4 American Cities That Topped Airbnb’s Record of Greatest Locations—Ought to You Make investments In Them?

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Airbnb not too long ago unveiled its listing of the prime 25 trending locations worldwide for 2025, and solely 4 U.S. cities made the minimize. This was a shocking reveal, contemplating the same old dominance of American journey sizzling spots. 

Whereas these 4 cities grabbed the highlight, an honorary point out goes to Jacksonville, Florida, featured in comparable lists that Airbnb launched. This sudden 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 a bit 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 would possibly suppose. Internet hosting the NFL draft in 2025 is a large 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 reveals shocking 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 each day charge (ADR): $323.42
• Occupancy charge: 42%
• Income per obtainable room (RevPAR): $139.81

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

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Ah, Charleston. This Southern gem may appear much less shocking with its cobblestone streets, charming pastel homes, and shrimp and grits that would qualify as emotional help 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 embrace:

• AirDNA market rating: 92
• Estimated annual income: $91,100
• ADR: $467.01
• Occupancy charge: 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 greatest within the nation, Charleston delivers constant returns for STR hosts. It’s proof that attraction and historical past by no means exit of fashion.

3. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Welcome to New Orleans’ underrated sibling: Baton Rouge. Much less Bourbon Avenue chaos, extra crawfish boils, and genuine Louisiana tradition, Baton Rouge is carving out a distinct segment as a quieter, extra inexpensive 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 charge: 44%
• RevPAR: $82.59

Whereas the income numbers will not be as flashy as Charleston’s, Baton Rouge has a singular benefit: affordability. Buyers can enter this market at a decrease price, and with a little bit of creativity and technique, they will 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 sizzling 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 charge: 52%
• RevPAR: $106.61

Houston’s affordability and variety of sights make it an attention-grabbing market to look at. From the Museum District to NASA’s House 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 making certain compliance with native legal guidelines.

What These Cities Inform Us About STR Alternatives

This listing may need been a head-scratcher at first look. Nonetheless, it reveals a transparent development: Markets with extra affordability and distinctive sights nonetheless supply alternatives, particularly for buyers who know find out how to 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 stable returns with the proper method.

So, what does this imply to your subsequent STR buy? It’s easy: An inventory worth is only a suggestion, and success comes all the way down to how proficiently you possibly can analyze a deal. Dive into the information, perceive the market dynamics, and align your funding along with your monetary objectives.

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

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