5 mountain towns where Airbnbs make the most sense


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Average home price: $462K | Average yield: 12.2%
Few other markets in the Northeast have genuine urban character, Catskill Mountain access, and a short-term rental yield above 12%. Average home prices in Kingston, New York, sit below $465,000, which is elevated by the standards of the other markets on this list but reasonable for the Lower Hudson Valley, where weekender demand from New York City has pushed comparable towns well past that threshold.
Revenue potential averages $56,000 per year, yielding 12.2%. Kingston offers an established arts scene, a waterfront setting, three distinct historic districts, and direct access to the Catskill Mountains. Few markets with that profile trade at home prices that still support double-digit yields.
The Catskills give Kingston a legitimate mountain identity alongside its Hudson Valley cultural draw. Guests arrive for skiing at nearby resorts in winter, hiking and swimming in summer, and the food-and-arts scene year-round. Visitors who want both a walkable, restaurant-dense weekend and proximity to serious outdoor activity find Kingston well suited to both. The combination supports stronger average daily rates and attracts couples, small groups, and design-conscious travelers inclined to book higher-quality properties.
Kingston’s regulatory environment requires active navigation. Hosts offering stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days must obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit. The city caps full-time short-term rental permits at approximately 106 permits, representing 1% of housing units. Permit availability, property eligibility, and timing all require due diligence before purchase. Investors who verify permit status upfront and buy with a clear path to compliance will find Kingston investable.

