Key Takeaways
- Hello there, I’m Edna Stewart, and for many years now, I’ve had the joy of looking at numbers and helping folks understand the stories they tell, especially in the world of short-term rentals.
- You can usually find information on their official site: Chilifest Official Website Texas A&M University hosted several events, including Kyle Field Day (April 6) and the World Shakuhachi Festival (April 17-20).
- Even smaller Texas towns like Fayetteville (up 12.87%) and Georgetown (up 9.73%) showed that unique local appeal can make a difference.
- How much does it cost to furnish a short-term rental?
Hello there, I’m Edna Stewart, and for many years now, I’ve had the joy of looking at numbers and helping folks understand the stories they tell, especially in the world of short-term rentals. Today, we’ve got some really interesting news from our latest data, showing some notable increases in Average Daily Rates (ADR) in various cities between March and April of 2025.
Think of ADR as the average price a guest pays for a one-night stay. When this number goes up, it often means that demand is high in that area – more people want to visit, perhaps for a special event, beautiful spring weather, or a unique local attraction.
Springtime Surges: A Closer Look at ADR Growth
Let’s take a closer look at a few places that saw a lovely springtime surge in their short-term rental rates and explore the events that likely played a part.
High Point, North Carolina: Furnishing a Spike in Demand
One of the most remarkable increases we saw was in High Point, North Carolina. This city saw its ADR jump by over 22%, reaching an average of $221.87. High Point is famous worldwide for one thing in particular: furniture.
The reason for this spike becomes clear when we look at the High Point Market. This is the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world, and its spring event was held from April 26-30, 2025.
- You can learn more about this major industry event here: High Point Market Official Website
Imagine tens of thousands of designers, buyers, and exhibitors all needing a place to stay! It’s no wonder that short-term rentals become hot commodities.
College Station, Texas: A Season of Celebrations and Gatherings
Down in College Station, Texas, home to the vibrant Texas A&M University, we saw an impressive ADR increase of over 24%, with rates averaging $281. April 2025 was a bustling month for this Texan city!
Our research suggests a wonderful mix of events likely contributed:
- The popular Chilifest, known for its music and fun, kicked things off (April 4-5). You can usually find information on their official site: Chilifest Official Website
- Texas A&M University hosted several events, including Kyle Field Day (April 6) and the World Shakuhachi Festival (April 17-20). Information on university events can often be found on the Texas A&M University Events Calendar.
- Adding to the festivities were the Messina Hof Wine and Roses Festival (April 26) – learn more at Messina Hof Winery – and The Gardens Hullabloom Fest (April 26), often featured on The Gardens at Texas A&M University event pages.
When you have a string of appealing events, it creates a steady flow of visitors all looking for a comfortable place to call home.
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Dancing into Spring
Heading over to the sunny shores of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the ADR climbed by a healthy 15.4%, reaching an average of $280.42. This area is a beloved vacation spot, and April 2025 was buzzing with activity.
Key events included:
- The SOS Spring Safari (April 17-27), known as the biggest shag dance festival in the world! Keep an eye on shag dance calendars like those from the Society of Stranders (SOS).
- The Myrtle Beach International Film Festival (MBIFF) (April 22-26). Festival details are typically on the MBIFF Official Website.
- The Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival (April 11-13). You can often find information on city event pages or dedicated festival sites like this one: Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival.
It’s like a perfect recipe for hosts: good weather, unique festivals, and a big appetite for short-term stays!
Other Notable Risers: Spring Blossoms and Island Breezes
We also saw charming increases in places like Burdett, New York (up 23.13%), nestled in the Finger Lakes wine region. As the weather warms in April, areas like this, with attractions like the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, often see a renewed interest from tourists.
Similarly, coastal gems in South Carolina like Pawleys Island (up 12.97%) and Johns Island (up 12.94%) likely benefited from an early draw of spring visitors. Even smaller Texas towns like Fayetteville (up 12.87%) and Georgetown (up 9.73%) showed that unique local appeal can make a difference. You can explore what these charming Texas towns offer through their local visitor centers or chamber of commerce websites, such as the Georgetown, TX Visitor Information.
What This Tells Us
These increases are a good reminder of how local events, seasonal attractions, and even just beautiful spring weather can influence the short-term rental market. For hosts, it underscores the importance of being aware of what’s happening in your community. Are there annual festivals, big conferences, or university events? Knowing these can help you prepare and make the most of these opportunities.
For travelers, it might mean planning a little further ahead if you’re visiting during a popular time, but it also highlights how vibrant and full of life these communities are!
It’s always fascinating to connect the dots between the numbers and the real-life stories happening in these towns and cities. As always, we’ll keep an eye on these trends and share what we learn.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities give the best ROI for an Airbnb?
Hot tubs, pools, and game rooms consistently deliver the highest return, often increasing revenue by 15% to 30% over comparable properties without them. Other high-impact amenities include outdoor fire pits, EV chargers, dedicated work-from-home spaces, and high-speed WiFi. Focus on amenities that photograph well and differentiate your property from competitors.
How much does it cost to furnish a short-term rental?
Budget $15,000 to $30,000 for a typical 2 to 3 bedroom STR at a quality level that photographs well and earns positive reviews. Prioritize spending on mattresses, linens, and a well-equipped kitchen, as these generate the most guest satisfaction. Professional photography after furnishing is one of the highest-ROI investments you can make.
Is buying an Airbnb property still worth it in 2026?
Short-term rental investing can still generate strong returns, but market selection and accurate underwriting matter more than ever. The best opportunities are in markets with strong demand drivers, manageable regulations, and room for new supply. Running conservative revenue projections using real comparable data before purchasing is essential to avoid overpaying.
How much money do I need to start investing in short-term rentals?
Most STR investments require a down payment of 10% to 25% of the purchase price, plus $15,000 to $30,000 for furnishing and initial setup. For a typical property in a good STR market priced at $300,000 to $500,000, plan for $75,000 to $150,000 in total startup capital. DSCR loans can reduce the down payment requirement for experienced investors.
How do I research a short-term rental market before investing?
Start by analyzing average daily rate (ADR), occupancy rate, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) using tools like AirDNA, Mashvisor, or AllTheRooms. Cross-reference platform data with local tourism statistics and event calendars. Also examine supply growth trends, since markets where new listings are growing faster than demand often see declining returns.
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