Short‑term rentals (STRs) continue to evolve across the U.S., and New Hampshire is no exception. As travelers seek mountain escapes, lakeside retreats, coastal views, and small‑town charm, certain NH destinations are standing out for their rental demand, pricing power, and investment potential. Below, we detail five of the top STR markets in New Hampshire as of 2025—why they shine, what metrics support them, and what to watch out for.

How We Selected These Markets

To identify the best towns, we focused on several key criteria:

• Average Daily Rate (ADR) & Occupancy — ability to command solid nightly rates and keep the property booked regularly

• Gross Revenue Potential — how much revenue properties are generating, particularly relative to property values

• Regulatory Environment — what town/local rules are in place or being considered; permitting, licensing, zoning for STRs

• Tourism / Guest Appeal — natural attractions, seasonal draw (ski, lake, coast), accessibility, local events

• Barriers to Entry / Cost vs Upside — how much properties cost in each town versus what returns look like; how saturated the STR market is

1. Conway, NH — Best All‑Round White Mountains Resort & Year‑Round Appeal

Why it stands out

Conway is consistently named the top short‑term rental market in New Hampshire by multiple analysts. It sits in the White Mountains, very attractive for nature lovers, hikers, skiers, leaf‑peepers, etc. It has enough draw year‑round (with seasonal peaks) plus relatively accessible location for many travelers from Northeast urban centers.

Key Metrics

• Average Gross Yield: 11.7% 

• Average Property Value: ~$590,924 

• Average Annual Revenue: $69,076 (past 12 months) 

• Average Occupancy Rate: ~36% (averaged over the full year)

• Number of qualifying STR listings (“whole home” etc): ~103

Strengths & Opportunity

• Strong ADR potential: Because of resort facilities, scenic views, and tourist demand, many properties can charge well above state averages.

• Seasonal diversity: Skiing in winter; hiking, foliage, outdoor events, summer lake and river access in warmer months. This gives multiple “high season” windows.

• Relative scarcity / value: Some properties are expensive, but compared to luxury coastal homes, mountain properties sometimes offer better yield relative to cost.

• Growing awareness and demand: More travelers are seeking alternative stays outside major cities; Conway benefits from this as a known name but with room for supply.

Risks & Watch Points

• Low average occupancy (year‑round): 36% suggests many nights are not booked; heavy reliance on peak seasons. Off‑season can drag.

• High running costs: Maintenance, winter weather damage, snow removal, heating, etc., are more expensive in these mountain areas.

• Regulation & local resistance: As more STRs show up, towns may tighten rules around occupancy, safety inspections, parking, etc. Best to check current municipal ordinances.

• Entry cost and financing: With property values approaching or above $500‑600K, financing, down payments, insurance costs are not trivial.

2. Hampton, NH — Best Coastal / Beach & Summer‑Season Market

Why it stands out

Hampton is the star on New Hampshire’s short coastline. The draw of the beach, events, boardwalks, shows, tourist traffic makes it very powerful in the summer season. For investors who can make the capital work, Hampton offers excellent seasonal upside.

Key Metrics

• Occupancy: ~52% (average) 

• ADR: ~$285/night

• Average Annual Revenue: ~$44,075 

• Home values: Very high; Hampton homes among the most expensive in NH. 

Strengths & Opportunity

• Massive seasonal surges: Summer draws are strong, and hosts can charge premium nightly rates during peak months.

• Beach / coastal appeal: Many guests want ocean views, easy access to water, and classic New England summer experience—and Hampton provides that.

• Event leverage: Festivals, concerts, beach events, etc., increase demand in summer and shoulder seasons.

• Relatively strong occupancy even in non‑peak periods vs more isolated STR markets: Because of population centers nearby and coastal popularity, demand doesn’t completely fall off outside summer.

Risks & Watch Points

• Very high purchase prices: Coastal properties cost more, which can decrease yield unless ADRs are very strong or occupancy is high.

• Seasonality extremes: Winters and non‑summer months may see much lower bookings; must budget for long idle stretches.

• Regulation & permitting pressure: Coastal towns often are under pressure from residents concerned about traffic, noise, and housing affordability. Ordinances may tighten around STR counts, short‑term rental licensing, parking, etc.

• Insurance, upkeep, exposure: Salt air, storms, coastal erosion risk, flood insurance, etc., are more relevant for coastal properties.

3. Lincoln, NH — Best Mountain / Outdoor Recreation Hub

Why it stands out

Lincoln sits in the White Mountains region, very close to Loon Mountain Resort, and is popular for both winter and summer outdoor recreation. It offers solid ADRs, relatively good occupancy, and growing STR interest.

Key Metrics

• Average Gross Yield: ~6.5% 

• Property Value: ~$743,652 

• Average Annual Revenue: ~$48,697 

• Occupancy Rate: ~43% 

• Number of qualifying listings: ~242 listings 

Strengths & Opportunity

• Strong all‑season recreation: Skiing, snowmobiling, summer trails, hiking, kayaking, autumn colors—Lincoln is well‑positioned for multiple types of outdoor draw.

• Proximity to “destination” attractions: Resorts and natural beauty help support higher ADRs and guest willingness to travel.

• Established STR infrastructure: Because it is a well known tourist location, there are existing amenities, service providers (cleaners, guides, etc.), and demand drivers.

• Moderate entry vs coastal: Though property values are high, compared to premium beachfronts or luxury resorts the cost per ADR often yields better margins for mountain/lake/forest stays since fewer require ultra‑luxury finishes.

Risks & Watch Points

• Seasonality: Winter and summer peaks are strong, but shoulder/off seasons may be quiet. Off‑peak marketing important.

• Maintenance & operating costs: Snow removal, heating, utility bills etc., can eat into profits.

• Regulatory oversight: Towns like Lincoln have handled STR registration and sometimes more oversight. The technical report from NH HFA says Lincoln has very high share of STR housing units (42.5% in the Town of Lincoln) which indicates saturation but also regulatory attention. 

• Saturation risk: With high number of listings, overly competitive listings may push rates down unless you differentiate on quality or location.

4. Manchester, NH — Best for Consistent Occupancy & Urban Access

Why it stands out

Manchester is New Hampshire’s largest city in terms of population and economic activity. It isn’t a mountain resort or a beach town, but it has business traffic, events, medical/education centers, restaurant & cultural draw, and relative affordability vs coastal or resort areas. For investors seeking steadier returns year‑round rather than just peak season windfalls, Manchester is compelling.

Key Metrics

• Occupancy: ~65% (highest among large NH markets)

• ADR: (implied to be lower than Hampton but moderate) - we've seen reported $285 ADR for Hampton; Manchester’s ADR is likely lower but occupancy compensates

• Growth in active rentals in the market is increasing.

Strengths & Opportunity

• Year‑round demand: Unlike seasonal towns, cities like Manchester have lower seasonality. Business travel, local IRAs, visiting friends/family, education/hospital is more constant.

• Lower cost relative to resorts or beachfront: Although property values are not cheap, they tend to be lower than premium resort/coastal homes, giving better yield potential in many cases.

• Infrastructure & amenities: More service providers, more accessible supplies, easier management logistics than remote mountain or coastal areas.

• Diversified guest types: Not just vacationers, but people on business, moving, medical, temporary housing needs, conferences etc.

Risks & Watch Points

• Lower ADR vs resort/coastal premium towns: Because the product doesn’t command beachfront or mountain scope, nightly rates are lower. Profit depends heavily on occupancy and cost controls.

• Regulation & zoning: Town zoning, neighborhood restrictions, safety inspections, possibly noise or parking restrictions; need to verify Manchester’s specific ordinances.

• Neighborhood variation matters: Not all parts of Manchester are equally desirable; location specifics can drastically affect occupancy and guest reviews.

• Operating costs: Urban area utilities, maintenance, cleaning turnover, wear from more frequent turnover.

5. Bartlett, NH — Best for Adventure / Family Vacation & White Mountains

Why it stands out

Bartlett is another town in the White Mountains, with strong appeal for families, outdoor adventure, ski access, Story Land, etc. It combines scenic value with demand for vacation rentals and has been growing as a recognized STR market.

Key Metrics

• Average Gross Yield: ~7.5% 

• Property Value: ~$692,225 

• Average Annual Revenue: ~$52,225 

• Occupancy Rate: ~36% (over entire year)

• Number of qualifying listings: ~228 listings 

Strengths & Opportunity

• Strong family vacation appeal: Shows like Story Land, skiing in winter, leaf peeping, hiking etc., attract families and vacationers.

• Scenic beauty & amenities: Mountain landscapes, forested settings, trails, etc. The experience can justify above‑average nightly rates.

• Opportunity to improve yield via quality: Because demand is relatively strong, well‑managed, well‑positioned, well‑listed properties (amenities, cleanliness, décor, guest experience) tend to do better.

• Less competition vs smallest remote towns: Bartlett isn't totally remote; access is easier, guest expectations more manageable.

Risks & Watch Points

• Low annual occupancy: Like many mountain/resort‑oriented towns, much of the income is heavily seasonal; off seasons may see lower booking, meaning cash flow for rest of year must be planned.

• High cost of weather & maintenance: Snow, erosion, heating, access roads, etc., can increase expenses.

• Regulation or local oversight: As these towns grow in STR use, local authorities may impose more restrictive zoning, registration, inspections, etc.

• Guest experience expectations high: To get and keep good reviews, expectations for amenities, cleanliness, responsiveness are elevated; failure to meet them can hurt occupancy far more than in less competitive markets.

Honorable Mentions & Rising Towns

Some other New Hampshire towns that are showing strong promise, even if they didn’t make the top five, include:

• Gilford, NH — Lakes region (Lake Winnipesaukee) draws are strong; water access, boating, summer demand make it a contender. Winter sports are also a large draw with Gunstock Mountain Resort calling in large amounts of winter enthusiasts. Gilford is one of our favorites for short term rentals, and has allowed us to generate steady income from our investments within the town. 

• Laconia, NH — Between lake draws and event‑based traffic (e.g. Laconia Motorcycle Week), demand can spike, giving good revenue opportunities.

• Wolfeboro, NH — Affluent, historic lake town; high ADRs possible though entry cost is steep. 

Tips for Making STR Investment Work in New Hampshire in 2025

Here are actionable suggestions to maximize your success in these towns:

1. Underwrite using full‑year comps, not just peak
   Because many of these towns have seasonality, use realistic occupancy (lower winter/off‑season), estimate maintenance, utilities, insurance, operating costs carefully.

2. Choose location within town carefully
   Proximity to major attractions (ski resorts, lakes, downtown, beach), access roads, ease of snow removal, access in winter, etc., matter as much as the town itself.

3. Invest in guest experience & quality
   In saturated STR markets, listings that are well‑furnished, clean, stylish, with strong photography and responsive hosts get better reviews and earn more.

4. Stay ahead of local regulatory changes
   Monitor town meeting agendas, planning boards, and local ordinances. If STRs are already high in a town, it’s more likely that regulations will tighten. Being compliant from the start (registration, safety, parking) helps avoid surprises.

5. Optimize pricing & calendar management
   Use dynamic pricing (higher in high demand; lower in shoulder season) and manage your calendar to smooth occupancy. Consider minimum stay restrictions or special‑offers in slower months.

6. Control costs & maintenance
   Winter heating, snow removal, storm power, insurance can eat profit margins. Plan maintenance proactively; try to have reliable local contractors/service providers.

7. Diversify across towns or property types if possible
   If capital allows, spreading risk between more stable year‑round markets and seasonal/high ADR markets can balance cash flow.

8. Have an exit or conversion plan
   If regulation tightens, or if demand softens, ensure the property can be converted to long‑term rental, or otherwise repurposed without huge loss.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which New Hampshire town might be the best fit, depending on what you value most:

Each of these towns has advantages and trade‑offs: cost, seasonality, regulatory risk, maintenance burdens, competition. The key is aligning your strengths and plans (management, capital, risk tolerance) with the best town for you.