Is Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, begin by researching local regulations as the borough requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Contact Gettysburg Borough Hall at 59 East High Street to understand specific permit requirements, which typically include a rental license ($50-100 annually), fire safety inspection, and possible conditional use permits depending on your property's zoning. Find a suitable property within the borough limits or nearby Adams County, focusing on areas near the National Military Park, downtown historic district, or along major routes like Baltimore Street or Steinwehr Avenue where tourist demand is highest. Furnish the property with period-appropriate or comfortable modern amenities, ensuring you have adequate parking (crucial in Gettysburg's narrow historic streets), reliable WiFi, and tourist-friendly features like maps of battlefield sites and local restaurant guides. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with competitive pricing ($80-200+ per night depending on size and location), emphasizing proximity to Gettysburg National Military Park, historic downtown, and seasonal events like Civil War reenactments. Manage your property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with historic properties, and consider hiring a property management company like Vacasa or RedAwning if you're not local, while maintaining compliance with ongoing licensing requirements and tax obligations to both Pennsylvania and Adams County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, focus on locations within 1-2 miles of Gettysburg National Military Park and downtown historic district, as proximity to Civil War battlefields and tourist attractions drives highest occupancy rates year-round. Target 3-4 bedroom historic homes or properties with period charm built before 1950, ensuring adequate parking for 4+ vehicles since many guests arrive in groups for battlefield tours. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against the $150-250 nightly rate range typical for quality properties, with premium locations commanding $300+ during peak summer and fall foliage seasons. Research competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within 3-mile radius, noting that properties with Civil War themes, historic authenticity, or unique features like wraparound porches consistently outperform generic rentals. Utilize STR-specific tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, while leveraging local resources such as Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau data showing 3+ million annual visitors, Adams County tourism statistics, and connecting with Destination Gettysburg for seasonal demand patterns. Properties near Steinwehr Avenue, Baltimore Street, or within walking distance of the David Wills House typically generate 70-85% occupancy rates, while those requiring drives to attractions average 55-70%, making location the primary profitability factor in this history-driven tourism market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, you must first contact the Gettysburg Borough Office at 59 East High Street or call 717-334-1160 to inquire about their short-term rental registration requirements, as the borough implemented regulations around 2019-2020. You'll need to submit a completed STR application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a floor plan of the rental unit, obtain a certificate of occupancy inspection, provide proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), and include contact information for a local property manager if you're not local. Required documents also include a parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, waste management plan, and good neighbor agreement outlining house rules. The application fee is approximately $150-200 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $75-100. The timeline typically takes 30-60 days from submission to approval, depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Gettysburg-specific requirements include limits on the number of guests (usually 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional), quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, mandatory posting of emergency contact information, and compliance with historic district guidelines if your property is located within the historic area. You must also register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes and may need to obtain a Adams County business license depending on your rental frequency.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, but operate under specific regulations established by the borough. As of 2023, Gettysburg requires STR operators to obtain a special exception permit through the zoning hearing board and comply with various operational requirements including occupancy limits, parking provisions, and noise restrictions. The borough has implemented these regulations to balance tourism revenue with residential neighborhood concerns, particularly given Gettysburg's status as a major historical destination. STRs are generally permitted in most zoning districts but face stricter scrutiny in residential areas, with requirements for on-site management or local contact persons available 24/7. Recent changes have included enhanced enforcement mechanisms and clearer application processes, with the borough collecting data on STR impacts since around 2020-2021. Properties must also comply with state and local tax requirements, fire safety codes, and may face additional restrictions if located within historic districts, which is common given Gettysburg's Civil War battlefield proximity and historic preservation priorities.

The most lucrative Airbnb investment areas in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania center around the historic downtown district within walking distance of the Gettysburg National Military Park, particularly properties along Baltimore Street, Steinwehr Avenue, and the surrounding blocks near Lincoln Square, as these locations capitalize on the 1.2 million annual visitors to the battlefield and benefit from proximity to major attractions like the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, ghost tours, and Civil War reenactments. The Taneytown Road corridor and areas near the Eisenhower National Historic Site offer excellent potential due to their accessibility to both battlefield sites and the former president's farm, attracting history enthusiasts and educational groups year-round. Properties in the Seminary Ridge and Oak Ridge neighborhoods are highly desirable for their historical significance and scenic views, particularly during peak tourism seasons from April through October when Civil War commemorative events, the annual Gettysburg Festival, and fall foliage tours drive demand. The area around Gettysburg College on North Washington Street presents opportunities for parent weekend accommodations, graduation ceremonies, and academic conferences, while properties near the Gettysburg Recreation Park and Golf Course attract sports tourists and family visitors seeking recreational activities beyond historical sites.

In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Pennsylvania state hotel occupancy tax of 6%, Adams County's hotel tax of 3%, and the Borough of Gettysburg's local occupancy tax of 5%, totaling approximately 14% in combined lodging taxes. The state tax applies to rentals under 30 days and is collected by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, while the county tax is administered by Adams County and the borough tax by Gettysburg's tax office. Airbnb typically collects and remits the state 6% tax automatically for hosts, but hosts are generally responsible for registering with and remitting the county and local taxes directly to the respective authorities on a monthly or quarterly basis. The state tax exempts stays of 30 days or longer, and there may be exemptions for certain government employees or charitable organizations, though most short-term rental properties fall under the taxable category. Hosts must obtain proper tax licenses from each jurisdiction and maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections for compliance purposes.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is approximately $285,000-$350,000. Property purchase costs around $220,000-$280,000 based on median home prices in the historic area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor suitable for tourists visiting Civil War sites. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees include business license ($50-$150), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential zoning compliance costs ($500-$1,500). Insurance for short-term rentals runs $1,200-$2,000 annually, with higher rates due to increased liability. Utility setup and deposits cost $500-$800, with monthly utilities averaging $150-$250. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900-$1,500), cleaning supplies and services ($1,800-$3,000), maintenance reserves ($2,000-$3,000), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO ($1,500-$2,500 assuming 60% occupancy), property management software ($300-$600), and marketing expenses ($1,000-$2,000) total approximately $7,500-$12,600.

Airbnb properties in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania demonstrate strong profitability potential due to the city's status as a major historical tourism destination, with average daily rates ranging from $120-180 during peak season (May-October) and $80-120 during off-season months. A typical 3-bedroom historic home near the battlefield can generate $45,000-65,000 in annual revenue, while operating expenses including cleaning fees ($75-100 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($2,000-3,500 annually), utilities ($200-350 monthly), and maintenance ($3,000-5,000 annually) typically total $18,000-28,000 per year. This results in profit margins of 35-55% for well-managed properties, with the highest performers being historic homes within walking distance of Gettysburg National Military Park, properties offering battlefield views, and those featuring period-appropriate furnishings. Success factors include strategic pricing during peak events like the annual Gettysburg Anniversary Battle reenactment in July, maintaining authentic Civil War-era aesthetics, providing battlefield tour recommendations, and achieving Superhost status to command premium rates. Properties located on Baltimore Street, Steinwehr Avenue, and near the Gettysburg College campus consistently outperform suburban listings, with some premium historic properties achieving occupancy rates of 75-85% annually and generating net profits of $25,000-40,000 per year.

Airbnb investments in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the city's strong tourism driven by Civil War historical sites, with properties near the battlefield and downtown area commanding premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak season (April-October). Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with investors like Vacasa and RedAwning reporting higher performance for well-located properties within walking distance of Gettysburg National Military Park. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, particularly those purchasing properties in the $200,000-350,000 range and maintaining 65-75% occupancy rates throughout the year. The market benefits from consistent demand from battlefield tourists, ghost tour participants, and seasonal events, with companies like Airbnb reporting that Gettysburg hosts earn an average of $15,000-25,000 annually, though properties with historical significance or premium locations can exceed $35,000 in gross rental income with net returns reaching 15-20% after expenses.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, using data analytics to evaluate potential returns. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in Gettysburg include Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and RE/MAX of Gettysburg, with agents like those at Adams County real estate firms who understand the local tourism market around the Civil War battlefield attractions. National services include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analysis tools, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning, a full-service platform for Airbnb property investment and management. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors maximize returns, while companies like RentSpree and BiggerPockets provide networking and deal-finding resources. Local property management companies such as Gettysburg Property Management and Adams County vacation rental managers can assist with operations, and investment firms like Roofstock and Fundrise occasionally feature short-term rental opportunities in historic markets like Gettysburg.