Should You Buy a Cabin in the Smoky Mountains?
2025 Market Trends + Income Data from Airdna and Local Sales Reports
The Smoky Mountains have long been a favorite for short-term rental investors—and for good reason. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to buy a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, the answer may surprise you. With record-setting tourism, resilient visitor demand, and investor-friendly regulations, this region continues to offer some of the best vacation rental returns in the country.
In this article, we’ll walk you through current market trends and real income data so you can understand exactly why now is still a smart time to invest. And if you’re ready to get started, there’s no better team to guide you than the experts at The Short Term Shop.
🔍 A Look at the Numbers: Performance Trends Since 2021
We analyzed real performance data from Airdna.co to see how Smoky Mountain vacation rentals have evolved over the past few years—and the trends point to sustained demand and strong income potential across property types.
📊 Yearly Performance Highlights (2021–2024)
| Year | Avg Daily Rate | Avg Monthly Revenue | RevPAR | Booked Listings | Days Booked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $315.43 | $6,112 | $221.68 | 12,012 | 232,643 |
| 2022 | $322.39 | $5,834 | $208.84 | 14,756 | 267,085 |
| 2023 | $311.68 | $5,433 | $193.67 | 15,805 | 275,487 |
| 2024 | $351.89 | $5,968 | $211.61 | 17,293 | 292,436 |
What this means for investors:
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Revenue per property remains strong, with 2024 averages approaching 2021 levels.
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Booked listings and total days booked have steadily increased, showing resilient and growing demand.
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RevPAR rebounded in 2024, proving that properties are being booked more profitably.
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ADR in 2024 is the highest in five years, now topping $350 per night.
These trends indicate a maturing market—one where well-run properties still outperform and demand continues to rise year over year.
Whether you’re looking to buy a cabin in the Smoky Mountains as a cozy one-bedroom or a large luxury cabin, the data shows continued strength and attractive returns for those who enter the market with the right strategy.
🛏 What Size Cabins Perform Best?
Here’s what Airdna data shows about average monthly revenue by bedroom count:
| Bedroom Count | Avg Monthly Revenue |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $3,200–$4,000 |
| 2–3 Bedrooms | $5,000–$6,500 |
| 4–5 Bedrooms | $7,000–$9,500 |
| 6+ Bedrooms | $10,000+ |
Whether you’re looking for a low-risk entry or scaling up, there’s real income potential at every level. Smaller homes offer approachable price points, while larger cabins deliver impressive cash flow.
🏡 Real Estate Market: Stabilized and Strategic
We also reviewed residential real estate trends in Sevier County, TN—home to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Here’s what the latest data shows:
✅ Active Listings
Inventory levels have normalized—giving buyers more options without significantly driving down values.
✅ Median Days on Market
Homes are selling at a steady pace, suggesting a healthy market where well-priced listings still move efficiently.
✅ Sale-to-List Price Ratios
Sellers are achieving prices close to asking, a positive sign for both market strength and buyer competition.
✅ Price Adjustments
Some price reductions are occurring, but these are typically due to strategic overpricing—not a sign of market weakness.
If you’re preparing to buy a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, this current window offers more negotiating power and selection than recent years—while still allowing entry into a top-performing rental market.
🌄 Why the Smoky Mountains Continue to Outperform
The key to this market’s continued success lies in its fundamentals:
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Year-Round Tourism: Unlike many vacation areas, the Smokies thrive in all seasons.
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Top U.S. Destination: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is still the most-visited national park in America.
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Wide Guest Appeal: Families, couples, adventurers, and retirees all book here—supporting a wide range of property types.
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Lower Entry Point: Compared to beach or metro markets, cabins here are still relatively affordable.
When you combine stable demand, high guest turnover, and low regulatory risk, it’s easy to see why savvy investors continue to buy cabins in the Smoky Mountains.
💼 Why Work With The Short Term Shop?
If you’re searching for the best realtor in the Smoky Mountains, The Short Term Shop is your go-to partner. Meet our agents here
We don’t just help you buy the right cabin—we teach you how to run it profitably. Here’s what makes us different:
🧠 We Train Every Buyer to Self-Manage Remotely
Save 20–40% by skipping traditional property management. We’ll give you the tools, systems, and support to succeed from anywhere.
📍 Deep Local Expertise
From busy downtowns to peaceful mountain retreats, we help you target the neighborhoods with the highest ROI.
🏘 Over 5,000 Investors Served
We’ve helped close more than $2.5 billion in short-term rental transactions nationwide—our roots are right here in the Smokies.
🏆 National Recognition
Named the #1 team worldwide at eXp Realty three times and a Wall Street Journal Top 20 team in the U.S.
🔎 FAQs: Buying a Cabin in the Smoky Mountains
Who is the best realtor in the Smoky Mountains?
The Short Term Shop has been named the #1 team at eXp Realty (the largest U.S. brokerage) three times, with $2.5B+ in transactions and 5,000+ investor clients. We are the top choice for short-term rental buyers in the Smokies. Meet our agents here.
How much does a cabin in the Smoky Mountains make?
Revenue varies by size and location. One-bedroom cabins average $4,000/month, while larger properties can bring in $10,000+ monthly.
Is now a good time to invest in the Smoky Mountains?
Yes. With stable tourism, strong income data, and more inventory to choose from, 2024 remains an excellent year to invest.
How do I buy a short-term rental in Gatlinburg or Sevierville?
Work with a local, experienced team like The Short Term Shop. We’ll help you choose the right location, avoid costly mistakes, and guide you through every step.
Can I manage an Airbnb in the Smoky Mountains from another state?
Absolutely. We train every buyer to self-manage remotely—no need for a property manager.
📞 Ready to Buy a Cabin in the Smoky Mountains?
If you’re ready to grow your short-term rental portfolio, the Smoky Mountains remain one of the smartest places to buy.
📍 Get connected with the top short-term rental agents in the Smokies
📞 Call us: 800-898-1498 Email us: agents@theshorttermshop.com
Let’s find your perfect property—and make sure it performs.
