Is Pompey, New York Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Pompey, New York, begin by researching Onondaga County and Town of Pompey zoning regulations, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific residential use categories - contact the Pompey Town Clerk at (315) 677-3674 to verify current ordinances and obtain necessary permits which typically cost $50-200. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Howard Hanna or Century 21, focusing on homes near Pompey Center or Green Lakes State Park area where properties range $150,000-400,000. Obtain required permits including a Certificate of Occupancy if needed, fire safety inspection, and register for New York State sales tax collection through the Department of Taxation and Finance. Furnish the property with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, linens, kitchen supplies, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Syracuse University (20 minutes away) and outdoor attractions like Green Lakes, setting competitive rates around $80-150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, and maintaining compliance with New York's short-term rental tax requirements including collecting 8% state sales tax plus 4% local occupancy tax in Onondaga County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Pompey, New York, focus on locations near Skaneateles Lake (within 5-10 minutes drive) as this area attracts summer tourists and weekend visitors from Syracuse and Rochester metropolitan areas. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or lakefront cottages with amenities like waterfront access, docks, fire pits, and modern kitchens, as these command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak season (May-September) compared to $100-150 in off-season. Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 15-mile radius including Skaneateles village, noting that lakefront properties typically achieve 60-75% occupancy rates while inland properties see 40-55%. Research competition by monitoring listings in Skaneateles, Marcellus, and Auburn to identify pricing gaps and underserved niches like pet-friendly or family reunion properties. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources including the Onondaga County tourism board data, Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce visitor statistics, and MLS data from regional realtors like Howard Hanna or Coldwell Banker to identify properties under $300,000 that can generate 15-25% annual returns through strategic positioning in this seasonal lake market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Pompey, New York, you must first contact the Onondaga County Planning Department and the Town of Pompey Building Department as this rural town likely falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations. Begin by submitting an application to the Town Clerk's office at 8354 Seneca Turnpike, Pompey, NY 13138, along with required documents including property deed, certificate of occupancy, floor plans, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), fire safety inspection certificate, and septic system inspection if applicable. You'll need to pay an estimated application fee of $150-300 plus annual renewal fees of approximately $100-200. The property must comply with zoning requirements (likely residential zones only), maintain adequate parking for guests, meet fire safety codes including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and pass health department inspection for septic systems. Submit a site plan showing the rental unit location, parking areas, and emergency exits. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days depending on inspection scheduling and document completeness. Contact the Onondaga County Health Department at (315) 435-3252 for septic requirements and the Town of Pompey at (315) 677-3674 to confirm current regulations, as requirements may have been updated since 2023 due to increasing STR activity in Central New York.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Pompey, New York are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and New York State laws. As a small town in Onondaga County, Pompey does not appear to have specific STR ordinances as of 2023, meaning they likely fall under general residential use regulations and must comply with state requirements including registration, tax collection, and safety standards. Property owners must ensure compliance with local zoning laws that may restrict commercial activities in residential areas, obtain necessary permits, and register with New York State for tax purposes. Recent statewide changes in 2022-2023 have increased oversight requirements for platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, mandating better data sharing with local authorities. While not explicitly prohibited in most residential zones, STR operators should verify with Pompey's code enforcement office and may face restrictions in certain zoning districts or if they create nuisance issues for neighbors.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Pompey, New York include the historic downtown district near the village center, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and proximity to local restaurants and shops. The lakefront areas around Oneida Lake are highly desirable for seasonal tourism, particularly during summer months when guests seek waterfront activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. Properties near the Pompey Hill area offer scenic views and attract nature enthusiasts and hikers exploring the region's trails. The Route 20 corridor provides good accessibility for business travelers and tourists passing through central New York, while areas close to nearby colleges like Colgate University (about 20 minutes away) can capture parent visits and academic-related travel. Properties within walking distance of local attractions like the Pompey Historical Society and seasonal events draw heritage tourists, and locations with easy access to Syracuse (approximately 30 minutes) appeal to visitors who want a quieter base while exploring the larger metropolitan area's business districts, universities, and cultural attractions.

Airbnb properties in Pompey, New York are subject to New York State sales tax at 4% and Onondaga County sales tax at 4%, totaling 8% on rental stays less than 30 days, which applies to most short-term rental bookings. The state considers short-term rentals as taxable accommodations similar to hotels, and hosts must register for a Certificate of Authority with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to collect and remit these taxes quarterly using form ST-100. Onondaga County requires separate registration and quarterly filing of county sales tax returns, with payments due by the 20th of the month following each quarter. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts in some cases through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify collection with their local tax authorities. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these occupancy taxes as they're considered residential rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain exemptions may apply for government employees or other qualifying guests, though documentation must be maintained for audit purposes.

Starting an Airbnb in Pompey, New York requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000-180,000 based on median home prices in this rural Onondaga County area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $8,000-12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and basic appliances. Initial setup expenses of $1,500-2,500 cover professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic technology like smart locks and WiFi equipment. Permits and fees total approximately $500-800, including short-term rental permits from Onondaga County and potential town licensing requirements. Insurance costs around $1,200-1,800 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits require $300-500 for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($600-900), cleaning services ($1,800-2,400), supplies and maintenance ($800-1,200), property management software ($300-600), and marketing expenses ($400-600) total approximately $4,000-6,000, bringing the complete startup investment to roughly $180,000-220,000 depending on property condition and furnishing quality choices.

Airbnb properties in Pompey, New York, a small town in Onondaga County, typically generate modest returns due to limited tourism demand and lower nightly rates compared to major metropolitan areas. Properties in this rural market generally command $75-120 per night with occupancy rates around 40-55% annually, resulting in gross revenues of $12,000-24,000 per year for a typical 2-3 bedroom property. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance typically consume 50-65% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins of 35-50% or approximately $4,200-12,000 annually. Success factors in this market include proximity to Skaneateles Lake recreational activities, competitive pricing during peak summer months, and targeting family groups or corporate travelers visiting nearby Syracuse businesses. Properties within 10 miles of Skaneateles Lake or featuring unique amenities like hot tubs or game rooms tend to achieve 10-20% higher occupancy rates, while those marketed for winter activities near Greek Peak Mountain Resort can extend profitable seasons beyond traditional summer peaks.

Airbnb investments in Pompey, 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. Single-family homes and small multi-unit properties near Onondaga Lake or with proximity to Syracuse (approximately 15 miles away) tend to perform better, with investors like Vacasa and RedAwning reporting stronger returns in similar upstate markets. Properties generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with initial investment recovery timeframes of 3-4 years based on current rental rates of $80-150 per night and occupancy rates of 45-65% annually. The market benefits from seasonal tourism, outdoor recreation activities, and overflow demand from Syracuse business travelers, though winter months typically see 20-30% lower occupancy rates, requiring investors to factor in seasonal cash flow variations when calculating returns.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Pompey, New York, offering market analysis and investment tools. Local real estate agents in the Syracuse metropolitan area who specialize in Airbnb investments include Century 21 agents familiar with Onondaga County properties, Coldwell Banker representatives with vacation rental expertise, and independent agents like those at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services who understand the Finger Lakes region market. National services include AirDNA for market data analysis, Mashvisor for property investment analytics, and BiggerPockets for networking with other investors. Regional companies such as Upstate New York Property Management and CNY Vacation Rentals provide property management services for Airbnb investors. Additional local resources include real estate agents at RE/MAX and Keller Williams offices in nearby Syracuse who have experience with investment properties in rural New York markets. RedAwning and Vacasa also offer property management and optimization services for short-term rentals in the Central New York region, while companies like AvantStay focus on premium vacation rental management in emerging markets like the Pompey area.