8 Best Places to Buy Short-Term Rentals in Orlando (2026)

According to Chalet Data, Orlando’s short-term rental market stands out for its unusually wide spread in gross yields and property values. The city’s leading neighborhoods range from a striking 25.0% yield in Florida Center to just 4.2% in Meadow Woods, with entry prices spanning from below $200K to well over $500K. This yield gap isn’t random, it reflects how Orlando’s guest demand clusters around major attractions and how property types and price points shape returns.

The city as a whole sits at the 83rd percentile for US gross yield, and its median occupancy rate of 61% is far above the national median. Over the past year, Orlando saw a 10% jump in occupancy and a 29% rise in ADR, even as listing supply tightened by nearly a quarter.

That supply squeeze is pushing returns higher in the most desirable pockets, but investors need to weigh momentum and seasonality carefully.

The Best Orlando Neighborhoods for Airbnb, Ranked by Yield

Source note: data as of July 11, 2026. Each neighborhood’s annual revenue is computed from its own ADR, occupancy, and 365-day calendar, using trailing 12-month data and reported as gross before expenses. Table figures reflect the median listing for each metric, which are computed independently.

Multiplying ADR by occupancy will not reproduce the annual revenue figure. Gross yield divides the median revenue by the median home value (Zillow ZHVI). See methodology for details. The active-operator revenue benchmark filters to listings with real, sustained booking activity and is the best guide for underwriting a committed purchase.

1. Florida Center: Orlando’s Yield Outlier Near Universal

Florida Center tops the list with a 25.0% gross yield, more than double the city median. The neighborhood’s proximity to Universal Orlando and International Drive creates a steady stream of guests, and the supply squeeze is pronounced, active listings are down 19% year-over-year. Occupancy peaks at 82% in July, while January is the slowest month at 50%. Spring and winter each contribute nearly 30% of annual revenue, showing strong demand outside the summer rush.

Nightly rates have soared, with ADR up 137% year-over-year to $353, and occupancy has climbed 23%. The median home value here is $475,500, down 6.2% from last year, but the active-operator revenue of $115,975 means payback is just over four years at gross.

The most common property is a 2-bedroom, but the highest earners are larger homes catering to groups. For investors, the numbers reflect both pricing power and high guest turnover, but also a market where regulation and competition require careful due diligence. More details can be found on the Florida Center analytics page.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers seeking maximum yield near major attractions and willing to manage higher guest turnover.

2. Ventura: Affordable Entry, Strong Summer Demand

Price-conscious buyers will find Ventura’s low $191,200 median home value and 13.8% gross yield especially compelling, with its returns ranking in the 86th percentile among 501 US markets. The area’s affordability attracts families and longer-stay guests, and most properties are 2-bedroom condos or townhomes, reflected in the 41 active listings of this type earning $17,778 per year at a $113 average daily rate.

Summer is the clear revenue driver, generating 30% of annual income and peaking with a 78% occupancy rate in July, while September’s sharp drop to 35% highlights the pronounced seasonality investors must manage.

Recent data shows a complex trend. ADR has surged by 25% year-over-year, but occupancy has dropped 24%, and active listings fell 19% over the same period, indicating that higher prices may be dampening demand. Despite the softening occupancy, active-operator annual revenue of $25,641 means investors can expect to recoup their purchase in about 7.5 years at gross, which is competitive for the price point.

Careful underwriting is essential in light of these shifts, as the revenue mix remains diversified across summer (30%), winter (25%), fall (24%), and spring (21%), but the market’s volatility could impact returns. For a deeper dive into property types and revenue trends, see the Ventura analytics page.

Who this market is ideal for: Value investors looking for low entry costs and willing to navigate seasonal swings.

3. Union Park: Suburban Homes with Moderate Return

Market dynamics in Union Park reflect a suburban landscape where moderate home values and a 6.2% gross yield land this area in the 20th percentile of US short-term rental markets. For more on property mix and recent trends, explore the Union Park analytics.

Occupancy is strongest in August at 67% and drops sharply to 44% in September, highlighting a pronounced late-summer peak followed by a rapid seasonal decline. Spring remains the top revenue season, accounting for 29% of annual income, while summer contributes 23%, showing that demand is heavily concentrated in just a few months each year.

Recent data shows a complex picture. Average daily rates have surged 29% year-over-year to $95, but occupancy has slipped 10% and listings are down 22%, indicating that while prices are rising, demand is softening and competition is thinning.

The area’s 16.4-year gross payback period is on the long side for the US, so investors should underwrite conservatively, especially given the prevalence of 1-bedroom units (27 out of 37 listings) that generate $13,216 annually at a lower-than-median ADR. These figures suggest Union Park is best suited for buyers focused on long-term appreciation or those able to add value through upgrades and operational improvements.

Who this market is ideal for: Investors seeking a suburban setting and steady, if unspectacular, returns.

4. Alafaya: Large Homes, Lower Occupancy

Price trends in Alafaya reflect a market where higher home values, currently at a median of $456,200, down 4.2% year-over-year, combine with relatively modest short-term rental returns. Occupancy here is just 44%, placing Alafaya slightly below the US median of 45% and in the 20th percentile for gross yield among 501 US markets. For further details on bedroom mix and performance, visit the Alafaya analytics page.

The area’s large single-family homes often appeal to families and groups, but the lower occupancy suggests that demand is not keeping pace with available supply, especially outside of peak months.

Seasonality plays a clear role in Alafaya’s performance, with occupancy peaking at 63% in August when rates drop to $88, and bottoming out at just 25% in October. This pronounced swing means that winter and summer each contribute roughly 27% and 26% of annual revenue, while spring and fall lag behind.

A 21% year-over-year increase in ADR has not offset a 6% decline in occupancy and an 11% drop in active listings, signaling some demand softening even as prices rise. The lengthy payback period of 16.4 years on gross active-operator revenue underscores the need for careful underwriting. Investors should seek properties with standout amenities or those capable of outperforming the area’s one-bedroom-heavy mix.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers targeting larger homes and willing to compete for bookings in a slower occupancy environment.

5. Azalea Park: Consistent Bookings at a Lower Price

Pricing in Azalea Park sits well below the US median, but occupancy outshines most markets, reaching a robust 62%, well above the national median of 45%. March is the busiest month, with occupancy peaking at 70% and ADR holding steady at $103, while October marks the slowest period at just 44% occupancy. For a closer look at seasonality and listing mix, check the Azalea Park analytics.

This pronounced seasonality, with spring and winter combining for 57% of annual revenue, reflects the area’s appeal during cooler months and its proximity to both downtown and the airport, which keeps bookings steady when regional travel is strongest.

Recent momentum has been striking. Occupancy rates jumped 18% year-over-year, ADR surged 20%, and listings dropped by 18%, signaling a tightening supply that benefits current operators. The active-operator revenue of $18,703 and a gross yield of 5.8% place Azalea Park in the 18th percentile among 501 US markets, meaning returns are modest compared to the national field.

Most listings are 1-bedrooms, which generate $13,597 per year at an $89 ADR, an accessible entry point but with a longer estimated payback of 17.4 years, so investors should weigh the reliable occupancy against the slower capital recovery.

Who this market is ideal for: Investors looking for reliable occupancy and entry-level pricing.

6. College Park: High Price, High Occupancy, Lower Yield

Pricing power in College Park is shaped by its high median home value of $548,735, which stands out as the priciest among local competitors and sits well above the US median. Occupancy rates here are a key differentiator. For a full breakdown of revenue and occupancy, see the College Park analytics page.

At 67%, they far exceed the US median of 45%, with a notable surge to 77% in March, when demand for this walkable, historic neighborhood peaks. The area’s popularity among business travelers and families drives this seasonal spike, and the average daily rate follows suit, climbing to $173 during spring’s high point.

Recent momentum is strong, with occupancy up 43% and ADR up 46% year-over-year, reflecting both increased traveler interest and hosts’ ability to command higher nightly rates. However, the gross yield of 4.9% places College Park in just the 9th percentile nationally, and the payback period stretches to 21.3 years at gross, requiring careful underwriting.

Most listings are 1-bedrooms, with 36 such properties earning $19,372 annually at a $135 ADR, suggesting smaller units dominate the supply and may limit upside unless differentiated by unique amenities or historic charm.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers prioritizing occupancy and location over headline yield, especially those targeting premium guests.

7. Lake Eola Heights: Historic Charm with Seasonal Swings

Seasonal booking patterns shape returns in Lake Eola Heights, where winter months drive performance and summer brings a pronounced slowdown. In February, occupancy soars to 77% with an average daily rate of $132, supporting a winter revenue share of 36%. For more on property types and historic home performance, review the Lake Eola Heights analytics.

By June, however, occupancy falls sharply to 32%, reflecting a market highly sensitive to seasonal travel trends and events in downtown Orlando. The area’s historic appeal and walkable location attract winter visitors, but competition from larger vacation rentals and hotels limits summer demand.

Lake Eola Heights sits in the 6th percentile for gross yield among 501 US markets, with its 4.5% figure trailing well behind the US median of 9.0%. Median home values are high at $469,291, and it takes roughly 22.8 years of gross active-operator revenue to recoup the median purchase price, an underwriting challenge for buyers seeking faster returns.

Most listings are 1-bedrooms (30 out of 36), which cater to solo travelers and couples but cap total earning power. Occupancy has softened by 41% year-over-year, even as ADR climbed 29%, suggesting that higher prices have not fully offset demand declines.

Who this market is ideal for: Investors seeking historic character and willing to manage pronounced seasonal swings.

8. Meadow Woods: Value-Oriented with Steady Spring

Price sensitivity shapes the Meadow Woods market, where a median home value of $403,300 sits well below the US median for short-term rental destinations. Gross yield here is 4.2%, placing Meadow Woods in just the 6th percentile nationally and highlighting the challenge of generating outsized returns compared to most US markets. For a detailed look at revenue and booking trends, see the Meadow Woods analytics page.

Still, spring brings a notable boost, with occupancy reaching 63% in April and spring itself accounting for 32% of annual revenue, well above the fall share of just 17%, which helps steady the area’s annual performance despite weaker off-season demand.

Operators saw average daily rates rise 9% year-over-year, but overall occupancy has remained flat while the number of listings dropped 18%, signaling a stable but competitive environment. The most common listing is a 1-bedroom, with 37 such properties earning a modest $7,303 annually at a $61 ADR, underscoring the need for value-add strategies to outperform the median.

With a lengthy 24.7-year payback period, investors should focus on upgrades or amenities that can drive higher occupancy and rates, especially during the lucrative spring season.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers seeking low price points and willing to pursue value-add strategies.

How to read these rankings before you buy

Gross yield is a fast way to compare short-term rental markets, but it only tells part of the story. The headline annual revenue reflects the median listing, but many buyers will want to focus on active-operator revenue, which filters for hosts with real, sustained booking activity. This measure better reflects what a committed owner can expect, especially in markets with high seasonality or a wide range of property types.

It’s also essential to remember that these figures are market medians. Individual property performance can vary widely based on location within the neighborhood, property condition, amenities, and management quality. Always verify numbers at the property level and adjust for your own operating costs, taxes, and financing. For more detail on how these numbers are calculated, see our methodology.

How to Act on This

Orlando’s short-term rental market is shaped by a unique mix of tourism demand, seasonality, and local regulation. Before you buy, confirm whether your target property falls within the City of Orlando or unincorporated Orange County, as short-term rental rules differ.

The City of Orlando defines short-term rentals as stays under 30 days and requires hosts to obtain a local permit. Compliance with state and county lodging taxes is also mandatory, with a combined rate that can exceed 12% depending on location. Regulatory requirements may change, so always verify the latest rules with city or county officials before making an offer.

When choosing a neighborhood, consider guest demand drivers, proximity to theme parks, the convention center, or downtown nightlife can make a major difference in occupancy and ADR. Property type also matters is larger homes near Universal or Disney attract groups and families, while smaller units downtown or near the airport serve business travelers and couples.

Seasonality is pronounced in most neighborhoods, so plan for cash flow fluctuations and price accordingly. Finally, work with a local agent who understands both the short-term rental landscape and Orlando’s evolving regulations. Match with an Orlando STR agent to get started.