Is Long Lake, New York Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Long Lake, New York, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Hamilton County Planning Department and Long Lake Town Hall, as the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) oversees development in this region and may require permits for short-term rentals. Contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to understand tax obligations including occupancy taxes, and check if Long Lake requires specific short-term rental permits or licenses, which many Adirondack communities have implemented since 2020. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Adirondack regulations, ensuring the property is zoned for commercial or mixed-use if required, and consider proximity to Long Lake's attractions like the lake itself, hiking trails, and seasonal activities. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture suitable for the outdoor recreation clientele, including essentials like linens, kitchen supplies, outdoor gear storage, and heating systems capable of handling harsh winters. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos showcasing the natural surroundings, emphasize seasonal activities like fishing, boating, hiking, and winter sports, and price competitively with other Adirondack rentals typically ranging $100-300 per night depending on size and amenities. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with Adirondack properties, and consider hiring a local property management company if you're not nearby, while maintaining compliance with ongoing reporting requirements to both local authorities and New York State tax agencies.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Long Lake, New York, focus on waterfront or water-view locations within walking distance of Long Lake itself, as this Adirondack region attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round for activities like fishing, boating, hiking, and winter sports. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes built after 1980 with rustic charm, modern amenities like WiFi and updated kitchens, outdoor spaces such as decks or fire pits, and parking for multiple vehicles since guests often bring boats or recreational equipment. Analyze pricing by researching comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 10-mile radius, noting that peak summer rates (June-August) can range $200-400+ per night while winter rates may drop 30-50%, and calculate potential annual revenue against mortgage, taxes, insurance, and management costs which can be higher in remote areas. Research competition by examining occupancy rates, guest reviews, and amenities offered by existing STRs in Long Lake, Hamilton County, and nearby areas like Blue Mountain Lake or Indian Lake to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and consult local real estate agents familiar with the Adirondack market, while also checking Hamilton County zoning regulations and any HOA restrictions that may limit short-term rentals in this rural tourism-dependent economy.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Long Lake, New York, contact the Long Lake Town Clerk's office at the Town Hall located at 1204 Deerland Road, Long Lake, NY 12847, or call (518) 624-3077 to begin the application process. You will need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), septic system inspection certificate if applicable, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. Required documents also include a site plan showing parking areas, emergency contact information posted visibly in the rental unit, and compliance with Adirondack Park Agency regulations since Long Lake is within the Adirondack Park. The application fee is approximately $150-250 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $100-150. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks for processing once all documents are submitted, though this may extend to 8-10 weeks during peak season applications in spring. Long Lake specific requirements include adherence to the town's noise ordinance, maximum occupancy limits based on septic capacity and square footage, designated parking spaces (typically 2 per unit), and compliance with setback requirements from water bodies due to the town's lakefront location. You must also register with New York State for tax collection purposes and may need additional permits from the Adirondack Park Agency depending on your property's classification within the park.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Long Lake, New York are generally legal but subject to local regulations and Adirondack Park Agency (APA) oversight due to the town's location within the Adirondack Park. The Town of Long Lake, established in Hamilton County, requires STR operators to obtain proper permits and comply with zoning regulations, with most residential properties in hamlet areas permitted for short-term use while some remote or environmentally sensitive areas may face restrictions. Properties must meet health and safety standards, maintain adequate septic and water systems, and operators typically need to register with local authorities and collect applicable taxes. Recent changes around 2020-2022 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced coordination with the APA for properties in more restrictive land use classifications, particularly those near sensitive waterfront areas or in resource management zones where additional environmental review may be required.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Long Lake, New York center around the lakefront properties along Long Lake itself, particularly the eastern and northern shores which offer prime water access and mountain views of the Adirondack High Peaks. The hamlet center near Route 30 presents opportunities due to its proximity to local businesses, restaurants, and the Long Lake Marina, attracting visitors seeking convenience and walkability. Properties near the Adirondack Museum and the Long Lake Beach area are highly desirable for families and outdoor enthusiasts visiting during peak summer months from June through September. The northern section toward Raquette Lake Road offers more secluded, luxury cabin opportunities for guests seeking privacy while maintaining reasonable access to hiking trails and water activities. These areas capitalize on Long Lake's position as a gateway to the Adirondack Park's wilderness areas, attracting year-round visitors for fishing, boating, hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, with peak demand during summer lake season and fall foliage periods driving strong rental rates for well-positioned properties.

Long Lake, New York imposes a local occupancy tax of 3% on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnb properties, which is collected by the host and remitted quarterly to the Town of Long Lake by the 15th of January, April, July, and October. Additionally, New York State requires collection of 8.25% sales tax on lodging stays of less than 30 days, with hosts required to register for a Certificate of Authority through the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and file returns monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on tax liability. Hamilton County may impose an additional 2% county occupancy tax, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 13.25% for guests. Hosts must collect these taxes at the time of booking or check-in and maintain detailed records of all transactions, with exemptions typically limited to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days or accommodations provided to permanent residents. The Adirondack Park Agency may also require special permits for short-term rentals in certain zones, though this does not constitute a tax. Failure to properly collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties, interest charges, and potential legal action by both state and local authorities.

To start an Airbnb in Long Lake, New York, expect total costs around $285,000-$315,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $250,000 based on median home prices in the Adirondack region as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor gear appropriate for the area's recreational tourism. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect around $500-$1,500 for short-term rental permits, business licenses, and local compliance requirements. Insurance specifically for short-term rentals costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, heating, water, internet, and cable average $300-$500 monthly in this rural area. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800-$3,000), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200-$2,000), maintenance reserves ($1,000-$2,000), marketing ($500-$1,000), and platform fees total approximately $4,500-$8,000, though actual costs depend on occupancy rates and seasonal demand fluctuations common in Adirondack tourism markets.

Airbnb properties in Long Lake, New York, typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for seasonal cabins and lakefront properties, with peak summer months (June-August) accounting for 60-70% of total bookings at average daily rates of $150-$250. Operating expenses generally range from $8,000-$18,000 annually, including property taxes ($2,000-$4,000), utilities ($1,500-$3,000), cleaning fees ($2,000-$4,000), maintenance ($1,500-$3,500), and Airbnb service fees (3% host fee plus guest fees), resulting in profit margins of 35-55% for well-managed properties. Success factors include waterfront access, which can increase rates by 40-60%, proximity to Adirondack Park attractions, professional photography showcasing lake views, and maintaining consistent 4.8+ star ratings through responsive communication and property upkeep. Properties like restored 1950s lakefront cabins have achieved occupancy rates of 75-85% during peak season, while year-round properties benefit from winter activities like ice fishing and snowmobiling, though winter bookings typically generate 30-40% lower rates. The market shows strong performance for 2-4 bedroom properties that can accommodate families and small groups, with successful hosts reporting ROI of 8-15% annually when factoring in property appreciation alongside rental income.

Airbnb investments in Long Lake, New York typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by seasonal tourism to the Adirondack region during summer months (June-September) and winter activities. Properties near the lake or with waterfront access command premium nightly rates of $150-300, while standard cabins and homes average $80-180 per night with occupancy rates of 45-65% annually. Initial investment costs range from $200,000-500,000 for suitable properties, with investors typically reaching profitability within 18-24 months after accounting for renovation costs, furnishing, and local compliance requirements. The market benefits from proximity to outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, and winter sports, though seasonality creates cash flow challenges during shoulder months (April-May, October-November) when occupancy drops to 15-25%. Property management costs typically run 20-25% of gross revenue, and investors should budget for higher maintenance costs due to heavy seasonal use and harsh winter conditions affecting HVAC, plumbing, and exterior elements.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Long Lake, New York. Local real estate agents in the Adirondack region such as Adirondack Premier Properties, Century 21 Adirondack Foothills, and Howard Hanna Real Estate Services have experience with vacation rental properties in the Long Lake area. National services like Mashvisor, AirDNA, and Rabbu provide market analysis and property identification tools for Airbnb investments in upstate New York markets. Regional companies such as Upstate New York Vacation Rentals and Adirondack Real Estate Partners focus specifically on investment properties in the Adirondack Park region including Long Lake. Additional national platforms like BiggerPockets, Roofstock, and RedfinNow offer resources and property listings for short-term rental investors, while local property management companies such as Adirondack Vacation Rental Management and Lake George Rental Properties can assist with both acquisition and ongoing management of Airbnb properties in the Long Lake market.