Your investment success depends on a number of things, and one of those things is choosing the right property. You need to know which property type is best for your investment goals, and which location is going to attract the tenants that you want for your property.
We’re talking about short-term rentals today, and the neighborhood that you select when you’re looking for investment properties will be much different when you’re thinking about renting to short-term guests versus long-term residential tenants.
Short-term properties have to be close to popular tourist sites. They need to be within striking distance of great restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment. When your property is close to hospitals and schools, you have a great chance of attracting short-term visitors who are coming for a medical procedure or to study for a few weeks.
Think strategically. As a real estate investor, it’s essential to find the best neighborhoods to invest in short-term rental properties. Northern Virginia is an ideal area for short-term rentals due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., and its diverse landscapes. The area has a vast range of housing options, from urban apartments to rural retreats.
Your investment goals will drive your decisions around what the right property might be and which neighborhood it may be located in. Today, we’re exploring the best neighborhoods to invest in short-term rentals in Northern Virginia. As local property management experts, we have the data and the experience to support these suggestions.
Short-Term Rentals in Arlington
If you’re looking for the feeling of a city and a bustling, modern lifestyle is the vibe you want to showcase for your short-term rental, Arlington is the perfect neighborhood for you.
Arlington is close to Washington, D.C., and has an excellent transportation system, making it an attractive spot for travelers. It’s a quick metro ride into D.C. or any of the cities in the DMV area. Guests don’t even have to travel far to visit significant sites; Arlington National Cemetery is here and within walking distance of other national monuments and memorials.
Short-term rental properties in Arlington offer guests a variety of options, such as luxury apartments, townhouses, and lofts. The area is perfect for business travelers, students, and tourists. Arlington’s diverse neighborhoods, like Pentagon Row and Crystal City, offer ample opportunities to attract guests. You’ll be able to charge high nightly rents and expect to keep your property occupied almost all year long.
Alexandria for Short-Term Owners
Alexandria is an especially attractive neighborhood for short-term rentals due to its historic charm and stunning waterfront views. The area offers a combination of contemporary and historic properties, making it accessible to a wide range of guests. The neighborhood is home to several tourist attractions, shopping centers, and entertainment venues.
Alexandria is also filled with Michelin Star restaurants, making it perfect for food enthusiasts. The area is ideal for families, history buffs, and romantic gateways. Guests will enjoy bookstores, coffee shops, theaters, and plenty of nightlife. The metro system takes guests into Washington, D.C. with ease.
Fairfax and Loudoun Countries for Space and Distance
If you’re looking for a more suburban or rural feel for your short-term rental, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties are excellent options. The area is home to several iconic wineries, breweries, and distilleries, making it ideal for guests looking for a relaxing getaway.
Commuting to Washington, D.C., is easy as the area has well-connected highways and public transportation options. The region is perfect for families, groups of friends, and wine enthusiasts.
Sometimes, staying a bit further outside of the city is exactly what vacationers are looking for. The city of Fairfax also attracts its own fair share of traveling business professionals.
Investing in Short-Term Properties in Reston
Reston is a community in Northern Virginia that is perfect for short-term rentals. The neighborhood boasts a vibrant downtown filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. The area has several parks and recreation centers, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for an active lifestyle.
Reston is modern and luxurious, offering guests the perfect blend of city and suburban living. There’s an intentional layout of commercial and residential activity, and it’s well-balanced. Your potential guests will enjoy being close to the Reston Town Center as well as the Silver Line metro, which takes them into Washington, D.C.
Manassas and Short-Term Rentals
Plenty of people visit Northern Virginia for surroundings that are steeped in history. Manassas is a town in this area that offers short-term rental property owners the opportunity to tap into the Civil War history of the region. The city has several historic museums, outdoor activities, music venues, and breweries. Short-term rental properties in Manassas can range from quaint cottages to modern townhouses, offering guests a unique staying experience. Manassas is perfect for families and history enthusiasts.
You can always find plenty of great opportunities when you’re looking for an investment property, but the success is found when you choose carefully. You’re looking for a home that will offer the same comforts and amenities as hotels. Your guests will want to feel like they’re in a home away from their home. They choose short-term rentals over hotels because they want more space and privacy, as well as a customized experience. Consider this when you’re house-hunting.
We also recommend you work with a Northern Virginia property management expert. This is a great way to estimate how much you’ll earn from your short-term rental and how much work might be required to get it ready for the short-term rental market.
Northern Virginia offers diverse neighborhoods worth exploring for those looking to invest in short-term rental properties. From cities like Arlington and Alexandria to more rural areas like Fairfax, Loudoun, and Manassas, there’s something for every type of guest.
Please contact us at Comfort Property Management if you’d like some help choosing a good neighborhood and a profitable property. We lease, manage, and maintain investment properties throughout Northern Virginia, in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, McLean, Ashburn, Sterling, Springfield, Reston, Chantilly, Manassas, Centreville, and Herndon.
