Is Macedonia, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Macedonia, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Macedonia Planning and Zoning Department, as Summit County and Macedonia may require short-term rental permits or business licenses, with typical fees ranging $50-200 annually. Contact Macedonia City Hall at (330) 468-1234 to verify specific permit requirements, as some residential zones may restrict short-term rentals or require conditional use permits. Find a suitable property by searching areas near major attractions like Cuyahoga Valley National Park or business districts, with average property prices in Macedonia ranging $150,000-300,000 for single-family homes. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Macedonia, register with Ohio Department of Commerce if required, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits typically set at 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Furnish the property with essential amenities including WiFi, linens, kitchen supplies, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for initial furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with competitive pricing around $75-150 per night based on Macedonia market rates, highlighting proximity to Cleveland (20 minutes), Akron attractions, and outdoor activities. Manage the property by establishing check-in procedures, hiring local cleaning services (typically $50-80 per turnover), maintaining 24/7 guest communication, and ensuring compliance with Ohio's 7% lodging tax and Summit County's additional 3% tax, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and considering property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if needed for hands-off operation.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Macedonia, Ohio, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of major attractions like Brandywine Falls and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, as well as properties near corporate centers in nearby Akron and Cleveland for business travelers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, parking, and outdoor spaces, as these generate 15-20% higher nightly rates averaging $80-150 in the Macedonia market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by at least 40%, typically requiring purchase prices under $200,000 in Macedonia's current market. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underserved areas, particularly focusing on properties that can accommodate families visiting the national park or business travelers needing extended stays. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets market analysis, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while connecting with Macedonia-specific Facebook groups and consulting with local property managers like Awning or RedAwning who understand Summit County's STR regulations and seasonal demand patterns that peak during summer months and fall foliage season.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Macedonia, Ohio, you must first contact the Macedonia Building Department at City Hall located at 9691 Valley View Road to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as requirements were established around 2019-2020. Submit a completed short-term rental application along with a site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the Macedonia Fire Department, and liability insurance documentation with minimum $1 million coverage. You'll need to pay application fees typically ranging from $150-300 plus annual renewal fees of approximately $100-200, and schedule required inspections for fire safety, building code compliance, and zoning verification. The approval process generally takes 4-6 weeks from complete application submission, during which the city reviews compliance with zoning restrictions (STRs may be limited in certain residential districts), parking requirements (usually 2 spaces minimum), occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, and noise ordinance adherence. Once approved, you must display the permit number in your listing, maintain guest registration logs, provide emergency contact information to neighbors, and ensure compliance with Ohio state tax collection requirements for lodging establishments.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Macedonia, Ohio, but operate under specific municipal regulations established by the city. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily limit short-term rentals to certain residential districts while prohibiting them in some neighborhoods to preserve residential character. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress requirements. Macedonia implemented these regulations around 2018-2019 following concerns from residents about parking, noise, and neighborhood disruption. The city caps the number of STR permits available and requires operators to provide contact information for a responsible party available 24/7 to address complaints. Recent enforcement has focused on unlicensed operators, with the city actively monitoring platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to ensure compliance. Violations can result in fines and permit revocation, and the city has been relatively strict about enforcement compared to some neighboring Summit County communities.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Macedonia, Ohio include the downtown historic district near the Macedonia Commons shopping center, which attracts business travelers and shoppers visiting the retail hub that includes major stores and restaurants. The neighborhoods near Brandywine Falls and Cuyahoga Valley National Park (approximately 10 minutes away) are highly attractive for tourism-focused rentals, as visitors seek convenient access to hiking trails, scenic waterfalls, and outdoor recreation activities. Areas close to the Macedonia Recreation Center and community facilities draw families attending youth sports tournaments and events throughout the year. Properties near major transportation corridors like Route 8 and Interstate 271 are valuable for business travelers working in nearby Akron, Cleveland, or corporate offices in the region. The residential neighborhoods around Longwood Park offer a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere that appeals to extended-stay guests and relocating professionals, while still providing easy access to Cleveland's attractions and Case Western Reserve University, making them ideal for parents visiting students or medical professionals working at Cleveland Clinic facilities.

In Macedonia, Ohio, Airbnb hosts are subject to the state of Ohio's lodging tax of 5.75% on gross rental receipts, which applies to all short-term rental accommodations under 30 days. Additionally, hosts must collect and remit local transient occupancy taxes, which in Macedonia typically range from 3-6% depending on the specific municipal ordinances. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing oversees collection, and hosts must register for a vendor's license to collect state sales tax, filing monthly or quarterly returns depending on volume. Local taxes are generally remitted to the city treasurer's office on a monthly basis by the 15th of the following month. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically in some cases through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are typically exempt from transient occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions may provide exemptions for properties under certain rental thresholds or for hosts who rent infrequently, though Macedonia's specific exemption structure follows standard Ohio municipal guidelines established around 2018-2020 when most cities updated their short-term rental tax codes.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Macedonia, Ohio would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the Macedonia area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $8,000-$12,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential HOA approvals would cost $500-$1,200. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would be $1,800-$2,400 annually. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would cost approximately $300-$400 monthly. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800-$2,400), cleaning supplies and services ($600-$900), maintenance reserves ($1,000), marketing ($300-$500), and platform fees would total $3,700-$4,800, bringing the complete startup investment to the estimated range.

Airbnb properties in Macedonia, Ohio typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, 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), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly). Profit margins for successful properties average 25-40%, with higher-end properties near Brandywine Falls or Cuyahoga Valley National Park achieving premium rates of $130-180 nightly during peak seasons. Success factors include proximity to Cleveland attractions (30-minute drive), professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and strategic pricing during events at nearby venues like Blossom Music Center. Properties with unique features such as hot tubs, fire pits, or modern renovations typically outperform basic listings by 20-30% in both occupancy rates (65-75% vs 45-55%) and nightly rates, with some investors reporting net annual profits of $8,000-$15,000 per property after all expenses in the Macedonia market as of 2023-2024.

Airbnb investments in Macedonia, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property location and management efficiency. Properties near Cuyahoga Valley National Park and downtown areas command higher nightly rates of $80-120, while suburban locations average $60-90 per night with 65-75% occupancy rates throughout the year. Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with startup costs including furnishing and marketing typically ranging $15,000-25,000 for a standard 2-3 bedroom home. The market benefits from proximity to Akron and Cleveland, attracting both business travelers and tourists, though seasonal fluctuations occur with peak performance during summer months and lower occupancy in winter, requiring investors to maintain 3-6 months of operating reserves for optimal cash flow management.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Macedonia, Ohio. Local real estate agents in the Macedonia area who specialize in investment properties include agents from Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast, RE/MAX Crossroads Properties, and Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, with many having experience in Summit County's vacation rental market since around 2018-2020. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and Mashvisor provide market analysis and property identification tools for Airbnb investments in Ohio markets. AirDNA offers detailed short-term rental market data for the Macedonia/Akron area, while companies like Vacasa and AvantStay provide full-service property management for investors. Local property management companies such as Cleveland Airbnb Management and Ohio Short Term Rentals have emerged since 2019 to serve the growing investor market. Real estate investment firms like BiggerPockets-connected agents and Roofstock have also facilitated Airbnb property acquisitions in the greater Cleveland-Akron corridor where Macedonia is located.