Discover the Austin Keystone: The Golden Opportunity for Short-term Rental Investments
🡐 Back to Resources | August, 2025 | Written by Kurt Russell
Austin has long been one of America’s fastest-growing cities, but in 2025, the surrounding Austin Keystone region is emerging as a goldmine for short-term rental (STR) investors. With booming tourism, a thriving tech economy, and a growing demand for flexible accommodations, the area presents unique opportunities for both first-time hosts and seasoned real estate investors.
This guide explores why the Austin Keystone stands out, where to look, and how to maximize your returns.
Why Austin and the Keystone Area?
Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” but it’s also a hotspot for tech, culture, and events that drive year-round demand for rentals. The Keystone region — including nearby towns like Liberty Hill, Georgetown, Leander, Round Rock, and Cedar Park — combines proximity to Austin with small-town charm and lower entry costs.
Key demand drivers include:
Tourism and events: SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and year-round festivals.
Business travel: Tech companies and start-ups expanding in the region.
Population growth: A steady influx of new residents driving housing demand.
Affordability: Lower property costs outside downtown Austin with strong rental potential.
Want to know where STRs are headed nationally? Read our article on the future of real estate: short-term rentals.
Top Austin Keystone Markets for STRs
Liberty Hill – Known for its small-town feel and scenic landscapes, Liberty Hill is attracting families and travelers looking for a quiet stay with easy access to Austin. Learn more in our Liberty Hill short-term rental guide.
Georgetown – Famous for its historic square and Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown combines culture with suburban comfort. Explore our Georgetown STR guide.
Leander – A hidden gem for investors, Leander’s rapid growth and improved transit options make it one of the most promising STR markets in the Keystone. See our Leander short-term rental guide.
Round Rock – Home to Dell’s HQ and family-friendly attractions, Round Rock offers a mix of business and leisure demand. Check our Round Rock STR guide.
Cedar Park – With strong schools, shopping, and entertainment venues, Cedar Park appeals to families and business travelers alike. Read our Cedar Park STR guide.
Together, these towns form a diversified investment region with something for every type of host.
The Case for Investing Now
The Austin Keystone market is gaining attention fast. Investors who move early benefit from lower purchase prices and less saturated competition.
High occupancy potential: Strong event-driven and corporate demand.
Long-term appreciation: Population and job growth fueling property values.
Diverse guest base: From digital nomads to families and business travelers.
Curious about financing? See our guide on low-cost financing options for first-time STR investors.
Risks and Considerations
As with any STR market, success requires awareness of potential challenges:
Regulations: Short-term rental laws can vary by city and HOA. See our article on short-term rentals in an HOA.
Seasonality: Event-driven demand means occupancy may fluctuate.
Management complexity: Running multiple properties in different towns requires organization and support.
Smart investors plan for these factors early to avoid costly surprises.
The Clear Stay Advantage
At Clear Stay Properties, we specialize in helping investors succeed in emerging markets like the Austin Keystone. We provide:
Local expertise on neighborhoods and regulations
Professional design, staging, and listing optimization
Dynamic pricing strategies that maximize revenue
Reliable cleaning, maintenance, and guest communication
By combining local insights with proven systems, we help investors turn Keystone properties into profitable, guest-loved rentals.
The Takeaway
The Austin Keystone is more than just an extension of Austin — it’s a region of opportunity. With affordable entry points, strong demand drivers, and small-town charm, it offers short-term rental investors the perfect mix of stability and growth potential.
Managing a short-term rental doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Fill out the form below to book your free consultation with Clear Stay Properties — we’ll handle the hard stuff so you can focus on what matters.
