Is Schroon Lake, New York Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Schroon Lake, New York, begin by researching local regulations through the Town of Schroon and Adirondack Park Agency, as properties within the Adirondack Park require special permits and must comply with land use regulations established around 1971. Contact the Town Clerk's office to obtain necessary permits including a short-term rental permit, business license, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and septic system requirements typical for lakefront properties. Find a suitable property near Schroon Lake, focusing on waterfront or lake-view homes that attract tourists visiting the Adirondack region, with prices ranging from $200,000-$800,000 depending on location and size. Furnish the property with rustic Adirondack-style furniture, outdoor equipment like kayaks and fishing gear, and ensure reliable Wi-Fi since cell service can be spotty in the mountains. Create your listing on Airbnb and VRBO highlighting lake access, nearby hiking trails, and proximity to attractions like Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, pricing competitively at $150-400 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in Schroon Lake village, coordinate with companies like Adirondack Property Management for maintenance, ensure compliance with New York State tax collection requirements including occupancy taxes, and maintain the property year-round considering harsh winter conditions that may require seasonal closures or winterization procedures.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Schroon Lake, New York, focus on waterfront or water-view locations within walking distance of Schroon Lake itself, as these command premium rates year-round with peak demand during summer months (June-September) and winter activities season. Target 3-4 bedroom properties with amenities like docks, fire pits, hot tubs, and modern kitchens, as families and groups seeking lake vacations drive the highest revenue per booking. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, expecting average daily rates of $200-400 for waterfront homes and $150-250 for non-waterfront properties, with occupancy rates typically 60-75% during peak season. Research competition through Airbnb, VRBO, and local property management companies like Adirondack Premier Properties to identify market gaps and optimal pricing strategies. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local Facebook groups such as "Schroon Lake Community" for market insights, while partnering with local real estate agents familiar with the Adirondack region's seasonal rental regulations and connecting with property management companies that specialize in the Route 9 corridor between Lake George and Lake Placid to maximize your investment potential.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Schroon Lake, New York, you must first contact the Schroon Lake Town Clerk's office at the Town Hall located on Main Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations and obtain the necessary application forms. You'll need to submit a completed STR permit application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), septic system inspection certificate if applicable, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $100-200. Submit all documents to the Town Clerk along with payment, after which the code enforcement officer will schedule a property inspection to ensure compliance with fire safety, building codes, and occupancy limits. Schroon Lake specifically requires STR properties to maintain adequate parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), comply with noise ordinances, post maximum occupancy limits visibly, and provide neighbors with emergency contact information. The approval timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission, and permits must be renewed annually. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all online listings and maintain compliance with ongoing requirements including guest registration logs and adherence to the town's 10 PM quiet hours policy.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Schroon Lake, New York operate under a complex regulatory framework that has evolved significantly since 2019. The Town of Schroon allows STRs but requires property owners to obtain special use permits and comply with strict regulations including occupancy limits, parking requirements, noise restrictions, and mandatory registration with the town. Properties must maintain adequate septic systems and water supplies, with occupancy typically limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. STRs are prohibited in certain residential zones and must be owner-occupied or have a local property manager available 24/7. The town implemented these regulations around 2020-2021 following community concerns about impacts on housing availability and neighborhood character. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per day, and the town actively monitors compliance through complaint-driven enforcement. Recent changes include stricter enforcement mechanisms and enhanced registration requirements, with the town requiring annual permit renewals and proof of insurance coverage.

The most attractive areas for Airbnb investment in Schroon Lake, New York include the lakefront properties along Schroon Lake's eastern and western shores, particularly near the village center where guests have easy access to restaurants, shops, and boat launches, making these prime locations for summer tourism and water recreation enthusiasts. The Adirondack Northway (I-87) corridor properties offer excellent accessibility for travelers heading to and from major cities like Albany and Montreal, attracting both leisure tourists and business travelers passing through the region. The areas near Schroon Lake Beach and the public boat launch on Route 9 are highly desirable due to proximity to swimming, fishing, and boating activities that drive peak summer rental demand from families and outdoor recreation groups. Properties in the historic village district benefit from walkability to local amenities and the charming small-town atmosphere that appeals to couples and families seeking authentic Adirondack experiences. The northern sections near Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area attract hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers year-round, while properties with mountain views toward the High Peaks region command premium rates due to the scenic backdrop and proximity to world-class hiking and camping destinations that draw visitors from major metropolitan areas throughout the Northeast.

In Schroon Lake, New York, Airbnb hosts are subject to New York State sales tax at 4% plus local sales tax which varies by county but typically ranges from 3-4.75%, resulting in a combined rate of approximately 7-8.75% on rental stays under 30 days. Additionally, hosts must collect the state's hotel/motel tax of $2 per room per night for stays in the Adirondack region. Essex County, where Schroon Lake is located, may impose an additional occupancy tax of 2-3% on short-term rentals. These taxes are collected directly from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's platform in most cases, as Airbnb has agreements with New York State to automatically collect and remit sales tax since 2018. However, hosts remain responsible for registering with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, obtaining a Certificate of Authority, and filing quarterly returns (Form ST-100) even when Airbnb collects the tax. Local occupancy taxes may require separate registration and remittance directly to Essex County. Exemptions typically apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain government or charitable organization bookings may also be exempt with proper documentation.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Schroon Lake, New York is approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase costs around $350,000-$425,000 based on median lakefront and near-lake property prices in the Adirondack region. Furnishing costs range from $25,000-$35,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor gear appropriate for the lake setting. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations total $8,000-$12,000. Permits and fees including short-term rental permits, business licenses, and potential HOA approvals cost $2,000-$4,000 annually. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental protection runs $3,500-$5,000 yearly. Utilities including electricity, water, sewer, internet, cable, and seasonal heating average $4,800-$7,200 annually. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, marketing, platform fees, and property management total $12,000-$18,000. Additional considerations include seasonal winterization costs and higher insurance rates due to the rural Adirondack location and proximity to Schroon Lake recreational activities.

Airbnb properties in Schroon Lake, New York typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for seasonal rentals, with peak summer months (June-August) commanding $150-$300 per night depending on property size and lakefront proximity. Operating expenses generally run 40-60% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$125 per turnover), insurance ($1,200-$2,500 annually), utilities ($2,400-$4,800), maintenance ($2,000-$5,000), and local taxes. Profit margins typically range from 25-45% for well-managed properties, with lakefront cabins and homes with 3+ bedrooms performing best due to the area's appeal for family vacations and outdoor recreation around the Adirondack region. Success factors include professional photography showcasing lake views, competitive pricing during peak foliage season (September-October), offering amenities like kayaks or fire pits, maintaining high cleanliness standards, and strategic booking management to maximize the 16-20 week prime season. Properties within walking distance of Schroon Lake's public beach and those offering private lake access command premium rates, with some luxury lakefront properties achieving occupancy rates of 70-85% during peak season and generating net profits of $20,000-$45,000 annually after all expenses.

Airbnb investments in Schroon Lake, New York typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's strong summer tourism season from June through September when nightly rates average $150-250 for lakefront properties and $100-175 for non-waterfront homes. Properties generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% during peak season and 25-35% in off-season months. The market benefits from proximity to Lake George (30 minutes) and consistent demand from New York City and Boston metropolitan areas, with investors like Vacasa and RedAwning reporting strong performance metrics in the Adirondack region. Initial investment costs typically range from $200,000-400,000 for suitable properties, with annual gross revenues of $25,000-45,000 after accounting for seasonal fluctuations, property management fees of 15-25%, and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-5,000 annually.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties including Airbnb investments in markets like Schroon Lake, New York. Local real estate agents serving the Schroon Lake area include Coldwell Banker Whitbeck Associates, Century 21 Farm & Forest, and Adirondack Premier Properties, many of whom have experience with vacation rental properties in the region since around 2015-2018. National services that help investors include Mashvisor (launched 2014), which provides Airbnb analytics and market data, AirDNA (founded 2015) for short-term rental market intelligence, and BiggerPockets, which has connected real estate investors since 2004. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services for short-term rentals in the Adirondack region, while companies like Awning and AvantStay focus on identifying and managing profitable vacation rental properties. Local property management companies such as Adirondack Vacation Rentals and Lake George Vacation Rentals have expanded their services to include the Schroon Lake market, and platforms like Roofstock and Arrived Homes have begun offering turnkey short-term rental investment opportunities in upstate New York markets including the Adirondacks region.