Is Longmeadow, Massachusetts Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Longmeadow Planning Board, as the town requires short-term rental operators to obtain a special permit and comply with residential zoning restrictions that typically limit rentals to owner-occupied properties or specific districts. Contact the Building Department at Longmeadow Town Hall to secure necessary permits including a business certificate, occupancy permit, and ensure fire safety compliance with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing in areas zoned for short-term rentals, focusing on single-family homes or approved multi-family units near attractions like the Connecticut River or close to Springfield for business travelers. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities like WiFi, focusing on a clean, welcoming aesthetic that appeals to families and business visitors. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing around $80-150 per night based on local market rates, and highlight proximity to Springfield, Bradley International Airport, and local attractions like Forest Park. Manage the property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, and ensuring compliance with Massachusetts state tax requirements including collecting and remitting the 5.7% state excise tax and any applicable local taxes, while maintaining proper insurance coverage and keeping detailed records for tax purposes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, focus on locations within walking distance of major attractions like the historic town center, Forest Park (nearby in Springfield), and areas with easy highway access to Springfield and Hartford. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with modern amenities, parking, outdoor space, and strong WiFi infrastructure, as business travelers and families visiting nearby colleges like Western New England University represent key demographics. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties in Springfield and East Longmeadow, aiming for properties under $400,000 that can generate $150-200 per night during peak seasons. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting occupancy rates, guest reviews, and seasonal pricing patterns, while leveraging tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market intelligence. Utilize local resources including the Longmeadow Planning Department for zoning compliance, Pioneer Valley real estate agents familiar with investment properties, and the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau for tourism trend data to ensure your property aligns with visitor demand patterns and local regulations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, you must first contact the Longmeadow Building Department at Town Hall located at 20 Williams Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations and obtain application forms. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), fire safety inspection certificate from the Fire Department, and a site plan showing parking availability. You'll need to pay application fees estimated at $200-400 plus inspection fees of approximately $100-200. The process involves submitting your complete application to the Building Department, scheduling required inspections with both Building and Fire departments, attending a possible Planning Board or Board of Selectmen hearing if required, and awaiting final permit approval. The timeline typically ranges from 4-8 weeks depending on inspection scheduling and any required hearings. Longmeadow-specific requirements likely include compliance with residential zoning restrictions, adequate off-street parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, noise ordinance compliance, and annual permit renewal. Contact the Building Department at (413) 565-4110 to confirm current requirements and begin the application process.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Longmeadow, Massachusetts operate under state regulations as the town has not enacted specific local ordinances governing STRs as of 2023. Under Massachusetts state law, STRs are generally legal but must comply with state tax requirements including collecting and remitting state and local taxes, obtaining proper business registration, and meeting basic safety standards. Property owners in Longmeadow can legally operate STRs in residential zones, though they must ensure compliance with existing zoning bylaws that may limit commercial activities in residential areas. The town has not implemented specific licensing requirements, occupancy limits, or registration mandates beyond state requirements, though operators must still adhere to general property maintenance codes, parking regulations, and noise ordinances. Recent statewide discussions about STR regulation have not resulted in significant changes to local enforcement in Longmeadow, and the town appears to take a relatively permissive approach compared to more restrictive communities like Boston or Cambridge that have implemented comprehensive STR regulations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Longmeadow, Massachusetts are primarily concentrated around the Longmeadow Country Club vicinity and the historic Longmeadow Street corridor, which offer proximity to Springfield's business district (attracting corporate travelers to companies like MassMutual and Baystate Health) while maintaining the town's prestigious residential character that appeals to visitors seeking upscale accommodations. The Bliss Road and Williams Street neighborhoods are particularly attractive due to their large, well-maintained homes that can command premium rates from families visiting nearby colleges including Western New England University, American International College, and Springfield College, especially during graduation seasons and family weekends. Properties near the Longmeadow-East Longmeadow border benefit from easy highway access via I-91, making them ideal for business travelers commuting to Hartford, Connecticut (30 minutes south) or those attending events at the MassMutual Center and Symphony Hall in Springfield. The area around Twin Hills Country Club also presents opportunities, as it attracts golf enthusiasts and wedding parties, particularly during peak season from May through October, while the proximity to Bradley International Airport (45 minutes) makes these locations convenient for both leisure and business travelers exploring the Pioneer Valley region.

In Longmeadow, Massachusetts, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state excise tax of 5.7% on short-term rentals under 90 days, which is automatically collected by Airbnb and remitted to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Additionally, hosts must pay the state sales tax of 6.25% on the total rental amount, also collected by Airbnb through their platform since 2019. Hampden County imposes a local option excise tax of 6% on short-term rentals, which Airbnb collects and remits directly to the county. The Town of Longmeadow has adopted a local rooms excise tax of 6% that applies to all transient accommodations including Airbnbs, with collection and remittance handled by Airbnb for registered operators. Hosts must register with both the state and local tax authorities, obtain proper permits, and ensure compliance with local zoning regulations. Exemptions may apply for rentals exceeding 90 consecutive days, certain medical-related stays, and accommodations for displaced residents due to emergencies, though documentation requirements vary by jurisdiction.

Starting an Airbnb in Longmeadow, Massachusetts requires significant upfront investment with property purchase being the largest expense at approximately $450,000 based on the town's median home price as of 2023. Furnishing costs typically range from $15,000-25,000 for a complete 3-bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local suppliers. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-5,000. Permits and fees in Massachusetts include a $200 state registration, local business license around $100, and potential zoning compliance costs of $500-1,000. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper or CBIZ run $1,200-2,000 annually. Utility deposits and first-month costs for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total approximately $800-1,200. First six months of operating expenses including cleaning services at $75 per turnover, maintenance reserves, property management software subscriptions, and marketing costs average $4,000-6,000. The total estimated startup cost ranges from $474,800 to $485,200, making Longmeadow's proximity to Springfield and the Connecticut River Valley an attractive but capital-intensive market for Airbnb investment.

Airbnb properties in Longmeadow, Massachusetts 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 achieving occupancy rates of 60-75% annually. Properties within walking distance of Longmeadow's town center or featuring amenities like pools, updated kitchens, or proximity to Springfield attractions tend to command premium rates and higher occupancy. A typical 3-bedroom colonial in Longmeadow generating $28,000 in annual revenue might incur $18,000 in expenses (including mortgage interest, taxes, utilities, cleaning, and maintenance), yielding approximately $10,000 in net profit or a 36% profit margin. Success factors include professional photography, responsive communication, consistent 5-star ratings, competitive pricing strategies, and leveraging Longmeadow's appeal as a quiet suburban alternative to Springfield hotels while maintaining easy access to Interstate 91 and Bradley International Airport.

Airbnb investments in Longmeadow, Massachusetts typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% based on the town's proximity to Springfield and seasonal demand from visitors to nearby attractions like Six Flags New England and the Basketball Hall of Fame. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 6-9% annually, with properties averaging $150-200 per night during peak seasons and $80-120 during off-peak periods. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, assuming a 20-25% down payment on properties valued between $300,000-450,000. The market benefits from Longmeadow's reputation as an affluent suburb with excellent schools, attracting family visitors and business travelers to the greater Springfield area, though occupancy rates typically average 65-75% annually due to seasonal fluctuations and competition from nearby hotels and other short-term rentals.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Springfield (serving Longmeadow since 2018), Coldwell Banker Realty's investment division, and RE/MAX agents like those at RE/MAX Vision who focus on rental properties in the Pioneer Valley area. National services include Awning (launched 2019) which provides full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition, RedAwning's investment platform, Mashvisor's real estate analytics specifically for short-term rentals, and AirDNA for market data analysis. Local investment groups such as Western Massachusetts Real Estate Investors Association provide networking and deal flow, while companies like Vacasa and AvantStay offer property management services that help investors identify profitable markets. Roofstock and Arrived Homes have expanded into the short-term rental space, and local mortgage brokers like Bay State Savings Bank and Easthampton Savings Bank offer specialized financing for investment properties in the Longmeadow market.