Is St. Marys, Georgia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in St. Marys, Georgia, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Camden County Planning Department, as St. Marys requires short-term rental properties to comply with residential zoning restrictions and may require a business license from the city clerk's office. Obtain necessary permits including a Camden County business license ($50-100 annually) and ensure your property meets fire safety codes and health department requirements. Find a suitable property in residential areas near historic downtown St. Marys or close to the waterfront, considering proximity to attractions like the St. Marys River and Cumberland Island ferry, with average property prices ranging $150,000-400,000 depending on location and size. Furnish the property with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities including WiFi, air conditioning (crucial for Georgia's humid climate), linens, kitchen supplies, and outdoor furniture to take advantage of the mild coastal weather. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting waterfront views or historic charm, set competitive rates ($80-200 per night based on season and property size), and emphasize proximity to Cumberland Island National Seashore and historic downtown attractions. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, coordinating with local cleaning services (typically $75-150 per turnover), and consider property management companies if you're not local, while staying compliant with Georgia's 6% state sales tax and Camden County's 5% hotel/motel tax requirements for short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in St. Marys, Georgia, focus on locations within 1-2 miles of the historic downtown district, near the Cumberland Island National Seashore ferry terminal, or properties with waterfront access along the St. Marys River, as these areas attract tourists visiting Cumberland Island and the historic district. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, parking, and unique features like river views or historic charm, as these command higher nightly rates of $150-300 compared to basic properties at $80-150. Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates (typically 60-75% in peak season), average daily rates, and seasonal demand patterns, with summer months and spring being strongest due to Cumberland Island tourism. Research competition by monitoring active Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, noting their pricing, amenities, and guest reviews to identify market gaps and positioning opportunities. Utilize tools like STR Helper for local market analysis, connect with Camden County tourism boards for visitor data, monitor ferry schedules and tourism trends, and consider properties near Fort Clinch State Park in nearby Fernandina Beach as cross-market competition, while ensuring compliance with local zoning laws and HOA restrictions that may limit short-term rentals.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in St. Marys, Georgia, you must first contact the St. Marys City Hall at 200 Osborne Street or call (912) 673-8187 to submit an application for a short-term rental business license. Required documents typically include a completed business license application, property deed or lease agreement proving ownership/authorization, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, contact information for a local property manager (if owner is non-resident), and payment of applicable fees. The business license fee is approximately $50-100 annually, with additional zoning compliance fees potentially ranging $25-75. You must also ensure the property complies with Camden County health department requirements and obtain any necessary fire safety inspections. The approval timeline is generally 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application, provided the property meets all zoning requirements (typically allowed in residential zones with proper setbacks and parking). St. Marys specifically requires STR operators to maintain guest registries, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking (minimum 1 space per bedroom), and ensure 24/7 local contact availability for noise or emergency issues.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in St. Marys, Georgia, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that generally limit short-term rentals to commercially zoned areas and certain residential districts, while prohibiting them in some single-family residential neighborhoods. Properties must meet safety requirements including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and occupancy limits, and operators are required to maintain liability insurance and collect local hotel/motel taxes. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have strengthened enforcement mechanisms and clarified permitting processes, with the city implementing stricter penalties for non-compliance and requiring annual renewals of STR permits. The regulations also include noise ordinances, parking requirements, and mandate that a local contact person be available 24/7 for any issues, reflecting St. Marys' approach to balance tourism revenue with residential community concerns in this coastal Georgia city near the Florida border.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in St. Marys, Georgia are the Historic Downtown District, particularly properties within walking distance of the St. Marys River waterfront and the Cumberland Island National Seashore ferry terminal, as this area attracts tourists visiting Cumberland Island and benefits from the town's charming historic architecture and waterfront dining. The Osprey Cove Golf Club area offers strong potential due to business travelers and golf tourism, while properties near the St. Marys Submarine Base appeal to military families and contractors needing temporary housing. The Orange Hall area, close to both downtown attractions and the waterfront, provides excellent access to the St. Marys Historic District's shops, restaurants, and annual events like the St. Marys Rock Shrimp Festival, making it attractive to leisure travelers seeking authentic small-town coastal experiences and nature enthusiasts heading to Cumberland Island's pristine beaches and wild horses.

In St. Marys, Georgia, Airbnb properties are subject to both state and local lodging taxes that must be collected from guests and remitted to appropriate authorities. The Georgia state sales tax of 4% applies to short-term rental accommodations, along with the state hotel/motel tax of 5%, for a combined state rate of 9% on lodging. Camden County, where St. Marys is located, imposes an additional local option sales tax (LOST) of approximately 3% and a hotel/motel excise tax of 5%, bringing the total tax burden to around 17% of the rental amount. These taxes are collected by the host at the time of booking or check-in and must be remitted monthly to the Georgia Department of Revenue for state taxes and to Camden County for local taxes, with returns typically due by the 20th of the following month. Airbnb may collect and remit some of these taxes automatically through their platform depending on current agreements with Georgia tax authorities, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Exemptions generally apply only to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and to certain government or non-profit travelers with proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in St. Marys, Georgia, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in this coastal Georgia market near Cumberland Island. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor amenities. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Camden County include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs run $2,000-$3,500 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service total approximately $500-$800 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($2,400), maintenance ($1,000), property management software ($300), marketing ($500), and miscellaneous supplies ($600) add roughly $6,000. Additional considerations include potential property management fees (20-30% of revenue), emergency fund reserves, and seasonal fluctuations in this tourist-dependent market serving visitors to nearby Jekyll Island and Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Airbnb properties in St. Marys, Georgia, demonstrate moderate profitability with average annual revenues ranging from $18,000-$35,000 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, while operating expenses including cleaning fees, utilities, insurance, and maintenance typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue. Properties near the St. Marys River waterfront and those marketed to visitors of nearby Cumberland Island National Seashore achieve higher occupancy rates of 65-75% and nightly rates of $120-180, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35%. Success factors include proximity to the historic downtown district, professional photography showcasing the area's natural beauty, and targeting families visiting Fernandina Beach (15 minutes away) who prefer more affordable accommodations than Amelia Island properties. A case study of a renovated 1920s bungalow near the St. Marys Historic District generated $28,500 in 2023 revenue with $12,800 in expenses, yielding a 55% profit margin, while properties further from attractions typically see 45-55% occupancy and $15,000-22,000 annual revenue. The market benefits from year-round tourism due to mild winters and summer beach proximity, though hurricane season and occasional military base activity fluctuations from nearby Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base can impact bookings.

Airbnb investments in St. Marys, Georgia typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, primarily driven by the city's proximity to Cumberland Island National Seashore and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay which creates consistent demand from tourists and military personnel. Properties within 2-3 miles of the historic downtown waterfront area and ferry terminal command premium nightly rates of $120-180, while suburban properties average $80-120 per night with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties under $250,000, with break-even typically achieved by month 14-20 depending on renovation costs and marketing effectiveness. The market benefits from year-round demand due to military rotations and seasonal tourism peaks during spring and fall months when Cumberland Island visitation is highest, making St. Marys a relatively stable short-term rental market compared to purely seasonal coastal destinations.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in St. Marys, Georgia. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Realty Golden Isles and Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners have agents experienced in investment properties near the St. Marys waterfront and historic district areas that attract tourists visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore. AirDNA provides market analytics for the St. Marys area showing occupancy rates and revenue potential, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools for the Camden County market. RE/MAX agents in the Brunswick-St. Marys area often work with investors seeking properties near the ferry terminal and downtown historic areas. National services like BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, and companies like Awning and RedAwning provide property management services for Airbnb investments in the coastal Georgia region. Local property management companies such as Golden Isles Property Management and coastal vacation rental specialists help investors maximize returns on properties targeting visitors to Fort Clinch State Park and Cumberland Island ferry passengers.