Experience with STRs in Blue Ridge, Georgia?

[Sam Crochet]

Hi everyone!

I am an Atlanta investor with several STRs in Atlanta. Am quite interested in a STR cabin in Blue Ridge, GA or around there. Does anyone have any experience owning/operating a short term rental in Blue Ridge (or surrounding areas)? Would love to share some info on both markets and am happy to discuss my experience in Atlanta market with Airbnb if you'd like. I'm particularly interested in occupancy rates, pricing, and general ROI of course. I've seen some posts about the area, but nothing specific with numbers or rough estimates. Please let me know!

Sam

[Emily Beatty]

I have had an STR in Ellijay, GA for about a year. The pandemic brought an influx of buyers to the area and the number of new STR owners has doubled in the last 1-2 years - check out Airdna.co to see the growth spike. Things are becoming over saturated by the day. There is still enough wiggle room to do better than LTRs - but bookings have slowed down due to so many rental options.

Jan-May 2022 has been slower than 2021 was. Summer / Fall / Holidays are more of the peak time to visit the area. The metrics for occupancy / income from 2020-21 are not going to be comparable to what's going on now in the area in my opinion. For new STR owners it's going to be difficult to get going with more competition - but not impossible. Hotel / Motel taxes are rising beginning July 2022 for Gilmer county. Not sure about Fannin county. Message me if you'd like some additional details / Realtor contacts / support and cleaner contacts up there who can get you started.