Is Hudson, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Hudson, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Hudson Planning Department, as Hudson requires short-term rental operators to obtain a conditional use permit and comply with residential zoning restrictions that typically limit rentals to owner-occupied properties or specific districts. Contact Hudson's Building Department at (330) 342-1790 to obtain necessary permits including a business license, occupancy permit, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and building inspections. Find a suitable property in Hudson's permitted zones, focusing on areas near downtown Hudson or properties that meet the city's owner-occupancy requirements if applicable. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, and amenities while ensuring compliance with Ohio's smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector requirements, plus provide essential items like WiFi, kitchen supplies, and local area guides highlighting Hudson's attractions like the Western Reserve Academy area and nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing research based on Hudson's market rates (typically $80-150 per night in 2023-2024), and detailed descriptions emphasizing Hudson's charm and proximity to Akron and Cleveland. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, collecting Ohio's 5.75% state sales tax plus Summit County's lodging tax, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while monitoring compliance with Hudson's short-term rental regulations and any homeowners association rules that may apply.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Hudson, Ohio, focus on locations within walking distance of downtown Hudson's historic district, near Brandywine Falls and Cuyahoga Valley National Park trails, or close to corporate centers like those along Route 8 corridor where business travelers frequent. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, dedicated workspaces, parking, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to both leisure visitors exploring the national park and corporate guests from nearby Akron businesses. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, aiming for nightly rates between $120-180 depending on size and amenities, while calculating potential annual revenue of $25,000-45,000 for well-positioned properties. Research competition by studying existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within 5 miles, identifying gaps in amenities or underserved areas, and monitor occupancy rates of similar properties using tools like AllTheRooms or STR analytics platforms. Utilize Zillow, Realtor.com, and local MLS data through Hudson-area realtors familiar with STR regulations, while leveraging RevPAR analysis tools and connecting with Summit County tourism data to understand seasonal demand patterns driven by national park visitors, fall foliage tourism, and corporate travel to the greater Akron-Cleveland corridor.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Hudson, Ohio, you must first contact the Hudson Building Department at 4892 Darrow Road or call 330-342-1790 to submit an application for a Short-Term Rental License. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), emergency contact information, parking plan, and a $150-200 application fee. Hudson requires STR operators to obtain a business license, comply with zoning regulations (primarily permitted in residential zones with restrictions), maintain occupancy limits based on bedrooms plus two additional guests, provide adequate parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), and ensure 24/7 local contact availability. The property must pass a safety inspection covering smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency egress routes. The approval timeline is typically 30-45 days from complete application submission, and annual renewal is required with a $100-150 renewal fee. Additional requirements include registering with the Ohio Department of Commerce for tax collection, maintaining guest registries, and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Hudson, Ohio are generally legal but subject to specific municipal regulations that the city has implemented to balance tourism benefits with neighborhood preservation. Hudson requires STR operators to obtain proper permits and business licenses, with properties typically limited to owner-occupied dwellings or properties in certain zoning districts. The city prohibits STRs in some residential areas to maintain neighborhood character and has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions. Recent changes around 2020-2022 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and updated permit processes, with the city requiring annual renewals and compliance inspections. Hudson also mandates that STR operators maintain liability insurance, provide emergency contact information to neighbors, and ensure properties meet safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency exits, while violations can result in permit revocation and fines up to several hundred dollars.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Hudson, Ohio include the Historic Downtown District near Main Street, which attracts visitors to local shops, restaurants, and seasonal events like the Hudson Farmers Market and holiday celebrations. The Western Reserve Academy area is highly desirable due to consistent demand from visiting families, prospective students, and alumni, particularly during graduation ceremonies and school events throughout the academic year. Properties near Hudson Springs Park and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park boundaries perform well due to outdoor recreation tourism, hiking enthusiasts, and nature lovers seeking weekend getaways. The Barlow Farm area and neighborhoods surrounding the Hudson Country Club attract business travelers and corporate visitors, as Hudson's proximity to major employers like Goodyear, FirstEnergy, and various Akron-based companies generates steady demand. Areas near Route 8 and Interstate 80 intersections offer convenience for travelers passing through or attending events at nearby venues like Blossom Music Center, while the upscale residential neighborhoods around Seasons Road and Stow Road provide luxury accommodations for high-end leisure travelers and extended-stay business guests visiting the greater Cleveland-Akron metropolitan area.

In Hudson, Ohio, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Ohio state lodging tax is 5.75% on gross rental receipts, which Airbnb typically collects and remits directly to the state on behalf of hosts for stays of less than 30 days. At the local level, Summit County imposes a 3% lodging tax on short-term rentals, and the City of Hudson may impose an additional municipal lodging tax of approximately 3-6%, though specific rates can vary. These local taxes are generally collected by Airbnb through their platform when automatic collection agreements are in place, or hosts must register directly with Summit County and the City of Hudson to collect and remit taxes monthly or quarterly depending on volume. Exemptions typically apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and some jurisdictions may exempt rentals under certain dollar thresholds or for specific types of accommodations, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with local tax authorities as regulations can change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Hudson, Ohio is approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $320,000-$350,000 based on Hudson's median home prices as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs range from $15,000-$25,000 depending on property size and quality level, covering essential furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Hudson typically run $500-$1,500 including business registration, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits average $500-$800 for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($1,800), maintenance ($1,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) total approximately $4,800. Additional considerations include potential property management fees of 10-20% if outsourced, emergency fund reserves, and ongoing maintenance costs that can significantly impact profitability in Hudson's competitive short-term rental market.

Airbnb properties in Hudson, Ohio typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for single-family homes and $8,000-$18,000 for condos, 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 ($30-$50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in Hudson achieving higher margins by targeting business travelers visiting nearby Akron corporate offices, families attending events at Kent State University 20 minutes away, and tourists exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Properties within walking distance of Hudson's historic downtown area and those offering amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or modern furnishings command premium rates and achieve 65-80% occupancy rates compared to 45-60% for basic listings. The market benefits from Hudson's affluent demographics, low crime rates, and proximity to Cleveland (30 minutes), making it attractive for weekend getaways and corporate stays, though competition has intensified since 2020 with a 40% increase in local listings, requiring hosts to focus on exceptional guest experiences and strategic pricing to maintain profitability.

Airbnb investments in Hudson, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the area's proximity to Cleveland and Akron markets. Properties in Hudson's desirable neighborhoods, particularly those near the Western Reserve Academy or downtown historic district, can achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% annually with average daily rates of $120-180 depending on property size and amenities. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with investors seeing positive cash flow by month 8-12 after accounting for mortgage payments, property management fees of 15-20%, cleaning costs, and maintenance expenses. The market benefits from consistent demand from business travelers visiting nearby corporate headquarters including First Energy and university visitors, with seasonal peaks during graduation periods and fall foliage season driving premium rates of $200-250 per night.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Hudson, Ohio. Local real estate agents in the Hudson area who focus on investment properties include Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast agents, Howard Hanna specialists, and Coldwell Banker Realty professionals who understand the Portage County market dynamics. National services like Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for Hudson's Airbnb market. Regional companies such as Cleveland-based investment property specialists and Akron area real estate investment firms also serve the Hudson market. Additional services include Awning for property management, RedAwning for rental optimization, and local property management companies like Summit County Property Management that can help maximize returns on Airbnb investments in Hudson's growing short-term rental market.