The 10 Best (& Worst) States to Buy Investment Property in 2023

Rental properties can be a lucrative source of income, and choosing the right state to invest in is crucial. Some states offer better returns on investment properties than others. In this article, we will explore the top 10 states to buy investment property in 2023, as well as the worst states for real estate.

1. South Carolina

One of the original 13 colonies, South Carolina is a charming state with a rich history and beautiful coastlines. Cities like Charleston and Columbia offer excellent universities, a warm climate, and low crime rates. South Carolina also boasts some of the lowest property taxes in the country, making it an attractive option for real estate investment.

2. Idaho

Idaho, known as the Gem State, offers stunning natural landscapes and a low population density. With a booming economy, low crime rates, and reasonable property values, Idaho is considered one of the best states for real estate investment.

3. North Carolina

North Carolina offers a mix of beachfront and mountains, making it an attractive location for outdoor enthusiasts. With top-notch universities, a thriving job market, and affordable property values, North Carolina is an excellent choice for real estate investment.

4. Florida

Florida, the Sunshine State, is a popular vacation destination and a great place to invest in rental properties. With no state income tax, a growing population, and rising property values, Florida offers promising opportunities for real estate investors.

5. Tennessee

Tennessee boasts a beautiful mix of mountains and flatland, with a vibrant music scene in Nashville. With no income tax and below-average property taxes, Tennessee offers a low cost of living and attractive property values for investors.

6. Colorado

Colorado, known for its breathtaking landscapes, offers a variety of outdoor activities. With a booming economy, favorable tax benefits, and an increasing population, Colorado presents lucrative opportunities for real estate investors.

7. Arizona

Arizona's warm climate and attractive job market make it a desirable state for real estate investment. With steady property value growth, low property taxes, and a rising population, Arizona is a promising location for investors.

8. California

California, with its stunning coastal landscapes and vibrant cities, offers a diverse range of investment opportunities. Despite a high cost of living, the state boasts strong job growth and high property values, making it an attractive option for real estate investors.

9. Indiana

Indiana, located in the Midwest, offers affordable living and a range of job opportunities. With low property taxes and affordable property values, Indiana is a budget-friendly state for real estate investment.

10. Texas

Texas, known for its strong sense of community and vibrant sporting events, offers a diverse culture and high employment growth. With no income tax and a flourishing economy, Texas presents excellent opportunities for real estate investors.

The 10 Worst States to Buy Investment Property

Investing in real estate is not always a guarantee of success. Here are the 10 states that are best avoided for investment property:

41. Illinois: High property tax rates and a declining population make it less favorable for real estate investment.

42. South Dakota: High property taxes and decreasing employment opportunities make South Dakota a less attractive choice.

43. New York: Decreasing home values and high property taxes reduce returns for real estate investors in New York.

44. West Virginia: Poor state infrastructure, low job growth, and limited healthcare and education options make West Virginia unfavorable for investment.

45. Michigan: Despite its automotive industry, Michigan has low job growth rates and high crime rates, making it a less desirable state for real estate investment.

46. Wisconsin: Wisconsin has high property taxes and stagnant business opportunities, making it a challenging state for real estate investment.

47. Mississippi: With the lowest median household income in the nation and low property values, Mississippi offers limited opportunities for real estate investors.

48. New Mexico: New Mexico struggles with high crime rates, poverty, and low education standards, making it an unfavorable state for investment.

49. Hawaii: Hawaii has a high cost of living and limited job opportunities, making it challenging for investors to generate returns on investment properties.

50. Louisiana: Louisiana ranks last in job growth, with high crime rates, poverty, and limited healthcare and education options.

How We Ranked the Best & Worst States to Buy Investment Property

Our rankings consider various factors that contribute to the success of investment properties. We evaluated employment opportunities, quality of life, cost of living, and population trends. We also examined property taxes, housing rates, and rental costs to determine the potential for sustainable income growth.

Bottom Line on the Best States to Buy Investment Property

Investment properties thrive in states that offer employment opportunities, a reasonable cost of living, and a high quality of life. The states listed in this article have all the essential features that attract both residents and renters. By considering these factors, investors can make informed decisions and find promising opportunities for real estate investment.