In this article, I will be looking at some of the top iconic USA house sits currently available. The USA is the number 1 country in the world for house sitting opportunities. Currently, there are over 4500 listings accepting applications.
The US is one of my all-time favorite places to visit and I’ve used house sitting to see more of it than I ever hoped. I’ve also been able to stay for longer trips and feel like an honorary American at times.
There are so many fantastic and iconic US destinations to consider. I’ll be highlighting exactly where house sitting could take you right now!
My Experiences House Sitting in the USA
The USA is a massive country and one that I have barely scratched the surface of. This is despite having visited at least a couple of times a year since I was 21 (17 years ago!). The opportunities that house sitting has presented have led to some of the most memorable experiences of my life.
I have written extensively about our US house sitting adventures in numerous previous posts. Be sure to check out – A Review of 5 Amazing House Sit Experiences. Tucson, Arizona was our first posting in the USA and our first return stateside after 2 years of Covid restrictions. We spent 6 weeks on a small ranch and loved our time there.
In early 2023, we were accepted for a house sit in Durham, North Carolina for what is still our longest house sit to date. We stayed for just over 2.5 months and loved it so much we are returning for Christmas 2024. We also hope to return to Arizona in 2025. In total now we have racked up 10 individual house sits in the US across 4 different trips.
Top Iconic USA House Sits Right Now
If you’re from the UK like me, you probably grew up watching a lot of American culture on TV. I’m sure the same could be said for many people from countries around the world. Even American citizens take vacations to the endless list of famous destinations across their own country.
I’ve been to many of these but there are still a few I am hoping to tick off shortly. Let’s get started with the iconic house sitting opportunities in the USA.
Nashville, TN
This is one of Hannah and my favorite destinations, and we’ve clocked up 4 separate trips to Nashville over the last few years. We were lucky enough to be accepted for 2 house sits across Christmas 2022. Although it was freezing we loved living in Music City and got to see a different side of it.
It’s not a prerequisite to like country music but it certainly helps in Nashville. We’re big fans of that genre but these days Nashville is making moves to be more than just the capital of country sounds. It’s a party town and one of the most popular bachelorette destinations in the US. The day-drinking and nightlife scene rivals anywhere I’ve ever visited.
Aside from the music and party side of Nashville, it’s also a big foodie city. Many great restaurants cater to the influx of regular tourists, from high-end luxury establishments to some of the best chicken joints around. Just outside of the city is some wonderful nature along the Cumberland River, and numerous great hiking opportunities within an easy shot of Downtown Nashville.
House Sitting Opportunities in Nashville
Expect to find an average of 40-70 listings available for Nashville on Trusted Housesitters at any one time. Some fall under the broader Nashville region but with great links into the city, this can be a fun experience.
One of the Nashville house sits that Hannah and I completed was in Hermitage about 30 minutes outside of town. We spent a month in the suburbs and it was great to be close enough to all the action whilst being able to escape the tourists when we wanted to. We also had plenty of that natural beauty right on our doorstep.
Whether you are a country music fan or not, I highly recommend a trip to Nashville. It’s one of the great American cities and Tennessee is a beautiful state.
San Francisco, CA
A city that’s been on my radar for many years is San Francisco. Many of my friends have gone on long trips to Northern California and loved it. To drive or even walk across the Golden Gate Bridge feels like something I have to tick off my bucket list.
The proximity to Yosemite National Park is a major draw for me. I’d love to go hiking in those fantastic mountains and see the Dawn Wall in person. It’s still a good 4 hour drive from Downtown San Francisco but for international visitors, the city’s international airport is as close as you can get.
San Francisco is considered to be California’s commercial, financial, and cultural epicenter. Many huge tech companies call the city home while areas such as Haight-Ashbury and Hayes Valley offer historical significance and a bohemian vibe.
House Sitting Opportunities in San Francisco
When I looked into house sitting in San Francisco, it amazed me just how many opportunities there are. Currently, the Bay area has over 450 listings accepting applicants! It’s the top city for house sitting listings in the USA. With such variety and scope of possibilities, there will be a sit to suit every preference and time frame.
The average cost of a hotel room in San Francisco in 2023 was $261/night. Compare this with the cost of a Trusted Housesitters membership at $129/year, plus a 25% discount when you use a referral code like ours – BEACHES25 and the benefits of house sitting are hard to ignore.
With the number of available listings, you could secure a year’s worth of accommodation in San Francisco for less than half of the cost of a one-night stay in an average hotel.
Las Vegas, NV
My home from home for many years, I used to love a jaunt to Las Vegas every year. Whether it was to watch a big fight, gamble away some hard-earned money, or simply cut loose and party, it’s one of the best places on earth to switch off and unwind.
It’s an experience I recommend everyone undertake at least once in their lifetime. Hardly anyone I know who has visited Sin City has not loved it. You don’t have to partake in any gambling but if you like a flutter you’ll love it! There is also a fabulous entertainment scene with some of the best theater shows and legendary performers playing nightly.
Aside from the neon-clad Strip, Las Vegas is surrounded by impressive mountains and a seemingly never-ending desert. A short trip to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead or a slightly longer sojourn to the Grand Canyon are iconic amazing trips I highly recommend.
House Sitting Opportunities in Las Vegas
With so many hotels in Las Vegas, you may be wondering why bother house sitting. Well, one thing that started to turn me off Vegas was the price of hotels. Since many started adding an unavoidable and unfair resort fee to every booking, I saw prices skyrocket. Only a few hotels don’t add this harsh and sometimes hidden additional fee.
Las Vegas has hundreds of active profiles across various house sitting platforms. Most notably with Trusted Housesitters where you’ll typically see 20-40 listings. Much like with Nashville, some of these fall under the greater Las Vegas area. However, if you’re planning longer than 5 days in Vegas, staying off the strip is the right way to go!
Although the city is known as a gambling Mecca, the greater Las Vegas area and surrounding neighborhoods form part of one of the fastest-growing cities in America. Here you’ll find peaceful and suburban homes in quiet neighborhoods looking for house sitters. All the while the attraction of America’s entertainment capital will be just a stone’s throw away.
New York City, NY
As much as I dreamed of going to Vegas I always had an equal desire to visit New York City. Everyone my age fell in love with New York through shows like Friends, Seinfeld, and Sex and the City. Not to mention the countless films that have made the city one of the most iconic in the world.
With Hannah, I have experienced various aspects of the Big Apple across 4 separate trips. We enjoyed a snow-covered, ‘as cold as we’ve ever been’ tourist-filled adventure and another time we got away from the main drag and drank happy hour beers in bars away from the tourist hoards.
On a later trip, we did things like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and visiting famous mafia and gangster locations. Another time we opted for a major foodie, theater, and shopping holiday, and trust me no other American city comes close. It’s a place that has something for everyone and I believe it should be on everyone’s ‘to-visit’ list.
House Sitting Opportunities in New York City
New York City is a fantastic US city for house sitting possibilities. With the ever-rising cost of hotels in the city, house sitting presents itself as the ideal opportunity to extensively visit and explore NYC without the huge price tag. You’ll also get the feeling of living in New York City rather than passing through with the other tourists.
On average you will see 30-50 listings regularly looking for house sitters on Trusted Housesitters. Other sites such as Mind My House and House Sitters America have numerous active members from the New York boroughs.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles holds many great memories for me. I’ve had half a dozen great trips to LA, it’s a place filled with activities for every kind of traveler. I remember fondly being there with my family for my 30th birthday and hiking to the Hollywood Sign. Standing beneath the iconic letters gazing out across the sprawling city, felt like we’d stepped into a movie scene.
For music lovers like me, iconic rock locations like the Rainbow Bar and Grill are a must. This legendary spot on the Sunset Strip has been a haunt for rock stars and music fans since the 1970s. I failed on 3 attempts to have a beer with Motörhead leadman Lemmy before he passed away in 2015. He lived close by and called the bar a second home for many years.
After exploring the city’s musical heritage, head over to Melrose Avenue for a true LA experience. The street is lined with trendy bars and vintage shops, you can sip cocktails and shop to your heart’s content. When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the retro American diners on Sunset or The Original Farmers Market.
House Sitting Opportunities in Los Angeles
Beyond its Hollywood facade, LA offers a rich tapestry of neighborhoods, each with its unique character and charm. Many amazing beach towns like Huntingdon Beach and Seal Beach offer a wonderful escape from the bustling city.
House sitting in the greater LA area is an excellent option to consider for your accommodation needs. On average Trusted Housesitters have 60-80 listings accepting applications at any one time. This presents plenty of opportunities to find the right house sit at the right time.
So, whether you are looking for a prolonged chilled LA beach stay or just a short city break, consider looking at the number of house sitting options before you splash out on a hotel or Airbnb.
Washington, DC.
A trip to the nation’s capital is another unchecked box on my USA cities list and somewhere I’d love to visit soon. Primarily because Washington, DC. is a city steeped in history, politics, and culture. Known for its iconic landmarks, the city is home to the Capitol Building, the White House, and the Supreme Court, it’s the central hub of US government operations.
Beyond its political significance, Washington, DC. has a buzzing social scene. Neighborhoods such as Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Adams Morgan, offer a mix of historic charm that blends with modern amenities. Georgetown, with its cobblestone streets and historic architecture, is perfect for shopping, day/night drinking, dining, and waterfront activities.
Dupont Circle is known for its lively nightlife, art galleries, and embassies, while Adams Morgan is celebrated for its diverse culinary scene and eclectic atmosphere. The city’s food scene is dynamic, with a range of options from food trucks and farmers’ markets to Michelin-starred restaurants.
House Sitting Opportunities in Washington, DC.
I was amazed yet again at the number and range of house sitting opportunities in Washington, DC. Expect to find anywhere from 160 listings upwards accepting applications on sites such as Trusted Housesitters and House Sitters America.
These range from small and cozy conveniently located city apartments to sprawling 5-bedroom homes in the suburbs of the city. There are some fantastic listings in an area that is home to many politicians and lobbyists and is considered to be among the most expensive real estate in the country.
How to Get Started as a House Sitter
It’s free to start browsing the current listings and begin thinking about what could be. Use your email address to sign up for a free account with Trusted Housesitters, click here to get started.
Our website has lots of information about how to apply, what to expect, and the overall house sitting process from our years of experience. Check out our House Sitting Experiences – Advice, Tips, and Hacks page to find everything you need to know.
To apply for a house sit you will need to become a full paying member. A site like Trusted Housesitters has 3 membership tiers that offer a varying degree of benefits and perks. Be sure to read my article – Everything You Need to Know About Trusted Housesitters to discover all you need to know before signing up.
A yearly membership starts at $129/year and includes an unlimited amount of sits. Use our referral code BEACHES25 at checkout to save 25% on any THS membership, click here to get started.
Final Thoughts on House Sitting in the USA
The USA is one of my favorite destinations, it’s a country with endless opportunities and possibilities. By utilizing house sitting websites you can enhance your travel experiences in so many ways.
Although the financial aspect is certainly a big draw to house sitting, the opportunity to stay for longer in fantastic and iconic locations is the main attraction for me.
I hope you have fun exploring those iconic locations. Happy house sitting in the USA!
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FAQs
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about house sitting in the USA.
How much do you get paid to be house sitter in the USA?
Generally, you don’t get paid to be a house sitter in the USA. Sites like Trusted Housesitters offer the mutual exchange of accommodation for a reliable person to look after a home and pets. Sites like House Sitters America occasionally include a form of payment but this kind of transaction may cause visa violation issues for non-citizens and should be carefully considered.
Is house sitting free?
No, house sitting isn’t technically free but it is very affordable. A membership with Trusted Housesitters is $129/year and includes unlimited sits. Save 25% with code BEACHES25 at checkout. Mind My House is $29/year and House Sitters America is $49/year.
Can I house sit in America as a tourist?
Yes, there are thousands of house sitting placements currently accepting applications in the USA. As a tourist, you are allowed to house sit in America as it is not considered work if there is no financial exchange taking place.