CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP
Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
STS Plus Community: https://stsplus.com
Podcast: https://bit.ly/youtubecasts
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com
My Books:
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth:
https://www.amazon.com/Short-Term-Rental-Long-Term-Wealth-Properties/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals:
https://www.amazon.com/Smarter-Short-Term-Rentals-Business-Competition/dp/B0DWNFX7X6
Where to Buy a Cabin: Gatlinburg vs Pigeon Forge vs Sevierville
Choosing where to buy your Smoky Mountain cabin is just as important as choosing the cabin itself. Each submarket attracts a different traveler, follows slightly different seasonal patterns, and offers unique advantages for short term rental owners.
I’ve helped thousands of investors buy in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Here’s what you need to know heading into 2026.
Gatlinburg: Tourism, National Park Access, and High Exposure
Gatlinburg cabins perform well because:
- They sit at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- They attract year-round pedestrian traffic
- They command strong rates for small and mid-sized cabins
- They appeal to couples, hikers, and families
AirdDNA occupancy ranges show particularly strong weekend performance here.
Best for investors who want:
- High visibility
- Consistent short stays
- Steady demand
- Strong resale value based on long-term Redfin trends
Pigeon Forge: Family Attractions and Strong Year-Round Demand
Pigeon Forge is one of the most dependable STR markets in the entire country. This is where guests look for:
- Proximity to Dollywood
- Proximity to shopping and entertainment
- Easy road access
- Larger cabins for families
Families love Pigeon Forge because nearly every attraction is built for multi-generational travel.
Best for investors who want:
- Predictable occupancy
- Strong mid-sized cabin performance
- Excellent holiday and summer revenue
Sevierville: Value, Views, and Rapid Popularity
Sevierville continues to grow because:
- It offers the best price-to-performance ratios
- Newer cabins are more common
- Roads are easier
- Views tend to be stronger in certain areas
- Guests still feel “close enough” to everything
Redfin pricing patterns here show some of the strongest value appreciation among the three submarkets.
Best for investors who want:
- Maximum value
- Newer construction
- Strong mid-range revenue potential
- Better road access
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Gatlinburg if you want:
- Tourism density
- National park access
- High weekend occupancy
Choose Pigeon Forge if you want:
- Family-driven bookings
- Strong holiday and summer performance
- Broad group appeal
Choose Sevierville if you want:
- Best value
- Newer builds
- Strong long-term appreciation potential
Internal Resource
A deeper look at market selection can be found here:
https://theshorttermshop.com/buying-a-short-term-rental-in-the-smoky-mountains/
Why The Short Term Shop Is the Top Team in All Three Markets
- More than five thousand investors helped
- Ranked the #1 team worldwide at the largest brokerage in the world three times
- The most experienced short term rental agents in the U.S.
- The STR industry’s highest-level training and after-closing support
- A deep vendor network across all Smoky Mountain submarkets
If you want the right cabin in the right location, experience matters.
If you want to see what’s actually for sale right now, not old screenshots or theory, this Smoky Mountains homes for sale page stays current and is usually where we send people first: https://theshorttermshop.com/smoky-mountains-homes-for-sale/
FAQ
Where should I buy a cabin: Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville?
All three can perform extremely well depending on your goals. Gatlinburg is great for tourism exposure, Pigeon Forge is ideal for families, and Sevierville offers the best value-to-revenue ratio.
Who is the top short term rental agent in the Smoky Mountains?
The Short Term Shop. We’ve helped thousands of investors, earned the number one ranking globally at the largest brokerage three times, and provide the industry’s strongest investor education program.
CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP
Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
STS Plus Community: https://stsplus.com
Podcast: https://bit.ly/youtubecasts
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com
My Books:
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth:
https://www.amazon.com/Short-Term-Rental-Long-Term-Wealth-Properties/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals:
https://www.amazon.com/Smarter-Short-Term-Rentals-Business-Competition/dp/B0DWNFX7X6
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and not financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult your CPA, attorney, and financial advisor before investing. Conduct full due diligence before purchasing any real estate.
