52. Hidden Secret about Airbnb Hot Locations

Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb? Join the Launch Party and get 20% off of all products! Promocode: LAUNCHPARTY Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website Episode Summary Hey friends, it’s Brittany Wenninger with Front Porch Realty powered by Real Broker LLC, and in today’s episode I’m giving you a very real life update (hi, stress!) and then diving into one of the BIGGEST misconceptions about choosing the right location for your Airbnb. Everyone thinks the best rentals are smack-dab in the heart of a big city—near stadiums, shops, and all the hustle. But honestly? The most consistent and most profitable performers are almost always outside the big cities. I walk you through why regulations in major cities are risky, the psychology of why guests CRAVE peaceful spaces, and how looking just 10–20 minutes outside the hot spots gives you more freedom, better booking rates, and less competition. I also spill one of my biggest investor secrets: the difference between mailing address and municipality, and why that one detail can make or break your STR strategy. And of course… I share some behind-the-scenes chaos from renovating two Airbnbs at once, waiting on delayed neon signs, and trying to hit photo-day deadlines while losing my mind. 😅 Key Takeaways Big cities look sexy… but they come with strict rules, sudden regulation changes, high taxes, and heavy competition. • Smaller surrounding townships often allow STRs with far fewer restrictions—and rarely change their rules. • Guests LOVE peaceful, quiet, memory-making stays: cabins, lakes, farmland, ski-hill cottages, tiny homes, etc. • Properties just 10–20 minutes outside a major city can outperform because they offer relaxation and convenience. • Wisconsin Dells, Madison, NYC—all have strict STR limitations, but townships right outside their borders are often STR-friendly. • Your mailing address ≠ municipality, and municipality is what determines your STR rules. • Many investors are completely overlooking township opportunities—giving you a massive leg-up. • You can still design your rural Airbnb with a “big city feel” to attract urban travelers. • Less competition outside the city means your calendar is more likely to stay booked. • My secret investor hack: always check the municipality FIRST before assuming a property’s STR rules. Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Why Listen to This Episode? If you’ve been scrolling Zillow thinking, “I’ll never be able to get an Airbnb inside a major city,” you’re not wrong—but you also don’t need to. This episode shows you exactly where to look instead, how to strategize smart, and how you can get into STRs without fighting every investor in your area. Plus, if you’ve been overwhelmed with location decisions, this will simplify your search and give you clarity on what actually books year-round. Mentioned in the Episode Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes Let’s Connect Thinking about buying an Airbnb outside the big city? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share what areas you’re exploring! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. Work With Me Ready to find, launch, or scale your short-term rental? Whether you need help finding a property, analyzing a deal, or understanding regulations, I’ve got you. 👉 Message me on Instagram @theairbnbroadmap or visit the newly updated website to get started. Chapters 00:00 – Life update: sauna delays, neon sign drama & renovation chaos 02:30 – Website revamp + launch party teasing 05:50 – Why everyone assumes Airbnbs belong in big cities 07:20 – The hidden power of small towns and slower-paced areas 08:50 – The pressure + risk of investing inside major cities 10:20 – Why rural + lakeside getaways practically book themselves 11:30 – My challenge: look outside the big cities 13:39 – Phone call interruption 😂 14:05 – City vs. peaceful travel: what guests actually want 15:53 – Thinking outside the box when choosing location 17:22 – Another phone call (classic Brittany moment) 18:18 – NYC, Madison, Dells: examples of harsh city STR rules 19:10 – Less competition outside the city = more bookings 20:20 – The game-changing secret: mailing address vs municipality 22:00 – How to check municipality on your own 23:00 – A new Airbnb resort for sale in La Crosse 26:00 – Final thoughts + where to learn more Subscribe and Share If you loved today’s episode, hit subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s! And please share this with a friend who’s looking for an STR but doesn’t know where to start. It helps more than you know! 💛