Is Huntingdon, Tennessee Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Huntingdon, Tennessee, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Huntingdon City Hall and Carroll County offices, as Tennessee allows short-term rentals but municipalities may have specific requirements including business licenses, occupancy permits, and tax registration with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for state sales tax collection. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Huntingdon City Hall (estimated $50-100), ensure your property meets fire safety codes and has proper smoke detectors, and register for local occupancy taxes if required by Carroll County. Find a suitable property by researching the local real estate market where median home prices range around $80,000-120,000, focusing on areas near Huntingdon's downtown or close to attractions like nearby state parks, ensuring the property allows short-term rentals if you're renting rather than owning. Furnish the space with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, cable TV, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for initial furnishing depending on property size. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, creating compelling descriptions highlighting Huntingdon's small-town charm and proximity to outdoor activities, setting competitive rates based on local market research showing average nightly rates of $60-90 in the area. Manage your listing by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while ensuring compliance with Tennessee's short-term rental income tax requirements.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Huntingdon, Tennessee, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Tennessee River recreational areas, Paris Landing State Park (20 minutes away), and Kentucky Lake access points, as these drive tourism demand. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like fire pits, boat parking, fishing access, or scenic water views, ideally built after 1990 with modern HVAC and updated kitchens. Analyze comparable STR pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor, targeting properties that can generate $100-200 per night during peak fishing/boating season (April-October) and $60-120 during off-season, with acquisition costs under $200,000 to maintain healthy cash flow. Research competition by monitoring existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within 15 miles, noting occupancy rates, amenities, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through West Tennessee realtors, while connecting with Huntingdon Chamber of Commerce and Carroll County tourism boards for market insights, and consider properties near upcoming developments or infrastructure improvements that could boost future demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Huntingdon, Tennessee, you must first contact the Huntingdon City Hall at 22529 Main Street or call (731) 986-2422 to inquire about short-term rental regulations and obtain the necessary application forms. Required documents typically include a completed STR permit application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, liability insurance policy (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental property, and valid Tennessee business license. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-150. Submit your complete application package to the City Clerk's office and schedule required inspections with the fire department and building inspector. The approval timeline is typically 30-45 days from submission of complete application, depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Huntingdon-specific requirements likely include compliance with residential zoning restrictions, maximum occupancy limits based on square footage and bedrooms, designated parking spaces for guests, 24-hour contact information posted for neighbors, and adherence to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM. You must also register for local occupancy taxes and may need to renew your permit annually with the city.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Huntingdon, Tennessee, as the city does not appear to have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, operators must comply with Tennessee state regulations, which require STR hosts to register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue, collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes, and maintain proper insurance coverage. Carroll County, where Huntingdon is located, does not impose county-level restrictions on STRs, though operators should verify compliance with local zoning ordinances and homeowners association rules if applicable. The city follows standard residential zoning guidelines, and there are no known prohibited areas specifically for STRs within Huntingdon city limits. Recent statewide legislation in Tennessee has strengthened STR regulations regarding tax collection and safety requirements, but local municipalities retain authority to impose additional restrictions, which Huntingdon has not extensively exercised. Property owners should ensure compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits based on septic and water systems, and any applicable business licensing requirements at the city level.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Huntingdon, Tennessee include the historic downtown district near the courthouse square, which attracts visitors interested in the town's heritage and serves business travelers visiting local government offices and professional services. The residential neighborhoods along Highway 70 and near Huntingdon High School offer good potential due to their proximity to educational facilities and family-friendly amenities that appeal to visiting families and sports teams. Areas close to the Carroll County 1000 Recreational Complex provide opportunities for guests attending sporting events and tournaments. The neighborhoods near the industrial corridor along Highway 22 can capture business travelers visiting local manufacturing facilities and distribution centers. Properties within walking distance of downtown restaurants and the Carroll County Historical Museum benefit from cultural tourism and visitors exploring West Tennessee's rural heritage. The residential areas near the medical facilities and Carroll County General Hospital attract medical professionals, patients' families, and healthcare-related business travelers, making these locations particularly viable for short-term rental investments.

Airbnb properties in Huntingdon, Tennessee are subject to Tennessee state sales tax of 7% on short-term rental accommodations, which is automatically collected by Airbnb through their platform and remitted directly to the Tennessee Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts. Additionally, Carroll County (where Huntingdon is located) imposes a local hotel/motel tax of approximately 5% on transient accommodations under 30 days, though collection and remittance procedures for this county tax may require hosts to register directly with Carroll County and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month. The City of Huntingdon may also impose a local occupancy tax of around 3-5%, requiring separate registration with the city clerk's office and monthly remittance. Exemptions typically apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and some jurisdictions may exempt stays by government employees on official business or certain nonprofit organizations, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with each taxing authority as rates and procedures can change.

To start an Airbnb in Huntingdon, Tennessee, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Tennessee markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance including liability and property coverage specifically for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$4,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-$900 monthly), cleaning services ($75-$150 per turnover), maintenance reserves, property management software subscriptions, and marketing expenses total approximately $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential property improvements, emergency fund reserves, and local tax obligations that could add $5,000-$10,000 to initial investment requirements.

Airbnb properties in Huntingdon, Tennessee typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for whole-home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($800-$1,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with higher margins achieved through properties near Kentucky Lake recreational areas or those targeting hunting and fishing tourists visiting the region's outdoor attractions. Success factors include strategic pricing during peak seasons (spring through fall), professional photography, responsive guest communication, and targeting the growing market of travelers seeking rural Tennessee experiences, with properties featuring outdoor amenities like fire pits, fishing access, or proximity to Paris Landing State Park commanding premium rates and achieving occupancy rates of 60-75% compared to the market average of 45-60%.

Airbnb investments in Huntingdon, Tennessee typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% based on the area's growing tourism market and proximity to Kentucky Lake recreational activities. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $85-120 per night during peak seasons and 55-65% occupancy rates year-round. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with initial investment costs averaging $120,000-180,000 for suitable properties. The market benefits from consistent demand from fishing enthusiasts, hunters, and visitors to nearby Paris Landing State Park, with properties typically generating $18,000-28,000 in annual gross rental income. Seasonal variations show strongest performance from April through October, with winter months maintaining steady bookings from hunting season visitors, making Huntingdon a relatively stable market for short-term rental investments compared to more volatile tourist destinations.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations in Huntingdon, Tennessee. Local real estate agents in the area include Century 21 Cumberland Realty and Crye-Leike Realtors who have experience with investment properties in Carroll County. National services like BiggerPockets, Mashvisor, and AirDNA provide market data and investment analysis tools for the Huntingdon market. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors maximize their Airbnb returns in the region. Local property management companies such as West Tennessee Property Management and regional firms like Tennessee Valley Property Management can assist with day-to-day operations. Real estate investment companies like HomeVestors and We Buy Ugly Houses occasionally have properties suitable for Airbnb conversion in smaller Tennessee markets. Additionally, platforms like Roofstock and Fundrise have expanded their short-term rental investment offerings to include secondary markets in Tennessee, while local mortgage brokers and lenders such as First National Bank of Tennessee can provide financing specifically tailored for investment properties in Huntingdon.