The Best Markets to Buy Rental Properties Right Now (UPDATED)
BiggerPockets · 39:05 · 3 weeks ago
Success in real estate investing requires matching a chosen strategy—whether renting, flipping, or house hacking—with a market that supports that approach through strong fundamentals like job growth, tourism, or proximity to major commuter hubs.
Long-term rentals
- Greenfield, IN — A suburban option near Indianapolis, offering affordability with a $285,000 median home price and fast turnover .
- Richmond, VA — A stable environment featuring consistent population growth, major employers like Capital One, and a $364,000 median home price .
- Chattanooga, TN — A hybrid market providing both appreciation and cash flow, attracting people moving from larger metropolitan areas .
Short-term rentals
- Myrtle Beach, SC — Attracts 18 million visitors annually, with nearby areas like Cherry Grove offering high occupancy rates during peak season .
- Blue Ridge, GA — Serves as a driving getaway for families from Atlanta and Nashville, creating high demand for 3+ bedroom homes .
- Morrisville, VT — Offers affordable access to major ski resorts with less regulation than famous mountain towns .
Flipping
- Hartford, CT — Renovated properties sell in about 18 days, with the safety net of a strong rental market if a sale stalls .
- Allentown, PA — Older row houses allow for value-add opportunities with lower renovation costs compared to luxury markets .
- Murfreesboro, TN — Features 1990s-era homes that typically only require cosmetic updates rather than major structural overhauls .
House hacking
- Boston, MA — Provides high appreciation and accessible multi-unit housing to offset living expenses in a high-cost area .
- Raleigh-Durham, NC — Features a robust job market for young professionals, with duplexes often available near the $400,000 mark .
- Riverside, CA — Allows residents to bypass Los Angeles pricing while finding duplexes where collecting rent from one unit covers a significant portion of the mortgage .