Four American Cities That Topped Airbnb’s List of Best Destinations—Should You Invest In Them?

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Airbnb recently unveiled its list of the top 25 trending destinations worldwide for 2025, and only four U.S. cities made the cut. This was a surprising reveal, considering the usual dominance of American travel hot spots. 

While these four cities grabbed the spotlight, an honorary mention goes to Jacksonville, Florida, featured in similar lists that Airbnb released. This unexpected representation highlights emerging opportunities in short-term rental (STR) markets. But can you guess which four U.S. cities made the list? 

Let’s play a little game. *Cue Jeopardy music*

Alright, let’s pull back the curtain. The not-so-expected U.S.-based stars of the Airbnb 2025 trending destinations list are:

1. Green Bay, Wisconsin

The Cheesehead Capital has earned its spot in the spotlight—but not for the reasons you might think. Hosting the NFL draft in 2025 is a massive deal for Green Bay, bringing an influx of tourists and media attention to this typically quiet city. 

While it’s better known for diehard Packers fans and cheese curds, Green Bay’s short-term rental market shows surprising potential for investors who time it right.

Here’s a snapshot of Green Bay’s STR stats:

• AirDNA market score: 21
• Estimated annual revenue: $39,000
• Average daily rate (ADR): $323.42
• Occupancy rate: 42%
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): $139.81

While Green Bay’s occupancy rate may seem low, the high ADR reflects the city’s appeal during key events, like Packers games and the upcoming NFL draft. This market could be all about seasonal spikes for investors—the right property in the right location could turn a profit with savvy pricing strategies.

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Ah, Charleston. This Southern gem might seem less surprising with its cobblestone streets, charming pastel houses, and shrimp and grits that could qualify as emotional support food. Still, it’s fascinating to see it highlighted on Airbnb’s trending list. Charleston has long been a favorite of tourists, but its short-term rental market continues to outperform expectations.

Charleston’s key STR metrics include:

• AirDNA market score: 92
• Estimated annual revenue: $91,100
• ADR: $467.01
• Occupancy rate: 64%
• RevPAR: $309.82

These numbers confirm why Charleston is one of the highest-ranked markets on AirDNA. With a stellar market score and an ADR that ranks among the best in the country, Charleston delivers consistent returns for STR hosts. It’s proof that charm and history never go out of style.

3. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Welcome to New Orleans’ underrated sibling: Baton Rouge. Less Bourbon Street chaos, more crawfish boils, and authentic Louisiana culture, Baton Rouge is carving out a niche as a quieter, more affordable alternative to NOLA—and Airbnb has taken notice.

Here’s how Baton Rouge’s STR market stacks up:

• AirDNA market score: 65
• Estimated annual revenue: $24,800
• ADR: $183.91
• Occupancy rate: 44%
• RevPAR: $82.59

While the revenue numbers may not be as flashy as Charleston’s, Baton Rouge has a unique advantage: affordability. Investors can enter this market at a lower cost, and with a bit of creativity and strategy, they can capitalize on its steady demand for short-term stays.

4. Houston, Texas

Finally, we come to my hometown. Houston has dealt with the city’s recent short-term rental permitting crackdown, but is still a trending hot spot nationwide for visitors and events. While these regulations are causing headaches for some, they’re also creating opportunities for dedicated hosts willing to operate responsibly and adapt to the changing landscape.

Houston’s STR metrics reveal a market that rewards careful deal analysis:

• AirDNA market score: 79
• Estimated annual revenue: $30,900
• ADR: $201.19
• Occupancy rate: 52%
• RevPAR: $106.61

Houston’s affordability and diversity of attractions make it an interesting market to watch. From the Museum District to NASA’s Space Center and the burgeoning foodie scene, travelers have no shortage of reasons to visit. The key here is finding the right property in an area zoned for short-term rentals and ensuring compliance with local laws.

What These Cities Tell Us About STR Opportunities

This list might have been a head-scratcher at first glance. However, it reveals a clear trend: Markets with more affordability and unique attractions still offer opportunities, especially for investors who know how to analyze a deal. While Charleston stands out as the clear high performer, markets like Green Bay, Baton Rouge, and Houston show that even less apparent destinations can deliver solid returns with the right approach.

So, what does this mean for your next STR purchase? It’s simple: A list price is just a suggestion, and success comes down to how proficiently you can analyze a deal. Dive into the data, understand the market dynamics, and align your investment with your financial goals.

Want to analyze your next deal the right way? Start with the right tools, like the BiggerPockets STR Calculator, and make informed decisions that position you for success in trending markets like these.

Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.