Savvy investors recognize that college towns offer more than just academic charm. University-driven cities host conferences, sports weekends, and visiting families almost every month of the year, creating dependable demand cycles that rental property owners can leverage.
College towns provide short-term rental operators with robust occupancy rates even during traditional off-season months. Local economies often center around higher education, which stabilizes housing demand and limits market volatility. Experienced investors who approach short-term rentals strategically gain long-term value by buying in towns with year-round activity and a supportive rental landscape.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor supports short-term rentals with a combination of high visitor volume and walkable neighborhoods. The University of Michigan draws tens of thousands of students, faculty, and sports fans into town throughout the year. Local festivals, cultural events, and research programs attract non-academic guests who prefer home-style stays over hotels.
Downtown districts surrounding campus feature older homes and condos that convert well into furnished units. Rental rates jump significantly during football season, alumni weekends, and orientation periods. Many investors focus on two- and three-bedroom homes that accommodate families and small groups of professionals.
What sets Ann Arbor apart is its transportation access, renowned food scene, and educational prestige. Visitors frequently return for annual events, building consistent repeat business. In addition to everything else, high levels of traffic make Ann Arbor a top college town for short-term rental investing in both cash flow and appreciation potential.
Athens, Georgia
Athens thrives on music, nightlife, and University of Georgia pride. Short-term rentals near downtown stay busy year-round thanks to visiting parents, sports fans, and seasonal festivals. The town’s layout allows investors to target guests seeking proximity to campus events without relying on student tenants.
Boutique-style properties near Broad Street command higher nightly rates. Short-stay guests often look for modern interiors with parking and walkable food options. Many investors furnish spaces with flexible setups that suit both overnight travelers and academic guests staying several weeks.
Local zoning supports small-scale rentals when owners meet local code requirements. Experienced hosts partner with professional cleaning teams and install digital locks to streamline guest turnover. Investors who understand how to balance event-driven pricing with mid-week bookings will find Athens a top college town for short-term rental investing.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison combines a Big Ten campus with state government activity, creating double the opportunity for investor returns. The University of Wisconsin attracts students, researchers, and sports fans, while government offices bring in short-term workers and contractors. Rental demand stays steady across seasons, especially near the Capitol and lakeshore districts.
Lake Monona and Lake Mendota offer unique value for short-term guests seeking outdoor experiences during warmer months. Furnished homes within walking distance of the university and downtown fill up quickly, especially during football games and graduation. Investors often renovate duplexes or vintage homes into modern accommodations to meet the expectations of typical travelers.
At Center Street Lending, we work with investors in markets like Madison who need flexible capital to move quickly. Our short term rental property loans help buyers compete in fast-paced listings or tackle upgrades before peak rental season hits. A strong lender relationship transforms a great location into an even better long-term asset.
Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville thrives as the home of the University of Florida, one of the country’s largest campuses. Healthcare conferences, academic competitions, and research programs create layers of rental demand beyond students alone. Visitors flock to Gainesville during Gator games and spring graduation, creating booking frenzies across rental platforms.
Neighborhoods near UF Hospital and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium consistently deliver top-tier returns on investment. Investors often target smaller homes with off-street parking and space for tailgating groups. Gainesville’s layout makes location selection critical, especially when accounting for local permitting regulations.
Warm winters keep demand steady from snowbirds and traveling professionals. Outdoor amenities like Paynes Prairie and local springs attract eco-tourists who extend average stays. Experienced investors who identify dual-season opportunities in Gainesville often outperform purely academic-focused hosts.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder attracts short-term guests who value nature, education, and innovation. The University of Colorado supports an international academic calendar while tech events, climbing festivals, and retreats pull in professionals year-round. Limited housing inventory creates tight competition among rental operators.
Properties with mountain views, patio space, or walkability to Pearl Street gain an edge on booking platforms. Energy-efficient upgrades and high-speed internet boost guest satisfaction and increase long-term returns. Boulder also benefits from strict construction limits that keep housing demand high and supply limited.
Academic departments, research labs, and alternative wellness events fill calendars even during non-peak travel months. Hosts who promote sustainability and local culture often see stronger review ratings and longer average stays. Investors who leverage Boulder’s hybrid identity—college town and lifestyle destination—benefit from its remarkable market resilience.
State College, Pennsylvania
State College runs on Penn State pride. Sports games, parent weekends, and alumni events create predictable booking surges throughout the year. Off-season bookings come from visiting lecturers, construction managers, and researchers tied to university initiatives.
Investor opportunities cluster around Old Main and downtown corridors where walkability wins. Homes with driveways or converted garages offer added appeal to family travelers. Thoughtful interior design and upgraded kitchens give hosts a competitive edge during football-heavy weekends.
Multi-unit properties close to Beaver Stadium often outperform traditional single-family homes. Guests value options that accommodate large groups for reunions or game-day travel. In towns like State College, scalable short-term strategies lead to more substantial long-term returns.
Eugene, Oregon
Eugene combines university energy with natural surroundings, creating a niche for eco-conscious travelers. The University of Oregon hosts high-profile track meets, conferences, and academic programs that draw consistent crowds. Local trails, parks, and markets expand rental appeal beyond college-related traffic.
Homes near Hayward Field and downtown maintain high occupancy throughout the year. Successful investors typically focus on clean designs, efficient amenities, and smart access features. Guest reviews frequently mention proximity to campus and relaxing surroundings as primary booking motivations.
Creating versatile spaces that accommodate diverse visitors, from athletes to professors to outdoor travelers, substantially increases potential returns. Weekend bookings spike during Ducks games and national meets, while midweek travelers often seek work-ready accommodations. Experienced investors tailor their listings to fit multiple demand streams within a single market.
Find Financial Support for Rental Investments Today
College towns offer more than just seasonal traffic; they provide consistent, calendar-based demand with diverse guest profiles. Events, academic schedules, and regional growth patterns drive short-term rental performance year after year. Investors who know how to time purchases and tailor amenities gain a strong foothold in markets that never go fully quiet.
Each town introduces different strengths, whether it’s waterfront access in Madison or Gainesville’s research-driven economy. High-yield properties often sit just outside campus borders, where guests find a balance between convenience and tranquility. The most successful investors analyze not just housing data but the rhythm of the town itself.
If you're ready to pursue a new short-term opportunity, reach out to us at Center Street Lending. We offer funding support that moves with your pace and goals.