the cream of the crop (Joshua Tree, CA). All knowledge is proven up or down yr over yr.
What Makes a Market Recession-Proof for STRs?
Drive-to locations close to main cities
When individuals cease flying, they begin driving. Places one to 4 hours from giant metros are inclined to thrive throughout financial dips. Assume weekend getaways from Atlanta, Dallas, or Washington, D.C.
Low value of entry
Decrease residence costs imply much less debt and higher cash-on-cash returns, which turns into much more important when rates of interest or lending tighten.
Constant, year-round demand
Markets close to nationwide parks, faculty cities, or navy bases keep busy no matter season or financial situations.
Diversified demand
Markets that entice each vacationers and mid-term visitors, like journey nurses, distant employees, or relocations, are inclined to outperform single-use trip zones.
Prime STR Markets to Think about if a Recession Hits
1. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN
AirDNA rating: 89/100
Median residence worth (Zillow): $461,306 (? 5.9%)
STR knowledge:
- Annual income: $71,600 (? 5%)
- Occupancy: 60% (? 5%)
- ADR: $361.59 (? 9%)
- RevPAR: $214.64 (? 4%)
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are basic recession-proof STR markets. The Smoky Mountains entice guests year-round, and folks will at all times discover cash for Dollywood, mountain views, and sizzling tubs.
The trick right here? Keep away from the center:
- One-bedrooms earn round $42,000.
- One-to-four-bedrooms solely rise to ~$50,000.
- Nevertheless, four-to-eight bedrooms can earn $110,000+ with only a 2% occupancy dip in downturns, in comparison with increased dips in zero-to-four-bedroom locations.
The underside line: This market favors massive household cabins or romantic one-bedroom getaways—nothing in between.
2. Damaged Bow, OK
AirDNA rating: 94/100
Median residence worth: $315,708 (? 5.9%)
STR knowledge:
- Annual income: $67,600 (? 12%)
- Occupancy: 45% (? 5%)
- ADR: $439.35 (? 7%)
- RevPAR: $199.5 (? 1%)
Damaged Bow continues to dominate with its proximity to Dallas, Oklahoma Metropolis, and Tulsa. It’s a luxury-cabin hotspot with comparatively low residence costs, making it a uncommon combo of excessive ADR and low acquisition value. AirDNA has it highlighted as its solely major free marketplace for customers to get further premium knowledge on, so the cat could also be out of the bag with this one.
Listings are up 8% yr over yr, which alerts development but additionally elevated competitors. Regardless of that, it stays a high decide for Texans, who symbolize 4 of the most important STR feeder markets within the U.S. (Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas).
3. Pink River Gorge, KY
AirDNA rating: 97/100
Median residence worth (Stanton, KY): $167,000 (? 11%)
STR knowledge:
- Annual income: $40,300 (? 3%)
- Occupancy: 50% (? 4 %)
- ADR: $245 (? 4 %)
- RevPAR: $121.7 (? 1%)
No STR on this area is anticipated to make over $100,000—however that’s the purpose. It’s a low-barrier, low-risk space the place a well-designed $65,000-$75,000 annual income property can shine.
Pink River Gorge is residence to the Daniel Boone Nationwide Forest and Pure Bridge State Park, which hikers and climbers love. STRs right here have a tendency towards glamping, A-frames, and rustic-modern cabins.
Low competitors, robust outside enchantment, and year-round demand make this a sensible play.
Right here’s an instance STR pulling $65K in income.
4. St. Petersburg, FL (non-luxury zones)
AirDNA rating: 76/100
Median residence worth: $360,627 (? 3.8 %)
STR knowledge:
- Annual income: $55,600 (? 9%)
- Occupancy: 65% (? 5%)
- ADR: $297 (? 7%)
- RevPAR: $193.6 (? 12%)
St. Pete has quietly grow to be one in every of Florida’s most compelling Airbnb markets. With its walkable appeal, artwork, seashores, and breweries, this metropolis attracts robust ADRs, practically $300 an evening.
Occupancy stays regular even in shoulder seasons, and RevPAR (income per out there room) development is outpacing the remainder of Florida. It’s a candy spot for higher-end STRs with out the Miami-level price ticket.
5. Boone, NC
AirDNA rating: 53/100
Median residence worth: $473,790 (? 3%)
STR knowledge:
- Annual income: $44,300 (? 3%)
- ADR: $303 (? 5%)
- Occupancy: 47% (0%)
- RevPAR: $142 (? 5%)
Boone is a small faculty city within the Blue Ridge Mountains, residence to Appalachian State College. It’s had a tough yr—it was hit onerous by a hurricane and noticed an 11% drop in energetic listings, but it surely stays a high vacation spot for in-state journey, mountain climbing, and wellness retreats.
Its twin enchantment as a vacationer and mid-term housing market (because of the college) makes it value watching. Pricing might dip briefly, providing a considerable entry alternative.
6. Luray, VA
AirDNA rating: 95/100
Median residence worth: $284,530 (? 5.3%)
STR knowledge:
- Annual income: $49,900 (? 5%)
- Occupancy: 50% (? 2%)
- ADR: $293 (? 5%)
- RevPAR: $143.86 (? 4%)
Nestled close to Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Luray is good for glamping and unplugged cabin retreats. It’s just some hours from Washington D.C., Richmond, and Virginia Seaside, making it a key escape route for East Coasters. Listings have risen by 5% YoY on this space, however demand ought to hold tempo with the close by points of interest.
7. Branson, MO
AirDNA rating: 57/100
Median residence worth: $255,251 (? 3%)
STR knowledge:
- Annual income: $40,500 (? 6%)
- Occupancy: 51% (? 1%)
- ADR: $248.35 (? 5%)
- RevPAR: $128.14 (? 6%)
Branson is usually missed. It’s a family-friendly Midwest staple with many theater exhibits, lake points of interest, and an enormous church/bus tour market. Listings surged 21% after Airbnb known as it a high fall vacation spot in 2023, positioning it as a Midwest vacation spot to observe. Laws have tightened right here because the explosion, so do your due diligence to find a location that works.
This isn’t a luxurious vacation spot—it’s about nostalgia and affordability. The ADR you possibly can obtain varies, relying on the facilities and placement you possibly can present. Scorching tubs generate a mean income of $33K/yr, in comparison with swimming pools, which create a mean income of $22.8K/yr.
8. Logan, OH (Hocking Hills)
AirDNA rating: 99/100
Median residence worth: $237,362 (? 3.3%)
STR knowledge:
- Annual income: $65,500 (? 7%)
- Occupancy: 53% (? 1%)
- ADR: $363.47 (? 6%)
- RevPAR: $194 (? 6%)
Logan is the gateway to Hocking Hills, one of many Midwest’s most picturesque, Instagram-worthy spots. This market has exploded with nature-first, design-forward stays like The Cliffs at Hocking Hills and completely different A-frame clusters. Excessive ADR, low resort competitors, and a nature-driven visitor base make it a top-tier glamping or fashionable cabin location.
Guarantee your design stands out—this market rewards aesthetics and distinctive stays.
9. Faculty cities (throughout the U.S.)
Faculty cities are mid-term rental machines. Throughout downturns, professors relocate, households go to, and soccer season fills weekends.
Versatile zoning in smaller cities generally permits STRs to pivot into mid-term stays (30+ days) with little friction, making these a wonderful recession hedge.
10. Suburban STR-friendly pockets close to main cities
- Austin: Dripping Springs, Bastrop
- Dallas: Granbury, Waco
- Atlanta: Blue Ridge, Helen
- Los Angeles: Huge Bear, Idyllwild
These spots are perfect for households downsizing holidays however nonetheless wanting to flee the town. They normally permit STRs when the massive metropolis bans them, and demand stays stable from city escapees.
Search for “Twin Risk” Properties
Need actual recession safety? Then cease eager about your short-term rental as a one-trick pony.
Probably the most clever buyers I do know are shopping for dual-use properties: locations that may crush it as a short-term rental however pivot seamlessly into mid-term housing if the market shifts. Assume journey nurses, contractors, households between properties, or of us coping with insurance coverage claims. These visitors don’t want a sizzling tub and a hammock—they want a clear, furnished house for 30+ days and pays good cash for it.
So, if tourism dips, your Airbnb doesn’t have to take a seat empty. You simply swap gears, replace your itemizing technique, and hold the money flowing. It’s like having a second security internet constructed into your property. That flexibility provides you room to breathe when individuals panic-list their properties on Zillow.
The underside line: Twin-use properties offer you choices—which, in unsure markets, are every part.
Ultimate Ideas
Look, I’d love a crystal ball, similar to everybody else, to see precisely the place the market’s headed and what the following 12 months will appear to be. However right here’s what I do know: Uncertainty tends to hit luxurious STR markets the toughest (sorry, Breckenridge). When individuals tighten their budgets, these high-end trip leases are sometimes the primary to really feel it.
However don’t get it twisted; these aren’t the one markets that may win. Home journey has a confirmed monitor document of staying robust, even in a downturn. So, as an alternative of chasing flash, concentrate on fundamentals. Search for drive-to locations close to main cities, areas with built-in points of interest (nature, tradition, faculty cities, and so on.), and properties that provide the flexibility to pivot: short-term, mid-term, or someplace in between.
Recession-proofing your portfolio isn’t about taking part in protection. It’s about being sensible together with your offense.
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