Job growth was concentrated in healthcare, social assistance, and leisure sectors, while manufacturing and federal government employment declined.Markets reacted positively to the report.

Travel + Leisure just dropped their 2025 list of the top 15 cities in the U.S., based on nearly 180,000 reader votes—and I couldn’t help but notice how many of these overlap with short-term rental and lifestyle investing markets.Here’s the full list:1.

This may mean cutting back on current luxuries, like subscriptions, coffees, and similar common leisure. remember, it is temporary... or it can be permanent, up to you.

I’m working with an extended stay hospitality operator who has developed and continues to operate multiple boutique properties in high-barrier leisure markets.They’ve completed several funds, each raising mid-eight-figure amounts from a friends-and-family network to finance development projects.

My partner and I have found one landlord that will allow us to sublet to our business travelers and Leisure travelers.

Even if family is present for leisure, the day still counts as maintenance if the 4-hour work threshold is met.

I think reducing debt, and having optionality to go from investing to leisure is an immeasurable joy. 

At this point you can relax and make improvement at your leisure.

This highlights that the market is seeing stronger performance and increasing demand—especially as visitors flock to Raleigh-Durham for both leisure and business purposes with RTP. 

This change may be due to increasing competition in similar nature-centric destinations.Flathead National ForestOccupancy This Year: 30.70%Despite its stunning natural beauty, Flathead National Forest's occupancy rates have decreased, which might be attributed to stricter STR regulations and limited local tourism initiatives.Eastern OregonOccupancy This Year: 31.60%Eastern Oregon's rugged terrain and outdoor adventures haven't translated into increased demand for short-term rentals, evidenced by its continued low occupancy rates.Atlantic CityOccupancy This Year: 34.60%Atlantic City remains stagnant with no growth in occupancy, possibly due to heightened competition and evolving traveler expectations favoring alternative destinations.Lake of the OzarksOccupancy This Year: 35.10%With its scenic views and leisurely activities, Lake of the Ozarks is still struggling with lower occupancy rates compounded by an excess supply of vacation rentals.JasperOccupancy This Year: 36.30%Jasper's appeal as a nature retreat is not enough to counteract declining occupancy rates, suggesting possible shifts in visitor preferences or investment saturation.Sun ValleyOccupancy This Year: 37.00%Sun Valley, despite its year-round attractions, is experiencing a significant drop in occupancy, perhaps due to increased competition from similar resort towns.