Rental Property Investor · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2020 · 24 posts · 8 votes
Hey all! I'm looking for any insight on the MTR and/or STR market in Fresno, California. I have a colleague who is going to inherit a family home (1960s, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath residence (3000+ square foot) home in NW Fresno established neighborhood with pool/spa. He would like to keep the house but wants to know what is most desirable in this market (MTR/STR/LTR unfurnished, etc.) Any insight on ADRs, RevPAR, occupancy, or LTR would be appreciated.
Hi, Jared, I live in Fresno. I haven't had the opportunity to host any MTRs here in the area, but I have one listed in NC. I do monitor MTRs in the Fresno area because I'm looking at possibly listing my old primary that I just moved out of as well. It seems that there's a decent amount of demand, especially for established neighborhoods with those sorts of amenities.
I use Furnished Finder for my current out of state listing. There's a map feature that will let your friend see the current listings in the area the home is located in, along with what they're going for. I think the site itself is very helpful to figuring out whether it's a strategy worth looking into for his area
Hey! Great question — Fresno has some interesting dynamics right now, and what makes the most sense (STR vs MTR vs LTR) really depends on your goals and risk tolerance.
1. STR vs MTR vs LTR in Fresno
Short-Term Rentals (STRs): Fresno isn’t as high-demand for pure vacation stays compared to tourist hotspots, but there is an opportunity with corporate travelers, relocations, medical stays, and weekend bookings. Properties near universities, medical centers, and major employers tend to do better.
Mid-Term Rentals (MTRs): This is where a lot of investors see predictable demand — especially with travel nurses, contractors, and professionals on 30–90 day stays. MTRs tend to have higher occupancy and more stable cash flow than STR in Fresno while still earning better rates than traditional long-term.
Long-Term Rentals (LTRs): Great for steady income with minimal turnover, but generally lower monthly rates than what you could pull with MTRs in many Fresno neighborhoods.
2. What Tenants Want in Fresno
For a large home like a 1960s, 4 bed / 2.5 bath with pool/spa, you’re in a good spot for family stays, corporate stays, and extended travel nurses — especially if the interior has been updated and outdoor spaces are inviting.
Features that perform well here:
✅ Good internet (important for remote work)
✅ Furnished or semi-furnished options (adds appeal for MTR)
✅ Clean, modern bathrooms and kitchens
✅ Dedicated workspace / office nook
✅ Fenced backyard + pool maintenance included
3. ADR / Occupancy / What to Expect
While specific numbers shift often, here’s the general trend:
STR can have higher peak ADRs ($150–$250+) but lower occupancy compared to high-tourism cities. Off-season can drag.
MTR typically lands between LTR and STR in effective monthly income with higher occupancy and fewer turnovers.
LTR is the most stable but often lowest monthly revenue for a 4-bed home unless the market is tight.
You’ll want to run the numbers — do a pro forma comparing:
STR projected revenue (using local comps + occupancy estimates)
MTR projected revenue (30–90 day bookings)
LTR rent comps in the neighborhood
Websites like AirDNA, Mashvisor, and even local Zillow comps can help with that.
4. Local regulations & zoning
Always double-check city or county STR rules — some areas require permits or have occupancy limits, which can affect feasibility.
Bottom line:
For a home of that size in NW Fresno, MTR often hits the sweet spot — better income than LTR with less turnover and hassle than high-churn STRs. But if you can position it well for weekend & corporate stays, an hybrid model (STR + MTR) is worth exploring too.
If you want, I can help you run a quick income projection based on current rent comps/occupancy estimates — just drop some info on neighborhood or address!