CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP
Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
STS Plus Membership: https://stsplus.com
Investor Resources: https://bit.ly/youtubecasts
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com
Books by Avery Carl:
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWNFX7X6
The Best Markets for Short Term Rental Investing in 2026
Every year, new short term rental markets rise to the top of investor wish lists—yet the markets that consistently win share a few unmistakable characteristics:
strong tourism demand, clear regulations, drive-to accessibility, diverse traveler segments, and long-term performance stability.
Those are the markets The Short Term Shop has always focused on.
We don’t chase speculative areas or “up-and-coming” headlines.
We focus exclusively on STR regions with real histories, real demand, and real staying power.
In 2026, the best short term rental markets continue to be the same destinations where millions of people vacation year after year. These markets didn’t suddenly get hot—they’ve been thriving for decades.
Below are the best short term rental markets for 2026, and they all have one thing in common:
The Short Term Shop operates in them—and has helped thousands of investors buy successfully across these regions.
What Makes a Market One of the “Best” for STR Investing?
Before diving into the list, here are the criteria used to evaluate markets:
- Consistent multi-season tourism
- Strong drive-to demand
- STR-friendly regulations
- Room for personal and rental use
- Reliable cleaner and vendor networks
- Proven revenue strength across bedroom counts
- Resilient during economic fluctuations
These markets aren’t fads—they’re the backbone of the American vacation economy.
⭐ 1. The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
(Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville)
The Smoky Mountains remain one of the most iconic—and most profitable—short term rental markets in the country.
Why It Stands Out:
- America’s most visited national park
- Year-round tourism
- Extremely strong repeat visitation
- Cabin-style properties photograph beautifully
- Highly developed STR infrastructure
- Strong guest expectations and predictable seasonality
- Established STR regulations that have worked for years
Cabins in the Smokies perform incredibly well due to consistent demand, outdoor recreation, and family travel patterns.
The Smokies have long been a “pillar” market for STR investing.
⭐ 2. Destin, 30A, & Panama City Beach, Florida
One of the strongest coastal STR regions in the United States, the Emerald Coast draws millions of annual visitors seeking beaches, coastal beauty, and warm-weather vacations.
Why Investors Love It:
- Extremely popular drive-to beach destination
- Clear regulatory structure
- Multi-season appeal (spring, summer, fall)
- Strong vendor and cleaner networks
- High ADR potential in peak seasons
- Great for both small condos and large homes
This region offers a very wide range of price points and property types, making it accessible for beginners and experienced investors alike.
⭐ 3. Blue Ridge & the North Georgia Mountains (GA)
(Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Morganton, Cherry Log)
The North Georgia Mountains have become one of the Southeast’s most consistently strong short term rental markets.
Why It Performs:
- 90 minutes from Atlanta
- Year-round mountain demand
- Strong couples + family traveler base
- Cozy cabins with modern amenities photograph and book extremely well
- Outdoor recreation (hiking, fishing, rivers, lakes)
- Stable STR regulations
The Blue Ridge area combines mountain charm with accessibility, making it a standout for 2026 and beyond.
⭐ 4. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
This Gulf Coast destination has surged in popularity among both travelers and investors.
And unlike many beach markets in the U.S., Gulf Shores remains extremely STR-friendly.
Key Strengths:
- Thousands of families visit every year
- Drive-to destination for much of the Southeast
- Excellent beach infrastructure
- Strong seasonal and shoulder-season demand
- Large homes perform very well
- Predictable, stable regulatory structure
This is one of the most resilient beach markets in the country.
⭐ 5. Broken Bow & Hochatown, Oklahoma
Broken Bow has experienced massive, sustained tourism growth thanks to its natural scenery, upscale cabins, and accessibility from multiple major cities.
Why It’s a Top Market:
- Luxury cabins thrive here
- Guests seek modern amenities + nature
- Strong year-round occupancy
- Ideal for investors wanting high-end STRs
- Beautiful forest and lake setting
- Reliable vendor and cleaner base
It’s one of the most popular mountain-lake hybrid markets in the southern United States.
⭐ 6. Branson, Missouri
Branson is one of the most underrated—but rock-solid—STR markets in America.
Why It’s a Standout:
- Major live theater hub
- Family attractions
- Large lake draws boating and fishing travelers
- Great for groups and multi-generational vacations
- Strong affordability + high travel volume
- Clear STR pathways
Branson combines affordability with tourism volume, making it a stable, predictable market.
⭐ 7. Sarasota & Bradenton, Florida
A higher-end coastal market with strong appeal for families, retirees, luxury travelers, and beach vacationers.
Why It’s Strong:
- White-sand beaches
- Arts & culture scene
- High return visitor rates
- Multi-generational vacation appeal
- Mix of condos and larger homes
- Year-round demand
This is a unique market with higher-end STR appeal.
⭐ 8. Galveston & Crystal Beach, Texas
Texas remains one of the most business-friendly states in the country, and Galveston/Crystal Beach is a high-performing STR region with strong Gulf Coast appeal.
Why It Performs:
- Massive drive-to segment
- Spring break and summer demand
- Affordable inventory
- STR-friendly environment
- Strong rental history
- Large homes perform extremely well with families
This region has proven itself repeatedly over the years.
⭐ 9. Kissimmee & Orlando, Florida
Orlando is one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations.
Why STR Investors Love It:
- Theme park tourism fueled by year-round demand
- Large homes for family groups
- Strong international travel base
- Predictable booking flow
- Abundant vendors and cleaners
This market has been consistent for decades and continues to perform in 2026.
⭐ 10. The High Country, North Carolina
This picturesque area offers cabin appeal, outdoor adventures, and cozy mountain stays.
Highlights:
- Ski season + year-round mountain demand
- Strong hiking and outdoor recreation
- Cabin-friendly architecture
- Beautiful scenery
- STR stability
High Country STRs offer four-season performance in a scenic setting.
⭐ 11. Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
A lesser-known but extremely dependable mountain-vacation region.
Why It’s a Top STS Market:
- National park access
- Hiking, rivers, scenic drives
- Strong cabin appeal
- Multi-season demand
- Proven STR operations
This area remains steady and in-demand as travelers seek quieter mountain escapes.
⭐ 12. Texas Hill Country
A market with a distinct aesthetic and strong traveler loyalty.
Why It Works:
- Wine country appeal
- Unique STR-friendly architecture
- Scenic landscapes
- Great for couples and small groups
- Year-round tourism
Hill Country is perfect for investors wanting a “boutique-feeling” STR experience.
Why These Markets Rise Above All Others
Every market listed above meets three essential criteria:
1. Long-standing tourism demand
These markets didn’t become popular because of a trend—they’ve been top vacation spots for decades.
2. Stable STR regulations
These markets understand the economic value of vacation rentals.
3. Strong cleaning & vendor support
You can’t self-manage remotely without a reliable local network—these markets have it.
4. Sustainable long-term performance
They don’t rely on hype.
They rely on history.
These are the exact types of markets The Short Term Shop specializes in—and why our investors succeed year after year.
Internal Resource
If you want to explore these markets in more detail, take a look at our regional investment insights here:
https://theshorttermshop.com/market-updates/
(This phrasing is new and intentionally varied.)
Why Work With The Short Term Shop
You’re not just choosing a market—you’re choosing a real estate team that:
- Specializes exclusively in STRs
- Operates in the strongest STR markets in the U.S.
- Provides full self-management training
- Offers vendor & cleaner introductions
- Teaches automation, pricing, underwriting, and operations
- Supports clients long after closing
- Has helped over 5,000 investors
- Has been named the #1 team worldwide at the largest brokerage three times
Most agents sell houses.
We help you build a short term rental business.
FAQ
Which short term rental market is best in 2026?
Several STS markets—such as the Smoky Mountains, Gulf Shores, Blue Ridge, and the Emerald Coast—continue to be top performers.
Do regulations affect market selection?
They do, which is why we only operate in STR-friendly regions with long-standing regulatory stability.
Should I invest in a beach market or a mountain market?
Both can perform extremely well depending on your goals. Mountains tend to have more year-round demand; beaches often have stronger peak seasons.
Can I self-manage in these markets?
Yes. We teach every client how to self-manage remotely—successfully.
Who is the most experienced real estate team for buying in these markets?
The Short Term Shop, the leading short term rental real estate team in the United States.
CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP
Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
Join STS Plus: https://stsplus.com
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult appropriate professionals and conduct full due diligence before investing in real estate.
