Georgia is home to many thriving short-term rental markets, but identifying the top-performing cities can be overwhelming, especially when combing through data from countless locations across the state.
To simplify this process, we analyzed data from markets statewide and compiled a list of the top 20 cities for investors and landlords seeking potentially high-return rental properties in the coming year.
As always, we recommend thorough underwriting and analysis of any prospective property and a review of local short-term rental regulations before making any investment decisions.
How We Created This List
First, we looked at all Airbnb listings in Georgia that met the following criteria as of January 2025:
- Average Rating: 4.8 stars and above
- Guest Review Count: Minimum of 10
- Average Daily Rate: $1 (minimum) to $2,000 (maximum)
- Occupancy Rate: 1% (minimum) to 99% (maximum)
- Property Size: 1 to 10 bedrooms
- Property Type: Entire homes
We did this to eliminate Airbnb listings from our analysis that fall outside of what we consider "realistic" situations. This left us with a total of 10,745 Airbnb listings across the state of Georgia to work with.
Next, we grouped these listings by city and eliminated markets that didn't have at least 75 Airbnb listings meeting the above criteria. We took this step to avoid outlier cities we felt didn't have enough data to be considered at this current time. This left us with 34 cities in Georgia to rank.
Then, we needed to arrive at a gross yield number for each of our remaining cities in order to create our rankings. We did this by taking the average annual Airbnb revenue for each city and combining it with the cities median property value (from Zillow as of December 2024) to calculate our gross yield for each city.
Finally, we ordered the cities by highest gross yield.
The Top 20 STR Markets in Georgia
1. Augusta, GA
Augusta, GA, is an ideal spot for real estate investors interested in the short-term rental market. Known for hosting The Masters Tournament, it attracts thousands of visitors annually, ensuring steady rental income. With vibrant attractions like the Augusta Riverwalk and Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, it is a favorite among tourists. The demand for vacation rentals is high, offering good return and cash flow for Airbnb hosts. Augusta’s thriving arts scene and historic sites further boost its appeal, making it one of the best places for investment property.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 12.1%
- Average Property Value: $272,047 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $33,002 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 34% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 361 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 81%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Augusta, GA →
2. Savannah, GA
Savannah, GA, a gem in the short-term rental market, boasts stunning vacation homes amid cobblestone streets and historic charm. With attractions like Forsyth Park, River Street, and Tybee Island, it's a hotspot for tourists. Annual events such as the Savannah Music Festival and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade draw countless visitors. A vibrant housing market and promising rental income potential make it ideal for real estate investors seeking good returns. Sports fans enjoy SCAD's athletics, enhancing tourism and making Savannah a top choice for short-term rental properties and Airbnb hosts.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 10.4%
- Average Property Value: $514,742 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $53,381 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 48% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 1,253 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 81%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Savannah, GA →
3. Cleveland, GA
Cleveland, GA, a jewel in the heart of the North Georgia mountains, is rapidly becoming a hotspot for real estate investors seeking lucrative short-term rental properties. Nestled near scenic attractions like BabyLand General Hospital and Yonah Mountain Vineyards, it draws tourists year-round. A rich local culture, punctuated by festivals like Mountaineer Festival, and proximity to top hiking trails entice both airbnb guests and visitors. Investing in Cleveland's vacation homes offers good return potential, cash flow, and a promising short-term rental market for real estate investing.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 10.2%
- Average Property Value: $461,242 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $46,872 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 40% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 122 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 97%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Cleveland, GA →
4. Columbus, GA
Columbus, GA is a vibrant destination with ample opportunities for real estate investors seeking investment property in the short-term rental market. Visitors are drawn to its rich history, beautiful RiverWalk, and proximity to Fort Benning. The city hosts events like Uptown Concert Series and Columbus Civic Center shows. Home to the Columbus Lions and Columbus River Dragons, sports enthusiasts always find excitement. Attractions like the National Infantry Museum make it one of the best places for tourism, promising good return and rental income for Airbnb hosts from vacation homes.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 10.0%
- Average Property Value: $268,640 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $26,827 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 41% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 265 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 79%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Columbus, GA →
5. Covington, GA
Covington, GA offers a captivating blend of Southern charm and vibrant attractions, making it one of the best short-term rental markets for 2025. Known for its iconic historic squares and the famous filming locations of "The Vampire Diaries," it entices tourists seeking vacation homes near Atlanta. With thriving events like the Covington Cork & Pork Festival and proximity to Georgia Sports Arena, it’s a hotspot for real estate investors. Its steady tourism boosts rental income, ensuring good returns for Airbnb hosts in the booming short-term rental market.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 9.8%
- Average Property Value: $380,526 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $37,412 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 33% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 104 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 70%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Covington, GA →
6. Dahlonega, GA
Dahlonega, GA, renowned for its rich history and nestled in the heart of Georgia's wine country, is a top destination for both tourists and real estate investors. This charming town offers vibrant attractions such as gold panning at the Dahlonega Gold Museum and scenic trails at Amicalola Falls. The housing market is appealing for those eyeing investment properties with strong short-term rental prospects, including Airbnb. Dahlonega hosts popular events like the Bear on the Square festival, making it one of the best places for vacation homes that promise good rental income and tourism-driven cash flow.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 9.3%
- Average Property Value: $545,380 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $50,461 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 41% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 237 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 105%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Dahlonega, GA →
7. Valdosta, GA
Valdosta, GA, a thriving city in the short-term rental market, offers diverse attractions for visitors such as the Wild Adventures Theme Park and the historic Crescent House. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy games from Valdosta State University’s Blazers. The city hosts lively events like the Azalea Festival, drawing tourists year-round. For real estate investors, Valdosta presents excellent opportunities for vacation homes and rental properties, promising good returns and rental income. It's a hotspot for Airbnb hosts seeking to capitalize on its tourism appeal.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 9.0%
- Average Property Value: $297,719 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $26,918 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 32% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 104 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 73%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Valdosta, GA →
8. Eatonton, GA
Eatonton, GA is a hidden gem for real estate investors eyeing the short-term rental market. Renowned for its charming small-town atmosphere, Eatonton offers notable attractions like the Uncle Remus Museum and scenic Lake Oconee, popular among tourists and vacation home seekers. The local events such as the Briar Patch Arts Festival make it an enticing destination year-round for visitors. For Airbnb hosts, the potential for robust rental income and good return in this emerging STR hotspot is highly attractive in the promising 2025 housing market.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 8.8%
- Average Property Value: $775,617 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $67,950 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 29% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 139 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 71%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Eatonton, GA →
9. Brunswick, GA
Brunswick, GA is a gem for real estate investors eyeing the short-term rental market. Vacation rentals thrive here, thanks to its proximity to attractions like the Golden Isles and historic sites. Guests enjoy events like the Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee, and sports fans can catch games by community teams. As a vacation home hotspot, Brunswick offers strong rental income potential for Airbnb hosts. Diverse attractions and a healthy tourism scene make it one of the best places for cash flow-focused real estate investing.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 8.5%
- Average Property Value: $360,125 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $30,751 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 37% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 93 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 67%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Brunswick, GA →
10. Athens, GA
Athens, GA is a vibrant destination perfect for short-term rental properties, making it a hotspot for real estate investors seeking good returns. Known for its bustling arts scene and rich history, Athens captivates with attractions like the Georgia Museum of Art and the State Botanical Garden. Sports enthusiasts flock here for University of Georgia games, especially Bulldogs football. The city hosts events like the Athens Twilight Criterium, attracting tourists year-round and boosting rental income potential. This dynamic tourism scene makes Athens a top choice for vacation homes and short-term rental markets.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 7.8%
- Average Property Value: $498,216 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $38,842 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 37% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 504 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 71%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Athens, GA →
11. Gainesville, GA
Gainesville, GA, nestled against Lake Lanier, offers vibrant attractions perfect for short-term rental properties. The downtown area's charming boutiques and eateries, coupled with events like the Mule Camp Market, attract tourists year-round. Nature lovers flock to the Elachee Nature Science Center and the nearby Appalachian Trail. With Brenau University's cultural events and local sports teams, visitors continually fuel the area's thriving short-term rental market, making it ideal for real estate investing and generating substantial rental income for vacation homes and Airbnb hosts.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 7.7%
- Average Property Value: $601,631 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $46,324 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 36% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 155 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 76%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Gainesville, GA →
12. Helen, GA
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen, GA offers a picturesque backdrop for short-term rental properties, attracting tourists year-round. Known for its Bavarian-themed architecture, Helen entices visitors with attractions like Unicoi State Park, Alpine Mini Golf Village, and the annual Oktoberfest celebration. Real estate investors find good returns in this vibrant str and vacation rental market, bolstered by a steady stream of tourists seeking charming vacation homes and robust rental income opportunities.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 7.7%
- Average Property Value: $534,478 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $41,001 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 37% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 199 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 95%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Helen, GA →
13. Thomasville, GA
Thomasville, GA, is a hidden gem in the short-term rental market, enticing real estate investors with its historic charm and thriving tourism. Known for its picturesque downtown and renowned Rose Festival, Thomasville attracts visitors year-round. Sports enthusiasts can catch local games at the Thomasville High School's historic stadium. As an Airbnb host, capitalizing on the robust vacation rentals demand here can yield good returns and steady rental income, especially with vacation homes near key attractions and events.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 7.3%
- Average Property Value: $374,812 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $27,435 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 36% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 88 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 98%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Thomasville, GA →
14. Macon, GA
Macon, GA is a vibrant city ideal for real estate investors eyeing the short-term rental market. Known for its rich history and Southern charm, Macon attracts tourists with famous attractions like the Ocmulgee National Monument and the Cherry Blossom Festival. The city's thriving cultural scene, featuring the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and Macon Bacon baseball games, ensures a steady stream of visitors. With vacation rentals in high demand, investors can expect good returns, strong cash flow, and a bustling tourism industry that makes hosting Airbnb guests rewarding.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 7.1%
- Average Property Value: $292,218 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $20,865 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 29% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 120 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 79%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Macon, GA →
15. Ellijay, GA
Ellijay, GA is a burgeoning destination for real estate investors eyeing the short-term rental market, thanks to its prime location in the North Georgia mountains. Best known for its apple orchards and annual Georgia Apple Festival, this charming town attracts tourists seeking outdoor adventure, from hiking and fishing to exploring the nearby Cartecay River. Sports enthusiasts appreciate local golf courses, while cultural events like the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival ensure consistent tourism. Investing in vacation homes here promises strong rental income and good returns in a dynamic housing market.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 7.1%
- Average Property Value: $569,930 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $40,575 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 37% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 612 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 72%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Ellijay, GA →
16. Statesboro, GA
Statesboro, GA, is an enticing destination for short-term rental properties, offering real estate investors an opportunity to tap into a robust short term rental market. Home to Georgia Southern University, Statesboro attracts sports enthusiasts year-round, while local attractions like the Botanic Garden and Splash In The Boro Waterpark cater to family-friendly tourism. Cultural events such as ArtsFest and the Averitt Center's performances draw tourists seeking vibrant experiences, bolstering rental income potential for vacation homes and Airbnb hosts looking for a good return on investment.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 7.1%
- Average Property Value: $388,937 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $27,435 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 32% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 75 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 90%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Statesboro, GA →
17. Stone Mountain, GA
Stone Mountain, GA offers a vibrant short-term rental market ideal for real estate investors seeking strong rental income. Tourists flock to this area for attractions like Stone Mountain Park, known for its stunning trails and laser shows. With proximity to Atlanta, visitors enjoy diverse activities, from historic railroads to the Yellow Daisy Festival. The local housing market boasts potential for a notable cash flow, making it one of the best places for vacation homes and Airbnb hosts aiming for a good return on investment properties.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 7.0%
- Average Property Value: $367,214 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $25,823 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 23% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 75 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 80%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Stone Mountain, GA →
18. Hiawassee, GA
Nestled in the picturesque North Georgia mountains, Hiawassee offers a thriving short-term rental market, making it a prime choice for real estate investors seeking vacation homes with good return potential. Tourists are drawn to Lake Chatuge for water sports and scenic beauty, while Brasstown Bald offers stunning vistas. The annual Georgia Mountain Fair and music festivals attract numerous visitors, enhancing rental income opportunities for Airbnb hosts. With its blend of natural attractions and vibrant local events, Hiawassee ranks among the best places for savvy real estate investing.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 6.7%
- Average Property Value: $653,919 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $43,739 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 36% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 178 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 64%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Hiawassee, GA →
19. Lawrenceville, GA
Lawrenceville, GA, a gem in Gwinnett County, offers an enticing short-term rental market with attractions like the Aurora Theatre and the vibrant Lawrenceville Square. Perfect for real estate investors seeking airbnb opportunities, this charming city is a top spot for tourists. Visitors enjoy local events like the Lawrenceville Ghost Tours and the Bring One for the Chipper holiday tradition. With its strong housing market and promising rental income potential, Lawrenceville stands out as one of the best places for vacation rentals, offering good return on investment property.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 6.6%
- Average Property Value: $480,874 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $31,937 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 29% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 142 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 89%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Lawrenceville, GA →
20. Jasper, GA
Nestled in the scenic North Georgia mountains, Jasper, GA, is becoming a hotspot for short-term rental properties, offering enticing investment opportunities for real estate investors. Known as the "First Mountain City," it boasts attractions like Amicalola Falls and Big Canoe, drawing tourists year-round. The annual Georgia Marble Festival and hiking trails provide attractions for visitors. As the short-term rental market flourishes, vacation homes in Jasper promise a good return and strong cash flow, making it an appealing option for those considering real estate investing in a vibrant rental market.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 6.5%
- Average Property Value: $589,576 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $38,416 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 34% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 112 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 105%