Is Kennesaw, Georgia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Kennesaw, Georgia, begin by researching local regulations as Kennesaw requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically allow STRs in residential areas with restrictions on occupancy and parking. Contact Kennesaw City Hall at 2529 J.O. Stephenson Avenue to obtain the necessary business license ($50-100 annually) and short-term rental permit ($200-300), ensuring your property meets fire safety codes and has proper smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Find a suitable property by searching neighborhoods like Swift-Cantrell Park area or downtown Kennesaw, considering proximity to Kennesaw State University and Town Center at Cobb for higher demand, with average nightly rates ranging $80-150 depending on size and location. Furnish the space with essential amenities including WiFi, kitchen basics, linens, towels, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO with professional photos, competitive pricing based on local market analysis, and detailed descriptions emphasizing proximity to KSU campus and Atlanta (30 miles south). Manage bookings by maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through prompt communication, thorough cleaning between guests, providing local recommendations, and ensuring compliance with Kennesaw's noise ordinances and occupancy limits while collecting and remitting the required 8% Georgia sales tax plus local hotel/motel taxes to maintain good standing with city authorities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Kennesaw, Georgia, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Kennesaw State University for consistent student and visitor demand, properties near Town Center at Cobb mall and entertainment districts, and homes with easy access to I-75 for Atlanta commuters and tourists visiting nearby attractions like the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes with modern amenities, full kitchens, dedicated workspaces, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these appeal to families visiting KSU and business travelers. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, aiming for properties that can generate $150-250 per night with 60-70% occupancy rates, while keeping acquisition costs under $300,000 to maintain healthy profit margins. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underserved areas, and monitoring seasonal demand patterns around university events and Atlanta attractions. Utilize tools like Rabbu for Kennesaw-specific market data, STR Helper for performance tracking, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with Cobb County's STR regulations and zoning requirements, while monitoring the city's short-term rental ordinances which require permits and have specific operational guidelines that affect profitability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Kennesaw, Georgia, you must first apply through the City of Kennesaw Planning and Zoning Department located at 2529 J.O. Stephenson Avenue, submitting a completed Short-Term Rental Registration Application along with required documents including a copy of your property deed or lease agreement, a site plan showing parking areas and property boundaries, proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage naming the City as additional insured, a fire safety inspection certificate from Cobb County Fire Department, and a business license from the City of Kennesaw. The application fee is approximately $150 with an annual renewal fee of $75, and you must also obtain a business license costing around $50 annually. The approval timeline typically takes 30-45 days after submitting a complete application. Kennesaw-specific requirements include maintaining a maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets all residential building codes, maintaining a 24-hour contact person available to address complaints, posting the permit number in all advertising, and adhering to quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. Properties must be owner-occupied or have a designated local property manager within 30 miles, and you cannot operate more than one short-term rental per owner within city limits.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Kennesaw, Georgia, but operate under specific municipal regulations that were updated around 2019-2020. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that generally limit short-term rentals to certain residential districts while prohibiting them in some single-family neighborhoods depending on homeowner association rules and specific zoning classifications. Kennesaw typically requires a minimum rental period of 2-3 nights, mandates that properties meet safety and occupancy standards, and often requires the owner or designated local contact to be available 24/7 for any issues. The city has implemented noise ordinances and parking restrictions specifically targeting STRs, and violations can result in fines or license revocation. Recent changes have included stricter enforcement mechanisms and clearer definitions of what constitutes a short-term rental versus traditional lodging, with the city working to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood character preservation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Kennesaw, Georgia include the Historic Downtown Kennesaw district, which attracts tourists visiting the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History and benefits from the charming walkable area with local restaurants and shops. The neighborhoods near Kennesaw State University, particularly around Frey Road and Chastain Road, offer strong rental demand from visiting parents, prospective students, and university events throughout the academic year. Areas close to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, especially properties within 1-2 miles of the park entrance, appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs exploring the Civil War sites and hiking trails. The Swift-Cantrell Park vicinity provides excellent investment potential due to its proximity to the popular recreational facility that hosts sports tournaments, concerts, and community events year-round. Properties near the Town Center at Cobb mall area benefit from business travelers and shoppers, while neighborhoods around Barrett Parkway corridor attract guests visiting the numerous corporate offices and business centers in the region, including proximity to major employers like Yamaha Motor Manufacturing and various logistics companies that generate consistent business travel demand.

In Kennesaw, Georgia, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Georgia state sales tax of 4%, Cobb County hotel/motel tax of 5%, and the City of Kennesaw hotel/motel tax of 3%, totaling approximately 12% in combined taxes on short-term rental accommodations. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits the state and local taxes directly to the appropriate authorities on behalf of hosts in most cases since around 2018-2019. However, hosts should verify their registration status with the Georgia Department of Revenue and local tax authorities, as some may need to obtain separate business licenses or tax permits and file monthly or quarterly returns depending on their rental volume. Exemptions are generally limited and may include stays exceeding 30 consecutive days which would be considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, though hosts should consult with local tax authorities to confirm current exemption criteria and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Kennesaw, Georgia is approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase costs around $320,000-$350,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property typically runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Cobb County include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees ($100-$300). Insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$3,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Monthly utilities average $200-$300 for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning services ($1,800-$2,400 at $150-$200 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($1,000-$2,000), marketing ($500-$1,000), and miscellaneous supplies ($500-$800) total approximately $5,000-$8,000. Additional considerations include property management software subscriptions ($300-$600 annually) and potential property management fees if outsourced at 15-25% of revenue.

Airbnb properties in Kennesaw, Georgia typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$130 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-55% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-250 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 successful operators, with properties near Kennesaw State University and close to Atlanta's business districts performing strongest due to consistent demand from business travelers and visiting families. Success factors include proximity to KSU campus, professional photography, rapid guest communication, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, with properties featuring modern amenities like high-speed WiFi, smart TVs, and updated kitchens commanding premium rates. The market benefits from Kennesaw's location 30 miles northwest of Atlanta, attracting guests seeking lower-cost alternatives to downtown accommodations while remaining accessible to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and major business centers, though competition has intensified since 2019 with supply growth outpacing demand in some neighborhoods.

Airbnb investments in Kennesaw, Georgia typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, depending on property type and location within the market. Single-family homes near Kennesaw State University and downtown areas command higher nightly rates of $85-140, while condos and smaller properties average $65-95 per night. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. Properties within 2 miles of KSU or major attractions like Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History tend to achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, while suburban locations see 55-65% occupancy. The market benefits from consistent demand from university visitors, business travelers to nearby Cobb County corporate centers, and tourists exploring the North Georgia mountains, with peak seasons during football season, spring, and summer months driving premium pricing and higher returns.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Kennesaw, Georgia. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners and Coldwell Banker Realty have agents experienced in investment properties and short-term rental markets in the Kennesaw area. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, and BiggerPockets, which connects investors with local professionals and market data. AirDNA offers comprehensive short-term rental market analysis for the Kennesaw market, while Awning provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property identification and management. Local companies such as Atlanta Short Term Rental Management and Georgia Vacation Rental Management offer both property sourcing and management services. RE/MAX agents in the Cobb County area often specialize in investment properties, and national platforms like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature short-term rental opportunities in the Atlanta metro area including Kennesaw. RedAwning and Vacasa also provide market insights and property management services that can help identify profitable opportunities in this growing suburban market north of Atlanta.