Is Longmont, Colorado Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Longmont, Colorado, begin by researching the city's short-term rental regulations, which require a business license and compliance with zoning restrictions that typically limit rentals to no more than 120 days per year in residential areas. Contact Longmont's Planning Department at 303-651-8330 to obtain the necessary short-term rental permit, which costs approximately $200-300 annually and requires proof of liability insurance, parking availability, and neighbor notification. Find a suitable property by searching areas like Old Town Longmont or neighborhoods near downtown that allow short-term rentals, ensuring the property meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exits. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local amenities information, budgeting around $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting Longmont's proximity to Boulder (15 minutes) and outdoor recreation opportunities, setting competitive rates around $80-150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, and ensuring compliance with Longmont's noise ordinances and occupancy limits, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and annual permit renewal with the city.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Longmont, Colorado, focus on locations within walking distance of downtown Main Street, near the St. Vrain Greenway trail system, or close to outdoor recreation access points leading to Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder County open spaces, as these areas attract both business travelers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, outdoor spaces like patios or decks with mountain views, updated kitchens, reliable high-speed internet, and parking availability, as these features command premium rates in the $150-300 per night range depending on season and proximity to events at venues like the Longmont Theatre Company or seasonal festivals. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to track seasonal demand patterns, with peak rates during summer hiking season (June-September) and winter ski access periods, while monitoring average daily rates of $180-220 for comparable properties in neighborhoods like Prospect, Old Town, or near Union Reservoir. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 2-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underpriced properties, and monitoring occupancy rates which typically range 65-80% for well-positioned properties in Longmont's growing market. Utilize tools like Rabbu for local STR regulation compliance, STR Helper for market analysis specific to Boulder County, and connect with local property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning who have established operations in the Front Range corridor to understand operational costs and revenue potential in this market that benefits from proximity to both Denver and Boulder while maintaining lower property acquisition costs.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Longmont, Colorado, you must first apply through the City of Longmont's Planning and Development Services Department located at 350 Kimbark Street or online through their permit portal. Required documents include a completed short-term rental license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and waste management plan. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with an annual renewal fee of around $150-200. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks for review and approval. Longmont-specific requirements include limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests (maximum 10 people), maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, providing adequate parking (minimum 1 space per bedroom), ensuring the property meets all building and fire safety codes, and having a local contact person who can respond to issues within 30 minutes. Properties must also comply with HOA restrictions if applicable, and operators must collect and remit local lodging taxes. Once approved, the permit must be renewed annually and the license number must be displayed in all advertising.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Longmont, Colorado, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. As of recent years, Longmont requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that generally limit STRs to certain residential zones while prohibiting them in some neighborhoods. The city typically requires properties to meet safety standards, maintain adequate parking, and follow noise ordinances, with hosts often needing to provide contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7. Longmont has implemented occupancy limits based on property size and may restrict the total number of STR permits issued in certain areas to preserve neighborhood character. Recent legal changes have included stricter enforcement mechanisms and potential modifications to zoning allowances, with the city periodically reviewing and updating its STR ordinances to balance tourism benefits with resident concerns about housing availability and neighborhood impacts.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Longmont, Colorado include the Historic Downtown District, which attracts visitors with its walkable Main Street featuring local breweries, restaurants, and the annual Rhythm on the River concert series, plus proximity to business travelers visiting local tech companies. The Prospect neighborhood offers excellent access to both Boulder (15 minutes) and Denver (45 minutes), making it ideal for guests wanting a quieter base while exploring the Front Range, with easy access to hiking trails and cycling paths. The St. Vrain Creek corridor area appeals to outdoor enthusiasts visiting for fishing, kayaking, and trail access, while being close to the St. Vrain State Park. The Roosevelt Park neighborhood provides a residential feel with quick access to downtown amenities and is popular with families visiting local attractions like the Longmont Museum. The area near the Longmont Recreation Center and Centennial Pool attracts sports teams and tournament participants, especially during summer swim meets and youth sports events, while the proximity to the Boulder County Fairgrounds makes it valuable during the annual fair and other events throughout the year.

In Longmont, Colorado, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Colorado state lodging tax of 2.9%, Boulder County lodging tax of 1.2%, and Longmont municipal lodging tax of 3.5%, totaling approximately 7.6% in combined lodging taxes. These taxes are typically collected automatically by Airbnb through their tax collection service for most bookings and remitted directly to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though hosts should verify this coverage and may need to register separately with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Boulder County, and City of Longmont if Airbnb doesn't collect all applicable taxes. The state lodging tax applies to rentals under 30 days with exemptions for stays over 30 consecutive days, while local taxes generally follow similar short-term rental definitions. Hosts must also collect and remit standard Colorado state sales tax of 2.9% plus Longmont's local sales tax of approximately 3.5% on their rental income. Registration requirements typically include obtaining a Colorado sales tax license and potentially local business licenses, with monthly or quarterly remittance schedules depending on revenue volume, and hosts should maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections for compliance purposes.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Longmont, Colorado is approximately $485,000-$535,000. Property purchase costs around $450,000 based on median home prices in 2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees cost approximately $500-$1,000. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility deposits and setup fees for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing expenses add approximately $8,000-$12,000 to initial investment requirements.

Airbnb properties in Longmont, Colorado typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$80 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties near downtown Longmont or with mountain views achieve higher occupancy rates of 65-75% compared to suburban locations at 45-60%. A typical 3-bedroom property generating $35,000 annually might incur $18,000 in expenses, yielding a net profit margin of 15-25% before mortgage payments. Success factors include proximity to Boulder (15 minutes), outdoor recreation access, professional photography, responsive hosting, and competitive pricing strategies. Properties targeting business travelers and outdoor enthusiasts during peak summer months (June-September) and ski season (December-March) perform best, with some hosts like those managing properties near St. Vrain Creek reporting 20-30% higher revenues than market averages through strategic positioning and premium amenities.

Airbnb investments in Longmont, Colorado typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near downtown or with mountain views can achieve higher returns of 12-15% annually, while standard residential properties average 8-10%. The timeframe to profitability is generally 18-24 months, considering initial setup costs, furnishing expenses, and market establishment. Longmont's proximity to Boulder (15 minutes) and Denver (45 minutes) drives consistent demand from business travelers, outdoor enthusiasts visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, and visitors to local tech companies like Seagate Technology. Average daily rates range from $120-180 depending on property size and amenities, with occupancy rates typically 65-75% annually. Properties purchased at $400,000-600,000 with 20-25% down payments show the strongest cash-on-cash returns, particularly those with 3+ bedrooms that can accommodate families and groups visiting the area's hiking trails, breweries, and seasonal events.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Longmont, Colorado. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Keller Williams Realty Downtown and RE/MAX Alliance, with agents like Sarah Johnson at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage focusing on investment properties since 2018. National services include Awning (founded 2017), RedAwning, and Mashvisor, which provide market analysis and property management for STR investments. Local property management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning operate in the Boulder County area, while investment-focused firms such as Roofstock and BiggerPockets connect investors with profitable rental opportunities. Boulder-based Mountain Property Management and Front Range Property Management offer specialized Airbnb setup and management services, with many expanding operations to Longmont since 2019. Additional national platforms include AirDNA for market research, Hostfully for property management, and local mortgage brokers like First National Bank of Omaha and Elevations Credit Union who understand STR financing in Colorado's competitive market.