All Forum Posts by: Allie William Wilson

Would not recommend the East TN region to anyone right now. We have a few properties there. There is such a massive oversupply of units in that region that it will likely affect other neighboring regions for the next few years.

I live here and the answer is no. We do get people coming through for ETSU and Milligan graduations, temporary stays for the VA, and some tourism in the summer and fall but you're not going to stay heavily booked.

I have lived here for over 30 years and am a licensed broker here, as well as having all of my rentals here in town, and would consider myself an expert on this market.

Don't listen to anyone lumping JC in with Watauga Lake or Roan Mountain. It's 40+ minutes from either one to JC and people who stay out at the lake are a different group than would stay in JC for events there.

Hi @Allie William Wilson

Thanks for the kind words! It’s awesome to hear how much thought you’re putting into your next purchase-it’s clear you’ve got a great perspective as both an experienced traveler and investor. The idea of “giving back” by providing the kind of experience you’ve appreciated as a traveler is such a fantastic approach and will definitely resonate with renters, especially healthcare professionals.

Single-family homes and cabins sound like a perfect fit for what you’re envisioning. From what I’ve heard, properties that emphasize tranquility.. like offering outdoor seating areas, fire pits, or even something as simple as a hammock.. tend to perform exceptionally well in remote settings.

You're spot on about STR policies in Johnson City versus Knoxville. JC's lenient approach is definitely a draw for investors looking to avoid the red tape that's becoming more common in larger cities. A good freind of mine set up an STR in a similarly lenient area and found that they could focus much more on guest experience rather than the administrative hassle. They even added a small "welcome basket" with loccal treats, and guests loved the personal touch.. it became one of their most mentioned features in reviews!

Since you’re leaning toward the “reconnect with nature” vibe, are you thinking of adding features like hiking trail maps, partnerships with local guides, or even some eco-friendly touches to the property? I’ve noticed that STRs with those kinds of unique offerings tend to stand out and get booked faster.

Looking forward to seeing what direction you decide to take!

Hi @Allie William Wilson

Your post caught my eye because of your thoughtful approach to choosing the right market for your next investment. Having worked with investors who’ve transitioned from LTRs to STRs or MTRs, I can see why Johnson City would be appealing.

You’re right to consider the university, the med school, and the hospitl as potential sources of consistent demand for MTRs. A friend of mine, who’s also a travlling healthcare professional, recently purchased a small home in a town with a similar setup. They found that targeting traveling nurses and medical residents provided reliable income, especially with amenities like a washer/dryer and blackout curtains.. details that are often overlooked but highly valued.

For STR potential, I'd suggest researching local tourism data. While Johnson City might not have the pull of Pigeon Forge, it offers an authentic mountain experience that could attract hikers, history buffs, and visitors to nearby national parks. From what I've read in The Economist, demand for "off-the-beaten-path" destinations has increased post-pandemic, as travelers seek quieter, less crowded areas.

In my backyard, investors and homeowners alike are increasingly drawn to areas like Gilbert and Chandler due to their exceptional growth potential and quality of life. These cities boast a forecasted job growth rate of 38%, driven by a thriving tech sector, healthcare expansion, and a business-friendly environment, which continues to fuel property appreciation. Additionally, Gilbert and Chandler have emerged as strong markets for short-term rentals, benefiting from a combination of year-round tourism, a family-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to major attractions. This unique blend of economic opportunity and lifestyle appeal positions these cities as prime locations for both investment and personal residence.

You mentioned Roan Mountain and Watauga Lake.. both are fantastic draws. One cabin owner I spoke with mentioned that even mid-week bookings picked up when they offered flexible check-in times and promoted the property as a remote work getaway.

A quick tip: before committing, check Johnson City’s regulations on short-term rentals. Some cities have started introducing stricter rules, so ensuring compliance upfront can save you headaches later.

Out of curiosity, are you leaning toward any specific property types (e.g., single-family homes, condos, or cabins)? I’d love to hear what you think would work best in the area.