A head-to-head comparison of the Southeast’s two biggest mountain STR markets.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Blue Ridge, GA | Smoky Mountains, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Avg purchase (3BR) | $300K-$500K | $400K-$600K |
| Median gross revenue | $47,139 | $54,000-$65,000 |
| 75th percentile revenue | $72,367 | $85,000-$100,000 |
| Annual visitors | ~3M+ | 13M+ (national park) |
| Drive-to population | 6M (Atlanta metro) | 25M+ (multi-state) |
| Peak season | October (fall foliage) | October + June-August |
| Nightly rate range | $150-$400 | $175-$500+ |
| Entry price | 15-25% cheaper | Higher but more established |
| Dog-friendly demand | Very strong | Strong |
| Competition | Growing | Established, more saturated |
| Property tax | 0.7-1.0% | 0.5-0.8% (Sevier County) |
| State income tax | 5.39% (GA flat) | 0% (TN) |
Blue Ridge Wins On:
- Lower entry price: same cabin product, 15-25% cheaper
- Better gross yield: lower price + similar revenue = higher cap rate
- Less competition: fewer established operators, easier to stand out
- Dog-friendly market: stronger pet-travel segment than Smokies
- Renovation opportunity: more dated inventory available for value-add plays
Smokies Win On:
- Higher absolute revenue: more visitors, stronger demand, higher nightly rates
- Broader drive-to base: draws from 25M+ people across multiple states
- Zero state income tax: Tennessee has no income tax on rental earnings
- National park brand: “Smoky Mountains” is a globally recognized destination
- Year-round tourism: stronger summer than Blue Ridge
The Yield Comparison
| Blue Ridge | Smokies | |
|---|---|---|
| 3BR purchase price | $400,000 | $500,000 |
| 75th percentile gross | $72,367 | $90,000 |
| Gross yield | 18.1% | 18.0% |
Nearly identical gross yields. Blue Ridge gets there with lower prices; Smokies get there with higher revenue. The question is whether you want to deploy $100K or $125K.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose Blue Ridge if:
- You want lower entry price and more cash on hand after closing
- You’re targeting the Atlanta drive-to market
- You want less competition and more room to differentiate
- You’re doing a renovation value-add play
- You plan to allow pets as a revenue strategy
Choose Smokies if:
- You want the highest absolute revenue
- You want zero state income tax (Tennessee)
- You want the strongest national brand recognition
- You have $125K+ for down payment + furnishing
- You want the most liquid resale market
Choose both if:
- You want geographic diversification within the mountain cabin sector
- Different drive-to markets (Atlanta vs. multi-state) reduce concentration risk
📞 800-898-1498 | 🌐 theshorttermshop.com
More on Blue Ridge, GA STR Investing
- Best STR Agent in Blue Ridge
- How Much Do Blue Ridge STRs Make
- Blue Ridge STR Expenses
- Blue Ridge STR Regulations
- Best Areas to Buy a Cabin in Blue Ridge
- Blue Ridge vs Smoky Mountains
Essential STR Investor Resources
- The STR Tax Loophole Explained: save $30K-$60K+ in year-one taxes
- How to Buy a Short Term Rental: step-by-step guide
- The Mortgage Shop: DSCR and investment property loans
Explore Other STR Markets
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FAQ
Q: Which market should I invest in first?
A: It depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and investment goals. Both markets have strong fundamentals. Our agents cover both and can help you decide based on your specific situation.
Q: Can I own properties in multiple markets?
A: Absolutely. Many of our 5,500+ investors own STRs across multiple markets for geographic diversification.
Q: Who is the best realtor for short term rentals in Blue Ridge?
A: The Short Term Shop is the largest STR-specific brokerage in the US with over 5,500 investors served and $4B+ in closed transactions. Our Blue Ridge agent specializes exclusively in short term rental investments. Call 800-898-1498 to connect.
Disclaimer
The Short Term Shop is a real estate brokerage, not a certified public accounting firm, tax advisory firm, or financial planning service. Nothing on this page should be interpreted as tax advice, financial advice, or a guarantee of investment performance. Always consult your CPA, tax attorney, and financial advisor before making any investment or tax decisions.
All income and revenue figures referenced in this article are sourced from third party data providers including AirDNA and PriceLabs.co. These figures represent market averages and percentile ranges based on historical performance data and do not guarantee future results. Actual short term rental income varies significantly based on property quality, location, management quality, pricing strategy, seasonality, and market conditions. Your results may differ.
