Is Cross Plains, Tennessee Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Cross Plains, Tennessee, begin by researching local zoning laws through Robertson County Planning Department and Cross Plains city officials, as short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in residential areas. Contact Robertson County Building Department to obtain necessary permits including business license, occupancy permits, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Cross Plains market, focusing on areas near Nashville (30 minutes away) or properties with unique rural charm that attract visitors to Middle Tennessee. Purchase essential furnishings including quality mattresses, linens, basic kitchen appliances, WiFi equipment, and safety items like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, while decorating with local Tennessee themes. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Nashville, local attractions like Historic Rock Castle or nearby state parks, and set competitive pricing based on similar properties in Robertson County area. For ongoing management, establish relationships with local cleaning services in Cross Plains or Springfield, create a system for key exchange or lockbox access, maintain communication with guests about local recommendations including restaurants in nearby Springfield or Goodlettsville, and ensure compliance with Tennessee state tax requirements including collecting and remitting occupancy taxes to both state and local authorities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Cross Plains, Tennessee, focus on locations within 30-45 minutes of Nashville's downtown core, particularly properties near Percy Priest Lake, Long Hunter State Park, or along scenic rural roads that offer privacy while maintaining accessibility to major highways like I-40 and Highway 25. Target 3-4 bedroom homes built after 1990 with 2+ bathrooms, open floor plans, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and unique features such as lake views, acreage, or rustic charm that appeal to Nashville visitors seeking a countryside retreat. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties under $300,000 that can generate $150-250 per night, focusing on areas with limited hotel options where STRs command premium rates. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 10-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or property types, and studying occupancy rates and guest reviews to understand market demand patterns. Utilize Zillow, Realtor.com, and local MLS data through agents familiar with Wilson and Robertson counties, while leveraging STR-specific tools like AirDNA, Rabbu, and Mashvisor to analyze revenue potential, and connect with local property management companies like Nashville-area STR managers who service the Cross Plains market to understand operational costs and guest preferences for this rural-suburban Nashville bedroom community.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Cross Plains, Tennessee, you must first contact the Robertson County Planning Department at 501 South Brown Street, Springfield, TN 37172, as Cross Plains falls under county jurisdiction for zoning matters. Submit a completed short-term rental application along with a property survey, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), septic system inspection if applicable, and fire safety inspection certificate. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an additional $75 annual renewal fee. You'll also need to register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for state sales tax collection and obtain a business license from Robertson County Clerk's office for approximately $25-50. The approval process typically takes 30-45 days after submission of complete documentation. Cross Plains specific requirements include maintaining adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces per unit), ensuring septic systems can handle increased capacity, adhering to noise ordinances particularly in residential areas, and providing 24/7 contact information to neighbors and county officials. Properties must pass health department inspection if serving more than 6 guests and comply with all fire safety codes including smoke detectors in each bedroom and common areas.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Cross Plains, Tennessee, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. Cross Plains operates under Robertson County jurisdiction, which allows STRs but requires compliance with state regulations including proper business licensing, tax collection, and safety requirements. Property owners must register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for tax purposes and collect applicable occupancy taxes. The city follows standard zoning regulations that may restrict STRs in certain residential areas, particularly those zoned exclusively for single-family homes, though enforcement varies. Recent trends in Tennessee show increasing local regulation of STRs, with some municipalities implementing registration requirements, occupancy limits, and parking restrictions, but Cross Plains has maintained a relatively permissive approach compared to larger cities like Nashville or Memphis. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary business licenses before operating STRs, as regulations can change and neighboring communities have implemented stricter controls in response to resident concerns about noise and parking issues.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Cross Plains, Tennessee include the historic downtown district near Highway 25, which attracts visitors exploring the town's antique shops and local businesses, and properties along the Red River corridor that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts seeking fishing, kayaking, and nature activities. The residential areas near Cross Plains Elementary and the community center offer family-friendly accommodations for visitors attending local events like the annual Cross Plains Fun Day festival. Properties within a 10-minute drive of the Cross Plains Dragway benefit from motorsports tourism during racing events throughout the spring and summer seasons. The rural farmland areas on the outskirts provide attractive "country escape" rentals for Nashville residents seeking weekend retreats, capitalizing on Cross Plains' location approximately 30 miles north of Nashville while maintaining small-town charm. Areas near local churches and community venues also see demand during wedding seasons and family reunions, as Cross Plains serves as a central location for extended families gathering from across Middle Tennessee.

Cross Plains, Tennessee Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Tennessee state sales tax at 7%, Robertson County local sales tax at 2.25%, and Tennessee's state lodging tax at 3% on short-term rental accommodations under 30 days. The City of Cross Plains may impose an additional local occupancy tax of approximately 1-2%, though specific rates should be verified with city officials. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for state and some local taxes, which began around 2018-2019, with Airbnb remitting directly to Tennessee Department of Revenue monthly. However, hosts may still be responsible for collecting and remitting certain local taxes directly to Robertson County and Cross Plains city offices on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on local requirements. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may offer exemptions for properties under certain rental thresholds or for hosts who rent infrequently, though Cross Plains likely requires registration and tax collection for most short-term rentals operating more than a few days per year.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Cross Plains, Tennessee is approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $250,000-$280,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 3-bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $1,500-$2,500. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,200 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required inspections from Robertson County and local authorities. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total around $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200), maintenance reserves ($2,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) add approximately $5,800 to initial investment requirements.

Airbnb properties in Cross Plains, Tennessee typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 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. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in the area reporting annual profits of $8,000-$18,000 on properties valued between $200,000-$400,000. Success factors include proximity to Nashville (30 miles), competitive pricing during peak seasons like CMA Music Festival and summer months, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and targeting corporate travelers visiting nearby businesses. Properties with unique features like hot tubs, fire pits, or rural charm tend to command premium rates and achieve 65-75% occupancy rates compared to basic listings averaging 45-55% occupancy. The market benefits from lower competition compared to Nashville proper while still capturing overflow demand from the metropolitan area, making Cross Plains a moderately profitable market for investors willing to actively manage their properties and maintain high hospitality standards.

Based on Cross Plains, Tennessee market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the market. Properties near Percy Priest Lake and those offering rural retreat experiences tend to perform at the higher end of this range, with lakefront or unique properties achieving up to 20% annual ROI. The average timeframe to profitability is 8-14 months, with most investors reaching positive cash flow within the first year due to Nashville's proximity driving weekend and extended stay demand. Three-bedroom properties with outdoor amenities typically see occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, generating gross rental yields of 15-22% before expenses, while smaller two-bedroom units average 10-16% gross yields with slightly lower occupancy rates of 55-70%.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Cross Plains, Tennessee. Local real estate agents in the area who focus on investment properties include Keller Williams Realty agents specializing in Middle Tennessee markets, RE/MAX agents with vacation rental expertise, and Coldwell Banker professionals who understand the Nashville metropolitan area's short-term rental potential. National services that can assist include Mashvisor for property analytics and market research, AirDNA for Airbnb performance data and market insights, Awning for full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition guidance, RedAwning for vacation rental investment opportunities, and Vacasa which provides both property management and investment advisory services. Additionally, local property management companies like Nashville Short Term Rentals and Tennessee Vacation Rentals often have insights into profitable properties coming to market, while investment-focused brokerages such as BiggerPockets-affiliated agents and local investor meetup groups in the Nashville area can provide valuable connections and deal flow for Cross Plains properties within commuting distance of Nashville's tourism market.