Investing in short-term rentals (STRs) near national parks can be a lucrative opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on the steady stream of tourists seeking outdoor adventures and natural beauty. These markets not only offer strong investment potential but also provide unique experiences for visitors, from stunning landscapes to rich cultural heritage.
Our latest tool, Chalet Intel, provides comprehensive insights and strategies tailored to investors at all experience levels. This tool includes information on rental regulations, a vacation rental calculator, and a sophisticated Deal Analyzer (Airbnb ROI calculator). Links will be provided for each market, allowing you to conduct a more detailed analysis on your own.
1. Coachella, California
Coachella, CA, known for its annual music festival, is also a gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, attracting a large number of tourists throughout the year.
Coachella has seen a 4.10% increase in home values, with the average price now at $412,875. This market thrives with an ADR of $462.00 and an occupancy rate of 51%, translating to an annual revenue of $74,207 from 433 active rentals. The gross yield here is 14.98%, with a cap rate of 8.99%.
Check out our Coachella Airbnb Investor Guide for a deeper dive into our analysis of this short-term rental market or visit Coachella Rental Regulations to explore the Airbnb laws and regulations.
2. Joshua Tree, California
Joshua Tree, CA, is renowned for its namesake national park, featuring unique desert landscapes and rock formations that draw outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Joshua Tree has seen a notable decrease in home values by -10.20%, with the average price at $385,941. The market shows promise with an ADR of $189.00 and an occupancy rate of 55%, generating annual revenues of $43,880 from 1,362 active rentals. The gross yield stands at 9.47%, with a cap rate of 5.68%.
Discover more about investing in Joshua Tree through Chalet Intel. It includes a vacation rental calculator, regulation overview, a Deal Analyzer (Airbnb ROI calculator), and much more.
3. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs, CA, known for its mid-century modern architecture and luxury resorts, is also a popular base for exploring nearby national parks like Joshua Tree.
Palm Springs has seen a slight decrease in home values by -0.70%, with the average price at $655,035. The market thrives with an ADR of $383.00 and an occupancy rate of 57%, leading to an annual revenue of $71,364 from 4,348 active rentals. The gross yield here is 9.08%, with a cap rate of 5.45%.
For more insights into Palm Springs as a rental market, explore Chalet Intel. Our platform provides detailed data, investment guidance, a vacation rental calculator, and an Airbnb fee calculator.
Airbnb Rental Markets Set to Outperform in 2025
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4. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, NM, offers a rich blend of Native American and Spanish cultures, with numerous attractions including Bandelier National Monument and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Santa Fe has seen a moderate increase in home values by 3.70%, with the average price reaching $566,125. With an ADR of $208.00 and an occupancy rate of 70%, the annual revenue is $53,809 from 1,937 active rentals. The gross yield is 7.92%, and the cap rate is 4.75%.
For further details on this market, explore the free Santa Fe Airbnb Investor Guide and Santa Fe Rental Regulations.
5. Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, AK, serves as a gateway to the stunning natural beauty of Alaska, including nearby national parks like Denali and Kenai Fjords.
Anchorage has seen a slight increase in home values by 3.10%, with the average price at $363,538. The city’s ADR is $146.00, with an occupancy rate of 66%, resulting in an annual revenue of $32,070 from 1,375 active listings. The gross yield is 7.35%, and the cap rate is 4.41%.
Explore more about investing in Anchorage through the Anchorage Airbnb Investor Guide and Anchorage Rental Regulations.
6. Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff, AZ, is a popular destination for visitors to the Grand Canyon and other nearby national parks, offering a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
Flagstaff has seen a notable increase in home values by 5.20%, with the average price reaching $646,425. With an ADR of $191.00 and an occupancy rate of 62%, the annual revenue is $43,445 from 2,202 active rentals. The gross yield is 5.60%, and the cap rate is 3.36%.
To delve deeper into Flagstaff’s investment potential, check out Chalet Intel. Our platform offers comprehensive data, tools for making informed investment decisions, a vacation rental calculator, and an Airbnb fee calculator.
