10 Best Places to Buy Short-Term Rentals in Raleigh (2026)

According to Chalet Data, Raleigh’s short-term rental market is defined by a sharp split between affordable, high-yielding southern neighborhoods and pricier northern and central areas. The city’s best returns cluster in South Raleigh, where gross yields reach 11.7%, a full 5.7 points above the citywide median. Across the ranked set, yields range from 6.0% up to that 11.7% peak, while entry prices swing from under $300,000 in South and Southeast Raleigh to nearly $508,000 in North Central.

The market’s momentum is unmistakable. Occupancy rates are up 26% year-over-year, and ADRs have climbed 31%, even as listings have dropped 20%. That supply squeeze is driving up returns for committed operators. Raleigh’s overall gross yield sits at 7.0%, placing it in the 28th percentile nationally, but the top neighborhoods here far outperform that benchmark.

The Best Raleigh Neighborhoods for Airbnb, Ranked by Yield

Source note: data as of July 11, 2026. Each neighborhood’s annual revenue is calculated as median ADR × median occupancy × 365, using trailing 12-month data, gross before expenses. The table shows the median listing’s revenue, ADR, and occupancy, multiplying ADR by occupancy will not reproduce the revenue figure.

Gross yield divides median revenue by Zillow Home Value Index. See our full methodology. The active-operator revenue benchmark filters to listings with consistent, sustained bookings, this is the number serious buyers should underwrite against.

1. South Raleigh: Raleigh’s Yield Outlier with Entry-Level Pricing

South Raleigh stands out for its unmatched yield in the city, clearing 11.7%, a full seven points above the city median. The median home value sits at just $294,081, making this one of the most accessible neighborhoods for new investors. Annual revenue for the median listing reaches $34,270, while active-operator properties average $31,793, reflecting strong performance for hosts who keep calendars full.

The seasonality profile here is distinct. Occupancy peaks at 67% in April, then drops to just 14% in January, so spring is the clear money season (30% of annual revenue). ADRs are up 38% year-over-year, and occupancy has climbed 21%, while listings have fallen 22%.

This tightening supply supports continued revenue growth. The most common property type is a 3-bedroom, which brings in $28,436 per year at a $214 ADR, but the low entry price means even smaller homes can pencil.

South Raleigh’s appeal comes from its proximity to downtown, major highways, and North Carolina State University. The area attracts a mix of families, business travelers, and university visitors. For a deeper look at seasonality and bedroom-level returns, see the South Raleigh analytics page.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers seeking maximum yield at a low entry price, with flexibility to target both families and business guests.

2. Southeast Raleigh: Affordable Entry with Strong Fall Demand

Pricing in this market stays accessible, with a median home value just under $300,000 and a gross yield of 9.6% that outpaces the US median, placing Southeast Raleigh in the 56th percentile nationally. October stands out as the high point for bookings, with occupancy peaking at 71% and ADR at $98, while January marks the low season with occupancy dropping sharply to 28%.

This pronounced seasonal swing is reflected in the revenue mix. Fall delivers 27% of annual income, nearly matching the summer share at 28%, and highlights the area’s popularity with event-goers and families drawn to local parks and Walnut Creek.

Momentum has shifted recently, as occupancy slid 36% year-over-year even with a 16% increase in ADR and a 26% reduction in listings, signaling that demand has softened faster than supply. The bedroom mix is varied, but 1-bedroom units are most common, offering a lower entry point for new hosts, while 3-bedrooms generate the highest revenue at $23,441 annually with a $183 ADR.

Investors benefit from a relatively short payback period of 10.8 years, supported by active-operator revenues that closely track the market median, suggesting stable performance for well-managed listings. For a deeper dive into seasonal and size-by-size earnings, see the Southeast Raleigh analytics.

Who this market is ideal for: Investors prioritizing affordability and a strong fall booking season, with flexibility to serve both solo travelers and families.

3. East Raleigh: High Occupancy and Summer Strength

Momentum in East Raleigh has accelerated over the past year, with occupancy surging 43% and average daily rates rising 35% as of June 2026, even as full-time listings dropped by 13%. This tightening supply has pushed the median occupancy rate to 60%, the highest among Raleigh submarkets and well above the US median of 45%, while the average daily rate of $170 remains below the national median of $232, helping attract steady demand from price-sensitive travelers.

Summer remains the strongest season, accounting for 27% of annual revenue and peaking at 75% occupancy in June, while September dips to a still-solid 55%, signaling year-round resilience. The area’s proximity to downtown, abundant green spaces, and blend of historic and new homes draw a wide range of guests, from families to business travelers.

For investors, the payback period stands at about 11.9 years of gross active-operator revenue, reflecting a balanced relationship between the higher home values ($412,326) and the robust revenue profile supported by consistent bookings and limited new supply.

This area benefits from proximity to downtown, green spaces, and a mix of historic and new housing. The guest mix is broad, including families, business travelers, and those seeking easy access to city attractions. For a breakdown of revenue by bedroom size, visit the East Raleigh analytics page.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers seeking high occupancy and summer-driven cash flow, willing to invest at a mid-to-high price point.

4. South Central: Balanced Revenue and Central Access

Price-conscious buyers will note that South Central Raleigh’s median home value, $431,065, sits comfortably below many urban short-term rental markets, yet its 8.3% gross yield puts it only at the 42nd percentile nationwide, trailing the US median of 9.0%.

Still, occupancy here outperforms is a 52% median rate stands above the US median of 45%, with summer’s August peak at 65% and a low in February at 46%. These strong occupancy figures are fueled by the area’s year-round demand from business travelers, university guests, and tourists seeking proximity to downtown, which helps cushion seasonal dips and keeps revenues steady even in slower months.

Momentum in the past year has been marked by a 10% occupancy increase, a 37% surge in ADR, and a sharp 37% reduction in active listings, signaling a pronounced supply squeeze that benefits current operators. Investors analyzing payback will find the 12.2-year period to recoup the median purchase price competitive for a central city submarket, especially given the market’s balanced seasonal revenue split, fall and summer each contribute 27%, with spring and winter close behind.

The prevalence of three-bedroom homes (38 listings, earning $24,432/year at a $208 ADR) offers flexibility for different rental strategies, but the diversity of property types here allows for varied approaches depending on investor goals and guest segments.

South Central’s central location attracts business travelers, university visitors, and tourists looking for easy access to downtown. For more on seasonality and revenue trends, check the South Central analytics.

Who this market is ideal for: Investors wanting steady bookings and central access, with the ability to serve both business and leisure travelers.

5. Northeast Raleigh: Consistent Returns at Lower Entry Cost

Market fundamentals in Northeast Raleigh show a stable performance, with a median gross yield of 8.2% placing it in the 40th percentile among 501 US markets. While the median home value sits at $331,242, well below the national average, buyers benefit from a lower entry price and a payback period of roughly 12.6 years based on active-operator revenue. This makes the area appealing for investors looking to balance affordability with solid income potential.

Seasonal demand patterns drive revenue, with occupancy peaking at 63% in June and dropping to just 26% in January, making summer the most lucrative quarter at 29% of annual revenue. Over the past year, a 47% jump in occupancy and a 28% rise in ADR, coupled with a 29% decline in listings, have created a supply squeeze that supports higher pricing power.

The dominance of one-bedroom listings (46 units) offers options for solo travelers, but three-bedroom properties command the highest earnings, drawing families and longer-stay guests who value suburban amenities and access to major roads.

The Northeast Raleigh analytics page provides more on bedroom-level performance and seasonal patterns.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers seeking reliable returns with a lower upfront investment and a steady, family-oriented guest base.

6. Southwest Raleigh: Steady Bookings and Accessible Pricing

Price-conscious buyers will find Southwest Raleigh’s median home value of $336,457 among the more accessible options in the area, and the neighborhood’s 7.8% gross yield ranks in the 37th percentile nationally, trailing the US median of 9.0%. Occupancy rates mirror the US median at 45%, with a clear seasonal swing.

Bookings surge to 60% in June at a $177 average daily rate, then fall to just 24% occupancy in January, reflecting the academic calendar and demand from university visitors. This pronounced summer peak drives 27% of annual revenue, with spring and winter each contributing 25%, underscoring the steady, year-round draw from NC State and nearby employers.

Recent momentum points to a tightening market, as occupancy has jumped 28% year-over-year and ADR climbed 27%, while active listings dropped 17%. For underwriters, the payback period sits at roughly 13.2 years based on gross active-operator revenue, a figure that reflects both the moderate earnings per property and the softening home values.

The most common units are one-bedrooms, with 23 such listings averaging $11,773 annually at a $74 ADR, making this segment a practical entry point for investors targeting business travelers and short-stay guests attending university events.

For a breakdown of revenue by property type and season, see the Southwest Raleigh analytics page.

Who this market is ideal for: Investors looking for moderate pricing, university-driven demand, and a market with tightening supply.

7. North Central: High Revenue at a Premium Price

Revenue here climbs to $39,038 per year, with occupancy peaking at 68% in October as business events and city festivals fill the calendar. December’s occupancy falls to 42%, but the market remains resilient thanks to strong spring and fall demand, which together generate 53% of annual revenue.

Compared to the US field, North Central’s 7.7% gross yield sits at the 36th percentile, trailing the national median of 9.0%, though its 55% occupancy rate outpaces the US median of 45% and signals above-average guest demand.

Recent data show a 13% jump in occupancy and a 26% increase in ADR since last year, while listings have dropped by 11%, tightening supply and supporting higher nightly rates. The payback period, at roughly 13.3 years, reflects both the premium $507,917 home values and robust annual earnings, requiring careful underwriting for investors prioritizing faster returns.

Two-bedroom properties dominate the landscape, with 22 active listings averaging $25,628 per year at a $160 ADR, appealing to both small families and professionals drawn by walkable access to downtown’s amenities and Raleigh’s steady stream of conferences and business travel.

For more on revenue trends and property type breakdowns, visit the North Central analytics page.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers seeking top-line revenue and a location that appeals to high-ADR, business-oriented guests.

8. West Raleigh: Stable Returns with University Proximity

Demand in West Raleigh surges each June, when occupancy climbs to 62% and average daily rates reach $156, reflecting a strong pull from university events and summer travel. The spring season stands out, accounting for 28% of annual revenue, but winter remains resilient with 25%, softening the impact of the March occupancy trough at 36%.

Compared to the national landscape, West Raleigh’s 7.6% gross yield places it in the 35th percentile of US markets, below the US median of 9.0%, while its 46% occupancy slightly edges out the national median.

Operators here must weigh a payback period of 13.6 years, which reflects both moderate home values and a competitive rental environment. The supply squeeze, with listings down 13% year-over-year, has pushed occupancy up by 45% and ADR up by 38%, creating a favorable climate for existing hosts.

The dominance of one-bedroom units (37 listings at $11,829 per year) caters to solo guests and couples, but investors seeking higher returns should note that three-bedroom properties earn more than double the revenue ($25,836 per year). The neighborhood’s proximity to NC State, PNC Arena, and major highways continues to drive steady, diversified demand from students, sports fans, and business travelers.

The West Raleigh analytics page offers more detail on bedroom mix and seasonality.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers seeking steady bookings near universities and event venues, with a mix of property types and guest profiles.

9. North Raleigh: High Occupancy, Higher Entry Cost

Revenue here climbs to $36,986 per year, with occupancy rates that consistently outperform the US median. North Raleigh’s 56% median occupancy is notably higher than the national benchmark of 45%.

The market’s strongest months, like August, see occupancy spike to 71% even as average daily rates hold steady at $152, while January’s low of 47% reflects a typical winter slowdown. Spring and summer together account for 53% of annual revenue, underscoring the importance of seasonal demand patterns for underwriting cash flow and pricing strategy.

Recent data reveals a tightening supply, as listings dropped by 27% year-over-year while occupancy surged 36% and ADRs climbed 23%. This supply squeeze is likely amplifying competition and driving up both occupancy and nightly rates, benefiting existing operators.

With most listings being three-bedroom homes (32 out of 76 full-time listings), investors should note the $26,799 average annual revenue and $189 ADR for this segment, which caters well to families and group travelers drawn by North Raleigh’s parks and suburban amenities. The 14.2-year payback period is longer than many US markets, reflecting the area’s higher home values and the premium investors pay for stable, above-average occupancy.

For more on seasonal swings and property mix, see the North Raleigh analytics page.

Who this market is ideal for: Investors willing to pay a premium for high occupancy and a family-friendly, suburban guest base.

10. Northwest Raleigh: Lower Yield, Steady Demand

Pricing in northwest Raleigh sits well above the national median, with a $482,317 home value and a gross yield of 6.0%, ranking only in the 18th percentile of 501 US markets. The area’s occupancy rate matches the US median at 45%, but ADR lags behind at $168 compared to the national $232, reflecting a local guest base that includes both business travelers and families drawn by proximity to RTP and major highways.

Seasonal swings are pronounced. Occupancy surges to 65% in August when summer demand peaks, while February’s 28% low marks the slowest period, shaping a revenue calendar where spring and winter each contribute 26% of annual earnings.

Recent data shows a notable supply squeeze, as listings fell 10% year-over-year while occupancy climbed 20% and ADR jumped 26%, signaling rising competition for available units. Underwriting here requires comfort with a long payback horizon, at 17.3 years, it is the most extended on this list, reflecting both high entry prices and moderate rental income.

Investors should note the dominance of one-bedroom listings (38 units, $13,453/year, $108 ADR), but three-bedrooms outperform on revenue ($30,492/year at $240 ADR), suggesting larger homes may deliver stronger returns despite higher upfront costs.

For more on revenue by property type and seasonality, check the Northwest Raleigh analytics page.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers seeking stability and consistent demand, comfortable with a longer payback timeline and higher entry price.

How to read these rankings before you buy

Gross yield is a powerful tool for comparing neighborhoods, but it only tells part of the story. The headline revenue figure averages all listings, while the active-operator benchmark focuses on properties with sustained, real bookings. This is the number a serious buyer should use when underwriting a deal.

Seasonality, property type, and local guest demand can swing returns dramatically, even within the same neighborhood. Always verify at the property level, historic homes, new builds, and condos may perform differently. These rankings are a starting point, not a guarantee.

How to Act on This

Raleigh’s short-term rental market is tightening, with occupancy and ADR both rising as the number of listings falls. This means buyers must move quickly on well-priced properties, especially in high-yielding southern neighborhoods where entry costs are lowest. Proximity to downtown, universities, and event venues drives demand, but each area has its own guest mix and seasonality curve. Underwrite using active-operator revenue, and factor in the city’s regulatory requirements.

Every Raleigh short-term rental must obtain a zoning permit from the city, and operators must comply with local fire, safety, and tax rules. Cooking facilities are restricted in bedrooms, and short-term rentals cannot be used for events or exterior advertising in residential districts.

Lodging taxes apply to all bookings under 30 days. Regulations can change, so verify current rules before closing. For a tailored list of available properties and to connect with a Raleigh short-term rental agent, get matched here.