Is Tallmadge, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Tallmadge, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Tallmadge Planning Department, as the city may require short-term rental permits and compliance with residential zoning restrictions. Contact Tallmadge City Hall at 85 Heritage Drive to inquire about business licenses, occupancy permits, and any specific short-term rental ordinances that may limit rental duration or require neighbor notifications. Secure appropriate property either by purchasing in residential zones like Heritage Creek or Tallmadge Meadows, or obtaining landlord permission if renting, ensuring the property meets Ohio fire safety codes and ADA accessibility requirements where applicable. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, and amenities while ensuring smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers meet Ohio building codes. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Akron (15 minutes) and Cleveland (45 minutes), local attractions like Tallmadge Circle Historic District, and nearby businesses along State Route 91. Set competitive pricing based on Summit County market rates (typically $75-150/night for whole homes), implement a management system using Airbnb's tools or local property management companies like those serving the greater Akron area, maintain regular communication with guests, coordinate cleaning between stays, and ensure compliance with Ohio's 7% state sales tax and Summit County's lodging tax requirements by registering with the Ohio Department of Taxation.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Tallmadge, Ohio, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like Cuyahoga Valley National Park, downtown Akron, and Kent State University, as these drive consistent demand from tourists, business travelers, and visiting families. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, dedicated parking, and outdoor spaces, as these command higher nightly rates of $80-150 in the Tallmadge market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can generate 12-18% annual returns after expenses. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underserved areas near Summit County attractions, Akron Children's Hospital, and corporate centers like Goodyear headquarters. Utilize tools such as BiggerPockets for investment analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources including the Tallmadge Chamber of Commerce and Summit County tourism data to understand seasonal demand patterns, with peak periods typically occurring during summer months and university events, while ensuring compliance with Tallmadge's zoning regulations and any HOA restrictions before purchasing.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Tallmadge, Ohio, contact the Tallmadge Building Department at City Hall located at 46 North Avenue to inquire about short-term rental regulations and application procedures. You will likely need to submit a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, general liability insurance policy (typically $1 million minimum coverage), floor plan of the property, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. Required documents may also include a business license application and zoning compliance verification. Application fees typically range from $100-300 initially with annual renewal fees of $50-150, though exact amounts should be confirmed with the city. The approval timeline generally takes 30-60 days depending on inspection scheduling and document review. Tallmadge-specific requirements likely include maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, parking requirements (usually one space per bedroom), noise ordinance compliance, regular safety inspections, and maintaining a complaint log. You must also register with the Summit County Health Department for additional health and safety compliance, display your permit number in all advertising, and ensure the property meets all residential building codes and fire safety standards before hosting guests.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Tallmadge, Ohio are generally permitted but subject to local zoning regulations and licensing requirements established by the city. The city typically requires STR operators to obtain proper permits and comply with safety standards, fire codes, and occupancy limits, with properties generally allowed in residential zones but potentially restricted in certain historic or conservation districts. Recent years have seen Tallmadge, like many Ohio municipalities, implementing more structured regulations around 2020-2022 to address neighborhood concerns while allowing property owners to operate vacation rentals, including requirements for local contact persons, parking provisions, and noise ordinances. Property owners must register their STRs with the city, maintain liability insurance, and ensure compliance with health department standards, while some areas near schools or in specific residential zones may have additional restrictions or prohibition of commercial short-term rental activities.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Tallmadge, Ohio include the historic downtown district near the Tallmadge Circle, which attracts visitors interested in the city's unique octagonal layout designed by the Connecticut Land Company in 1807 and offers proximity to local shops and restaurants. The neighborhoods near Tallmadge Recreation Center and Tallmadge Meadows Golf Course appeal to sports tourists and golf enthusiasts visiting for tournaments and recreational activities. Areas close to the Akron-Canton Airport corridor benefit from business travelers and airline crews needing overnight accommodations, while properties near the Belden Village shopping area attract retail tourists and families visiting the extensive shopping complex. The residential areas near Tallmadge High School and middle schools see demand during school events, graduations, and sports competitions. Neighborhoods with easy highway access to I-76 and State Route 18 are attractive for their convenience to both Akron and Canton business districts, making them ideal for corporate travelers working with companies like Goodyear, FirstEnergy, and Timken. Properties near the Cuyahoga Valley National Park's eastern access points also benefit from eco-tourists and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the park's trails and recreational facilities.

In Tallmadge, Ohio, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Ohio's state lodging tax of 5.75% on gross rental receipts, Summit County's lodging tax of 3%, and Tallmadge's local transient occupancy tax of 3%, resulting in a combined rate of approximately 11.75%. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits state and county taxes directly to the Ohio Department of Taxation and Summit County respectively, while hosts may need to register separately with the City of Tallmadge to remit local taxes quarterly or monthly depending on volume. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with local tax authorities as regulations can change and enforcement has increased significantly since 2018-2020 when many Ohio municipalities began implementing or strengthening short-term rental tax collection requirements.

To start an Airbnb in Tallmadge, Ohio, expect total costs around $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees in Tallmadge include business license ($50-$100), potential zoning permits ($200-$500), and any required safety inspections ($300-$600). Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,400 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $200-$350 monthly. First six months operating costs encompass utilities ($1,200-$2,100), cleaning supplies and services ($600-$1,200), maintenance reserves ($500-$1,000), platform fees to Airbnb averaging 3% of bookings, and marketing expenses ($300-$800), totaling approximately $3,000-$6,000 for the initial operating period.

Airbnb properties in Tallmadge, Ohio typically generate modest profitability with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($100-150 monthly), and maintenance costs typically consume 45-60% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins between 15-35% for most operators. Success factors in this Summit County market include proximity to Akron attractions, competitive pricing below Cleveland rates, professional photography, and maintaining superhost status, with properties near Tallmadge Circle or with unique features like hot tubs performing 20-30% better than basic listings. Local case studies show that a typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000 and generating $2,400 monthly revenue with $1,400 in expenses yields approximately $12,000 annual profit, representing a 6.7% return on investment before considering property appreciation, while smaller 1-2 bedroom units often struggle with lower margins due to fixed costs representing a higher percentage of revenue.

Airbnb investments in Tallmadge, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the local market conditions and proximity to Akron. Properties in this suburban Cleveland-area market generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $75-$110 depending on property size and amenities. The market benefits from steady demand from business travelers visiting nearby corporate facilities including Goodyear operations and healthcare professionals working at Akron-area hospitals, plus seasonal tourism to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Investment properties typically require initial capital of $150,000-$250,000 for suitable 3-4 bedroom homes, with monthly operating expenses averaging $800-$1,200 including utilities, cleaning, maintenance, and platform fees. Occupancy rates in Tallmadge average 65-75% annually, with stronger performance during summer months and corporate travel periods, making break-even typically achievable by month 20-26 for most investors who maintain competitive pricing and property standards.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research services. In Tallmadge, Ohio, local real estate agents like those at Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast and RE/MAX Crossroads Properties have experience with short-term rental investments in the Akron-Canton area. National services include Mashvisor for property analytics, AirDNA for market data, and Awning for full-service Airbnb investment management. Local property management companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa operate in the Ohio market and can assist with both acquisition and management. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Ohio properties suitable for short-term rentals. Regional specialists include Ohio-based investors and agents who focus on the Cleveland-Akron corridor market, while platforms like BiggerPockets connect investors with local professionals experienced in vacation rental properties throughout Summit County and surrounding areas.