Is Everett, Massachusetts Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Everett, Massachusetts, begin by researching local regulations as Everett requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning ordinances that typically allow rentals in residential areas with restrictions on the number of days per year (usually 90-120 days for non-owner occupied properties). Contact the Everett City Clerk's office to obtain the necessary business license ($50-100 annually) and check with the Building Department for any required inspections or permits, particularly fire safety and occupancy permits. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing in residential zones, ensuring it meets minimum square footage requirements and has adequate parking, with properties near Encore Boston Harbor or close to Boston transit links commanding higher rates ($80-150/night). Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, linens, kitchen basics, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for a one-bedroom setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing based on comparable Everett properties, and highlight proximity to Boston (15 minutes by car) and local attractions. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, and ensuring compliance with Massachusetts tax requirements including collecting 14.95% total tax (6.25% state sales tax, 5.7% state room occupancy tax, and 3% local option tax) while keeping detailed records for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and potentially registering for a Massachusetts tax ID number.

To identify profitable STR properties in Everett, Massachusetts, focus on locations within walking distance of the Encore Boston Harbor casino, near the Orange Line MBTA stations (Wellington or Malden Center), and properties with views of the Mystic River or Boston skyline. Target 2-3 bedroom condos or single-family homes built after 1950 with parking spaces, modern amenities, and easy highway access via Route 1 or I-93. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in neighboring Somerville, Medford, and Chelsea, aiming for properties under $400,000 that can command $100-150 nightly rates. Study competition using AirDNA, Mashvisor, and STR analytics tools to identify gaps in luxury or budget segments, while monitoring occupancy rates of existing listings within 1-mile radius. Leverage local resources including the Everett Planning Department for zoning regulations, MLS data from Greater Boston Real Estate Board, and connect with Everett Chamber of Commerce for market insights, while considering the city's ongoing development projects near the casino and waterfront that may increase demand from business travelers and tourists visiting the greater Boston area.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Everett, Massachusetts, you must first contact the Everett City Clerk's Office at City Hall located at 484 Broadway to apply for a short-term rental license, as Everett requires all STR operators to register with the city. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental unit, and a copy of your driver's license or state ID. The application fee is approximately $200-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $100-150. You must also register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes and obtain a Massachusetts vendor's license if you don't already have one. The timeline for approval is generally 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, pending city inspection and review. Everett-specific requirements include maintaining a 24/7 contact person available to address any issues, limiting occupancy to no more than 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all required areas, ensuring adequate parking for guests, and maintaining the property in compliance with all local zoning, building, and health codes. Properties must also comply with any applicable homeowners association rules and cannot be used for events or parties that disturb neighbors.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Everett, Massachusetts, but operate under the state's comprehensive STR regulations that took effect in 2019. The city follows Massachusetts General Law Chapter 64G, which requires STR operators to register with both the state and local municipality, obtain proper permits, collect and remit state and local taxes, and maintain liability insurance. Everett has implemented local zoning restrictions that typically limit STRs in certain residential districts and may require special permits or conditional use approvals depending on the property type and location. The city prohibits STRs in some multi-family residential zones and requires operators to comply with noise ordinances, parking requirements, and occupancy limits. Recent changes include stricter enforcement of registration requirements and enhanced penalties for non-compliance, with the city working to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood preservation concerns. Property owners must also comply with health and safety standards, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and maintain records of all bookings for tax and regulatory purposes.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Everett, Massachusetts include the Glendale neighborhood near Route 16, which offers easy access to Boston via public transit and attracts business travelers working in the biotech corridor; the Village area around Broadway, which benefits from proximity to the Encore Boston Harbor casino (opened 2019) and draws tourists and gaming visitors; neighborhoods near the Mystic River waterfront, particularly around the planned Encore development zone, which appeal to visitors seeking scenic views and casino access; areas close to the Orange Line's Malden Center station, attracting budget-conscious travelers who want affordable accommodation with direct subway access to downtown Boston; and residential districts near the Everett Industrial Park, which cater to business travelers visiting manufacturing and logistics companies like Wynn Resorts, National Grid, and various biotech firms that have established operations in the area due to lower costs compared to Cambridge and Boston proper.

In Everett, Massachusetts, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state excise tax of 5.7% on short-term rentals under 90 days, plus the state's 6.25% sales tax, and a local room occupancy tax of 6% imposed by the city of Everett, resulting in a combined tax rate of approximately 17.95% on gross rental income. These taxes are typically collected automatically by Airbnb on behalf of hosts for stays booked through their platform and remitted directly to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and local tax authorities, though hosts renting through other channels or direct bookings must register with the state and city to collect and remit taxes themselves on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on volume. The Massachusetts short-term rental tax became effective in 2019, and hosts must obtain a registration certificate from the state and may need a local business license from Everett. Exemptions generally apply to rentals of 14 days or less per year by the property owner, rentals in owner-occupied properties with fewer than three units, and certain bed-and-breakfast establishments, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as regulations have evolved since implementation.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Everett, Massachusetts is approximately $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase costs around $550,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and West Elm. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $5,000-$8,000. Permits and fees include a $200 business license, $150 short-term rental permit, and potential $500-$1,000 in city compliance fees. Insurance costs $2,000-$3,000 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total $1,500-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning services ($2,400), maintenance ($1,500), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO ($3,000), marketing ($1,000), and miscellaneous expenses ($2,000) total approximately $11,700. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a 10-15% vacancy buffer for realistic revenue projections.

Airbnb properties in Everett, Massachusetts typically generate average monthly revenues of $2,800-$4,200 for entire homes and $1,800-$2,600 for private rooms, with annual occupancy rates averaging 65-75% according to AirDNA market data from 2023. Operating expenses generally consume 40-55% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs ($200-$400 monthly). Net profit margins typically range from 25-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts like those operating 2-bedroom condos near Wellington Station reporting annual profits of $15,000-$22,000 after expenses. Key success factors include proximity to Boston (8 miles), competitive pricing 15-20% below Boston rates, professional photography, rapid guest communication, and targeting business travelers and tourists seeking affordable alternatives to downtown accommodations. Properties within walking distance of the Orange Line consistently outperform those requiring car access, with some hosts achieving 80%+ occupancy rates during peak summer months and convention seasons.

Airbnb investments in Everett, Massachusetts 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 the Encore Boston Harbor casino and downtown Boston transit connections command higher returns, with investors seeing profitability within 18-24 months of initial investment. Properties purchased in the $400,000-$600,000 range can generate $2,800-$4,200 monthly gross rental income through short-term rentals, translating to net annual returns of approximately $15,000-$25,000 after expenses including utilities, cleaning, maintenance, and platform fees. The proximity to Logan Airport (15 minutes) and downtown Boston (20 minutes via public transit) drives consistent demand from business travelers and tourists, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Market data from 2023-2024 shows Everett's emerging status as a more affordable alternative to Boston proper has attracted investors seeking 9-11% annual returns, with cash-on-cash returns of 7-9% being achievable within the first two years of operation for well-positioned properties near major attractions and transportation hubs.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Everett, Massachusetts. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Realty North Shore, Coldwell Banker Realty, and RE/MAX Advantage serve the Everett market with expertise in investment properties suitable for Airbnb conversions. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing, and Roofstock which focuses on turnkey rental properties. Local property management companies like RedAwning and Vacasa can assist with both property acquisition advice and subsequent Airbnb management in the Greater Boston area. Additional services include AirDNA for market analysis, Awning for short-term rental investment guidance, and local investment groups through the Boston Real Estate Investors Association which frequently covers opportunities in Everett and surrounding communities.