Is Cicero, New York Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Cicero, New York, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Town of Cicero Planning Department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or may be restricted in certain residential zones. Contact the Onondaga County Health Department to understand any health and safety requirements, and check with New York State Department of Taxation and Finance regarding tax obligations including the 8% state sales tax and 4% local occupancy tax that apply to short-term rentals under 30 days. Obtain necessary permits from the Town of Cicero building department, which may include a certificate of occupancy for rental use and potentially a business license. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing in areas zoned for short-term rentals, ensuring the property meets fire safety codes and has adequate parking as required by local ordinances. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, linens, kitchen supplies, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as mandated by New York State law. Create your listing on Airbnb and other platforms, ensuring compliance with the platform's requirements and local advertising regulations. For ongoing management, establish a system for guest communication, cleaning between stays, maintenance, and tax collection and remittance to both state and local authorities, while maintaining detailed records of all rental income and expenses for tax purposes and potential local inspections.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Cicero, New York, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Syracuse University and downtown Syracuse, particularly properties near major highways like I-81 and Route 11 for easy access to business travelers and university visitors. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, dedicated parking, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to families visiting students and corporate travelers to nearby businesses like Anheuser-Busch and various manufacturing facilities. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where nightly rates of $80-150 can generate 60-70% occupancy rates, ensuring monthly gross revenue exceeds mortgage and operating costs by at least 30%. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underserved dates around Syracuse University events, Destiny USA shopping periods, and regional business conferences. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Syracuse-area real estate agents, while monitoring STR regulations in Onondaga County and connecting with local property management companies familiar with the Cicero market dynamics and seasonal demand patterns driven by university schedules and regional tourism.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Cicero, New York, you must first contact the Cicero Town Clerk's office at 8236 South Bay Road to inquire about short-term rental regulations and application procedures, as requirements vary by municipality. You'll typically need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan or property survey, obtain a certificate of occupancy if required, provide proof of liability insurance (usually $1 million minimum), and pass safety inspections including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Required documents generally include a valid driver's license, property deed or lease, tax map number, floor plans, parking plan, and contact information for a local representative if you're an absentee owner. Application fees typically range from $100-300 initially with annual renewal fees of $50-150, though Cicero may have specific fee structures. The approval timeline usually takes 30-60 days depending on inspection scheduling and application completeness. Cicero-specific requirements may include restrictions on the number of guests, parking requirements, noise ordinances, and potentially limits on the percentage of short-term rentals in residential areas, so contact the Town of Cicero Planning Department at (315) 699-5233 to confirm current regulations and obtain the most up-to-date application materials.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Cicero, New York operate under a complex regulatory framework that has evolved significantly since 2019. The town currently allows STRs but requires operators to obtain a special use permit and comply with strict regulations including occupancy limits, parking requirements, noise restrictions, and regular inspections. Properties must be owner-occupied or have an on-site property manager, and rentals are limited to no more than 14 consecutive days with a maximum of 8 guests. STRs are prohibited in certain residential zones and near schools or parks, with the town implementing a cap on the total number of permits issued to prevent over-saturation. Recent changes in 2022-2023 included increased permit fees from $200 to $500 annually, mandatory liability insurance requirements of at least $1 million, and enhanced enforcement mechanisms including fines up to $1,000 for violations. The regulations were strengthened following complaints from residents about noise, parking, and neighborhood character concerns, with companies like Airbnb and VRBO required to register with the town and collect local occupancy taxes of 3%.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Cicero, New York include the neighborhoods near Oneida Lake waterfront, particularly around Lakeshore Road and South Bay Road, which attract seasonal tourists and fishing enthusiasts from May through October. The central village area along Route 31 offers good potential due to its proximity to local businesses and restaurants, making it attractive for both leisure and business travelers visiting the Syracuse metropolitan area. The residential areas near Northern Boulevard provide opportunities for longer-term stays from business travelers working in nearby Syracuse, which is only 15 minutes away. Properties close to the Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and hunters, particularly during fall seasons. The neighborhoods around Brewerton, technically part of Cicero, benefit from their location at the confluence of Oneida Lake and the Oneida River, drawing boaters, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts during summer months, while winter ice fishing also generates demand.

In Cicero, New York, Airbnb hosts are subject to New York State sales tax of 8% on rental stays less than 30 days, which applies to the total rental amount including cleaning fees, and this tax is typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the state on behalf of hosts through their automatic tax collection program that began around 2017. Additionally, Onondaga County imposes a 4% occupancy tax on short-term rentals under 30 days, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 12%, though this county tax may require separate registration and remittance by hosts depending on local collection agreements with platforms like Airbnb. The Town of Cicero itself does not impose additional lodging taxes beyond state and county requirements, but hosts must ensure compliance with local zoning and permit requirements. Stays of 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these occupancy taxes as they're considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain exemptions may apply for government employees or other qualifying guests, though documentation is required to claim such exemptions.

To start an Airbnb in Cicero, New York, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the Syracuse metropolitan area where Cicero is located. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees vary but expect around $500-$1,200 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning compliance requirements. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services typically cost $800-$1,500 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($300-500/month), cleaning services ($75-150 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200-400/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $4,000-$7,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Cicero, New York typically generate modest returns due to the area's limited tourist demand and lower rental rates compared to major metropolitan markets. Properties in this small town near Syracuse average $50-80 per night with occupancy rates around 40-50% annually, resulting in gross revenues of $7,000-15,000 per year for typical 2-3 bedroom homes. After accounting for expenses including mortgage payments ($800-1,200 monthly), property taxes ($3,000-5,000 annually), utilities ($150-250 monthly), cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), insurance ($1,500-2,500 annually), and platform fees (3% to Airbnb), net profit margins typically range from 10-25% for debt-financed properties and 35-50% for owned properties. Success factors include proximity to Onondaga Lake, competitive pricing during Syracuse University events, and targeting business travelers to nearby industrial facilities. Properties within 15 minutes of Syracuse tend to perform better, with some hosts reporting annual profits of $3,000-8,000 on properties purchased for $80,000-150,000, though seasonal fluctuations significantly impact winter bookings when tourism drops substantially in Central New York's harsh climate.

Airbnb investments in Cicero, New York typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in this upstate New York location, particularly those near Oneida Lake recreational areas, can achieve profitability within 18-24 months given average property acquisition costs of $150,000-$250,000 and nightly rates of $80-$120 during peak summer seasons. The market benefits from seasonal tourism and proximity to Syracuse, with occupancy rates averaging 45-60% annually, though winter months see significant drops requiring investors to factor in 3-4 months of reduced income when calculating returns.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Cicero, New York, offering market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents in the Syracuse metropolitan area who specialize in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, and Century 21 E.J. Kowalski Real Estate, with agents like those at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CNY Realty often working with Airbnb investors in the Cicero market. National services include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics and ROI calculations for the Central New York region, AirDNA for short-term rental market data and performance metrics, and Roofstock for turnkey rental property investments. Additional specialized services include RedAwning for vacation rental market analysis, Awning for Airbnb property management and investment guidance, and local property management companies like CNY Property Management and Syracuse Property Management Group that assist investors with both acquisition strategies and ongoing operations in the Cicero area, which benefits from proximity to Oneida Lake recreational activities and Syracuse attractions.