Is Fayetteville, West Virginia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Fayetteville, West Virginia, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Fayette County Planning Commission and Fayetteville Town Council, as short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in certain residential zones. Contact the West Virginia State Tax Department to obtain a business license and understand the 6% state sales tax plus any local occupancy taxes that apply to short-term rentals. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with the New River Gorge area, focusing on locations near outdoor attractions like the New River Gorge Bridge or downtown Fayetteville's Court House Square, with properties typically ranging from $150,000-$400,000 depending on size and location. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Fayette County ($50-100 annually), ensure the property meets fire safety codes through the local fire marshal, and verify compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements if applicable. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture suitable for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the area, including amenities like Wi-Fi, full kitchen, outdoor seating, and storage for adventure gear, with initial furnishing costs typically ranging $15,000-25,000. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting proximity to whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking attractions, pricing competitively at $80-200 per night depending on property size and season. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services (typically $75-125 per turnover), maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you're not local, while maintaining responsive communication with guests and monitoring reviews to ensure consistent 4.5+ star ratings.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Fayetteville, West Virginia, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, particularly properties near the Gauley River, Summersville Lake, or along scenic routes like Route 19, as these areas attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round for whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking activities. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, hot tubs, game rooms, and rustic or modern cabin aesthetics that can accommodate adventure groups, with pricing analysis showing successful STRs in the area commanding $150-300 per night depending on size and amenities. Research competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to analyze occupancy rates, average daily rates, and seasonal demand patterns, noting that peak seasons align with rafting season (April-October) and fall foliage (September-October), while monitoring listings on Airbnb and VRBO within a 20-mile radius to identify pricing gaps and underserved niches. Utilize tools like STR Helper for market analysis, connect with local property management companies such as those serving the New River Gorge area, consult with Fayette County tourism boards for visitor data, and leverage platforms like Rabbu or Awning for comprehensive market insights, while also considering proximity to adventure outfitters like ACE Adventure Resort or Adventures on the Gorge to capture their overflow demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Fayetteville, West Virginia, you must first contact the Fayette County Planning Commission at 100 North Court Street, Fayetteville, WV 25840, as the city operates under county jurisdiction for zoning matters. Submit a completed short-term rental application along with a copy of your property deed, proof of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, a site plan showing parking areas, septic system certification if applicable, and a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy. The application fee is approximately $150 with an additional $75 annual renewal fee. You'll need to schedule a safety inspection with the local fire marshal and obtain a business license from the West Virginia State Tax Department. The property must comply with residential zoning requirements, provide adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), maintain septic system compliance for rural properties, and limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. The approval process typically takes 30-45 days from submission of complete documentation, and you must display your permit number in all online listings and maintain a local contact person available 24/7 for guest issues.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Fayetteville, West Virginia, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, operators must comply with West Virginia state regulations including obtaining proper business licenses and collecting state lodging taxes of 6% plus local hotel occupancy taxes where applicable. The city follows Fayette County zoning regulations, which typically allow STRs in residential areas but may require compliance with general business licensing requirements and health department regulations for rental properties. There are no specific prohibited areas within Fayetteville city limits, though properties must meet basic safety and habitability standards. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, with most regulatory activity occurring at the state level where West Virginia has generally maintained a business-friendly approach to short-term rentals, requiring registration with the state tax department and compliance with consumer protection laws but avoiding overly restrictive zoning limitations that some other municipalities have implemented.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Fayetteville, West Virginia are downtown Fayetteville near the historic courthouse square, which attracts visitors for its charming small-town atmosphere and proximity to local restaurants and shops, and the areas along or near the New River Gorge National Park boundaries, particularly properties within 10-15 minutes of the gorge rim. The New River Gorge area is exceptionally attractive due to world-class whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking, and the annual Bridge Day festival in October that draws over 100,000 visitors. Properties near Summersville Lake (about 20 minutes north) also perform well due to water recreation activities. The Thurmond historic district, though smaller, attracts railroad enthusiasts and history buffs visiting the preserved coal town. Areas near Adventures on the Gorge, ACE Adventure Resort, and other outfitters see consistent demand from outdoor recreation tourists. Business travel is limited but exists around the small commercial district and courthouse area. The region's designation as a National Park in 2020 has increased tourism significantly, making properties with mountain or gorge views particularly valuable for short-term rentals.

In Fayetteville, West Virginia, Airbnb hosts are subject to the state's Consumer Sales and Service Tax at a rate of 6% on lodging accommodations, plus an additional 1% Tourism Promotion Tax, bringing the total state lodging tax to 7%. Fayette County may impose an additional local occupancy tax of approximately 3-5%, though specific rates can vary by municipality within the county. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the state on behalf of hosts for properties booked through their platform. For direct bookings or other platforms, hosts must register with the West Virginia State Tax Department, collect taxes from guests, and remit payments monthly or quarterly depending on volume. The state requires hosts to obtain a business registration certificate and file regular tax returns. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are generally considered residential rather than transient lodging, and for certain government or charitable organization bookings with proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Fayetteville, West Virginia, 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 area. 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 vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,400 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits typically cost $300-$600 initially, with monthly utilities averaging $150-$250. First six months of operating costs including utilities, cleaning supplies, maintenance, platform fees, and marketing should be budgeted at $3,000-$5,000. Additional considerations include potential property management fees of 10-25% if outsourced, emergency repair funds, and local tax obligations which can add several thousand to annual operating expenses.

Airbnb properties in Fayetteville, West Virginia show moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, generating monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($100-200 monthly), and maintenance costs ($200-400 monthly), resulting in net profit margins of 25-40% for successful operators. Properties near New River Gorge and outdoor recreation areas perform significantly better, with some hosts reporting annual profits of $15,000-25,000 on properties purchased for $150,000-250,000, achieving 10-15% returns on investment. Success factors include strategic location within 30 minutes of adventure tourism activities, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, while properties targeting whitewater rafting visitors during peak season (April-October) can command premium rates of $150-200 per night compared to off-season rates of $60-90.

Airbnb investments in Fayetteville, West Virginia typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by outdoor recreation tourism from the New River Gorge area and whitewater rafting activities. Properties near Bridge Day events and outdoor adventure hubs can achieve higher returns of 12-15% annually, with most investors reaching profitability within 18-24 months given average property acquisition costs of $150,000-$250,000 and nightly rates of $80-$150 depending on proximity to adventure tourism attractions. The market benefits from consistent seasonal demand from April through October, with properties typically maintaining 60-70% occupancy rates during peak months, though winter months see reduced activity that impacts overall annual returns to the lower end of the range for properties not positioned as year-round destinations.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Fayetteville, West Virginia, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents like those at Old Colony Realty and Mountain State Realty have experience with investment properties in the Fayetteville area and understand the local tourism market driven by the New River Gorge National Park. National services include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for property investment analytics, and Awning for Airbnb property management and acquisition consulting. RedAwning and Vacasa also provide market insights and property management services that can help identify profitable opportunities. Local property management companies like New River Vacation Rentals and Adventure on the Gorge Properties offer insights into which neighborhoods perform best for short-term rentals. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature properties in West Virginia markets, while platforms like BiggerPockets connect investors with local experts familiar with the Fayetteville market's seasonal tourism patterns and outdoor recreation demand.