Is Haworth, New Jersey Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Haworth, New Jersey, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations as Haworth, being a small borough in Bergen County, may have specific short-term rental restrictions or require special permits from the Borough Clerk's office. Contact Haworth Borough Hall at 201-384-1047 to inquire about business licenses, occupancy permits, and any homeowner association restrictions if applicable. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas near major attractions like the nearby Palisades Interstate Park or within commuting distance to New York City, considering properties with 2-3 bedrooms that can accommodate families visiting the area. Obtain necessary permits including a Certificate of Occupancy, business registration with New Jersey Division of Revenue, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and building inspections. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities like WiFi, focusing on a clean, modern aesthetic that appeals to business travelers and families, budgeting approximately $8,000-$15,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, setting competitive rates around $120-$180 per night based on local market analysis, highlighting proximity to NYC (30 minutes), local parks, and quiet suburban atmosphere. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, installing smart locks for keyless entry, creating a comprehensive house manual, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and considering hiring a local property management company like RedAwning or Vacasa if you live far from the property, while maintaining compliance with New Jersey's 6.625% sales tax and Bergen County's additional local taxes on short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Haworth, New Jersey, focus on locations within walking distance of the Haworth train station for NYC commuters, properties near the Haworth Nature Preserve for outdoor enthusiasts, and homes in quiet residential neighborhoods that appeal to families visiting the area. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhouses built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, parking spaces, and outdoor areas like decks or patios, as these features command higher nightly rates of $150-250 in the Bergen County market. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess average daily rates, occupancy rates (typically 60-75% in suburban NJ markets), and seasonal demand patterns, while calculating potential gross rental yields of 8-12% annually. Research competition by examining existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, noting their pricing strategies, amenities, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, partner with local property management companies familiar with Bergen County regulations, and consult the Borough of Haworth's zoning department regarding short-term rental ordinances, as many North Jersey municipalities have implemented restrictions that could impact profitability and legal operation.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Haworth, New Jersey, you must first contact the Haworth Borough Clerk's office at Borough Hall (located at 300 Haworth Avenue) to submit an application for a short-term rental license, as Haworth requires registration for properties rented for less than 30 days. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, liability insurance documentation (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental unit, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 25 miles away. The application fee is approximately $150-200 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $75-100. You must also register with the New Jersey Division of Taxation for hotel/motel tax collection and obtain a Certificate of Authority. The approval timeline is generally 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, pending inspections by the fire department and building department. Haworth-specific requirements include maintaining a guest registry, posting emergency contact information prominently in the rental unit, ensuring adequate parking (typically 2 spaces per unit), and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM. Properties must also comply with the borough's zoning regulations, which may restrict STRs in certain residential districts, and hosts are limited to renting their primary residence or one additional property within borough limits.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Haworth, New Jersey operate under local municipal regulations, and as of recent years, the borough has generally allowed STRs but with specific restrictions and requirements. Property owners must typically obtain proper permits and licenses, comply with zoning ordinances that may limit STRs to certain residential zones, and adhere to occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. The borough requires registration of rental properties and may impose restrictions on the number of guests, minimum stay requirements, and safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency exits. Recent legal changes in New Jersey have given municipalities more authority to regulate STRs, and Haworth has implemented stricter enforcement of existing housing codes and may require annual inspections. Properties in certain residential areas may face additional restrictions, and the borough reserves the right to revoke permits for violations of local ordinances, with particular attention to maintaining neighborhood character and preventing nuisance issues related to transient occupancy.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Haworth, New Jersey include the neighborhoods near the Haworth Country Club and surrounding residential areas along Schraalenburgh Road, which attract visitors seeking upscale accommodations for golf tournaments and country club events. The historic district around Old Hook Road offers charm for tourists interested in colonial history and proximity to the Demarest Nature Center. Areas near the Haworth Municipal Building and central business district appeal to business travelers visiting local companies and attending municipal meetings. The residential neighborhoods bordering Demarest and Alpine provide strategic locations for guests wanting access to the Palisades Interstate Park system and hiking trails, while still being within 30 minutes of Manhattan via the Palisades Parkway. Properties near Northern Valley Regional High School attract families visiting for school events, graduations, and college tours, while the quiet residential streets near Haworth Avenue offer peaceful retreats for New York City professionals seeking weekend escapes from urban life.

In Haworth, New Jersey, Airbnb hosts are subject to New Jersey's state sales tax of 6.625% on short-term rental accommodations, which applies to stays of less than 90 consecutive days. Additionally, Bergen County imposes a 3% hotel/motel occupancy tax that applies to short-term rentals including Airbnbs. The municipality of Haworth may also impose local lodging taxes, though specific rates vary and can range from 1-3% based on local ordinances established around 2018-2020. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system implemented in New Jersey since 2019, with Airbnb remitting payments quarterly to the New Jersey Division of Taxation and applicable local authorities. Hosts are responsible for registering with the state for tax purposes and may need to obtain local business licenses, though stays of 14 days or fewer by the same guest and rentals that qualify as primary residences may have certain exemptions depending on local regulations established by Bergen County and Haworth's municipal tax code.

To start an Airbnb in Haworth, New Jersey, the total costs would be approximately $850,000-$950,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $750,000-$800,000 based on median home prices in this Bergen County suburb. Furnishing costs would range $25,000-$35,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations would total $5,000-$8,000. Permits and fees including business registration, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals would cost $1,500-$3,000. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental protection would run $3,000-$5,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would require $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including property management software, cleaning services, maintenance, marketing, and vacancy reserves would total $15,000-$25,000. Additional considerations include property taxes averaging $20,000-$30,000 annually in Bergen County and potential mortgage costs if financing the purchase.

Airbnb properties in Haworth, New Jersey typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$80 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 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 Bergen County achieving higher margins through strategic pricing, professional photography, and consistent 4.8+ star ratings. Properties within walking distance of downtown Haworth or featuring unique amenities like pools or outdoor spaces command premium rates, while proximity to New York City (30-minute drive) attracts business travelers and weekend visitors. A typical 3-bedroom home generating $28,000 annually might incur $18,000 in expenses, yielding a $10,000 net profit (36% margin), though seasonal fluctuations significantly impact performance with summer months generating 40-50% higher occupancy rates than winter periods.

Based on Haworth, New Jersey market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the borough. Properties near major highways like Route 4 and close to New York City access points tend to perform at the higher end of this range, with investors commonly seeing 10-14% annual returns due to business traveler demand and weekend leisure guests visiting the Bergen County area. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with break-even on cash investment typically achieved by month 20-28. Three-bedroom single-family homes in Haworth's residential neighborhoods have shown consistent performance with average daily rates of $120-180 and occupancy rates of 65-75%, while larger properties or those with unique amenities can command $200-300 per night with similar occupancy levels, resulting in gross rental yields of 12-16% before expenses.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market data, providing comprehensive tools for identifying profitable short-term rental opportunities in Haworth, New Jersey. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty in nearby Paramus and Coldwell Banker in Ridgewood, with agents like those at Prominent Properties Sotheby's International Realty covering Bergen County's luxury market. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market research and revenue projections, and Awning for full-service Airbnb investment management. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services, while local property management companies like Northern New Jersey Property Management and Bergen County-based investment groups provide regional expertise. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Fundrise, though primarily focused on traditional rentals, also analyze short-term rental markets. Local mortgage brokers specializing in investment properties include First Choice Loan Services in nearby towns, and accounting firms like those in Hackensack provide tax optimization services for short-term rental investors in the Bergen County area.