Is Old Forge, New York Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Old Forge, New York, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Town of Webb (which governs Old Forge) planning department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific zoning restrictions in this Adirondack Park community. Contact the Town of Webb clerk's office at (315) 369-6661 to understand permit requirements, which typically include a business license, certificate of occupancy, and potentially a short-term rental permit with fees ranging from $100-300 annually. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Old Forge's seasonal market, focusing on properties near popular attractions like the Fulton Chain of Lakes, with prices ranging from $200,000-600,000 depending on size and location. Ensure the property meets New York State fire safety codes by installing proper smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exits, and consider hiring a local inspector for compliance verification. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture suitable for the outdoor recreation clientele, including essentials like linens, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and outdoor gear storage, budgeting approximately $15,000-25,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos showcasing the property's proximity to snowmobile trails, hiking, and lake activities, setting competitive rates based on Old Forge's seasonal demand (peak summer and winter months at $150-300/night, off-season at $75-150/night). Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance providers, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or AvantStay if you're not local, while maintaining compliance with New York's short-term rental tax requirements and remitting appropriate occupancy taxes to Hamilton County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Old Forge, New York, focus on locations within 1-2 miles of Fourth Lake and the Adirondack region's recreational areas, as proximity to water activities, hiking trails, and winter sports drives year-round demand. Target 3-4 bedroom cabins or lakefront properties with amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, boat docks, and outdoor spaces that accommodate 6-10 guests, as families and groups visiting for outdoor recreation represent the primary market. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, aiming for average daily rates of $200-400 depending on size and lakefront access, with peak seasons during summer months (June-August) and winter snowmobile season (December-March). Research competition by studying existing STR listings within a 5-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or property types, and noting occupancy rates typically range 60-75% for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like Rabbu for market analysis, STR Helper for performance tracking, and local resources including the Old Forge Tourism office and Adirondack Regional Tourism Council for seasonal demand patterns, while monitoring Hamilton County's STR regulations and tax requirements to ensure compliance in this tourism-dependent market where properties near snowmobile trails and lake access command premium rates.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Old Forge, New York, you must first contact the Town of Webb Planning Department at 315-369-6661 or visit their office at 3140 NY-28, Old Forge, NY 13420, as Old Forge falls under Webb's jurisdiction. 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, septic system inspection (if applicable), and fire safety inspection certificate. Required documents also include a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, parking plan showing adequate spaces, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. The application fee is approximately $150-250 with an additional $75 annual renewal fee. The review process typically takes 4-6 weeks and includes a site inspection by code enforcement officers. Specific Old Forge requirements include maintaining a maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring compliance with septic capacity limits, maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, and having a local contact person available 24/7 within 30 minutes of the property. Properties must also meet all building and fire codes, have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and display the permit number in all advertising.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Old Forge, New York are generally legal but operate under local zoning regulations and state requirements. The Town of Webb, which encompasses Old Forge, allows STRs in residential areas but requires compliance with local zoning ordinances and building codes. Property owners must register with New York State and collect applicable taxes including state and local occupancy taxes. The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) regulations may also apply since Old Forge is within the Adirondack Park, potentially requiring additional permits for certain properties or modifications. Recent changes around 2019-2021 included stricter state-level registration requirements and enhanced tax collection mechanisms. Local restrictions typically include occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances, with some areas near the lake or in specific residential zones having additional constraints. The town has generally maintained a welcoming stance toward STRs given their importance to the local tourism economy, but property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits before operating.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Old Forge, New York are the Fulton Chain Lakes waterfront district, particularly around First through Fourth Lakes, which attracts summer tourists for boating, fishing, and water recreation from May through September. The downtown Main Street corridor near the Enchanted Forest Water Safari theme park is highly desirable due to its proximity to the major tourist attraction that draws families from across the Northeast, especially during peak summer months. The Thendara area, adjacent to the Adirondack Scenic Railroad terminus, offers strong potential for visitors taking scenic train rides and accessing hiking trails in the Adirondack Park. Properties near the Old Forge Lake and along South Shore Road command premium rates during winter months due to snowmobile trail access, as Old Forge serves as a hub for the extensive Central Adirondack snowmobile trail system. The Arts Center district benefits from cultural tourism and events throughout the year, while areas near McCauley Mountain provide year-round appeal for both summer hiking and winter skiing activities, making these neighborhoods attractive for investors seeking consistent occupancy across multiple seasons.

In Old Forge, New York, Airbnb hosts are subject to New York State sales tax of 8% on lodging rentals, plus an additional local occupancy tax that varies by county - Herkimer County typically imposes a 3-4% occupancy tax, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 11-12% on short-term rental income. These taxes are collected either directly by Airbnb through their automatic tax collection service for participating jurisdictions, or must be collected by hosts from guests and remitted quarterly to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance using Form ST-100 for state sales tax and separate forms for local occupancy taxes to the county tax collector. Hosts must register for a Certificate of Authority to collect sales tax and obtain any required local permits from the Town of Webb or relevant municipality. Exemptions typically apply to rentals of less than 14 days per year for personal use properties, rentals to permanent residents (28+ days), and in some cases government employees or certain non-profit organizations, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as regulations have evolved significantly since 2019-2023 with increased enforcement and compliance requirements for short-term rental platforms.

To start an Airbnb in Old Forge, New York, expect total costs around $285,000-$350,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $200,000-$275,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom home or cabin suitable for vacation rentals in this Adirondack region. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor equipment appropriate for the area's recreational activities. Initial setup costs of $3,000-$5,000 cover professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic technology like smart locks and WiFi upgrades. Permits and fees total approximately $1,500-$3,000 including short-term rental permits from the town, potential zoning approvals, business registration, and tax setup. Insurance costs $2,000-$4,000 annually for specialized short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities including electricity, heating, water, internet, and cable average $400-$600 monthly in this climate. First six months operating costs of $8,000-$12,000 include utilities, cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO, marketing, and property management if outsourced, while accounting for seasonal occupancy variations typical in this tourist destination known for outdoor recreation and proximity to the Fulton Chain of Lakes.

Airbnb properties in Old Forge, New York, demonstrate moderate to strong profitability potential, particularly during peak summer and winter seasons when tourists visit the Adirondack region for outdoor activities and lake recreation. Properties typically generate $15,000-$45,000 annually in gross revenue, with lakefront cabins and larger homes commanding premium rates of $150-$350 per night during peak season (June-August and December-February), while off-season rates drop to $75-$150 per night. Operating expenses generally range from 35-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$3,000 annually), maintenance, and local taxes. Successful properties often achieve net profit margins of 25-40%, with a 3-bedroom lakefront cabin potentially netting $18,000-$25,000 annually on $50,000 gross revenue. Key success factors include proximity to Fourth Lake or other water bodies, modern amenities like hot tubs and fire pits, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and strategic pricing that capitalizes on local events like the Adirondack Experience museum activities and seasonal festivals. Properties within walking distance of downtown Old Forge or with private lake access consistently outperform those requiring drives to attractions, with occupancy rates ranging from 60-85% depending on location and property quality.

Airbnb investments in Old Forge, New York typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's strong seasonal tourism driven by the Adirondack Mountains recreation activities. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near Fulton Chain Lakes commanding premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak summer and fall seasons. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average property acquisition costs of $200,000-350,000 and annual gross rental income potential of $25,000-45,000. The market benefits from consistent demand from outdoor enthusiasts visiting for hiking, fishing, and winter sports, though occupancy rates fluctuate significantly between peak summer months (70-85% occupancy) and off-season periods (25-40% occupancy). Properties with waterfront access or proximity to snowmobile trails typically outperform the market average by 15-20%, while standard cabins and homes maintain steady performance with break-even points occurring around month 20-26 of operation.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Old Forge, New York. Local real estate agents like Adirondack Premier Properties and Moose River Realty have extensive knowledge of the Old Forge vacation rental market and work with investors seeking Airbnb properties near popular attractions like Enchanted Forest Water Safari and Fulton Chain Lakes. National services including Awning, Mashvisor, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools specifically for short-term rental investments in the Adirondack region. Regional companies such as Adirondack Real Estate Group and Century 21 Sbarra & Wells have agents experienced in vacation rental property transactions in the Old Forge area. Additional services like RedAwning, Vacasa, and local property management companies such as Adirondack Vacation Rentals assist investors not only in finding properties but also in managing them once purchased, offering comprehensive solutions for those looking to enter the profitable Old Forge Airbnb market which benefits from year-round tourism including winter snowmobiling and summer lake activities.