Southern California STR Niches

[David Brooks]

I - like many of us here - are on the lookout for one of those "special" places where it makes sense to buy-and-hold for STR income. It's something I've had my eye on for a few years, and I pulled the trigger on a cabin in Lake Arrowhead earlier this year and have been doing quite well with it (so far - winter is a good time for an STR on the mountain, especially during COVID).

I'm looking for the next spot; right now, numbers are telling me the Joshua Tree/Yucca Valley/Pioneertown area is my next best bet, but I'm worried about oversaturation. Before I pull the trigger on anything, I'm trying to explore other areas in Southern California with potential. I'm looking for advice, but also want to share my own findings for others in a similar position. 

Some areas I've been checking in to include Redlands, Idyllwild, Julian, and Palm Springs - but I can't shake the feeling that there is a perfect area I've missed. I'm happy to provide information about my research and journey thus far, and I'd love to hear what other people are seeing in this general area in these strange times!