As the short-term rental industry continues to thrive, North Carolina has emerged as one of the most dynamic and diverse markets for Airbnb and vacation rental investors. With a perfect blend of mountain escapes, coastal gems, and thriving urban centers, the Tar Heel State offers investment opportunities for every type of buyer—from first-time STR owners to seasoned portfolio builders.
In 2025, rising travel demand, hybrid work lifestyles, and an expanding tourism economy are converging to make North Carolina a top-performing region for STR returns. But not all markets are created equal.
This report breaks down the Top 10 short-term rental markets in North Carolina, based on a combination of:
- Gross rental yields
- Average daily rates (ADR)
- Local property prices
- Seasonal occupancy trends
- Legal/regulatory friendliness
Whether you’re looking for luxury beachfront properties, cozy mountain cabins, or steady cash flow in urban and military-driven areas, this guide will help you pinpoint where to invest next—and why.
Let’s dive into the most promising STR markets in North Carolina for 2025.
1. Southport, NC
Market Type: Luxury Coastal
- Avg. Home Price: ~$645,000
- Est. Annual Revenue: $100,000+
- Gross Yield: 15.6%
💡 Why Invest:
- Consistently ranked the #1 STR market in NC for gross income potential.
- Charming historic waterfront, boutique shops, and film tourism draw high-income guests.
- Underserved STR market = premium pricing with low competition.
- Ideal for luxury beach homes and long weekend stays.
Investor Profile: Best for investors seeking high-ticket coastal properties with consistent top-tier returns.
2. Robbinsville, NC
Market Type: Budget Mountain / Nature Retreat
- Avg. Home Price: ~$231,000
- Est. Annual Revenue: ~$33,000
- Gross Yield: 14.4%
💡 Why Invest:
- One of the highest yields in the state due to ultra-low home prices.
- Strong draw for outdoor tourism near Tail of the Dragon and Nantahala National Forest.
- Minimal local regulations = friendly for new STR investors.
- Low-density, secluded stays are increasingly in demand post-pandemic.
Investor Profile: Perfect for first-time or budget-conscious investors seeking excellent ROI in mountain markets.
3. Jacksonville, NC
Market Type: Military / Steady Year-Round Demand
- Avg. Home Price: ~$322,000
- Est. Annual Revenue: ~$43,000
- Gross Yield: 13.3%
💡 Why Invest:
- Home to Camp Lejeune, providing a consistent base of military families, contractors, and temporary workers.
- Less seasonality than tourist markets = stable year-round cash flow.
- Lower competition and reasonable home prices keep margins healthy.
Investor Profile: Ideal for investors looking for consistent bookings and minimal off-season vacancy.
4. Charlotte, NC
Market Type: Metro/Urban STR + Business Travel
- Avg. Home Price: ~$425,000
- Est. Annual Revenue: $40,000–50,000
- Gross Yield: ~10%
💡 Why Invest:
- One of the Southeast’s fastest-growing cities — hub for finance, healthcare, sports, and tech.
- Strong demand from corporate, medical, and event travelers.
- Legal in many areas with proper permits (essential to navigate regulations).
- Multi-unit and mid-term rental strategies also thrive here.
Investor Profile: Best for urban investors targeting high occupancy, flexibility, and appreciation.
5. Asheville, NC
Market Type: Boutique Mountain/Cultural Hub
- Avg. Home Price: $600,000–700,000
- Est. Annual Revenue: $55,000–70,000
- Gross Yield: ~8–10%
💡 Why Invest:
- Blue Ridge Parkway, craft beer scene, music, and wellness retreats make Asheville a top-tier tourism magnet.
- STRs with luxury finishes and unique themes (e.g. treehouses, spas) command high ADRs.
- Zoned districts require permits—must know local law.
Investor Profile: Suited for premium STR buyers who want high nightly rates and brandable properties.
6. Carolina Beach, NC
Market Type: High-Earning Seasonal Coastal
- Avg. Home Price: ~$600,000
- Est. Annual Revenue: $65,000–85,000
- Gross Yield: 11–12%
💡 Why Invest:
- One of NC’s most consistent and lucrative beach rental markets.
- Boardwalk, fishing piers, and family-friendly activities attract summer demand.
- Slightly more saturated than Southport, but well-established with strong bookings.
Investor Profile: Ideal for investors wanting reliable summer cash flow + potential for personal use.
7. Boone, NC
Market Type: Four-Season Mountain / College Town
- Avg. Home Price: ~$400,000
- Est. Annual Revenue: $50,000–60,000
- Gross Yield: ~12%
💡 Why Invest:
- Popular for skiing, hiking, and fall colors — year-round tourism ensures low vacancy.
- Appalachian State University brings steady demand outside tourist season.
- High occupancy and ADRs for cabins with hot tubs or mountain views.
Investor Profile: Strong option for those seeking balanced seasonal income + appreciation.
8. Bryson City, NC
Market Type: National Park Gateway
- Avg. Home Price: ~$300,000
- Est. Annual Revenue: $35,000–50,000
- Gross Yield: ~13%
💡 Why Invest:
- Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and scenic railway tours.
- Lower purchase prices make entry easy, especially for cabins and small homes.
- Fast-growing as a vacation hub but still relatively low competition.
Investor Profile: Perfect for nature-focused investors wanting a foothold in the Smoky Mountains at a lower cost.
9. Surf City, NC
Market Type: Seasonal Mid-Coast Beach
- Avg. Home Price: ~$550,000
- Est. Annual Revenue: $60,000+
- Gross Yield: ~11.5%
💡 Why Invest:
- Family-friendly destination on Topsail Island with strong summer traffic.
- Walkable town with restaurants, beach access, and fishing piers.
- Good resale value and strong booking history in peak months.
Investor Profile: Great for coastal buyers looking for mid-tier entry + excellent seasonal ROI.
10. Wilmington, NC
Market Type: Urban + Coastal Hybrid
- Avg. Home Price: ~$500,000
- Est. Annual Revenue: $45,000–55,000
- Gross Yield: ~10%
💡 Why Invest:
- Historic downtown + proximity to Wrightsville, Kure, and Carolina Beaches.
- College town, film hub, and port city = diverse STR demand.
- Strong long-term appreciation and steady year-round rentals.
Investor Profile: Best for diversified investors who want year-round cash flow in a maturing market.
At-A-Glance: Investment Overview
| Rank | City | Market Type | Avg Price | Est. Revenue | Gross Yield | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southport | Luxury Coastal | ~$645K | $100K+ | 15.6% | High-end coastal investors |
| 2 | Robbinsville | Budget Mountain | ~$231K | ~$33K | 14.4% | Low-budget, high-yield STR seekers |
| 3 | Jacksonville | Military/Year-Round | ~$322K | ~$43K | 13.3% | Steady income, low vacancy |
| 4 | Charlotte | Urban Business Travel | ~$425K | $40K–50K | ~10% | Metro investors, multi-unit strategies |
| 5 | Asheville | Boutique Mountain | ~$600–700K | $55K–70K | ~9–10% | Premium STRs, unique stays |
| 6 | Carolina Beach | High-Earning Beach | ~$600K | $65K–85K | 11–12% | Vacation home + STR combo |
| 7 | Boone | Four-Season College Town | ~$400K | $50K–60K | ~12% | Seasonal STRs with low competition |
| 8 | Bryson City | National Park Access | ~$300K | $35K–50K | ~13% | Affordable entry + nature tourism |
| 9 | Surf City | Seasonal Mid-Coast | ~$550K | $60K+ | ~11.5% | Mid-tier beach properties |
| 10 | Wilmington | Urban-Coastal Blend | ~$500K | $45K–55K | ~10% | Year-round STR with city-beach appeal |
Market Insights
- Diverse Investment Options: From high-yield coastal towns like Southport to affordable mountain retreats like Robbinsville, investors can choose markets that align with their financial goals and risk tolerance.(Rabbu.com)
- Regulatory Environment: Most top-performing markets in North Carolina have lenient STR regulations, providing a favorable landscape for investors.
- Growth Trends: Cities like Robbinsville and Jacksonville are experiencing significant year-over-year growth in Airbnb listings, indicating rising demand and investment potential.(Rabbu.com)
Regional Highlights
- Coastal Markets: Towns like Southport and Carolina Beach offer high gross yields and strong seasonal demand, ideal for investors focusing on vacation rentals.(Rabbu.com)
- Mountain Retreats: Areas such as Robbinsville provide affordable entry points with growing tourist interest, suitable for investors seeking long-term appreciation.
- Urban Centers: Cities like Charlotte and Jacksonville offer stable occupancy rates and consistent revenue streams, appealing to investors preferring urban markets.
Strategic Considerations
- Seasonality: Coastal and mountain markets may experience seasonal fluctuations. Investors should plan for off-peak periods and consider dynamic pricing strategies.
- Regulatory Changes: While current regulations are lenient, it’s essential to stay informed about local policies that may impact STR operations.
- Market Saturation: Rapid growth in Airbnb listings in certain areas could lead to increased competition. Conduct thorough market analyses to ensure sustainable returns.
Conclusion
North Carolina’s STR market in 2025 offers a spectrum of opportunities for investors. By analyzing key metrics such as gross yield, occupancy rates, and regulatory environments, investors can make informed decisions tailored to their investment strategies. North Carolina’s short-term rental market continues to thrive, offering investment opportunities for every budget and strategy. Whether you’re drawn to the mountains, coast, or metro areas, the state offers a favorable regulatory environment and strong tourism base.
If you’re ready to explore STR investments in any of these markets, I’d be happy to help you run the numbers, evaluate properties, and understand local regulations. Whether seeking high-yield coastal properties or affordable mountain retreats, North Carolina presents a dynamic landscape for short-term rental investments.
Want to Explore One of These Markets?
We specialize in helping investors identify, acquire, and scale short-term rental portfolios across North Carolina. Whether you’re seeking your first deal or expanding your portfolio:
- 🔍 Get custom STR property searches by city
- 📈 Analyze cash flow, occupancy, and ROI
- 🧾 Navigate local STR laws and permitting
- 🧰 Access our network of cleaners, co-hosts, and handymen
Request your free 2025 STR Market Packet for any of these cities — includes active listings, rental comps, and market trends. Don’t forget to
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References and Sources:
Rabbu – Best Short-Term Rental Markets in North Carolina
Airbtics – Best Airbnb Markets in North Carolina
AirROI – North Carolina Short-Term Rental Market Report
Zillow & Realtor.com (Market Price Estimates)
AirDNA (Vacation Rental Data & Trends)
VisitNC (North Carolina Tourism Authority)
City of Charlotte STR Regulations
