Is Aurora, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Aurora, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Aurora Planning Department, as the city may require short-term rentals to comply with residential zoning restrictions and obtain a business license from the City of Aurora. Contact Portage County for any additional permit requirements and check with your homeowner's association if applicable, as some HOAs restrict short-term rentals. Find a suitable property in residential areas that allow short-term rentals, ensuring it meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Aurora City Hall (estimated cost $25-50), register for Ohio state taxes, and secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes short-term rental protection. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities that appeal to travelers visiting the Cleveland area or Geauga Lake region, ensuring fast Wi-Fi and modern appliances. Create compelling listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photos highlighting Aurora's proximity to Cleveland (30 miles) and local attractions. Implement a management system including automated messaging, professional cleaning services, key exchange solutions, and maintain compliance with Ohio's 7% sales tax collection requirements while monitoring Aurora's evolving short-term rental ordinances that may require annual renewals or occupancy limits.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Aurora, Ohio, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like Geauga Lake's former site, downtown Aurora's historic district, and proximity to Cleveland metro area (30-40 minutes). Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking for 4+ vehicles, as these appeal to families visiting nearby attractions or business travelers. Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA or Mashvisor to identify average daily rates of $80-150 and occupancy rates of 60-75%, while ensuring your total monthly expenses (mortgage, utilities, cleaning, management) don't exceed 70% of projected gross rental income. Research competition within a 5-mile radius using Airbnb and VRBO searches, noting gaps in amenities or property types, and monitor seasonal demand patterns tied to summer lake activities and fall foliage tourism. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while connecting with Aurora-specific Facebook groups and consulting with local property managers who understand Aurora's zoning regulations and permit requirements for short-term rentals.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Aurora, Ohio, you must first contact the Aurora Building Department at City Hall located at 130 South Chillicothe Road to determine specific short-term rental regulations, as requirements vary by municipality. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, general liability insurance policy (typically $1 million minimum coverage), floor plan of the rental unit, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not local. The application fee is estimated at $100-300 with potential annual renewal fees of $50-150, and you may need additional inspections costing $75-200 each. The approval timeline typically ranges from 4-8 weeks depending on inspection scheduling and document review. Aurora-specific requirements likely include compliance with residential zoning restrictions, maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, parking requirements (usually 1-2 spaces per unit), noise ordinance compliance, and maintaining a 24-hour contact person for neighbor complaints. You must also register with the state of Ohio for tax collection purposes and may need to obtain a vendor's license for collecting and remitting lodging taxes, with some municipalities requiring additional local lodging tax registration.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Aurora, Ohio are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and permit requirements. The city typically requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and comply with residential zoning restrictions, which may limit operations in certain residential districts. Aurora follows Ohio state law allowing municipalities to regulate STRs through zoning ordinances, and the city has implemented basic safety and registration requirements including fire safety inspections and occupancy limits. Recent changes around 2020-2022 have seen Aurora, like many Ohio municipalities, tighten regulations by requiring annual permits, implementing noise ordinances, and establishing parking requirements for STR properties. The city prohibits STRs in some exclusively residential zones and requires operators to maintain liability insurance and provide emergency contact information to neighbors, with violations subject to fines and permit revocation.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Aurora, Ohio include the historic downtown district near East Pioneer Trail and Route 82, which attracts visitors to local antique shops, restaurants, and seasonal festivals like the Aurora Farmers Market. The neighborhoods surrounding Aurora Shores Park and Aurora Lake offer scenic waterfront appeal for families and outdoor enthusiasts visiting for boating, fishing, and hiking activities. Areas near the Geauga Lake site, though the amusement park closed in 2007, still draw nostalgia tourism and visitors to nearby entertainment venues. The residential zones along Route 306 provide easy access to both Aurora's attractions and proximity to Cleveland (30 minutes), making them ideal for business travelers working in the greater Cleveland metropolitan area. Properties near Aurora Community Theatre and the Aurora Historical Society benefit from cultural tourism and weekend visitors attending performances and historical events throughout the year.

Aurora, Ohio imposes a 3% lodging tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days. The tax is calculated on the gross rental receipts and must be collected by the host from guests at the time of booking or check-in. Hosts are required to register with the City of Aurora's tax department and remit collected taxes monthly by the 15th of the following month, along with a completed tax return form. The city also requires hosts to maintain detailed records of all rental transactions for at least three years. Additionally, Airbnb properties in Aurora are subject to Ohio's state sales tax of 5.75% on lodging, which Airbnb typically collects and remits directly to the state on behalf of hosts through their automated tax collection system implemented in 2019. Portage County may impose an additional transient occupancy tax of up to 3%, though this varies by specific location within the county. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and accommodations provided to certain government employees or tax-exempt organizations, though hosts must verify exemption eligibility and maintain proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Aurora, Ohio, the total estimated costs would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $250,000-$280,000 based on median home prices in the Aurora area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 3-bedroom home including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Summit County include business registration ($50), potential zoning permits ($200-$500), and any required inspections totaling approximately $500-$1,000. Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage average $2,000-$3,000 annually, with the first year requiring upfront payment. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable typically cost $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs encompass Airbnb platform fees (3% host fee), cleaning supplies, maintenance reserves, marketing, and miscellaneous expenses totaling approximately $3,000-$5,000, assuming moderate booking activity during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Aurora, Ohio typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $80-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties near Geauga Lake's former site or those offering unique amenities like hot tubs or game rooms achieve higher occupancy rates of 60-75% compared to basic listings at 40-50%. A typical 3-bedroom home generating $28,000 annually might incur $16,000 in expenses, yielding a 43% profit margin or roughly $12,000 net income. Success factors include proximity to Cleveland (30 minutes), competitive pricing against hotels in nearby Solon or Twinsburg, professional photography, and targeting business travelers or families visiting the Western Reserve area. Properties that differentiate themselves through local partnerships with Aurora's antique shops or seasonal attractions tend to outperform generic listings by 15-25% in both occupancy and pricing power.

Airbnb investments in Aurora, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, depending on property type and location within the city. Single-family homes near Aurora's downtown area and close to attractions like Geauga Lake's former site tend to perform better, with investors seeing profitability within 18-24 months of initial investment. The market benefits from Aurora's proximity to Cleveland (approximately 30 miles southeast) and Akron, attracting both business travelers and weekend visitors exploring Northeast Ohio. Properties purchased in the $150,000-$250,000 range typically command nightly rates of $80-$140, with occupancy rates averaging 60-70% annually. Investors focusing on 3-4 bedroom properties with modern amenities and outdoor spaces often achieve the higher end of ROI expectations, particularly during summer months when demand peaks due to regional tourism and outdoor activities in the Cuyahoga Valley area.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Aurora, Ohio. Local real estate agents in the Aurora area who focus on investment properties include Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast agents, Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors, and Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, many of whom have experience with vacation rental investments since 2018. National services like Awning, Mashvisor, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for Aurora's short-term rental market. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services for investors who purchase Airbnb properties in the area. Local property management companies such as Cleveland Property Management Group and Northeast Ohio Property Solutions have expanded into short-term rental management around 2019-2020. Investment-focused real estate companies like BiggerPockets-affiliated agents and Roofstock (though primarily single-family focused) occasionally feature Aurora properties suitable for Airbnb conversion. Additionally, local real estate investors and wholesalers in the Portage County area often network through Cleveland Real Estate Investors Association meetings to share Aurora market opportunities.