West Pensacola or Killearn?

[Barrington Lewis]

Hi I'm looking to buy another STR in the Tallahassee area but having trouble deciding on what would be the best area. West Pensacola area is nice and close to the schools/stadiums, (the property I'm considering is a 5min drive from FSU stadium and about 8min from FAMU stadium) but this area has some homelessness in the area and some crime.

On the other hand, Killearn area is very nice, low crime, but is far from the schools (about 20-25min depending on traffic).  I’m wondering what visiting guests would be most concerned with when visiting the city.  The Killearn property is a townhome and has a very small deck/backyard.  The West Pensacola home is a house with almost a large backyard and with a large shed- it also has the most potential for appreciation.

Can anyone provide me with insight on what would be the better/smarter buy? Do I have the most options getting something closer vs further? I know real estate is about location, location, location… but which location would be best for STR?

Thanks in advance.  

[Brooklyn McCarty]

Use the enemy method. 

Check out homes in both areas and try to find comps for what you are planning to purchase. See which area has the higher ADR, better occupancy. Comb through reviews and see what guests say about location. Which one do they like better? So much info can be found in the enemy method. 

Also, make sure STR is allowed in either place before deciding