If you are a real estate investor, you already know how important it is to expand your investment portfolio with new places that can hugely increase your profits and secure a financially stable future. Investing in Golf South rental properties is one way to do that.
The Gulf South covers states like Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Arkansas, and it offers excellent opportunities thanks to the thriving economy, cultural diversity, and growing population. This makes the Gulf South an increasingly attractive region for real estate investors. But how do you pick the best neighborhood to invest in each of these states? Many neighborhoods stand out from the rest and promise long-term property value appreciation.
We will do the pick for you and help you decide why the following neighborhoods are worth your time, money, and investment efforts.
Savannah, Georgia – Ardsley Park
Let’s start with the beautiful city known for its charming cobblestone streets and historic homes – Savannah. This city is quite popular among students, military personnel, and young professionals. The best neighborhood for rentals is the Ardsley Park. It is close to downtown Savannah and has a mix of older, well-maintained homes in the form of new developments. Families, professionals, and students are primarily attracted to this neighborhood, so you, as an investor, can expect consistent demand and high occupancy rates.
Practical tip: Bear in mind that renters who are looking for places to rent in Ardsley Park will be mostly attracted by the charm of its historic homes combined with proximity to amenities like parks, schools, and shopping. Hence, look for properties that need minimal renovation so you can maximize your returns quickly. Talk to property managers in that area to ensure what is in demand and popular at the moment.
Birmingham, Alabama – Avondale
Birmingham has been steadily developing and growing over the last decade in terms of job growth, urban renewable projects, and a thriving economy. All of this makes it a very attractive market for investors. Plus, it has multiple universities, so there is a constant flow of students looking for rentals there.
Regarding the best neighborhood for rentals, look no further than Avondale. It was once an industrial area, but today, it has been transformed into one of Birmingham’s hottest neighborhoods. There are a lot of trendy bars and restaurants, and it is very close to the downtown area, making it popular with young professionals, and families. Because of its attractiveness, there are a lot of competitors in the rental market, so you’ll need to prepare well if you want to enter the Avondale rental market.
Practical tip: Choose properties near public transportation. Local businesses prefer walkable areas with access to entertainment and dining options. This will keep vacancy rates low.
Jackson, Mississippi – Belhaven
Moving on to the third neighborhood from the Gulf South region, Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. It is one of the most affordable real estate markets. It offers rental investors solid returns despite the lower property prices. There are a great number of students there and a steady workforce, which makes Jackson a promising location for rental properties.
The best neighborhood in Jackson is Belhaven, a historic neighborhood with southern charm and a vibrant community. Bill Heaven University is located there and is also near the University of Mississippi Medical Center. This creates a steady demand for rentals from students, faculty, and medical professionals.
Practical tip: When looking into Belhaven real estate investment opportunities, consider the restoration of historic homes because their charm is one of your best playing cards. These types of homes will attract long-term tenants who will appreciate the neighborhood’s unique character.
New Orleans, Louisiana – Mid City
New Orleans is the cultural and economic hub of Louisiana. Despite being a tourist destination that draws millions of tourists each year, it also has a steady influx of new residents. This makes the rental market particularly strong. There is an excellent mix of residents, including students, artists, professionals, and military personnel, who are all positioned across New Orleans.
The best neighborhood in New Orleans for rentals is the Mid City because it is centrally located and provides easy access to downtown, the French Quarter, and other major parts of the city. Young professionals, students, and families are particularly drawn to Mid City region because it is close to City Park.
Practical tip: If you want to invest anywhere in New Orleans, look for short-term rentals. If you choose Mid City, traditional rental agreements for long-term tenants are a safe direction.
Tampa, Florida – Seminole Heights
Tampa is becoming one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities. With a booming job market and desirable weather, many people are attracted to the lifestyle there. All of this has created a high demand for rental properties, and investors will make a good decision if they choose to extend their real estate investment portfolio there.
If you are looking for the best part of Tampa for investing in rental properties, consider Seminole Heights. It blends historic bungalows with trending new businesses, and professional artists and families are all attracted to this area because of its central location and growing cultural scene.
Practical tip: Choose properties that are move-in ready because renovation costs in Seminole Heights can be very high. Also, expect that renters will be looking for modern, stylish homes with historical touches.
Little Rock, Arkansas – Hillcrest
Last but not least, we have Little Rock on the list, which may not be one of the best cities to come to mind for rental property investment when Arkansas is in question, but it offers significant advantages that we want to outline. Property prices are much lower than in other Golf South States, and living costs are affordable. Plus, the city has many new businesses thriving along with the healthcare hub, which also leads to steady demand for rental properties.
The best neighborhood for rentals is Hillcrest, one of Little Rock’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods. It has many trendy restaurants and shops and a strong sense of community, which is why rental demand is consistent in this area.
Practical tip: find a place near major employers or transportation shops in Hillcrest. People attracted to this place often prioritize convenience, so we’ll rent out properties that quickly offer easy access to work or entertainment options.
Conclusion
Feel free to take the leap of faith and invest in rental properties in the Gulf South region. However, you should do your research well and choose the right neighborhood. Focus on understanding the local rental market in each neighborhood and understand what type of tenants you are targeting, what they want, and what their lifestyles are like. With the right approach, the golf south neighborhoods can be a lucrative addition to your investment portfolio.At Wurth Property Management, we’ve spent over 100 years helping property owners and investors succeed. We offer tailored services for single-family homes, condos, and small apartment communities to boost profitability and reduce stress.