Is Manzanita, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Manzanita, Oregon, begin by researching local regulations through Tillamook County and the City of Manzanita, as the area requires short-term rental permits and has specific zoning restrictions limiting rentals to certain residential areas. Contact Tillamook County Planning Department to obtain a Transient Rental Unit (TRU) permit, which typically costs $200-400 annually and requires property inspections, parking compliance, and neighbor notification processes. Find a suitable property within approved zones, focusing on areas near the beach or downtown that allow short-term rentals, with properties ranging from $400,000-800,000 for typical beach homes. Secure proper insurance coverage including commercial liability and short-term rental protection, then furnish the property with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities like linens, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and outdoor equipment suitable for beach activities. Register for Oregon state taxes and Tillamook County's transient occupancy tax (typically 9-12% combined), then create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photography highlighting ocean proximity and local attractions like Neahkahnie Mountain. Implement management systems including 24/7 guest communication, professional cleaning services between stays, key exchange solutions, and partnerships with local maintenance providers to handle the seasonal influx of visitors drawn to Manzanita's seven-mile beach and proximity to Cannon Beach.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Manzanita, Oregon, focus on locations within 2-3 blocks of the beach, particularly properties with ocean views or easy beach access along streets like Laneda Avenue or residential areas near Neahkahnie Beach. Target 2-4 bedroom homes built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, parking for multiple vehicles, and pet-friendly features since many visitors travel with dogs. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in the $150-400 per night range depending on size and proximity to beach, with peak summer rates 40-60% higher than off-season. Study competition using AirDNA, STR Helper, or AllTheRooms to assess occupancy rates (typically 60-75% for well-positioned properties), average daily rates, and seasonal demand patterns. Utilize Zillow, Redfin, and local MLS data for property acquisition costs, while checking Manzanita's municipal code for STR regulations and permit requirements. Consider properties near popular attractions like the Manzanita Beach State Recreation Area, local restaurants, and hiking trails to Neahkahnie Mountain, as these locations command premium rates and higher occupancy due to the town's appeal as a quiet coastal retreat for Portland and Seattle visitors seeking alternatives to busier destinations like Cannon Beach.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Manzanita, Oregon, you must first contact the City of Manzanita Planning Department at City Hall located at 543 Laneda Avenue, as the city requires a Transient Rental License for all short-term rentals operating less than 30 days. Required documents include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, septic system approval if applicable, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage naming the city as additional insured. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with an annual renewal fee of $150-200, and you must also obtain a business license from the city for an additional $50-75. The approval timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks for processing, during which the city may conduct a site inspection to verify compliance with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and safety standards. Manzanita-specific requirements include maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, minimum 2 off-street parking spaces, quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and compliance with the city's Good Neighbor Policy which requires providing guests with local contact information and house rules. You must also register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for transient lodging tax collection and remit both state and local lodging taxes, with Tillamook County collecting an additional 9% transient room tax.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Manzanita, Oregon, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. Manzanita allows STRs in residential zones with required permits and business licenses, though the city has implemented caps on the total number of STR permits to manage housing availability and community character. Property owners must obtain a transient lodging license, comply with occupancy limits typically based on bedrooms plus two additional guests, maintain parking requirements, and follow noise ordinances and waste management protocols. The city prohibits STRs in certain residential areas to preserve neighborhood stability and requires a minimum stay of typically two nights. Recent changes around 2019-2021 included stricter enforcement mechanisms, updated permit renewal processes, and enhanced neighbor notification requirements. Manzanita's regulations reflect the coastal community's effort to balance tourism revenue with housing affordability concerns, as STRs compete with long-term rental housing in this popular beach destination along the Oregon coast.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Manzanita, Oregon are the beachfront neighborhoods along Neahkahnie Beach Road and Ocean Road, which offer direct beach access and stunning ocean views that command premium rates year-round from tourists seeking coastal getaways. The Neahkahnie Mountain area provides unique mountain-to-ocean properties that attract nature enthusiasts and hikers exploring the scenic trails, particularly popular during summer and fall seasons. The central village area near Laneda Avenue offers walkable access to local restaurants, shops, and the beach, making it ideal for families and couples who prefer convenience without needing rental cars. Properties near Nehalem Bay State Park benefit from consistent demand from RV travelers, campers, and fishing enthusiasts who prefer upgraded accommodations, especially during salmon runs and crabbing seasons from spring through fall. The residential neighborhoods between Highway 101 and the beach, particularly around Carmel Street and Pacific Avenue, provide a sweet spot of affordability while maintaining close beach proximity, attracting budget-conscious families and groups during peak summer months and storm-watching enthusiasts in winter.

Airbnb properties in Manzanita, Oregon are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Oregon's state transient lodging tax of 1.8% on gross rental receipts, Tillamook County's transient lodging tax of 7% (which includes a 5% county tourism promotion tax and 2% county general fund tax), and the City of Manzanita's transient lodging tax of 9%, resulting in a combined rate of approximately 17.8% on short-term rental bookings. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system for the state and local portions, with remittance handled quarterly to the Oregon Department of Revenue and monthly to Tillamook County and the City of Manzanita. Property owners must register with each taxing jurisdiction, obtain transient lodging tax permits, and file returns even when Airbnb collects the taxes, with backup responsibility for payment if the platform fails to remit properly. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings, though hosts remain responsible for determining exemption eligibility and maintaining proper documentation for tax compliance purposes.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Manzanita, Oregon would be approximately $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at around $550,000-$650,000 for a median-priced home near the coast suitable for vacation rental. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and coastal-themed decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies run $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Clatsop County include vacation rental permits ($500-$1,000), business licenses ($200-$500), and potential HOA approvals. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$4,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities including electricity, water, sewer, garbage, internet, and cable average $300-$500 monthly. First six months operating costs encompass utilities ($1,800-$3,000), cleaning services between guests ($150-$200 per turnover, estimated 24 turnovers = $3,600-$4,800), maintenance and repairs ($2,000-$3,000), property management if outsourced (20-30% of revenue, approximately $8,000-$15,000), marketing and platform fees (3-5% of bookings), and miscellaneous supplies and amenities ($1,000-$2,000), totaling approximately $16,400-$27,800 for the initial six-month period.

Airbnb properties in Manzanita, Oregon demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $180-350 depending on proximity to the beach and property size, generating annual revenues of $45,000-85,000 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 10-15% for property management fees, 8-12% for utilities and supplies, and 3-5% for Airbnb service fees, resulting in net profit margins of 35-45% for most properties. Success factors include oceanfront or ocean-view locations which command premium rates, modern amenities like hot tubs and updated kitchens, professional photography and responsive guest communication, and strategic pricing during peak summer months and storm-watching season. Properties within walking distance of Nehalem Bay State Park and the beach consistently outperform inland rentals by 20-30% in both occupancy and nightly rates, with some luxury beachfront homes achieving gross revenues exceeding $120,000 annually while maintaining profit margins above 40% after accounting for higher property taxes and maintenance costs associated with coastal properties.

Airbnb investments in Manzanita, Oregon typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15%, driven by the town's proximity to Nehalem Bay State Park and consistent coastal tourism demand. Properties within walking distance of the beach command premium nightly rates of $200-350 during peak summer months (June-September) and $120-180 in shoulder seasons, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with vacation rental management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning reporting strong performance metrics for Manzanita listings. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and Oregon's tourism growth, with coastal properties appreciating 6-8% annually since 2019, though investors should factor in seasonal revenue fluctuations and Oregon's short-term rental regulations when calculating returns.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors, including in Manzanita, Oregon. Local real estate agents serving the Manzanita area include Prudential Real Estate Professionals, Windermere Real Estate, and Century 21 Agate Realty, with agents like those at Coastal Oregon Real Estate having specific expertise in vacation rental properties along the Oregon coast. National services that help investors find Airbnb properties include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, and BiggerPockets for networking and deal sourcing. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services that can help investors identify profitable rental opportunities in the area. Local property management companies like Manzanita Rental Company and Oregon Beach Vacations often have insights into which properties perform well as short-term rentals. Additional national platforms include Roofstock, which occasionally features vacation rental properties, and local Oregon-based investment groups that focus on coastal rental properties typically network through regional real estate investment associations established around 2010-2015.