The pandemic didn't put a stop to leisure travel — it just changed the way Americans approached it.
Instead of taking flights and staying in hotels, travelers are now more likely to road trip to a rental. Consider last summer: Americans forked over thousands of dollars for one precious week of vacation in a beach bungalow or mountain hideaway.
And they'll keep doing so. Technavio, a research firm, recently forecast that the global vacation rental market will grow by nearly $63 billion between 2020 and 2024.
Savvy real-estate investors can reap those potential gains by methodically targeting certain hot spots.
Evolve, a vacation rental platform, just released an analysis of the best vacation towns to buy a rental property in, based on the median annual revenue of its own rental listings and on median home values sourced from Zillow.
The majority of the spots on the list — 75% — are mountain towns with close access to perks like national parks that are attractive vacation destinations in both the warmer and colder months.
Keep reading for the 12 best vacation areas for real-estate investors to target in 2022:
12. Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona
Unlike other Arizona desert spots, like Sedona or Scottsdale, Pinetop is known for its pine-lined hiking trails and dozens of lakes. Its busiest seasons are winter and spring.
Median home listing price: $320,000
Median annual gross rental revenue: $28,043
11. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores is an Alabama beach town that sits on the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida border. It is known for its dive bars and restaurants as well as its white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles and migratory birds. The busy seasons are spring and summer.
Median home listing price: $346,018
Median annual gross rental revenue: $30,222
10. Windham, New York
Windham, a Catskills town just three hours north of New York City that isn't as expensive as the Hudson Valley, is known for its wine bars and art galleries. The busy seasons are spring and summer.
Median home listing price: $459,500
Median annual gross rental revenue: $46,573
9. Ruidoso, New Mexico
A charming Southwestern town, Ruidoso is best known as a ski destination nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountains and an ideal summer heat getaway. The busy seasons are winter and summer.
Median home listing price: $243,458
Median annual gross rental revenue: $21,827
8. North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway is a New Hampshire ski resort town year-round allure — many flock to the area to see New England's leaves change colors in the fall or hike the White Mountain National Forest in the warmer months. The busiest seasons are winter and summer.
Median home listing price: $356,946
Median annual gross rental revenue: $39,002
7. Waldport, Oregon
Waldport is an Oregon coastal town with proximity to both national forests and the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its sand dunes and whale watching possibilities. Summer is the busiest season.
Median home listing price: $380,728
Median annual gross rental revenue: $41,182
6. Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri, is known as a premier Midwestern family vacation destination. It is nestled in the Ozark Mountains and local entertainment like a famous theater strip and 1800s-themed amusement park. The busiest seasons are summer and winter.
Median home listing price: $179,724
Median annual gross rental revenue: $21,596
5. Surfside Beach, Texas
Surfside Beach, Texas, sits on the Gulf of Mexico and is a beloved destination for seafood, birdwatching, and, yes, surfing. Summer and spring are the busiest seasons.
Median home listing price: $277,642
Median annual gross rental revenue: $41,688
4. Bryson City, North Carolina
A gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is a North Carolina town that hosts part of the Appalachian Trail and borders Tennessee. Summer is the busiest season.
Median home listing price: $194,326
Median annual gross rental revenue: $31,818
3. Sevierville, Tennessee
Sevierville is a Tennessee town close to known travel destinations Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Sevierville offers access to tourist attractions like Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Summer and fall are the busiest seasons.
Median home listing price: $296,966
Median annual gross rental revenue: $51,228
2. McGaheysville, Virginia
McGaheysville, Virginia, boasts access to the Appalachian Trail and serves as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park. The mountain town is busiest in the summer and winter.
M edian home listing price: $265,479
Median annual gross rental revenue: $48,838
1. The Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Poconos, a Pennsylvania mountain region dotted with lakes, has always been an attractive vacation destination for East Coasters looking for a nearby getaway. Summer and spring are the busiest seasons.
Median home listing price: $198,667
Median annual gross rental revenue: $41,699
For more like this, visit Business Insider.
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