Is Show Low, Arizona Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Show Low, Arizona, begin by researching local regulations through the Town of Show Low Planning Department, as the town requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically allow vacation rentals in residential areas with proper licensing. Contact the Town Clerk's office at (928) 532-4000 to obtain a business license and short-term rental permit, which costs approximately $100-200 annually and requires property inspections for safety compliance. Find a suitable property by working with local realtors like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX who understand Show Low's vacation rental market, focusing on areas near Fool Hollow Lake or the White Mountain Apache Reservation for higher demand, with properties typically ranging from $200,000-500,000. Furnish the property with mountain cabin-style décor appropriate for the area's outdoor recreation focus, including essentials like linens, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and outdoor furniture, budgeting $15,000-25,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and local platforms, highlighting proximity to fishing, hiking, and skiing activities, with competitive rates averaging $80-150 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services like Show Low Cleaning Company, maintenance contractors familiar with mountain properties, and consider using property management companies such as Arizona Mountain Retreats if you're not local, while maintaining compliance with Arizona's transaction privilege tax requirements and collecting the state's 5.6% tax plus local taxes.

To identify profitable STR properties in Show Low, Arizona, focus on locations within 5-10 minutes of Fool Hollow Lake, the White Mountain Apache Reservation, and downtown Show Low, as these areas attract outdoor enthusiasts and tourists year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes with mountain views, fireplaces, outdoor spaces, and rustic charm that can accommodate 4-8 guests, as families and groups visiting for fishing, hiking, and skiing at nearby Sunrise Park Resort drive demand. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties generating $150-300 per night during peak summer and winter seasons, with annual revenues of $35,000-60,000 for well-positioned properties. Research competition by studying existing STRs within a 3-mile radius, noting occupancy rates typically range 60-75% annually, with higher rates during summer months and ski season. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STRAnalytics, and local MLS data to evaluate properties under $400,000 that can achieve 8-12% annual returns, while monitoring seasonal trends through Visit Arizona tourism data and White Mountain Apache Casino event calendars to understand peak booking periods and optimize pricing strategies for maximum profitability in this mountain resort market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Show Low, Arizona, you must first contact the Show Low Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 180 N 9th Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has specific regulations governing STRs in residential areas. You'll need to submit a Conditional Use Permit application along with required documents including property deed, site plan showing parking and access, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and a good neighbor agreement outlining house rules. The application fee is approximately $500-800 for the Conditional Use Permit process, with additional fees for inspections and business license registration of around $100-200. You must also register for an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax license with the Arizona Department of Revenue and collect applicable taxes. The timeline typically takes 60-90 days from application submission, including a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission and potential City Council review. Show Low requires STRs to have adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), occupancy limits based on bedrooms and septic capacity, 24/7 local contact person, and compliance with fire safety codes including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, with annual renewals required thereafter.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Show Low, Arizona, but are subject to municipal regulations and zoning restrictions. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with specific operational requirements including occupancy limits, parking provisions, and noise ordinances. STRs are generally prohibited in certain residential zones or may require conditional use permits depending on the zoning district. Property owners must also comply with Arizona state tax requirements and may need to register with the Arizona Department of Revenue for transaction privilege tax collection. Show Low has implemented these regulations to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood character preservation, and violations can result in fines or permit revocation. The city periodically reviews and updates its STR ordinances to address community concerns about parking, noise, and impacts on long-term housing availability.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Show Low, Arizona include the Torreon Golf Club vicinity, which attracts golf enthusiasts year-round and offers proximity to the championship 18-hole course; the White Mountain Country Club area, popular with visitors seeking upscale accommodations near recreational amenities; the Lakeside-Pinetop corridor along Highway 260, which captures tourists heading to nearby lakes and outdoor activities; the downtown Show Low district near the Deuce of Clubs, appealing to visitors interested in local history and walkable amenities; and neighborhoods near the Show Low Creek area, which provide scenic settings attractive to nature lovers and families. These areas benefit from Show Low's position as a four-season destination with summer temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix, attracting valley residents escaping heat, winter sports enthusiasts heading to Sunrise Ski Park, hunters during fall seasons, and business travelers visiting the regional medical facilities and government offices, with peak demand typically occurring from May through September and during winter holidays.

Show Low, Arizona imposes a lodging tax of 2% on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnb properties, which applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days. The tax is collected by the host from guests at the time of booking or check-in and must be remitted monthly to the City of Show Low by the 20th of the following month using the city's lodging tax return form. Additionally, hosts must collect Arizona state transaction privilege tax at a rate of 5.6% and Navajo County tax at approximately 0.5% on rental income. The city requires hosts to register for a lodging tax license before operating and maintain records of all transactions for at least three years. There are no exemptions for stays under 30 days, though accommodations for 30 days or longer are exempt from the lodging tax but may still be subject to other local taxes. Failure to collect and remit taxes can result in penalties and interest charges, and the city conducts periodic audits of short-term rental operators to ensure compliance.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Show Low, Arizona is approximately $385,000-$435,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $300,000-$350,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing costs range from $15,000-$25,000 depending on property size and quality level desired, covering beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but typically include business license ($100-$300), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees ($100-$500). Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $500-$1,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-$900 monthly), cleaning services ($75-$150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400 monthly), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $8,000-$12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Show Low, Arizona demonstrate moderate to strong profitability potential, with average nightly rates ranging from $120-180 during peak summer months and $80-120 in off-season periods. Properties typically achieve 60-70% occupancy rates annually, generating gross revenues of $25,000-45,000 per year for well-managed 2-3 bedroom cabins and homes. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue. Net profit margins generally range from 25-35% for owner-operated properties, with successful hosts like those managing mountain retreat properties near Fool Hollow Lake reporting annual net profits of $12,000-18,000 on properties valued at $300,000-400,000. Key success factors include proximity to outdoor recreation areas, professional photography, competitive pricing during White Mountain summer season and winter sports periods, and maintaining high cleanliness standards. Properties within 10 miles of Pinetop-Lakeside or featuring amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, and mountain views command premium rates, with some luxury cabins achieving $200+ nightly rates and 15-20% higher profit margins than standard rentals.

Airbnb investments in Show Low, Arizona typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the area's seasonal tourism patterns and proximity to outdoor recreation areas like the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Properties in Show Low generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with peak performance during summer months (June-August) when occupancy rates can reach 70-85% due to visitors escaping Phoenix heat and seeking cooler mountain temperatures. The market benefits from consistent demand from Phoenix metropolitan area residents seeking weekend retreats, with average daily rates of $120-180 depending on property size and amenities. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 3-4 years, while long-term appreciation combined with rental income can yield total returns of 12-18% annually for well-positioned properties near recreational amenities and the town center.

STRSearch leads the market in helping investors identify profitable short-term rental properties nationwide including Show Low, Arizona, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in Show Low include Mountain Realty Group, White Mountain Properties, and Coldwell Banker High Country Realty, who understand the seasonal rental patterns and zoning regulations specific to the area. National services like Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and AirDNA provide market analytics and property search tools for Show Low's vacation rental market, while companies such as RedAwning, Vacasa, and AvantStay offer property management services for investors. Additional specialized services include STR Helper for market research, Rabbu for property analysis, and local property management companies like White Mountain Vacation Rentals and Show Low Property Management who can assist with the operational aspects of Airbnb investments in this popular Arizona mountain town destination.