Is Medina, New York Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Medina, New York, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Orleans County and the Village of Medina offices, as short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in residential areas. Contact the Medina Building Department to obtain necessary permits, which typically include a certificate of occupancy for rental use and potentially a business license from the village clerk's office. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Medina's market, focusing on areas near the Erie Canal or historic downtown that attract tourists, with properties averaging $80,000-$150,000 for small homes or apartments. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, cable TV, kitchen basics, linens, and towels, sourcing items from nearby Rochester retailers like Wegmans, Target, or local furniture stores, budgeting approximately $3,000-$8,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos highlighting Medina's charm and proximity to attractions like the Erie Canal, Culvert Road Wildlife Management Area, and being 45 minutes from Rochester, pricing competitively at $60-$120 per night based on local market rates. Manage your property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies in the Rochester area if you're not local, while maintaining compliance with New York State tax requirements including collecting occupancy taxes and registering with the Department of Taxation and Finance.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Medina, New York, focus on locations within walking distance of the historic Erie Canal and downtown area, as well as properties near Medina Falls and local recreational areas that attract tourists year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or historic properties built between 1880-1920 that offer character and charm, with features like updated kitchens, multiple bathrooms, parking spaces, and outdoor areas for guests to enjoy. Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 10-mile radius, aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on property size and amenities, while calculating potential annual revenue of $15,000-35,000 after expenses. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings in Orleans County, identifying gaps in amenities or property types, and studying seasonal demand patterns related to canal tourism, fall foliage, and summer recreation activities. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market data, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including the Orleans County Tourism Office, Medina Chamber of Commerce, and local real estate agents familiar with the canal corridor market to understand zoning regulations, tourist patterns, and emerging development plans that could impact property values and rental demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Medina, New York, you must first contact the Orleans County Planning Department or Medina Village Hall at 10 Park Avenue, Medina, NY 14103, as short-term rentals typically fall under local zoning regulations. Required documents generally include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, general liability insurance policy (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental unit, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing on-site. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 with an annual renewal fee of approximately $100-200. You'll need to schedule inspections with the local fire department and building code enforcement, which may cost an additional $75-150 per inspection. The timeline typically takes 4-8 weeks from application submission to permit approval, depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Medina-specific requirements likely include compliance with residential zoning restrictions (STRs may only be permitted in certain zones), maximum occupancy limits based on square footage and bedrooms, mandatory smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, adequate parking provisions, and adherence to noise ordinances. You must also register with New York State for tax collection purposes and may need to comply with Orleans County health department regulations for properties accommodating more than four guests.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Medina, New York are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and state oversight. As a small village in Orleans County, Medina operates under New York State's broader STR framework which requires hosts to register with the state, collect occupancy taxes, and comply with safety standards including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The village likely regulates STRs through its zoning code, potentially restricting them in certain residential districts or requiring special permits for properties that exceed occupancy limits. Recent changes at the state level since 2021 have increased registration requirements and tax collection obligations, while some municipalities have implemented stricter local controls. Property owners in Medina should verify compliance with both village zoning ordinances and state registration requirements, as enforcement has become more stringent following legislative updates that gave localities more authority to regulate short-term rental operations within their boundaries.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Medina, New York include the historic downtown district near the Erie Canal, which attracts tourists interested in canal history and the Medina Railroad Museum, particularly during summer months when canal tourism peaks. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of Bent Oak Golf Course appeal to golf tourists and weekend visitors, while properties near Medina Memorial Hospital capture medical tourism and visiting family members of patients. The area around Oak Orchard State Marine Park draws fishing enthusiasts and boaters, especially during spring and fall fishing seasons, making waterfront or water-view properties particularly valuable. Properties close to the Medina Falls and Culvert Road area benefit from nature tourism and photography enthusiasts, while locations near major employers like Unicorn Industries and local agricultural businesses can capture business travelers and seasonal workers, though demand fluctuates with agricultural cycles and business conferences.

Airbnb properties in Medina, New York are subject to New York State sales tax at 4% and Orleans County sales tax at 4%, totaling 8% on lodging stays under 30 days, with these taxes typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the state through their tax collection agreement implemented around 2018. Additionally, there is a New York State occupancy tax of $2 per room per night for stays in commercial lodging facilities, though this may not apply to all residential Airbnb properties depending on classification. Local municipalities in Orleans County may impose additional occupancy taxes ranging from 1-3%, which would need to be collected and remitted directly by hosts to local tax authorities on a quarterly basis. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered residential rather than transient occupancy, and some exemptions may exist for certain government or charitable organization bookings, though hosts should verify current local requirements as tax obligations can vary based on property type, booking frequency, and local ordinances that may have been updated since 2020.

To start an Airbnb in Medina, New York, expect total costs around $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in this rural Orleans County community. Furnishing costs will run $8,000-$12,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and décor to create an appealing rental space. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations costs $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees total roughly $500-$800, covering short-term rental permits from Orleans County and any required business licenses. Insurance including liability coverage and property protection adds $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable cost approximately $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including cleaning supplies, maintenance, marketing, platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO, property management software, and contingency funds total $3,000-$5,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees if applicable and marketing budget for initial bookings, though Medina's location near the Erie Canal and proximity to Rochester and Buffalo provides good tourism potential for canal boat travelers and visitors exploring western New York's historic communities.

Airbnb properties in Medina, New York, a small rural town in Orleans County, face significant profitability challenges due to limited tourism demand and low nightly rates typically ranging from $75-120 compared to urban markets. Properties in this area generate average annual revenues of $8,000-15,000, while expenses including property taxes ($2,000-4,000), utilities ($1,800-2,400), cleaning fees ($1,200-2,000), insurance ($800-1,200), and maintenance ($1,500-3,000) often consume 60-75% of gross revenue, resulting in profit margins of 25-40% at best. Success factors include targeting seasonal visitors to nearby Niagara Falls (45 minutes away), marketing to business travelers visiting local agricultural operations, and maintaining extremely low operating costs through owner-management. Properties near Lake Ontario or with unique features like historic farmhouses perform better, with some achieving $20,000+ annual revenue, but the market remains constrained by Medina's population of under 6,000 and limited attractions. Most successful operators treat their Airbnb as supplemental income rather than primary investment vehicles, with break-even typically occurring in year 2-3 for properties purchased specifically for short-term rental purposes.

Airbnb investments in Medina, New York typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the area. Properties near Medina's historic downtown or close to Lake Ontario tend to perform better, with investors seeing profitability within 18-24 months of initial investment. The market benefits from seasonal tourism during summer months and fall foliage season, with average daily rates of $85-120 for well-appointed properties. Initial investment costs are relatively low compared to major metropolitan areas, with median property prices around $80,000-150,000, allowing for faster capital recovery. Occupancy rates typically range from 45-65% annually, with peak seasons achieving 70-80% occupancy, and investors can expect to break even on their initial down payment and renovation costs within 2-3 years while building long-term equity appreciation of 3-5% annually in this stable Western New York market.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Medina, New York, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in the Medina area include Century 21 Turner Brokers and Hunt Real Estate ERA, both established in the 1970s and offering investment property expertise. National services like Awning (founded 2017), RedAwning (established 2011), and AirDNA (launched 2015) provide market data, property management, and investment analysis specifically for short-term rental properties in upstate New York markets. Mashvisor, a real estate investment platform founded in 2014, offers Airbnb profitability calculators and market insights for Medina properties, while BiggerPockets, established in 2004, connects investors with local professionals experienced in vacation rental investments. Local property management companies such as Vacasa (founded 2009) and regional firms like Western New York Property Management help investors optimize their Airbnb operations in Medina, handling everything from guest communications to property maintenance to maximize rental income in this growing short-term rental market.