USA TODAY
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| Rented.com looked at a number of factors that affect return on investment, including housing prices, real estate taxes and the local rental market, to determine the best places to own. No. 1: Panama City Beach, Fla.; 98.9 points out of 100. We’ve seen this Panhandle city at the top of our list before, thanks to the affordability and popularity of this year-round destination. Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 2: Navarre, Fla.; 86.0. The white sands and emerald waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast are irresistible to vacation travelers. Getty Images |
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| No. 3: Destin, Fla.; 79.0. Slightly more expensive than neighbor Panama City Beach, but offers great returns as tourists seek quieter but equally fun vacations. Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 4: Corpus Christi, Texas; 73.0. Hurricane Harvey limited supply while demand remains high for this coastal city on the southern Gulf Coast of Texas. Watch this spot though, as pending regulations could see this market tumble in future rankings. Sean Pavone, Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 5: Cocoa Beach, Fla.; 71.3. This barrier island on the east coast of central Florida is known for its abundant outdoor activities, historical significance and proximity to Orlando (45 minutes). Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 6: Galveston, Texas; 68.8. Vacation rentals are seasonal, but lower prices and the popularity of this family-friendly destination make this Texas Gulf Coast city a worthwhile investment. Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 7: Palm Coast, Fla.; 62.2. This lush city on the Intracoastal Waterway offers beautiful scenery, direct access to i-95 and proximity to nearby cities. Michael Warren, Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 8: Myrtle Beach, S.C.; 55.0. There’s much more to this southeastern coastal favorite than golf. This lively city boasts high supply, low prices, and endless restaurants, bars and beaches. Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 9: Ocean City, Md.; 54.2. Famous for its blue crabs and orange crushes, this Mid-Atlantic resort town is home to popular beaches and a vibrant boardwalk. Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 10: Fort Myers, Fla.; 54.2. This year-round tourist destination in southwest Florida is growing rapidly, as is the demand for short-term rentals. Getty Images/Vetta |
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| No. 11: Daytona Beach, Fla.; 54.1. Pair low Florida prices with gorgeous beaches and a prime location for a great investment in northern Florida. Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 12: Wilmington, N.C.; 51.0. This historic Carolina beach town and popular filming destination is known for warm waterfront summers and mild winters with plenty to do. Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 13: Port Aransas, Texas; 50.8. Beautiful beaches and recreational opportunities create high demand for this popular Gulf of Mexico destination. Ryan Conine, Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 14: Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; 50.7. Another white-sanded Emerald Coast destination, Santa Rosa Beach is a hot spot for tourists seeking a mix of relaxation and recreation. Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 15: Virginia Beach; 47.9. Snowbirds, families, vacationers and wedding parties alike love this popular Mid-Atlantic getaway. Getty Images |
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| No. 16: Miami Beach; 47.5. This, and the market one spot below are perfect illustrations of how more than revenue potential must be considered when assessing investment potential. Always a hot market with tourists, Miami is just as hot with property investors, pushing prices up compared to many on this list. Still, with the constant appeal of South Beach, this remains a top place to invest. Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 17: Kauai, Hawaii; 45.9. This tropical Hawaiian paradise is always a popular destination, whether for ownership or rental. Newly increasing demand for rentals and year-round occupancy offsets relatively higher costs and limited rental zoning to help this island break into the top 20. Andrea Izzotti, Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 18: Carolina Beach, N.C.; 44.9. Picturesque, this beach town is quaint and full of the charm you would expect from a southern seashore. Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 19: Pensacola Beach, Fla.; 42.4. This white-sand beach on the barrier island of Santa Rosa has activities to appeal to every type of traveler. Debbie Colombo, Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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| No. 20: Key West; 42.3. There are very few beaches on this island, but there are endless water activities and stunning waterfront scenery, with enough options for visitors to choose between a relaxing or rowdy stay. Getty Images/iStockphoto |
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