Top 11 cities for renting out your home

With the rise of the sharing economy, more homeowners are looking to make extra cash by renting out their houses or apartments while they're out of town.

But not all cities are equally desirable as some witness more demand from vacationers than the supply of properties currently available. Some of the top destinations are well known tourist draws, but other cities may surprise you.

How much can homeowners make from renting out their properties? Rates range from slightly more than $800 to more than $2,300 per week, depending on the location, according to TripAdvisor, which runs a vacation rental site with more than 720,000 properties. But to maximize interest in your home, it pays to invest some time and money preparing it before you list it.

Putting up attractive photos of your home can get renters' attention, said Laurel Greatrix, a spokeswoman for TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals. Create a description that's both exciting and concise, hitting on your home's highlights and amenities, she said in an email.

"Additionally, be sure you're writing specifically for your target audience (whether it's families, couples or groups of friends), and be clear about the type of holiday your home offers, whether it's ski-in, ski-out or beachfront," she added.

Renters also have expectations about what the homeowner will provide, in addition to a clean and safe home.

"Travelers will expect to have the comforts of home -- linens, towels and a properly equipped kitchen at the very least. Many homeowners will also stock their properties with toiletries, food basics (coffee, tea, milk, condiments, etc.), welcome packs and more," she said.

Read on to find out the top 11 cities where home rentals are in great demand.

Marathon, Florida

Located in the Florida Keys, Marathon is a 10-mile long island that's popular with families, thanks to activities such as sailing, fishing and snorkeling and sites that appeal to budding naturalists, such as The Turtle Hospital.

One-bedroom homes rent for $2,344 per week on average, the highest on the list of in-demand cities on TripAdvisor. That jumps to $3,668 per week for a four-bedroom house.

Key Largo, Florida

Another island in the Florida Keys, Key Largo is one of the largest and longest islands in the chain. Known as the "dive capital of the world," it's home to the second-largest artificial reef in the world and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in America. Fishing, watersports and eco-tours are also popular activities.

Homeowners in Key Largo can earn $1,985 per week for one-bedroom homes, TripAdvisor said. Two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes rent for $2,321 and $3,103 a week, respectively.

Nashville

As the center of the country music scene, this Southern city is popular with music fans, naturally. But tourists also visit for its food and to learn about Civil War history. Events such as its annual film festival and the Country Music Association Awards are also big draws.

Homeowners in Nashville can rent their one-bedroom homes for an average of $1,100 per week, while two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes rent for $1,668 and $1,851 on average, respectively.

Siesta Key, Florida

Siesta Key, a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico, is known for its fine beaches and family-friendly activities. Visitors also enjoy exploring nearby Sarasota and its attractions, such as the Ringling Museum of Art.

Homeowners in Siesta Key can earn $1,077 per week for a one-bedroom home, while two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes rent for an average of $1,320 and $1,805 per week, respectively.

Galveston, Texas

Galveston might not be everyone's top-of-mind location for a vacation, but TripAdvisor's Greatrix said the town has 30 miles of beaches, thanks to its location on the Gulf of Mexico, and is a big draw for families. The city also is home to more than 30 museums and art galleries, and several historic homes.

Homeowners in Galveston can earn $954 per week on average for a one-bedroom home, while two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes fetch an average of $1,408 and $1,843 per week, respectively.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is one of TripAdvisor's most popular destinations, thanks to its proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Families are often looking for three-bedroom log cabins with hot tubs, game rooms and other amenities.

A one-bedroom home rents for an average of $1,083 per week, while two-bedroom and three-bedroom properties rent for $1,241 and $1,742 per week on average, TripAdvisor said.

Destin, Florida

Located on Florida's Emerald Coast, the town is popular with tourists looking for a beach vacation. Fishing and eco-tourism are other popular activities with visitors to this town on the Florida panhandle.

One-bedroom homes in Destin rent for an average of $870 per week, while two-bedroom and three-bedroom properties can fetch an average of $1,093 and $1,537 per week, respectively.

Ocean City, Maryland

A long-time beach resort on the East Coast, Ocean City is known for its beaches and boardwalk, lined with shops selling everything from salt water taffy to french fries.

Homeowners in Ocean City can rent their one-bedroom properties for an average of $832 per week, while two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes rent for an average of $1,078 and $1,441 per week, respectively.

Las Vegas

While Las Vegas is known for its glamorous hotels and casinos, some visitors are looking to rent a home away from home. That means property owners may hit the jackpot when looking to earn some extra money.

One-bedroom homes in Las Vegas rent for an average of $1,133 per week, while two-bedroom and three-bedroom properties rent for an average of $1,170 and $1,324 per week, respectively.

Orange Beach, Alabama

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Orange Beach is popular with water lovers, thanks to its 32 miles of beaches, as well as with those who enjoy deep-sea fishing and other water sports.

One-bedroom homes in Orange Beach rent for an average of $767 per week, while two-bedroom and three-bedroom properties fetch an average of $1,000 and $1,435 per week, respectively.

Helen, Georgia

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen's draw is its Bavarian atmosphere and popular fall Oktoberfest. Once an agricultural town, it remade itself as a faux-German town in the 1960s and 1970s as a way to attract tourists and revive its downtown area.

One-bedroom homes rent for an average of $792 per week, while two- and three-bedroom homes fetch an average of $1,025 and $1,200 per week, respectively.