Forget the fluff. Forget the hype. Most "top market" lists are built by people who've never operated a vacation rental, leaving you with overhyped cities, inflated projections, and zero real strategy.
That's why we built something better.
At Summer, we've managed hundreds of homes, analyzed thousands more through SummerOS, and seen firsthand what makes a short-term rental actually perform. This new guide focuses on what matters most: cash flow, market health, and operational upside. No guesswork, no generic rankings—just the real numbers that drive real returns.
And in 2025, three markets stand out.
We're talking about places where demand is outpacing supply, investor-friendly regulations are in place, and the right kind of property—at the right price—can deliver 20%+ gross yield. In this guide, we break down each of these markets with real data, clear strategies, and actionable insights for investors, operators, and property managers.
Inside the guide: What you'll get
We've spotlighted three under-the-radar markets you probably haven't seen on every "top 10" list—but should. For each one, we provide a full breakdown of:
- What's driving demand (and when to expect peak seasonality)
- How local STR regulations impact ownership and operations
- What type of property you should be buying (aka the "Buy Box")
- What revenue you can realistically expect at both the 75th and 90th percentile
You'll also see maps, revenue curves, and pricing insights straight from SummerOS to help you understand not just where to invest—but how to win once you do.
Why these STR markets?
We didn't just look at broad city stats or scrape data. We analyzed actual STR performance across submarkets, cross-referenced yield potential with regulatory favorability, and mapped out comp sets that show what's truly working. These are places where investors can still get in at a reasonable price, renovate strategically, and create properties that outperform the market.
Each section comes with a data-backed playbook designed to help you cut through the noise—and avoid the costly mistakes many first-time (and even experienced) STR investors make.
Ready to see the full report?
This guide is free—but packed with value.
If you're planning to expand your portfolio, exploring new markets for clients, or just want to understand what's working in STR right now, this is the report you'll want in your toolkit.
Get immediate access to the best short-term rental markets here.