Is Edgewood, Kentucky Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Edgewood, Kentucky, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Kenton County's planning and zoning department, as Edgewood typically follows county guidelines for short-term rentals which may require a conditional use permit or business license. Contact the City of Edgewood directly at their municipal building on Dudley Road to verify specific requirements, as some residential areas may have restrictions on commercial activities. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Kentucky's Secretary of State office, register for state and local tax collection (Kentucky sales tax is 6% plus local taxes), and ensure compliance with fire safety codes through the local fire department. Find a suitable property by researching neighborhoods near Cincinnati attractions since Edgewood's proximity to the Ohio border makes it attractive to visitors, focusing on single-family homes or condos in residential areas with good highway access. Furnish the property with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, cable TV, full kitchen appliances, quality bedding, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like the Cincinnati Zoo or Newport Aquarium. Create your listing on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photos, competitive pricing around $80-120 per night based on local market rates, and detailed descriptions emphasizing the location's convenience to Cincinnati. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, installing keyless entry systems, maintaining responsive communication with guests, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while monitoring local regulation changes that may affect short-term rental operations in Kenton County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Edgewood, Kentucky, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Cincinnati's downtown core and Northern Kentucky University, as these areas attract business travelers and visiting families. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, dedicated parking, and outdoor spaces, as these features command higher nightly rates of $80-150 in the Edgewood market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate average daily rates, occupancy rates (typically 60-75% for successful properties), and seasonal demand patterns, while researching competition within a 3-mile radius to identify gaps in amenities or pricing strategies. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local Facebook groups such as "Northern Kentucky Real Estate Investors" for market insights, while partnering with Edgewood-based property management companies like RedAwning or local independents who understand Cincinnati metro area regulations and can optimize your listing performance across Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com platforms.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Edgewood, Kentucky, you must first contact the Edgewood City Hall at 381 Dudley Pike to inquire about their specific short-term rental ordinance, as many smaller Kentucky municipalities have adopted regulations between 2020-2023. You'll likely need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and a completed fire safety inspection from the local fire department. The application fee typically ranges from $100-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $50-150. You must also register for a Kentucky business license through the Kentucky Secretary of State's office and obtain any required state tax permits. The approval timeline generally takes 30-60 days from submission of complete application materials. Edgewood likely requires compliance with occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, adequate parking spaces for guests, proper waste management arrangements, and maintenance of a complaint log. You may also need to provide proof of compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and ensure the property meets all building and zoning codes for commercial use.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Edgewood, Kentucky are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and permit requirements established by the city. As of 2023, Edgewood requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions, which typically limit STRs to owner-occupied properties or properties in areas zoned for commercial use. The city prohibits STRs in certain residential neighborhoods to preserve community character and has implemented noise ordinances, parking requirements, and occupancy limits that operators must follow. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced complaint procedures for neighbors, though the city has not implemented an outright ban like some other Kentucky municipalities. Property owners must also comply with state tax requirements and may face additional restrictions if their property is located within a homeowners association that has its own STR policies.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Edgewood, Kentucky include the neighborhoods near the Ohio River waterfront which attract visitors seeking scenic views and proximity to Cincinnati attractions just across the river, the historic downtown district around Dudley Road where guests appreciate walkable access to local restaurants and shops, and properties near Thomas More University which generate consistent demand from visiting families, prospective students, and academic travelers throughout the school year. The residential areas along Turkeyfoot Road and surrounding streets offer attractive single-family homes that appeal to families visiting the greater Cincinnati area who prefer more space and parking compared to downtown hotels, while the neighborhoods near Silverlake Golf Course attract golf enthusiasts and corporate groups hosting business retreats or tournaments, with companies like Fidelity Investments and other Northern Kentucky businesses driving steady corporate travel demand since 2018.

Airbnb properties in Edgewood, Kentucky are subject to Kentucky's 6% state sales tax on transient accommodations, which applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days, and this tax is typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the Kentucky Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts through their automated collection system implemented in 2018. Additionally, Kenton County imposes a 3% transient room tax on short-term rentals, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 9% for most Airbnb stays in Edgewood. The city of Edgewood itself does not currently impose a separate municipal lodging tax beyond what is collected at the county and state levels. Hosts must register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue if they collect taxes independently rather than through Airbnb's system, and remittance is typically required monthly for properties generating significant revenue. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain government or charitable organization bookings may also qualify for tax exemptions under Kentucky state law.

To start an Airbnb in Edgewood, Kentucky, expect total costs around $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase will be the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the Northern Kentucky suburbs. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees in Kenton County include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit if required ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees. Insurance will cost $1,200-$2,000 annually for landlord coverage plus short-term rental rider. Monthly utilities average $150-$250 covering electricity, water, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($75-$100 per turnover), supplies restocking ($50-$100 monthly), property management software ($20-$50 monthly), and maintenance reserves total approximately $3,000-$5,000, bringing the complete startup investment to roughly $180,000-$220,000 depending on property size and condition.

Airbnb properties in Edgewood, Kentucky 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), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly). Net profit margins typically range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in the Cincinnati metropolitan area (which includes Edgewood) reporting annual profits of $8,000-$15,000 per property. Key success factors include proximity to Cincinnati attractions, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and strategic pricing during peak demand periods like Cincinnati Reds games, University of Cincinnati events, and summer festivals. Properties within 20 minutes of downtown Cincinnati or near major highways like I-71 and I-275 command premium rates, while those offering unique amenities such as hot tubs, game rooms, or pet-friendly accommodations can achieve 20-30% higher occupancy rates and revenues compared to standard listings in the Northern Kentucky market.

Airbnb investments in Edgewood, Kentucky typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, depending on property type and location within the market. Single-family homes near Lake Kincaid and properties with 2-3 bedrooms tend to perform best, achieving occupancy rates of 65-75% annually with average daily rates of $85-120. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for setup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The market benefits from proximity to Cincinnati (45 minutes) and Northern Kentucky attractions, with peak seasons during summer lake activities and fall foliage driving higher rates. Properties purchased under $150,000 and renovated for $15,000-25,000 typically see the strongest returns, with gross rental yields of 12-16% before expenses, though investors should factor in 35-40% for operating costs, cleaning, maintenance, and platform fees to arrive at net returns in the 8-12% range.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Edgewood, Kentucky, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker McMahan and RE/MAX Properties East in nearby Covington and Newport serve the Northern Kentucky area including Edgewood, with agents experienced in investment properties. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals and provides market analysis tools for the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky region. Awning offers turnkey Airbnb investment services and property management for the greater Cincinnati area including Edgewood. RedAwning provides vacation rental investment consulting and has worked in Kentucky markets since 2010. Local property management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning have expanded into Northern Kentucky markets to serve Airbnb investors. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Mashvisor offer data-driven property search tools that cover the Edgewood market. Regional companies like Cincinnati-based investment groups and Northern Kentucky real estate investment associations provide networking and deal flow for investors targeting the I-71 corridor communities like Edgewood.