Ime looking to buy land and build a modern A frame and use as a short term rental. I live in NJ, help be choose where to do this. Catskills area NY or Shenandoah Valley VA such as Luray Stanley. Where are the regulations the best and were should i just overall choose? Would really appreciate advise Ime having a tough time deciding.
Good question—these are very different plays, even though they look similar on Instagram.
Catskills (NY):
Strong demand + higher ADRs, but regulations are town-by-town and tightening
Some towns require STR permits, owner-occupancy, caps, or outright bans
Build costs, permitting, septic/well, and taxes are generally higher
More upside, but more friction and regulatory risk
Shenandoah Valley (VA):
Generally more STR-friendly, especially outside town limits
Zoning and permitting tend to be simpler and faster
Lower land + build costs in many areas
Slightly lower ADRs, but often more stable and predictable
If your goal is simplicity and fewer regulatory surprises, Shenandoah often wins.
If your goal is top-line revenue and long-term appreciation, Catskills can work—but you have to be very precise about the town, zoning, and STR rules before buying land.
Big advice: choose the municipality first, not the region. STR rules can change block by block.
Happy to share specifics on towns that work (and ones to avoid) if helpful.
@Peter Castrianni I would reach out to @Michael H. Cook , he's an expert in the Shenandoah Valley STR Market and has written a few blogs on regulations in the area. Hope that helps!