Where is the best STR area in 1h-2h distance from Austin

Question

any recommendation about the best area to buy a STR property within 1-2h drive from Austin?
my requirement for investment is to make enough money to pay the mortgage. My price range is around $550k, and put $20% down.

Thanks

Zach Edelman · Answer

Dripping Springs supposedly is pretty good. Also would recommend Fredericksburg as well.

Austin has a good FB group for local Air BnB investors that you could be a better place to ask this question. Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/group...

Jordan Moorhead · Answer

@Arezou Ed you need an agent familiar with the areas. New Braunfels and San Marcos are great but don't allow STR. @Devin Dang has one in Canyon Lake and we just had a guest on the podcast with one in Fredericksburg

Devin Dang · Answer

Hey @Arezou Ed! Im big fan of vacation rental markets especially in the hill country. Austin is very saturated, can still do well but need a premium/unique product!

New braunfels is generally pretty difficult due to STR restrictions. My favorites are canyon lake, dripping springs, wimberely, fredricksburg, lakeway, lago vista.

Here is the one in canyon lake @Jordan Moorhead was referring to earlier: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8...

Happy to chat more via zoom/phone!

Brooklyn McCarty · Answer

What about Galveston/Crystal Beach area?

Katie Greenman · Answer

There is also the Canyon Lake area.

New Braunfels :https://www.nbtexas.org/3448/S...

San Antonio:https://www.sanantonio.gov/DSD...

Curious to know if anyone else has come across similar situations: voluntary HOA's have community members going door to door to get an override for deed restrictions to be changed--changing the restrictions to eliminate the ability to operate a str even if not apart of an HOA. I have come across two different subdivisions one in San Antonio and the other in Canyon Lake that have experienced this. Not sure how they are handling existing operating short term rentals, but I don't think it was in the str favor.

Seth Teel · Answer

@Arezou Ed

There are several good cities and towns within 2 hours of Austin to host a short-term rental. You'll need to determine if you want a property in a more rural or urbans setting. If you chose a city/town like San Antonio, New Braunfels, or San Marcos you can the benefits of density, infrastructure, local sights & attractions, etc. If you choose to locate in a more ex-urban or rural setting, like Blanco, Wimberly, Johnson City, Stonewall, or anywhere in the Hill Country, you'll have less access to grocery stores, restaurants, etc, but will have privacy gorgeous views and still easy access to Austin or San Antonio. Keep in mind some cities have STR ordinances (Austin, San Antonio, New Braunfels). Austin and New Braunfels STR ordinances are very restrictive and may be an uphill battle just to get an STR permit. San Antonio's ordinance is much less restrictive than the other two, but it's not without issue. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a DM.

Roland Rodriguez · Answer

New Braunfels

Where is the best STR area in 1h-2h distance from Austin

Where is the best STR area in 1h-2h distance from Austin

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