Is Alexandria Bay, New York Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Alexandria Bay, New York combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a compelling opportunity, largely driven by its robust tourism appeal as a gateway to the Thousand Islands region.
• The area's scenic beauty, boating, and historical attractions draw a consistent stream of visitors, particularly during the warmer months.
• While property values in a desirable tourist destination like Alexandria Bay can be higher than average for New York State.
• The investment potential is further bolstered by the strong community focus on tourism, which ensures continued infrastructure and promotional support for the industry.
• However, potential investors should research local short-term rental regulations, which can vary and impact operational flexibility.

$800–$2,500, based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and regional analysis, Airbnb properties in Alexandria Bay, New York typically generate average monthly revenues ranging from $800 to $2,500, with significant seasonal fluctuations driven by the area's tourism patterns in the Thousand Islands region.
• Peak summer months (June through August) can see earnings reach $3,000 to $4,500 monthly for well-positioned properties.
• Properties with waterfront access, boat docks, or proximity to Boldt Castle and other attractions command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak season.
• Key factors affecting earnings include property size and amenities, waterfront location, seasonal events like fishing tournaments, proximity to the Canadian border crossing.
• Annual occupancy rates typically range from 40-65%, with successful hosts achieving higher occupancy through strategic pricing, professional photography.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–15%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-15% annually, with higher-end properties near the waterfront achieving up to 18% during peak summer months when tourism from the Thousand Islands region drives demand.
• The average payback period ranges from 7-12 years depending on initial investment and property type, with seasonal cottages and homes within walking distance of the St.
• Lawrence River performing best due to Alexandria Bay's position as a gateway to the Thousand Islands.
• Short-term rentals generally outperform long-term rentals by 3-6 percentage points in this market, as traditional rental yields average 5-9% annually.
• Properties with boat access, waterfront views, or proximity to Boldt Castle ferry services command premium rates and achieve occupancy rates of 65-80% during the May through October tourist season.

Alexandria Bay, New York averages 75–85% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Alexandria Bay, New York experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in Airbnb occupancy rates, with peak season occurring from June through August when occupancy rates reach approximately 75-85% due to the area's popularity as a Thousand Islands summer destination.
• During the shoulder seasons of May and September, occupancy rates typically drop to around 45-55%, while winter months from November through March see the lowest occupancy at approximately 25-35%.
• The annual average occupancy rate for Alexandria Bay Airbnbs is estimated at around 52-58%, which is slightly above New York State's average of approximately 48-52% but remains below the national Airbnb average of roughly 60-65%.
• The area's strong summer tourism driven by boating, fishing, and Thousand Islands attractions creates a highly concentrated peak season that significantly impacts annual performance.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• The downtown waterfront district along James Street and Church Street represents the prime Airbnb investment area in Alexandria Bay due to its immediate proximity to the St.
• Lawrence River, Boldt Castle ferry terminals, and the main tourist corridor with restaurants and shops, commanding premium nightly rates of $200-400 during peak season.
• The Scenic View Drive area offers elevated properties with panoramic river views and larger homes suitable for group rentals.
• The Cross Island area provides a quieter residential setting still within walking distance of downtown attractions.
• The Thousand Islands Park neighborhood, though slightly removed from the main village, attracts guests interested in the historic Victorian cottage community and offers unique character properties with moderate pricing power around $175-275 per night.
• The Collins Landing Road corridor provides larger properties suitable for group accommodations and boat access.
• The residential streets between Walton Street and Market Street offer affordable entry points for investors with solid rental potential due to walkability to all major attractions while maintaining lower acquisition costs and generating consistent $125-200 nightly rates.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Alexandria Bay, New York requires short-term rental operators to obtain a special use permit through the village planning board and register their properties with the local code enforcement office.
• Occupancy limits are generally restricted to two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests, with a maximum of 10-12 occupants total depending on the property size and septic capacity.
• Owner-occupancy is not required for short-term rentals, allowing for non-resident ownership, but properties must designate a local contact person available 24/7 for emergencies and complaints.
• Zoning restrictions permit short-term rentals in residential districts but may require additional setbacks and parking requirements.
• The registration process involves submitting property details, proof of insurance, septic system compliance, fire safety inspections, and contact information for the responsible party.
• Recent regulatory changes implemented around 2020-2022 have included stricter noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, enhanced parking requirements of one space per bedroom.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in Alexandria Bay, New York are subject to New York State sales tax of 8% and Jefferson County sales tax of 3% for a combined 11% tax on rental income.
• The Village of Alexandria Bay requires an annual short-term rental permit costing approximately $150-200, along with a one-time registration fee of around $50-75.
• Property owners must also pay standard property taxes which average 2.1% of assessed value annually in Jefferson County.
• Fire safety inspections are typically required annually at a cost of $75-100, and some properties may need special use permits ranging from $200-500 depending on zoning requirements and the scale of the rental operation.