{"id":8229,"date":"2022-06-14T18:25:39","date_gmt":"2022-06-14T23:25:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/?p=8229"},"modified":"2022-06-19T14:46:19","modified_gmt":"2022-06-19T19:46:19","slug":"the-12-best-places-to-buy-a-vacation-rental-in-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/?p=8229","title":{"rendered":"The 12 Best Places to Buy a Vacation Rental in 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It\u2019s official: travel is back, and there\u2019s a lot of pent-up demand for epic vacations. In fact,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinkwithgoogle.com\/consumer-insights\/consumer-trends\/trending-visual-stories\/next-gen-travel-data?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google data hints&nbsp;<\/a>that the desire to travel is higher than ever, as people have searched for phrases like \u201crental near\u2026\u201d more than twice as much as they did over the past year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more: many travelers are showing specific interest in the great outdoors, and they want access to amenities like kayaks, bikes, even boats \u2014 things that vacation rentals are best-suited to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All of this indicates&nbsp;<strong>now<\/strong>&nbsp;is the prime time to buy a vacation rental. After all, the industry is on pace to grow into a nearly&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/vacation-rental-market-to-grow-by-almost--63-billion-during-2020-2024technavio-301315239.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$63 billion<\/a>&nbsp;space over the next few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So if you\u2019re thinking about investing in a vacation home, the next step is knowing which areas offer the best returns on that investment. From an energetic mountain town in Tennessee that neighbors the country\u2019s most-visited&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/find-your-wild-side-on-a-national-park-trip\" target=\"_blank\">national park<\/a>, to a lesser-known (for now) seaside escape in south Texas, here are the 12 best places to buy a vacation rental in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>How We Chose the Best Places to Buy an Investment Property<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The By the Numbers data below is based on a combination of proprietary and public data, but the three main metrics we took into account are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Vacation rental performance metrics across the U.S.<\/strong>&nbsp;to learn where bookings lead to higher median revenue&nbsp;<br><\/li><li><strong>Zillow\u2019s 2021 median home value<\/strong>&nbsp;to identify listing prices<br><\/li><li><strong>Estimated yearly expenses to run a vacation rental<\/strong>&nbsp;(approximately 30% of total revenue) to help calculate cap rate<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We also evaluated a property\u2019s potential to outperform market expectations&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/vacation-rental-management\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">with an Evolve partnership<\/a>. Below, you\u2019ll see The Evolve Difference, showcasing&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/how-we-work-together\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how we helped<\/a>&nbsp;some of our top owners maximize income in each area, resulting in them significantly surpassing the market\u2019s projected revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Poconos\">1. The Poconos, Pennsylvania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/evolve-vacation-rental-network\/image\/upload\/v1634739867\/evolvevacationrental.com\/BTN_BPTB22_ThePoconos.jpg\" alt=\"Graphic showing The Poconos, Pennsylvania median rental revenue, listing price, and cap rate with a picture of a house in the woods.\" class=\"wp-image-24420\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For the fourth year in a row,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/vacation-rentals\/us\/pa\/poconos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Poconos<\/a>&nbsp;tops our list as the best place to buy a vacation rental. Also commanding the number one spot on our list of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/homeowner-tips\/best-places-to-buy-a-lake-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best places to buy a lake house<\/a>, this mountainous, lake-dotted region in northeast Pennsylvania holds a consistent draw for East Coast urbanites looking to slip away for a vacation in nature.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Poconos have&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/top-things-to-do-in-the-poconos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plenty of year-round adventures<\/a>&nbsp;for families and outdoors lovers alike, from hiking to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitbushkillfalls.com\/discover\/park-hours-general-information\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bushkill Falls<\/a>&nbsp;(known as the \u201cThe Niagara of Pennsylvania\u201d) and water sports to skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Plus, the Poconos boast small-town charm throughout vacation rental-friendly towns like Tobyhanna, Pocono Lake, and Albrightsville.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The caveat: because of the area\u2019s consistent popularity, our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/real-estate-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Real Estate Services (RES)&nbsp;<\/a>team says homes don\u2019t stay on the market long and regularly sell over their list price, especially in and around Lake Harmony.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this reason, the Poconos is best for investment-focused buyers who have enough cash available to make offers on homes within one to three days of the property being listed. Still, with a potential 14.7% cap rate \u2014 the ratio between the property\u2019s net income and its market value, and a key measure of success \u2014 you should be able to recoup your investments and start earning profit more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Blue-Ridge\"><br>2.&nbsp;<strong>McGaheysville, Virginia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/evolve-vacation-rental-network\/image\/upload\/v1634739834\/evolvevacationrental.com\/BTN_BPTB22_-McGaheysville.jpg\" alt=\"Graphic showing McGaheysville, Virginia median rental revenue, listing price, and cap rate with a picture of a white house with spruce trees and exterior lights on.\" class=\"wp-image-24402\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>McGaheysville is a small Virginia community that falls into the \u201chidden gem\u201d category. The area is a gateway to&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/shen\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Shenandoah National Park<\/a>, which includes a stretch of the famed&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/appalachiantrail.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Appalachian Trail<\/a>, fields of wildflowers, and cascading waterfalls. Travelers come to the area for both summer and winter recreation, which means vacation rental owners will have two busy seasons to help them hit their occupancy goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our RES team notes that McGaheysville\u2019s proximity to&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.massresort.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Massanutten Resort<\/a>is a major draw to the region, attracting travelers who want a&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/homeowner-tips\/ski-towns-worth-rental-property-investment\" target=\"_blank\">cozy ski property<\/a>&nbsp;to serve as their home base. Amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, and thoughtful winter extras (think sleds, warm blankets, and hot chocolate) are all&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/homeowner-tips\/top-requested-mountain-vacation-rental-amenities\" target=\"_blank\">important amenities for mountain properties<\/a>&nbsp;that can help you rack up&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/homeowner-tips\/vacation-rental-reviews-how-to-get-great-guest-feedback\" target=\"_blank\">five-star reviews<\/a>&nbsp;in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bonus: while McGaheysville median revenue is nearly $49,000 a year, we\u2019ve seen some\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/vacation-rental-management\" target=\"_blank\">Evolve owners<\/a>\u00a0bring in almost $113,000 during the same period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Pigeon-Forge\">3.&nbsp;<strong>Sevierville, Tennessee<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/evolve-vacation-rental-network\/image\/upload\/v1634739842\/evolvevacationrental.com\/BTN_BPTB22_-Sevierville.jpg\" alt=\"Graphic showing Sevierville, Tennessee median rental revenue, listing price, and cap rate with a picture of a an elevated log cabin with wrap-around deck.\" class=\"wp-image-24406\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/grsm\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Great Smoky Mountains<\/a>&nbsp;are considered part of Sevierville\u2019s backyard. So those who buy a vacation rental in this area are well-positioned to hit their occupancy goals, thanks to the 12.1 million visitors who flock to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/aboutus\/visitation-numbers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">national park<\/a>&nbsp;annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Along with the spectacular shows Mother Nature creates here (we\u2019re talking breathtaking fall foliage and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/smokymountains.com\/park\/things-to-do\/synchronous-fireflies-smoky-mountains\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">synchronous fireflies<\/a>), the region has dozens of sought-after tourist attractions, from Ripley museums and mini golf to a mountain coaster and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dollywood.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dollywood<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/homeowner-tips\/is-a-cabin-a-good-investment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spacious cabins<\/a>&nbsp;tend to perform best in Sevierville, and while the median annual revenue for vacation rental owners hovers around $51,000 a year, we\u2019ve seen some&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/vacation-rental-management\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Evolve owners<\/a>&nbsp;earn almost triple that during the same period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oh, and if you\u2019re not finding the just-right property in Sevierville, it\u2019s easy to expand your search to nearby\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/vacation-rentals\/us\/tn\/gatlinburg\" target=\"_blank\">Gatlinburg<\/a>\u00a0and Pigeon Forge. Both are still considered some of the best places to buy a vacation rental, as our RES team says all three markets \u2014 and their successes \u2014 overlap pretty heavily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Granbury\">4.&nbsp;<strong>Bryson City, North Carolina<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/BTN_BPTB22_Bryson-City-1536x641-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"427\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/BTN_BPTB22_Bryson-City-1536x641-1-1024x427.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8230\" srcset=\"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/BTN_BPTB22_Bryson-City-1536x641-1-1024x427.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/BTN_BPTB22_Bryson-City-1536x641-1-300x125.jpg 300w, http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/BTN_BPTB22_Bryson-City-1536x641-1-768x321.jpg 768w, http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/BTN_BPTB22_Bryson-City-1536x641-1.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Small-town charm meets laidback mountain vibes in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatsmokies.com\/downtown\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bryson City<\/a>, a place that still feels a bit undiscovered. This North Carolina neighbor to the Great Smoky Mountains is a quieter alternative to Sevierville and other Eastern Tennessee hotspots that border the tourist-heavy national park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a population of just 1,300, Bryson City has an arts-centric, walkable downtown with local bookstores, murals, galleries, and breweries. The Tuckasegee River also cuts through downtown, and is a spot to kayak, paddleboard, or fly fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The average listing price for homes in Bryson City sits right around $195,000, making it an ideal consideration for new vacation rental investors. Plus, our RES team says&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/homeowner-tips\/is-a-cabin-a-good-investment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">smaller cabins<\/a>&nbsp;have the potential to perform well here, which means homebuyers can turn a hideaway cabin into a short-term rental gem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If inventory is limited in Bryson City, our RES team also recommends checking out nearby Maggie Valley, a special spot where the Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Ruidoso\">5.&nbsp;<strong>Surfside Beach, Texas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/evolve-vacation-rental-network\/image\/upload\/v1634739864\/evolvevacationrental.com\/BTN_BPTB22_Surfside-Beach.jpg\" alt=\"Graphic showing Surfside Beach, Texas median rental revenue, listing price, and cap rate with a picture of a rental property with deck and palm trees.\" class=\"wp-image-24418\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only is Surfside Beach high on our overall list of best places to buy a vacation rental in 2022, but this small town between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway also holds the top spot for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/homeowner-tips\/best-places-to-buy-a-beach-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best places to buy a beach house<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s easy to see why so many love to slip away to this seaside village: surfing (or boogie boarding), fishing, birdwatching, and enjoying fresh seafood are among the many ways to spend vacation days in this affordable destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you\u2019re scouting homes in Surfside Beach, our RES team says to keep in mind that travelers coming to this area look for convenient beach access and nearby restaurants. Family-friendly stays are also popular here, so buyers should look for ways to maximize the number of people their rentals can accommodate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Broken-Bow\">6.&nbsp;<strong>Branson, Missouri<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/evolve-vacation-rental-network\/image\/upload\/v1634739831\/evolvevacationrental.com\/BTN_BPTB22_-Branson.jpg\" alt=\"Graphic showing Branson, Missouri median rental revenue, listing price, and cap rate with a picture of a wood and brick house with green hedges.\" class=\"wp-image-24400\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Vacation rentals are highly sought after&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/vacation-rentals\/us\/mo\/branson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">in Branson<\/a>, a well-known family vacation destination in the midwest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brimming with&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/best-things-to-do-branson-mo\" target=\"_blank\">plenty of things to do<\/a>, Branson is one of those destinations that can suit just about every type of traveler. Nature lovers enjoy exploring the scenic Ozark Mountains or touring caves, while families can visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.silverdollarcity.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Silver Dollar City<\/a>&nbsp;amusement park or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dpstampede.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dolly Parton\u2019s Stampede<\/a>&nbsp;dinner show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the median home price just under $180,000 and a potential 8.4% cap rate, Branson can be a great place to break into the investment market \u2014 and it\u2019s the most affordable spot on our list of best places to buy a vacation rental in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, Branson is another destination where homes with a higher room count can nab the most bookings, according to our RES team. Those bigger properties are usually more expensive than the median list price, but could translate to more earning potential, an important consideration when navigating this market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Branson\">7.&nbsp;<strong>Waldport, Oregon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/evolve-vacation-rental-network\/image\/upload\/v1634739845\/evolvevacationrental.com\/BTN_BPTB22_-Waldport.jpg\" alt=\"Graphic showing Waldport, Oregon median rental revenue, listing price, and cap rate with a picture of homes with porches and sunset views.\" class=\"wp-image-24408\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Located along the central coast of Oregon, travelers who visit Waldport may feel as though they\u2019ve stumbled upon one of the Pacific Northwest\u2019s best-kept secrets. It\u2019s the perfect place for out-of-towners to sample all the best Oregon has to offer, from whale watching and exploring the rolling sand dunes to hiking in the moody coastal mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While median annual revenue sits just over $41,000, some\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/vacation-rental-management\" target=\"_blank\">Evolve owners<\/a>have earned upward of $77,000 in that time. To make your vacation rental property shine \u2014 and turn first-time visitors into repeaters \u2014 add nature-centric amenities like trail maps, binoculars, and birding guides (there are more than 400 species in the area) to your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Havasu\">8.&nbsp;<strong>North Conway, New Hampshire<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/evolve-vacation-rental-network\/image\/upload\/v1634739856\/evolvevacationrental.com\/BTN_BPTB22_North-Conway.jpg\" alt=\"Graphic showing North Conway, New Hampshire median rental revenue, listing price, and cap rate with a picture of a log house with retaining wall and deck.\" class=\"wp-image-24414\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With nearly 13 nearby ski areas, North Conway is a beloved ski village in New England. This New Hampshire locale is in the heart of the White Mountains region, making it a year-round magnet for nature-seekers who come to swoosh down the slopes, hike, golf, fish, and enjoy some of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/fall-foliage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the country\u2019s best leaf peeping<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All of this makes North Conway a prime spot for vacation rental owners who want to provide a home base for outdoorsy, family-friendly, or group travelers. It\u2019s even ideal for urban travelers, like those coming from Boston, who crave a private,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/luxury-vacations-in-the-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">luxurious vacation<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, when looking to buy in this area, our RES team says to keep an eye out for vacation homes that sit close to the slopes or have luxury amenities, like fireplaces and hot tubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Cape-Coral\">9.&nbsp;<strong>Ruidoso, New Mexico<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/evolve-vacation-rental-network\/image\/upload\/v1634739838\/evolvevacationrental.com\/BTN_BPTB22_-Ruidoso.jpg\" alt=\"Graphic showing Ruidoso, New Mexico median rental revenue, listing price, and cap rate with a picture of a log cabin with lush trees.\" class=\"wp-image-24404\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With a good mix of mountain-town magic and Southwestern style,&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/vacation-rentals\/us\/nm\/ruidoso\" target=\"_blank\">Ruidoso<\/a>is a repeat feature on our annual best places to buy list. This enchanting city in New Mexico is cradled by the Sierra Blanca mountains, making it a draw for snow-seekers who come for ski vacations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond winter adventures, though, Ruidoso has all the&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/top-things-to-do-in-ruidoso-nm\" target=\"_blank\">makings for a fun vacation<\/a>&nbsp;no matter the traveler. Activities include casinos, historical sites, and&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/whsa\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">White Sands National Park<\/a>, a 275-square mile sandbox composed of shimmery gypsum crystals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The median annual Ruidoso revenue hovers around $22,000, but some\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/vacation-rental-management\" target=\"_blank\">Evolve owners<\/a>\u00a0make closer to $68,000 a year. Hot tubs, spacious decks with mountain views, and game rooms all add value to secluded cabins here, helping your property snag attention from eager vacationers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Catskills\">10.&nbsp;<strong>Windham, New York<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/evolve-vacation-rental-network\/image\/upload\/v1634739872\/evolvevacationrental.com\/BTN_BPTB22_Windham.jpg\" alt=\"Graphic showing Windham, New York median rental revenue, listing price, and cap rate with a picture of a white house and trees\" class=\"wp-image-24423\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Windham is known as the \u201cgem of the Catskills\u201d thanks to its unparalleled outdoor recreation and abundance of wine bars, art galleries, and fine dining restaurants. Less than three hours north of New York City, our RES team says Windham is high on the list for those who want to escape the Big Apple and enjoy a luxe retreat in the mountains (making it one of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/homeowner-tips\/ski-towns-worth-rental-property-investment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best places to buy a ski property<\/a>, too).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The median list price here is under $500,000, which is competitive when you stack it next to other upstate locations like the Hudson Valley (where\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zillow.com\/westchester-county-ny\/home-values\/\" target=\"_blank\">median home values<\/a>\u00a0can be a couple hundred thousand more), or beachfront options like the Hamptons (where you\u2019re looking at a\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2021\/01\/29\/realestate\/hamptons-market-surges.html\" target=\"_blank\">median sale price of $1.2 million<\/a>). And with a cap rate of 7.1%, Windham sits right in that sweet spot of providing an affordable escape into nature while helping you get a strong return on investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Catskills\">11.&nbsp;<strong>Gulf Shores, Alabama<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/evolve-vacation-rental-network\/image\/upload\/v1634739853\/evolvevacationrental.com\/BTN_BPTB22_Gulf-Shores.jpg\" alt=\"Graphic showing Gulf Shores, Alabama median rental revenue, listing price, and cap rate with a picture of a condo complex with pool.\" class=\"wp-image-24412\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Fine quartz grains washed down from the Appalachian Mountains thousands of years ago, giving way to the&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/cleanisland.org\/alabama-gulf-coast-sand-soft-white\/\" target=\"_blank\">powdery-soft white sand beaches<\/a>&nbsp;that are so popular along this coveted stretch of Alabama coastline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gulf Shores is a popular spot for family vacations, and there\u2019s&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/top-things-to-do-in-gulf-shores\" target=\"_blank\">plenty to do<\/a>both on and off the beach, including sunset dolphin cruises, deep sea fishing, and golfing at Kiva Dunes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the uninitiated, Gulf Shores (which also made our list of&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/blog\/homeowner-tips\/best-places-to-buy-a-beach-house\" target=\"_blank\">best places to buy a beach house<\/a>) seamlessly runs into the bordering beach town Orange Beach and, combined, this vacation rental-friendly region boasts 32 miles of pretty beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With all that shoreline, oceanfront condos \u2014 and those right off the water \u2014 are in high demand in\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/vacation-rentals\/us\/al\/gulf-shores-orange-beach\" target=\"_blank\">Gulf Shores and Orange Beach<\/a>, and our RES team notes that inventory is pretty tight in these communities. Working with a knowledgeable realtor who specializes in the area can help you understand HOA regulations and find properties with amenities that your guests will love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Catskills\">12.&nbsp;<strong>Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/evolve-vacation-rental-network\/image\/upload\/v1634739860\/evolvevacationrental.com\/BTN_BPTB22_Pinetop-Lakeside.jpg\" alt=\"Graphic showing Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona median rental revenue, listing price, and cap rate with a picture of a log cabin in the woods with tall pine trees.\" class=\"wp-image-24416\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As an alternative to the desert landscape, Pinetop-Lakeside tends to surprise Arizona travelers with its expanse of Ponderosa pines, as well as its snowy winters and not-too-hot summers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And unlike other Arizona destinations (like Sedona,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/evolve.com\/vacation-rentals\/us\/az\/scottsdale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scottsdale<\/a>, or Flagstaff), the Pinetop-Lakeside area is lesser-known. Visitors will find plenty to do here, with dozens of lakes and 200 miles of scenic multi-use trails to explore, along with family-friendly activities like miniature golf and arcade games.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a diversified economy that\u2019s not entirely hinged on tourism, the region has a strong real estate market for any property type, according to our RES team. As a whole, Arizona is also a great state to buy a vacation home in because it\u2019s free from a lot of regulations, and visitors come to the sunny state year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When looking for a vacation rental in the Pinetop-Lakeside area, our RES team says cabin-style retreats with a rustic feel and modern amenities tend to fare best in this market. Renters often look for spacious homes too, so if you can swing it, properties with at least three bedrooms will help you best meet your booking goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s official: travel is back, and there\u2019s a lot of pent-up demand for epic vacations. In fact,&nbsp;Google data hints&nbsp;that the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8231,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[254,3421],"tags":[888,3432,3433],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8229"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8229"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8229\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8232,"href":"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8229\/revisions\/8232"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8229"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8229"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/blog.jlbn.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8229"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}