Where the Demand is Hot: 10 U.S. Cities Leading the STR Market in 2025
Short-term rentals (STRs) continue to prove resilient nationwide, but certain localities are seeing particularly robust demand. Drawing on recent booking data, occupancy rates, and local trends, here are ten cities—listed in order—showing strong rental performance worth a closer look. Below, you’ll find links to in-depth market dashboards for each city, as well as supporting analysis and anecdotes.
1. Garden Grove, California
Garden Grove STR Market Overview
Tucked near Anaheim, Garden Grove remains a popular base for Disneyland visitors and convention-goers. Its average occupancy routinely tops 70% in peak season [source: AirDNA]. Family-friendly home layouts and proximity to attractions ensure steady booking levels.
2. Fullerton, California
Known for its vibrant college scene and historic downtown, Fullerton mixes university-driven demand with leisure stays. Properties catering to parents, alumni, and tourists fill an essential niche.
3. Rosemead, California
Situated just east of Los Angeles, Rosemead benefits from accessibility to the city without LA’s pricing pressures. Many hosts here report high weekend occupancy, reflecting spillover demand from major events.
4. Santa Ana, California
Santa Ana’s rich arts scene and central Orange County location drive year-round travel. In 2024, its STR occupancy rates rose by 9% year-over-year, significantly outpacing regional averages [source: Mashvisor].
5. Williamstown, Kentucky
A surprise on this list, Williamstown has garnered national interest thanks to roadside attractions like the Ark Encounter. For local hosts, this translates into seasonal surges, with summer months seeing occupancy rates push past 80% [see Ark Encounter tourism statistics].
6. Thousand Oaks, California
This suburban gem offers easy access to Malibu and Santa Monica while providing peaceful, family-friendly neighborhoods. Thousand Oaks rentals experience less volatility and high guest satisfaction scores.
7. Arvada, Colorado
Demand for properties near Denver and the Rocky Mountains keeps Arvada’s calendars full, especially ski season and summer hiking months. The city’s 2024 average nightly rate increased by 12%, a sign of robust underlying demand [source: AirDNA].
8. Bremerton, Washington
Commuter-friendly to Seattle, Bremerton combines affordability with strong industrial and leisure travel demand. Its ferry link draws both weekenders and business travelers.
9. Torrance, California
Torrance’s coastal access, business parks, and vibrant Asian food scene continue to drive diverse STR demand profiles. Occupancy often exceeds 68% year-round, buoyed by business and medical tourism.
10. Long Beach, California
As a coastal hub, Long Beach hosts everything from cruise passengers to Grand Prix fans. The city’s rental demand is up 7% in the past year, with short-term rentals filling gaps in traditional hotel supply [source: Visit Long Beach].
What Unites These Markets?
Each city reflects unique strengths—be it tourism, business travel, major attractions, or proximity to urban hubs. Yet, all share:
- High occupancy rates compared to national averages
- A mix of leisure and business guest profiles
- Year-round or strong seasonal booking patterns
- Local attractions that consistently draw visitors
Access current market statistics or estimate your own STR earnings potential at the StaySTRa Analyzer.
Key Takeaway
Following the data, these ten locales stand out among hundreds of U.S. cities for their strong short-term rental performance in 2025. Whether you are a potential host or investor, paying attention to these markets can help guide informed decisions.
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