Four American Cities That Topped Airbnb’s List of Best Destinations—Should You Invest In Them?

In This Article

Airbnb not too long ago unveiled its listing of the high 25 trending locations worldwide for 2025, and solely 4 U.S. cities made the reduce. This was a stunning reveal, contemplating the standard dominance of American journey scorching spots. 

Whereas these 4 cities grabbed the highlight, an honorary point out goes to Jacksonville, Florida, featured in comparable lists that Airbnb launched. This surprising illustration highlights rising alternatives in short-term rental (STR) markets. However are you able to guess which 4 U.S. cities made the listing? 

Let’s play just a little recreation. *Cue Jeopardy music*

Alright, let’s pull again the curtain. The not-so-expected U.S.-based stars of the Airbnb 2025 trending locations listing are:

1. Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin

The Cheesehead Capital has earned its spot within the highlight—however not for the explanations you may suppose. Internet hosting the NFL draft in 2025 is an enormous deal for Inexperienced Bay, bringing an inflow of vacationers and media consideration to this sometimes quiet metropolis. 

Whereas it’s higher recognized for diehard Packers followers and cheese curds, Inexperienced Bay’s short-term rental market exhibits stunning potential for buyers who time it proper.

Right here’s a snapshot of Inexperienced Bay’s STR stats:

• AirDNA market rating: 21
• Estimated annual income: $39,000
• Common day by day fee (ADR): $323.42
• Occupancy fee: 42%
• Income per out there room (RevPAR): $139.81

Whereas Inexperienced Bay’s occupancy fee could seem low, the excessive ADR displays the town’s enchantment throughout key occasions, like Packers video games and the upcoming NFL draft. This market might be all about seasonal spikes for buyers—the proper property in the proper location may flip a revenue with savvy pricing methods.

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Ah, Charleston. This Southern gem might sound much less stunning with its cobblestone streets, charming pastel homes, and shrimp and grits that might qualify as emotional assist meals. Nonetheless, it’s fascinating to see it highlighted on Airbnb’s trending listing. Charleston has lengthy been a favourite of vacationers, however its short-term rental market continues to outperform expectations.

Charleston’s key STR metrics embody:

• AirDNA market rating: 92
• Estimated annual income: $91,100
• ADR: $467.01
• Occupancy fee: 64%
• RevPAR: $309.82

These numbers affirm why Charleston is without doubt one of the highest-ranked markets on AirDNA. With a stellar market rating and an ADR that ranks among the many finest within the nation, Charleston delivers constant returns for STR hosts. It’s proof that allure and historical past by no means exit of fashion.

3. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Welcome to New Orleans’ underrated sibling: Baton Rouge. Much less Bourbon Road chaos, extra crawfish boils, and genuine Louisiana tradition, Baton Rouge is carving out a distinct segment as a quieter, extra reasonably priced various to NOLA—and Airbnb has taken discover.

Right here’s how Baton Rouge’s STR market stacks up:

• AirDNA market rating: 65
• Estimated annual income: $24,800
• ADR: $183.91
• Occupancy fee: 44%
• RevPAR: $82.59

Whereas the income numbers might not be as flashy as Charleston’s, Baton Rouge has a novel benefit: affordability. Buyers can enter this market at a decrease price, and with a little bit of creativity and technique, they’ll capitalize on its regular demand for short-term stays.

4. Houston, Texas

Lastly, we come to my hometown. Houston has handled the town’s latest short-term rental allowing crackdown, however continues to be a trending scorching spot nationwide for guests and occasions. Whereas these rules are inflicting complications for some, they’re additionally creating alternatives for devoted hosts prepared to function responsibly and adapt to the altering panorama.

Houston’s STR metrics reveal a market that rewards cautious deal evaluation:

• AirDNA market rating: 79
• Estimated annual income: $30,900
• ADR: $201.19
• Occupancy fee: 52%
• RevPAR: $106.61

Houston’s affordability and variety of sights make it an fascinating market to observe. From the Museum District to NASA’s Area Heart and the burgeoning foodie scene, vacationers don’t have any scarcity of causes to go to. The important thing right here is discovering the proper property in an space zoned for short-term leases and guaranteeing compliance with native legal guidelines.

What These Cities Inform Us About STR Alternatives

This listing might need been a head-scratcher at first look. Nevertheless, it reveals a transparent pattern: Markets with extra affordability and distinctive sights nonetheless supply alternatives, particularly for buyers who know how one can analyze a deal. Whereas Charleston stands out because the clear excessive performer, markets like Inexperienced Bay, Baton Rouge, and Houston present that even much less obvious locations can ship strong returns with the proper strategy.

So, what does this imply on your subsequent STR buy? It’s easy: An inventory worth is only a suggestion, and success comes right down to how proficiently you’ll be able to analyze a deal. Dive into the info, perceive the market dynamics, and align your funding along with your monetary targets.

Wish to analyze your subsequent deal the proper method? Begin with the proper instruments, just like the BiggerPockets STR Calculator, and make knowledgeable choices that place you for achievement in trending markets like these.

Notice By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the creator and don’t essentially signify the opinions of BiggerPockets.