Best place to buy a BIG short term rental in Texas?

[Laura Henderson]

Hi, BPers!

I'm interested in purchasing an investment property in Texas that could be an "escape house" for our family of 10 and occasional vacation spot for us. This would be a 4 or 5 bedroom home that would be furnished high end and sleep at least 12. For those who live in Texas or have regional knowledge:

(1) Where would you recommend buying?

(2) What areas would be the best locations for families (or groups) with fun activities nearby?

(3) We have looked a fair amount in The Woodlands, Spring, Magnolia, but The Woodlands might not allow the property to be used as a ST rental (so that seems risk) and I don't see a lot of other STRs in Spring or Magnolia, so maybe those just aren't popular vacation spots?

(4) Is a STR just a bad idea right now?

Thank you for any and all help for this newb!

[Melissa Hawkes]

If it's primarily for your family then you need to pick where you want to vacation. Do you want the beach (Galveston, South Padre, Port Aransas), floating down the river (New Braunfels), the vineyards and German heritage of the Hill Country (Fredericksburg, Johnson City) , or are ya'll more city people that would want the bustle of Austin, or the Riverwalk of San Antonio? All of these places, plus several of our large lakes support short term rentals.