The US is a major hub for the world’s sports. Different American sports teams provide energy, excitement, and culture across the US. They also offer some great real estate investment opportunities.
Related: Best Places to Invest in Real Estate: 7 Cities with Highest Returns
It’s easy to assume that sports teams make certain cities among the best cities to invest in real estate, especially if the investment is through Airbnb. For instance, a study by Trulia found that homes near MLB stadiums were valued at 15%, on average, more than their metropolitan counterparts. The situations for different cities, however, are not as crystal clear.
As you can see in our list of best places to invest in 2017, the best cities to invest in real estate are not necessarily the biggest sports cities. The presence of sport franchises can have a negative or positive effect on the city’s real estate.
Generally speaking, sport cities are among some of the best cities to invest in real estate. Although the city’s real estate success is not solely due to sport franchises, sport teams do boost the city’s rental market. Some cities, however, defy this rule.
According to Trulia, homes near Dallas’ AT&T Stadium are 4.9% less valuable than homes in the metro area. This is definitely a surprise, especially since the stadium is home to the Dallas Cowboys, the NFL team nicknamed “America’s Team”. Still, Dallas is one of the best cities to invest in real estate for the present year. It’s just that investing around the AT&T stadium may not be the best idea.
Cities like Dallas are rare exceptions. As mentioned earlier, most sports cities are among the best cities to invest in real estate. Here are some of those cities.
Keep in mind, these cites are city averages and only take single-family homes, townhouses, apartments, and condominiums into consideration. Property returns are higher than city averages.
Washington, DC
- Median Property Price: $651,336
- Airbnb Rental Income: $2,511
- Traditional Rental Income: $2,648
- Airbnb Cash-on-Cash return: 2.89%
- Traditional Cash-on-Cash return: 2.95%
- Airbnb Cap Rate: 5.35%
- Traditional Cap Rate: 5.41%
- Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 57.3%
The nation’s capital is no stranger to sports, as it is the home of the Redskins NFL team, the Capitals ice hockey team, Wizards basketball, and the Nationals baseball team. While the stadiums of these teams are relatively nascent, such as the Nationals Park, the city’s market has benefitted from their presence. Homes near the Nationals Park are valued at 15% higher than homes in other areas in the metro. D.C.’s sports, along with other factors, make the city one of the best cities to invest in real estate.
Boston, MA
- Median Property Price: $1,033,494
- Airbnb Rental Income: $3,970
- Traditional Rental Income: $2,827
- Airbnb Cash-on-Cash return: 2.86%
- Traditional Cash-on-Cash return: 1.65%
- Airbnb Cap Rate: 5.44%
- Traditional Cap Rate: 4.15%
- Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 58.97%
Unlike Washington, D.C., Boston is a historically established city for American sports. Teams like the New England Patriots, the Celtics, and the Red Sox have been, in the past and present, among the best of the best in their respective sports. Boston’s real estate has profited from its teams’ success. Homes in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, which includes the Red Sox’s Fenway Park, are at a staggering 66% higher value compared with their metro counterparts. There is no doubt Boston is one of the best cities to invest in real estate.
Los Angeles, CA
- Median Property Price: $908,027
- Airbnb Rental Income: $3,064
- Traditional Rental Income: $3,245
- Airbnb Cash-on-Cash return: 2%
- Traditional Cash-on-Cash return: 2.07%
- Airbnb Cap Rate: 4.47%
- Traditional Cap Rate: 4.52%
- Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 52%
We all know that LA is one of the best cities to invest in real estate. With coastal weather, Hollywood attractions, universities, and great teams like the Lakers, Dodgers, Clippers, and UCLA’s Bruins, Los Angeles is definitely a city to invest in.
Related: Best Places to Invest in Real Estate: College Towns
Chicago, IL
- Median Property Price: $364,306
- Airbnb Rental Income: $1,943
- Traditional Rental Income: $2,188
- Airbnb Cash-on-Cash return: 34%
- Traditional Cash-on-Cash return: 29%
- Airbnb Cap Rate: 56%
- Traditional Cap Rate: 45%
- Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 9%
The Windy city has some very famous teams including the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, and White Sox. Some of these teams’ arenas and stadiums significantly improve the homes around them. For instance, homes near the Wrigley Field park are 22% higher in value than the average home in Chicago.
Pittsburgh, PA
- Median Property Price: $253,534
- Airbnb Rental Income: $1,920
- Traditional Rental Income: $1,413
- Airbnb Cash-on-Cash return: 75%
- Traditional Cash-on-Cash return: 03%
- Airbnb Cap Rate: 69%
- Traditional Cap Rate: 79%
- Airbnb Occupancy Rate: 5%
Pittsburgh is, without a doubt, one of the best cities to invest in real estate, especially as a midsized city. The city is home to teams, like the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates, that attract fans from all around the country.
New York, NY
- Median Property Price: $1,963,711
- Traditional Rental Income: $5,043
- Traditional Cash-on-Cash return: 0.79%
- Traditional Cap Rate: 0.79%
Like Boston, New York is an American sports stronghold. Whether we’re discussing teams as great as the Yankees or as bad as the Knicks, New Yorkers are extremely passionate over their sports. This passion translates to market improvement, as home values near the Yankee stadium are 81% higher than other homes in the New York metro. New York is not always in the discussion of the best cities to invest in real estate, but its sport teams do improve its case.
We have not included Airbnb averages because of the New York Airbnb ban.
Related: Best Places to Invest in Real Estate Based on Cost of Living
These cities are obviously not the only sports cities in the country. Other cities to look out for are Cleveland, OH and San Francisco, CA.
For the most part, a sports city is a good place to invest in. To find some profitable sports cities, start your trial at Mashvisor.
