Navigating the real estate market can be challenging, especially when dealing with high housing prices, stringent landlord laws, or limited cash flow potential. However, there are numerous markets across the United States that offer promising opportunities for investors. Whether you’re interested in long-term rentals, short-term rentals, house hacking, or flipping, there are markets tailored to your strategy.
To help you make informed decisions, we’ve compiled a list of top markets for real estate investing in 2026. Our experts, including Dave Meyer, Chief Investment Officer at BiggerPockets, Henry Washington, and Ashley Kehr from the Real Estate Rookie podcast, have identified three markets for each investment strategy. From affordable suburbs with solid population growth to tourist towns with high nightly rates, and even some surprising markets for house hacking, we’ve got you covered.
Long-Term Rentals: Steady Income and Growth
For investors seeking steady income and long-term appreciation, long-term rentals are an excellent choice. Our experts have identified three markets that offer a combination of affordability, population growth, and strong rental demand.
Greenfield, Indiana: A Suburban Gem
Ashley Kehr highlights Greenfield, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis, as a prime market for long-term rentals. With a median home price of $285,000 and homes selling in under 30 days, Greenfield offers a landlord-friendly environment and proximity to Indianapolis. The average rent for a single-family home ranges from $1,750 to $2,200 per month, providing decent cash flow potential. Additionally, Greenfield has experienced a 7% year-over-year growth, making it an attractive option for investors.
Richmond, Virginia: A Hybrid Market
Henry Washington recommends Richmond, Virginia, as a hybrid market that offers both cash flow and appreciation. With a median home price of $364,000 and a median rent of $2,100, Richmond provides a good balance between affordability and rental income. The market has seen positive population and job growth, with major employers like Capital One and VCU contributing to its economic stability. Additionally, Richmond’s Diamond District Redevelopment Project indicates a commitment to infrastructure and growth.
Chattanooga, Tennessee: A Vibrant Market
Dave Meyer suggests Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a vibrant market with strong population growth and a favorable rent-to-price ratio. With a median home price around $500,000 and average rents of $1,900 per unit, Chattanooga offers opportunities for cash flow and appreciation. The market’s proximity to major metros like Atlanta and Nashville, along with its low state income tax, makes it an attractive option for investors.
Short-Term Rentals: Maximizing Nightly Rates
Short-term rentals can provide higher nightly rates and flexibility for investors. Our experts have identified three markets that offer strong vacation rental economies and favorable conditions for short-term rental investments.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: A Tourist Hotspot
Henry Washington recommends Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as a top market for short-term rentals. With 60 miles of coastline and 78 golf courses, Myrtle Beach attracts 18 million annual visitors. The market offers high seasonal occupancy rates and average daily rates of $260 to $300, making it an attractive option for investors. Additionally, the Cherry Grove area provides investor-friendly regulations and strong returns.
Blue Ridge, Georgia: A Hidden Gem
Dave Meyer suggests Blue Ridge, Georgia, as a hidden gem for short-term rentals. Located between Atlanta and Nashville, Blue Ridge offers easy access for families looking for a quick getaway. With average daily rates above $300 and strong year-round interest, Blue Ridge provides opportunities for investors to maximize their rental income. The market’s low regulation and proximity to major metros make it an attractive option.
Morristown, Vermont: A Four-Season Destination
Ashley Kehr recommends Morristown, Vermont, as a four-season destination for short-term rentals. With proximity to popular ski resorts like Stowe and a lower cost of entry compared to other ski towns, Morristown offers a favorable environment for investors. The market’s strong vacation rental economy and favorable regulations make it an attractive option for those looking to invest in short-term rentals.
Flipping: Profitable Opportunities
Flipping properties can be a lucrative investment strategy, especially in markets with strong demand and favorable conditions. Our experts have identified three markets that offer profitable opportunities for flippers.
Hartford, Connecticut: A Flipping Hotspot
Dave Meyer suggests Hartford, Connecticut, as a top market for flipping. With a median home price of $287,000 and strong demand for renovated homes, Hartford offers opportunities for investors to profit from flipping. The market’s proximity to major metros like Boston and New York, along with its favorable tax environment, makes it an attractive option for flippers.
Allentown, Pennsylvania: A Market with Potential
Henry Washington recommends Allentown, Pennsylvania, as a market with strong potential for flipping. With a median home price of $348,000 and an abundance of distressed properties in need of renovation, Allentown offers opportunities for investors to profit from flipping. The market’s proximity to major metros like Philadelphia and New York, along with its growing population and job growth, makes it an attractive option for flippers.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee: A Growing Market
Ashley Kehr suggests Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as a growing market for flipping. With a median home price around $400,000 to $450,000 and strong demand for renovated homes, Murfreesboro offers opportunities for investors to profit from flipping. The market’s proximity to Nashville and its growing population make it an attractive option for flippers.
House Hacking: Reducing Living Costs
House hacking involves purchasing a property and renting out a portion of it to reduce living costs. Our experts have identified three markets that offer favorable conditions for house hacking.
Boston, Massachusetts: A High-Cost Market
Ashley Kehr recommends Boston, Massachusetts, as a high-cost market for house hacking. With a strong rental market and a variety of housing stock, including duplexes and triplexes, Boston offers opportunities for investors to reduce their living costs through house hacking. The market’s proximity to major employers and its favorable regulations make it an attractive option for house hackers.
Raleigh, Durham, North Carolina: A College Town
Dave Meyer suggests Raleigh, Durham, North Carolina, as a college town with strong potential for house hacking. With a median home price around $400,000 and a strong job market, Raleigh, Durham offers opportunities for investors to reduce their living costs through house hacking. The market’s proximity to major universities and its favorable regulations make it an attractive option for house hackers.
Riverside, California: A Favorable Market
Henry Washington recommends Riverside, California, as a favorable market for house hacking. With a median home price of $537,000 and a strong rental market, Riverside offers opportunities for investors to reduce their living costs through house hacking. The market’s proximity to major metros like Los Angeles and its favorable regulations make it an attractive option for house hackers.
