Florida Emerges as Prime Destination for Short-Term Rental Investments

In a comprehensive study conducted by Clever Real Estate in collaboration with Rabbu.com, Tampa, Florida has been identified as the premier city in the United States for investing in short-term rentals. This study meticulously analyzed various factors, such as median home prices, occupancy rates, and fluctuations in property values, to determine the most lucrative Airbnb investment markets across the nation. Read more here.

Tampa’s real estate market is thriving, having experienced a remarkable 71.6% increase in property values over the past five years, which is 55% higher than the median city in the study. The metro area boasts an impressive 16,020 property listings, tripling the median city average, alongside a respectable 44.8% Airbnb occupancy rate and an average annual Airbnb revenue of $52,705. These compelling statistics underscore Tampa’s allure for potential investors.

Top 10 U.S. Cities for Short-Term Rental Investments

  • Tampa, FL
  • Orlando, FL
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Boston, MA
  • Miami, FL
  • Buffalo, NY
  • Columbus, OH
  • Chicago, IL
  • Providence, RI
  • Kansas City, MO

Conversely, San Jose, California is identified as the least attractive market for short-term rental investments. The city grapples with a high median home sale price of $1,447,955, which is over four times the national average, and a low number of just 1,296 listed properties, leading to a 76% decrease compared to the median. Consequently, San Jose has been assigned the lowest Rabbu return on investment score in America.

10 Worst Short-Term Rental Markets in the U.S.

  • San Jose, CA
  • Birmingham, AL
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Houston, TX
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Raleigh, NC
  • Riverside, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Oklahoma City, OK
  • Pittsburgh, PA

Additionally, a survey conducted by Clever involving 1,000 Americans revealed that 76% of respondents have a favorable outlook towards Airbnbs, with 60% rating short-term rentals above hotels in terms of quality and 67% noting improved comfort. Nonetheless, a significant 96% identified disadvantages, such as misleading property descriptions, a lack of on-site assistance, and safety concerns.

Safety remains a concern, as only 44% of respondents perceive Airbnbs as safer than hotels—a viewpoint possibly exacerbated by rising crime rates. Emir Dukic, founder of Rabbu, commented, “We continue to observe growing interest from our user base in investing in short-term rentals and vacation homes, despite current interest rates. Although returns are somewhat compressed compared to previous years, the best properties in our top markets consistently generate double-digit returns.”

For those considering venturing into the short-term rental market, Tampa and other thriving cities present enticing opportunities. This extensive analysis offers valuable insights for potential investors eager to capitalize on the flourishing short-term rental market.

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

How Bluerate.ai Is Transforming the Mortgage Experience With AI

Bluerate.ai—formerly MyMortgageRates—is stepping into 2025 with a mission to modernize a mortgage process that has barely changed in decades. Built by Zeitro, the platform equips both borrowers and loan officers with powerful AI tools, from online pre‑qualification and automated financial data extraction to instant guideline answers and scenario analysis. With more than 3,000 verified NMLS‑licensed loan officers and real‑time rate comparisons from major lenders, Bluerate.ai is quickly becoming a must‑know platform for mortgage and real estate professionals seeking speed, clarity, and a fully digital lending experience.

Federal Housing Programs Restart After Shutdown — Here’s What Real Estate Pros Need to Know Now

After the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, key federal housing programs such as FHA, VA, USDA, and NFIP are officially back in operation—offering long‑awaited relief to agents, lenders, and insurance professionals. But with a six‑week backlog slowing everything from loan guarantees to flood-insurance renewals, real estate pros should brace for delays and focus on resetting client expectations. A new federal spending deal restores funding through early 2026 and gives the market room to breathe, while NAR’s aggressive advocacy helped push the government toward reopening. Now, professionals who communicate clearly and stay on top of regulatory updates will be best positioned to guide clients through the temporary turbulence.

The Digital Wave Transforming Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate is rapidly shifting toward a digital-first model, with platforms like Crexi leading the charge. By unifying property data, AI-driven insights, transparent bidding, and streamlined transaction tools, digital marketplaces are becoming essential to how modern CRE deals are sourced, analyzed, and closed. With more than 2 million monthly users and over $1 trillion in facilitated transactions, Crexi showcases how technology is reshaping the industry and giving real estate professionals a powerful competitive edge.

Europe’s Real Estate Giants Unite to Build a Game‑Changing Proptech Accelerator

Europe’s biggest landlords—including Aroundtown, Vonovia, and top global investors—have teamed up to launch ATechX, a powerful new accelerator giving proptech startups something they rarely get: access to real buildings, real customers, and a clear path to scale across multiple countries. Designed to move founders beyond “pilot purgatory,” ATechX offers a true sandbox for innovation in Europe’s aging, regulation‑heavy property market, helping promising technology reach commercial traction faster than ever.

Is Now the Moment to Buy? What Today’s Odd-but-Opportunistic Housing Market Really Means for You

Mortgage rates are finally easing, inventory is climbing, and buyers are gaining leverage for the first time in years — yet sky‑high prices and economic jitters are keeping many on pause. With economists warning that inflation could push rates higher again, this fall may offer a rare window for well‑prepared buyers. Here’s what’s driving the shift, where opportunities are emerging, and how real estate professionals can stay ahead.

Griffin Funding Brings on New SVP to Drive Bold $3B Non-QM Expansion

Griffin Funding has appointed John Jones as Senior Vice President of Growth and EOS Integrator, aiming to scale the company toward a $3 billion annual non-QM volume goal by 2030. After serving in fractional leadership roles since April 2025, Jones now steps in full‑time to lead organizational structure, efficiency, market expansion, and cross‑department alignment. Backed by strong liquidity and rising deal volume, Griffin Funding appears positioned for major industry impact in the years ahead.