With coastal districts, mountain towns, college cities, and even rural lakesides attracting different types of guests, we had to rethink what makes a short-term rental market "the best" when it comes to New York. We didn't expect every market to succeed in the same way, so we looked at what makes each area work on its own terms: what drives bookings, when demand peaks, and how hosts actually succeed there. The result? A short list that reflects how varied and promising the best Airbnb markets in New York really are, with insights powered by SummerOS short-term rental data.
Our picks this year range from areas with a great outdoor scene to premium vacation stays. If you're aiming for steady returns, these five Airbnb markets in New York are worth a closer look:
- Alexandria Bay, NY: Best up-and-coming market
- Rochester, NY: Best area for steady income
- North Creek, NY: Best for outdoor enthusiasts
- Hampton Bays, NY: Best for beach vacations
- Ithaca, NY: Best for college-related tourism
How we picked the best Airbnb markets in New York
Instead of hunting for the usual big names, we approached this list from the perspective of long-term sustainability. New York is a state with wildly different travel patterns, and not every popular spot makes sense for someone trying to build consistent income.
So we focused on:
- Guest predictability: Markets where demand patterns are tied to clear, recurring drivers like sports or education.
- Market resilience: Areas that hold up even when broader travel trends shift. Basically, places that serve local, not just international, demand.
- Opportunity gaps: Towns and small cities with real short-term rental activity but limited saturation, where you still have room to stand out.
- Geographic diversity: We aimed for a spread across upstate, western New York, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island.
- Potential returns: Finally, while some numbers on this list won't make sense on their own, we looked at the full picture of each property to determine their potential for good ROI.
Take note: this list isn't about chasing the biggest payouts. Instead, we were looking for smart markets that still have room to grow. And in a state with as much variety as New York, that meant following the data and the local context.
By focusing on these criteria, we identified the best short-term rental markets in New York, and then we used SummerOS to pinpoint the data that matters. With SummerOS, you can analyze revenue, market trends, and occupancy rates, helping smart investors choose the right market for their goals. From revenue projections to competitive set analytics, SummerOS empowers you to build your Airbnb portfolio with confidence.
Want to uncover top STR markets for your next investment? Find your next opportunity with SummerOS to turn data into smarter decisions.
1. Alexandria Bay, NY: Best up-and-coming market
Alexandria Bay is a scenic village in New York's Thousand Islands region, long popular for summer boating and the historic Boldt Castle.
This small market is now a hidden gem for Airbnb investors. With only a few dozen active rentals, hosts are seeing rising demand—the number of rentals grew 21% from 2023 to 2024, signaling that Alexandria Bay is quickly up-and-coming.
Despite its modest average occupancy of 30%, Alexandria Bay's hosts command a high average daily rate of around $300. That low annual occupancy is largely due to seasonality. The town's population swells by the thousands each summer with vacationers and boaters, then quiets in winter. In peak season, bookings are strong and lucrative. An average Airbnb here grosses about $28,261 per year—decently impressive given the limited nights rented.
It's an ideal area if you're looking to get in early on a rising market with relatively little competition. Or, if you're looking for a place that you want to spend a good amount of the year at. The upside is high nightly revenue in summer and a currently affordable average home price of just a little above $600k.
2. Rochester, NY: Best area for steady income
Rochester offers Airbnb hosts a steady, year-round income in a diversified city economy. As New York's third-largest city with over a million residents, Rochester benefits from consistent demand.
It hosts over 400 short-term rentals, indicating a relatively mature market where new hosts can still thrive without insane competition.
With an occupancy rate averaging a healthy 65%, properties are booked most of the year. At an ADR of about $175, the typical rental yields approximately $34,617 in annual gross revenue.
Combined with a relatively low average home price of $313,988, that revenue represents a solid return. High occupancy reflects the stable draw of the city's universities, hospitals, and businesses, which keep guests coming even in winter. In fact, Rochester's regional economy is the third-largest in the state, supporting a reliable flow of visitors.
3. North Creek, NY: Best for outdoor enthusiasts
North Creek is nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, an area known for skiing, hiking, and outdoor recreation.
This small hamlet with around 100 rentals is best for outdoor enthusiasts and hosts who cater to them. Visitors come for Gore Mountain ski resort and the wilderness, meaning Airbnb demand peaks during ski season and for the summer trails.
This is clearly reflected in the numbers that tell a tale of seasonal high returns. Occupancy averages only 36% annually, but that only reflects off-season quietude. During peak periods, properties achieve a $344 ADR, driving average yearly revenue to about $38,126.
In short, you can earn a strong income in just a few months of bookings as guests are willing to pay a premium for cabins and cottages near the slopes and lakes. The high ADR and growing regional investment (e.g., Gore Mountain has expanded with new trails and lifts in recent years) indicate burgeoning demand on weekends and holidays.
4. Hampton Bays, NY: Best for beach vacations
Hampton Bays is a part of Long Island's famous Hamptons—a beachfront community known for upscale summer getaways. It's best for beach vacations because it attracts swarms of city dwellers each summer seeking sand, sun, and surf.
For Airbnb hosts who can afford the upfront investment, this market offers sky-high revenue potential in exchange for a seasonal schedule.
Simply put, Hampton Bays' numbers are eye-popping. The average Airbnb home here grosses about $84,544 per year in revenue, the highest on our list. This is achieved with around 37% occupancy, since most bookings happen in the summer season. The secret is an average daily rate of $847, reflecting the luxury beach houses and large group rentals common in the Hamptons.
Tourism is a critical part of the local economy, and guests pay hefty prices for prime weeks by the ocean. Many owners rent out during just the summer months and still out-earn year-round rentals elsewhere. The trade-off is a steep average home price of around $1.78 million, but for many, the prestige and profit of a Hamptons investment are worth it.
5. Ithaca, NY: Best for college-related tourism
Ithaca is a vibrant college town, home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, which makes it the best for college-related tourism.
It has a dual appeal: academic events fuel demand throughout the school year, and the Finger Lakes region's natural beauty draws tourists in summer. With almost 300 rentals in the area, Ithaca's Airbnb market is both lively and balanced.
With a high 65% average occupancy, it's on par with some of the best Airbnb markets. This steady booking rate is boosted by constant university-related travel. And, with a relatively high ADR of $263, an average Airbnb in Ithaca earns about $47,959 annually in gross revenue—quite a strong performance.
What makes Ithaca so special is that unlike a pure vacation spot, it doesn't have a true off-season. When classes pause in summer, vacationers arrive to explore waterfalls, wineries, and gorges.
Its average home price of around $738k isn't the lowest, but it does reflect the desirability of the area. If you're looking for consistent monthly income and fewer vacant periods, an Ithaca investment should be next on your radar.
Is New York good for Airbnb homes?
New York's short-term rental market is broader, and more promising, than most investors realize. The best Airbnb markets in New York aren't limited to one region or season, and there are opportunities here for just about every type of host.
Outside of New York City's well-known restrictions, the state remains surprisingly friendly to short-term rentals. The real challenge is narrowing in on the right market for your strategy, and making sure the numbers support it. That's where we come in.
Use SummerOS to analyze STR opportunities across New York and find the market that fits your goals. With real-time pricing data, revenue forecasts, and performance tracking, you'll get the clarity you need to make smarter, more confident decisions before you buy, and long after you list.
