gatlinburg, tennessee real estate
In the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains
Gatlinburg, Tennessee has long been a popular choice for those interested in investment real estate, particularly those investing in vacation cabins, chalets, and second homes. Many have chosen to invest in vacation homes, and then make those vacation homes their permanent residence upon retirement. Letting visitors to Gatlinburg help pay for your retirement home has proven to be a common strategy for many investors who love the beautiful area and have desired to retire to a home with a spectacular view of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
The key real estate valuation factor of location is at the heart of intelligent rationale when considering investment real estate in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Within a day’s drive of one third of the population of the United States, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is also at the base of the most visited national park in the world, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These two location factors greatly stabilize tourist visitation to the area. Since tourists increasingly ask for vacation cabins and chalets, the value of investing in these vacation homes should remain stable over the long term.
Convenient location for the investment cabins and chalets that make up the bulk of the investment real estate market in Gatlinburg is easy to establish. A brief look at any Gatlinburg map shows how compact the community is, due to its position at the base of Mount LeConte. Most investment cabins and chalets are located within sight of the mountains and often have views of downtown Gatlinburg as well. Other vacation homes are located in the forested quiet of the Glades, a dedicated craftsman’s community just east of downtown Gatlinburg.
Investment real estate in Gatlinburg, focused largely on vacation cabins and chalets, is strongly supported by location proximity to the town’s restaurants, grocery stores, attractions, theaters, and retail shops. The Dollywood theme park is only twenty minutes from most Gatlinburg vacation cabins and chalets. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is literally your view when staying in many of these investment properties.
Much of the seasonal down time for tourist visitation has been alleviated in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Although there remains some seasonally low rentals during the late winter and early spring, Gatlinburg boasts its own ski resort, Ober Gatlinburg, which draws a large number of tourists to the area. Area attractions, restaurants and other resources also maintain longer year-round seasons that those at other vacation destinations, so the Gatlinburg area lends itself to significantly better year-round earnings for vacation home investors.
While many beach rentals enjoy only a short high rental season in summer, Gatlinburg investment rental cabins and chalets now experience almost nine months of excellent rental earnings potential. The Dollywood theme park and most other outdoor attractions are open by early April. This seasonal improvement factor alone makes Gatlinburg, Tennessee investment cabins and chalets a much more viable financial option than any continental United States beach rental.
Two major factors also make Gatlinburg investment cabins and chalets surprisingly strong income earners in the January to March "slow" season. First, weekend tourism in Gatlinburg, Tennessee during these months is sufficient to make for consistent rentals of investment properties on these weekends. With one third of the nation’s population within a day’s drive, and many within six hours of Gatlinburg, weekend trips even in the winter months are very common. The weather cooperates by rarely clogging highway access with snow and ice, while providing snow at the higher elevation of Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. For families and couples, Gatlinburg makes the perfect nearby getaway for tens of millions of Americans.
The second major factor aiding vacation rental income in the winter months is the aggressive promotion of corporate and group business during this time period. Church vans are a very common sight on winter weekends, and corporate groups often choose the Gatlinburg area for winter gatherings.
Proximity to both indoor and outdoor attractions in Gatlinburg also aids greatly in the tourist demand for vacation lodging versus other locales. And with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just outside, visitors always have the option of mixing indoor and outdoor activities in the same day.
Outdoor activities include sightseeing in the Park, hiking, photography, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting. Several fine outfitters offer whitewater rafting just down the road at the Big Pigeon River. Trips are available for all ages, down to four years old.
Several horseback riding stables offer rides on easy, “family fun” trails, either within The National Park itself or on private preserves where guests may enjoy cookouts and even outdoor weddings and receptions.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee will remain one of the most stable and well supported locations for vacation home investment real estate.