Is Roxbury, New Jersey Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Roxbury, New Jersey, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Roxbury Township Planning Department, as Morris County municipalities typically require short-term rental permits and may have restrictions on residential zones. Contact Roxbury Township Hall at (973) 448-2000 to obtain necessary business licenses, short-term rental permits, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits, which often require smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exit plans. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Lake Hopatcong or downtown Succasunna, considering proximity to attractions like Hopatcong State Park and accessibility to Route 80 for New York City commuters. Purchase essential furnishings including quality mattresses, linens, basic kitchen appliances, WiFi equipment, and safety items while ensuring the space meets New Jersey's habitability standards. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting nearby attractions like the Morris Canal and Lake Hopatcong, set competitive pricing based on seasonal demand (higher rates during summer lake season), and write detailed descriptions mentioning proximity to skiing at Mountain Creek (30 minutes) and NYC access. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, maintaining property insurance that covers short-term rentals, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes since New Jersey requires collection of state sales tax and local occupancy taxes where applicable.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Roxbury, New Jersey, focus on locations near Lake Hopatcong (New Jersey's largest lake), Horseshoe Lake, and proximity to major highways like Route 80 for easy access to New York City markets. Target properties with 3-4 bedrooms, waterfront or water-view access, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and parking for multiple vehicles since many guests will drive from urban areas. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate average daily rates ($150-250 estimated for lakefront properties), occupancy rates (typically 60-70% in summer months), and seasonal demand patterns, with peak seasons being summer months and fall foliage periods. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within 5-mile radius, focusing on properties near recreational areas, and identify gaps in amenities or property types. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Zillow or Realtor.com, while connecting with local real estate agents familiar with Morris County vacation rental regulations and township zoning laws, and consider proximity to attractions like Waterloo Village, Allamuchy Mountain State Park, and seasonal activities that drive tourism to the area.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Roxbury, New Jersey, you must first contact the Roxbury Township Planning and Zoning Department at 973-448-2000 or visit their offices at 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood, NJ 07852 to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the township has specific regulations regarding rental properties. You'll need to submit a zoning permit application along with required documents including property deed, site plan showing parking areas, floor plans indicating maximum occupancy, proof of homeowner's insurance with commercial liability coverage, fire safety inspection certificate from the Roxbury Fire Department, and a detailed operating plan describing guest management procedures. The application fee is typically $150-200 for the zoning permit plus additional fees for required inspections, with fire department inspection fees around $75-100. You must also register with the New Jersey Division of Taxation for sales tax collection and obtain a Certificate of Authority if gross receipts exceed $20,000 annually. The approval timeline generally takes 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, pending zoning board review and required inspections. Roxbury requires STR properties to maintain adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), comply with maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and septic capacity, maintain 24/7 local contact information for emergencies, and ensure properties meet all building and fire codes with working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Roxbury, New Jersey operate under local municipal regulations, and as of recent years, the township has implemented restrictions on STR operations. Roxbury Township requires STR operators to obtain proper licensing and permits, with regulations typically including occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions to maintain neighborhood character. The township has designated certain residential zones where STRs may be permitted while potentially prohibiting them in other areas or requiring special use permits. Recent legal changes around 2020-2022 have seen Roxbury, like many New Jersey municipalities, tightening regulations on STRs due to concerns about housing availability and neighborhood impacts, with requirements for annual licensing, safety inspections, and compliance with fire and building codes. Property owners must register with the township, pay applicable fees, and ensure their STR operations comply with zoning ordinances, with violations potentially resulting in fines or permit revocation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Roxbury, New Jersey include the Lake Hopatcong vicinity, particularly around Landing and the waterfront areas, which attract summer tourists and weekend visitors due to New Jersey's largest lake offering boating, fishing, and recreational activities from May through September. The Succasunna section near Route 10 and Interstate 80 provides excellent access for business travelers commuting to New York City and northern New Jersey corporate centers, with properties here benefiting from year-round demand. The historic Ledgewood area appeals to visitors exploring Morris County's colonial heritage and those attending events at nearby venues like the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown. Properties near Horseshoe Lake offer a quieter lakefront experience for families and couples seeking weekend retreats, while areas close to the Roxbury Township recreational facilities and parks attract sports tournament participants and outdoor enthusiasts visiting attractions like the Patriots' Path trail system.

Airbnb properties in Roxbury, New Jersey are subject to New Jersey's state sales tax of 6.625% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 90 days and is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the New Jersey Division of Taxation if monthly collections exceed $500. Additionally, hosts must collect the state occupancy fee of $5 per room per night for the first 90 days of occupancy, which is also remitted to the state. Morris County, where Roxbury is located, does not impose a separate county lodging tax as of 2023. Roxbury Township itself does not currently impose a municipal occupancy tax on short-term rentals, though hosts must register their properties and obtain proper licensing through the township's zoning office. Hosts are required to register for tax collection purposes with the New Jersey Division of Taxation, file returns monthly or quarterly depending on volume, and maintain detailed records of all transactions. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 90 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain properties used for permanent residence purposes may be exempt from the occupancy fee but not the sales tax component.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Roxbury, New Jersey is approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase costs around $400,000-$450,000 based on median home prices in Morris County. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, smart locks, and welcome amenities total $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business registration, short-term rental permits, and potential township licensing run $500-$1,500 annually. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $2,000-$3,000 per year above standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000 assuming 60-70% occupancy rates and $150-$200 nightly rates typical for the area.

Airbnb properties in Roxbury, New Jersey typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $80-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in the area reporting annual profits of $8,000-$18,000 on properties valued between $300,000-$500,000. Success factors include proximity to Lake Hopatcong recreational activities, competitive pricing during peak summer months (June-August), professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and strategic marketing to New York City weekend travelers seeking rural retreats. Properties with hot tubs, lake access, or unique amenities like fire pits command premium rates and achieve 65-80% occupancy rates compared to 45-60% for basic listings, with top-performing hosts like those managing lakefront cabins reporting ROI of 6-12% annually when factoring in property appreciation and tax benefits.

Airbnb investments in Roxbury, New Jersey typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in Roxbury benefit from proximity to New York City (approximately 45 miles west) and outdoor recreation areas like Lake Hopatcong, attracting both business travelers and weekend vacationers. Average daily rates range from $120-180 depending on property size and amenities, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 7-10 years, with monthly gross rental income averaging $2,500-4,000 for a typical 3-bedroom property. The timeframe to profitability is generally 18-24 months after accounting for initial setup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. Properties near Lake Hopatcong or with unique amenities tend to achieve the higher end of these ROI ranges, while standard residential properties perform closer to the lower estimates.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Roxbury, New Jersey. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Century 21 Gemini in nearby Succasunna and Keller Williams Village Square Realty in Flanders, both serving the Morris County area where Roxbury is located. RE/MAX Countryside in Ledgewood and Weichert Realtors in Randolph also work with investors seeking vacation rental properties in the region. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and RedAwning for turnkey Airbnb investment opportunities. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, while companies like Awning and AvantStay offer full-service Airbnb investment management. Local property management companies such as Morris County Property Management and Summit Property Management Group can assist with ongoing operations, and vacation rental management specialists like VTrips and Vacasa provide comprehensive hosting services for investors in the Roxbury area.