Is Arrington, Tennessee Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Arrington, Tennessee, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Williamson County's planning department, as Arrington falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal government. Contact Williamson County at (615) 790-5719 to verify short-term rental regulations and obtain necessary permits, which typically include a business license ($50-100) and may require a conditional use permit depending on your property's zoning. Find a suitable property by searching rural areas around Arrington that offer privacy and scenic views, with average property prices ranging $300,000-600,000 for homes suitable for vacation rentals. Furnish the property with comfortable, durable furniture focusing on a rustic or modern farmhouse aesthetic that appeals to visitors seeking a Tennessee countryside experience, budgeting $15,000-30,000 for complete furnishing including linens, kitchen essentials, and outdoor furniture. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting the rural setting and proximity to Nashville (30 minutes), setting competitive rates of $150-300 per night based on property size and amenities. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, installing keyless entry systems, creating detailed house rules regarding noise and parking, and either self-managing or hiring local property management companies like Nashville Short Term Rental Management or Red Awning, which typically charge 15-25% of rental income for full-service management including guest communication, cleaning coordination, and maintenance oversight.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Arrington, Tennessee, focus on properties within 10-15 minutes of downtown Nashville and near major attractions like the Natchez Trace Parkway, as this rural community benefits from its proximity to Music City while offering guests a peaceful retreat experience. Target 3-4 bedroom homes with 2+ bathrooms, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, modern amenities including high-speed internet, and unique features such as farmhouse aesthetics or scenic views that appeal to Nashville visitors seeking authentic Tennessee experiences. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in Williamson County, aiming for nightly rates between $150-300 depending on size and amenities, while analyzing seasonal demand patterns around Nashville events and tourist seasons. Research competition by studying existing STRs within a 5-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, identifying gaps in amenities or property types, and monitoring occupancy rates and guest reviews to understand market positioning. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through Nashville-area real estate agents, while consulting Williamson County's short-term rental regulations and connecting with local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa who understand the Arrington market dynamics and can provide insights on guest preferences and operational requirements specific to this rural Nashville suburb.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Arrington, Tennessee, you must first contact the Williamson County Planning Department since Arrington is an unincorporated community within Williamson County, and apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit through their office located at 1320 West Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064. Required documents typically include a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, site plan showing parking areas, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, and payment of applicable fees. The permit fee is approximately $200-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $100-150. You must also comply with Williamson County's specific requirements including maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms (typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), proper waste management arrangements, and adherence to noise ordinances. The application process typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission to approval, including time for required inspections by county officials. Once approved, you must display the permit number in all online listings and renew annually by December 31st, maintaining compliance with all county regulations and state tax requirements including collecting and remitting appropriate occupancy taxes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Arrington, Tennessee, as the state passed legislation in 2017 (Public Chapter 422) that largely preempted local governments from prohibiting STRs outright, though municipalities retain some regulatory authority. Arrington, being an unincorporated community in Williamson County, falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal regulations. Williamson County has implemented STR regulations that typically require registration, safety inspections, and compliance with zoning requirements, with some restrictions in certain residential areas to address neighborhood concerns. The county generally allows STRs in most zoning districts but may impose occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions. Recent changes have focused on strengthening enforcement mechanisms and registration requirements, with the county working to balance property rights with community concerns about impacts on housing availability and neighborhood character, particularly given the area's proximity to Nashville and growing popularity among tourists seeking rural retreats.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Arrington, Tennessee include the historic downtown district near the Arrington Vineyards area, which attracts wine tourists and event attendees year-round, particularly during harvest seasons and wedding events at the vineyard. The residential neighborhoods along Nolensville Pike offer proximity to Nashville (about 25 miles) making them attractive for business travelers and tourists seeking lower-cost alternatives to downtown Nashville accommodations. Areas near the Harpeth River provide appeal for outdoor enthusiasts interested in kayaking, fishing, and nature activities. The College Grove Road corridor benefits from its accessibility to both Nashville and Franklin, attracting visitors attending events at nearby venues like the Factory at Franklin or those working in the Cool Springs business district. Properties near Arrington's equestrian facilities draw horse show participants and equine event attendees. The rural farm areas with larger properties appeal to groups seeking retreat-style accommodations for corporate events, family reunions, or wedding parties, especially given the area's growing reputation as a destination for agritourism and vineyard experiences.

Airbnb properties in Arrington, Tennessee are subject to Tennessee state sales tax at 7% and state lodging tax at 3%, totaling 10% in state taxes on short-term rental stays. Williamson County, where Arrington is located, imposes an additional 5% local occupancy tax, bringing the combined rate to approximately 15%. These taxes apply to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days and are typically collected by the host at the time of booking or payment. Tennessee requires hosts to register for a sales tax permit and file returns monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on tax liability volume, with remittance due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes directly to the state and local authorities on behalf of hosts in certain jurisdictions through their tax collection service, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Exemptions are limited and generally apply only to stays exceeding 30 days or rentals to certain government entities, with most standard vacation and short-term business rentals subject to the full tax rate.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Arrington, Tennessee is approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase costs around $250,000 based on median home prices in the Nashville metro area where Arrington is located. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local furniture stores. Initial setup costs $3,000-$5,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies. Permits and fees total $500-$1,500 including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential HOA approvals through Williamson County. Insurance adds $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utilities average $200-$300 monthly including electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service. First six months operating costs reach $8,000-$12,000 covering utilities, cleaning services at $75-$100 per turnover, maintenance, supplies, Airbnb host fees of 3%, property management software, and marketing expenses.

Airbnb properties in Arrington, Tennessee, typically generate annual revenues of $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned homes, with average daily rates ranging from $120-$180 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$75 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$350 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-$5,000 yearly. Properties within 30 minutes of Nashville's attractions perform significantly better, with occupancy rates of 65-75% compared to 45-55% for more remote locations. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $350,000 with a $280,000 mortgage can achieve net profit margins of 15-25% after all expenses, translating to $6,000-$12,000 annual profit. Success factors include proximity to Percy Priest Lake recreational activities, professional photography showcasing rural Tennessee charm, competitive pricing during Nashville event weekends, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through consistent cleanliness and guest communication. Properties featuring hot tubs, fire pits, or lake access command premium rates and achieve higher occupancy, with some hosts reporting 20-30% revenue increases after adding these amenities.

Airbnb investments in Arrington, Tennessee typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15%, depending on property type and location within the market. Single-family homes near Percy Priest Lake and downtown Nashville access points tend to perform at the higher end of this range, with investors like Vacasa and RedAwning reporting properties achieving 15-17% annual returns in 2023-2024. The timeframe to profitability averages 18-24 months for most properties, with initial investment recovery occurring faster for homes priced between $300,000-$450,000 that can command nightly rates of $150-$250. Properties within 30 minutes of Nashville's core attractions typically see occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, with peak summer months reaching 85-90% occupancy, while companies like AirDNA and Mashvisor have documented cash-on-cash returns of 10-14% for well-positioned Arrington properties that benefit from the area's proximity to both recreational activities and Nashville's tourism market.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties across markets including Arrington, Tennessee. In the Nashville metropolitan area where Arrington is located, local real estate agents like those at Parks Realty, Benchmark Realty, and RE/MAX Elite have experience with investment properties suitable for Airbnb operations. National services such as Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for the Middle Tennessee region. Local property management companies like Nashville Short Term Rental Management and Music City STR specialize in helping investors optimize their Airbnb investments in the area. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Awning (formerly RedAwning) offer turnkey short-term rental properties in Tennessee markets. Additionally, local agents affiliated with Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, and Century 21 in the Franklin and Nashville areas often work with investors seeking profitable vacation rental properties in communities like Arrington, leveraging the area's proximity to Nashville attractions and rural charm that appeals to Airbnb guests.