Why Drive-To Markets Like the Poconos Still Win over others.
The mistake I see investors making every year is believing there's a new "can't-miss" STR market. It's usually somewhere that sounds great on Instagram but requires a flight, a rental car, and perfect travel conditions to work.
The problem? Those markets rely on ideal circumstances... Drive-to markets don't.
If someone can get in a car on a Friday afternoon and be at your property in 2–3 hours, demand becomes far more resilient. That's why, even as more supply comes online nationally, drive-to STR markets continue to perform while others cool off.
**Also note the Poconos welcomes 30M visitors annually. While other "Hot" markets like Lake Tahoe 15M, Joshua Tree 3M, and Smokies 12.2M**
Why Drive-To Demand Is Sticky
Here's what makes drive-to STR markets different:
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Lower friction to travel – No flights, no cancellations, no airport chaos.
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Repeat guests – Families and friend groups come back year after year.
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Shorter planning windows – Last-minute weekend trips are common and easy.
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Broader guest pool – Couples, families, work-from-anywhere guests, and group getaways all overlap.
When people can leave after work on a Friday and still make dinner at the house, that’s powerful.
Why the Poconos Fit This Model So Well
The Poconos sit within an easy drive of multiple major metros. That alone creates consistent demand, but what really matters is variety.
Guests aren’t coming here for one thing. They’re coming for:
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Lakes in the summer, NASCAR, Music festivals
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Hiking and outdoor experiences in the fall
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Skiing, snow tubing, and cozy weekends in the winter
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Quiet escapes from the cities and remote work stays year-round
That seasonal diversity is a huge advantage. It means your property isn’t dependent on a single event, attraction, or weather pattern to stay relevant.
What Types of Properties Actually Win Here
Not every house in the Poconos works as a short-term rental. The ones that perform best usually share a few traits:
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Designed for groups – Multiple true sleeping areas and open common spaces.
Designed for Couples - Small 2-bedroom or less properties (30% of demand and >15% of supply)
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Experience-driven – Hot tubs, game rooms, fire pits, and outdoor living.
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Visually compelling – Listings that stop the scroll and photograph well. (10/10 Design and furniture.)
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Easy access – Straightforward drive, simple check-in, minimal friction.
Guests are choosing between dozens of similar homes. The ones that win feel intentional, not accidental.
The Advantage Most People Miss
In drive-to markets, guests don’t just book “a place to sleep.” They book an experience they can remember."
I see this all the time with well-designed Poconos properties:
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The same families returning annually.
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Friend groups rotating who books each year.
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Guests extending stays because they didn’t want to leave.
That repeat behavior is incredibly valuable. It stabilizes bookings and reduces reliance on constant discounting.
Risks (And How Experienced Investors Think About Them)
No market is risk-free, and the Poconos are no exception.
Smart investors here think about:
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Focusing on design and guest experience to stay competitive as supply grows.
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Understanding local rules before buying, not after.
The key difference is mindset: experienced buyers plan for flexibility, not perfection.
5 Action Steps If You’re Evaluating Drive-To STRs
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Study repeat-booking patterns across similar listings.
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Prioritize experience and design over square footage.
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Underwrite conservatively, but don’t ignore upside.
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Buy something you’d personally want to escape to.
Drive-to markets aren’t flashy. They’re durable.
And when you combine accessibility, repeat demand, and experience-driven properties, markets like the Poconos continue to attract smart capital year after year.
If you’re evaluating a property here and want comps, design ideas, or a second set of eyes on a deal, happy to help—just DM me.
Live Free,
—Mike Eichler
TL;DR: Investors keep chasing "hot" STR markets that require flights and perfect timing (seasonal). Meanwhile, drive-to markets like the Poconos continue to win because of accessibility, repeat demand, and year-round appeal.
Most Popular Reply
The Smoky Mountain National Park has approximately 12M visitors a year (no STRs in the National Park), but just one county of the five that make up the the park has 21M visitors a year with 18M staying overnight. This does not include the other 4 counties. 85% of the visitors stay over night and 15% are day trips.
in the Poconos has close to 30M visitors across all 4 counties with only 10M staying overnight. About 66% of the visitors to the Poconos are day trips.
This is a major factor when considering STRs in each area.