Is Travelers Rest, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Travelers Rest Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental permits and compliance with residential zoning restrictions that typically limit rentals to no more than 30% of units in residential areas. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the city (approximately $50-100), a short-term rental permit (around $200-300 annually), and ensure compliance with South Carolina Department of Revenue requirements for collecting state accommodation taxes of 7% plus local taxes. Find a suitable property by focusing on areas near the Swamp Rabbit Trail, downtown Main Street, or residential neighborhoods zoned for short-term rentals, with properties typically ranging from $200,000-400,000 for single-family homes. Furnish the property with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local amenities information, budgeting approximately $10,000-15,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting proximity to Paris Mountain State Park, downtown Greenville (15 minutes away), and local attractions like Campbell's Covered Bridge. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests (budget $75-125 per turnover), implementing keyless entry systems, maintaining responsive communication with guests, and considering property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you prefer hands-off management, which typically charge 20-35% of rental income but handle everything from marketing to maintenance.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of downtown Greenville and near outdoor attractions like Paris Mountain State Park, Swamp Rabbit Trail, and Falls Park, as these drive consistent demand from both business travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and unique features such as mountain views or creek access, as these command premium rates of $150-300 per night compared to standard homes at $100-180. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by 40-60%, typically requiring purchase prices under $300,000 for optimal ROI in this market. Research competition by studying existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or property types, and noting that successful properties often emphasize proximity to Furman University, downtown Greenville's business district, and outdoor recreation. Utilize tools like Rabbu, AllTheRooms, and local MLS data through Greenville Board of Realtors, while consulting with property managers like Vacasa or RedAwning who operate in the Greenville-Travelers Rest corridor to understand seasonal demand patterns, with peak seasons typically being spring through fall when outdoor activities and Furman University events drive higher occupancy rates.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, you must first contact the Travelers Rest City Hall at 6711 State Park Road to inquire about their short-term rental ordinance, as the city implemented regulations around 2019-2020. Begin by submitting an application to the Planning and Zoning Department, which typically requires a completed STR permit application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan showing parking areas, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, and payment of application fees estimated at $150-300 annually. You must also obtain a South Carolina business license through the SC Department of Revenue and register for state and local taxes. The property must comply with fire safety codes, have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, provide adequate parking (typically 1-2 spaces per unit), and meet occupancy limits based on square footage and bedrooms. Submit all documents to Travelers Rest Planning Department, schedule any required inspections, and allow 30-60 days for processing. Once approved, display your permit number in all online listings and renew annually, while maintaining compliance with noise ordinances, occupancy limits, and regular safety inspections required by the city.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, as the city has not implemented a comprehensive ban on such accommodations as of 2023. However, STR operators must comply with South Carolina state regulations and local zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas or require special permits. The city follows typical municipal guidelines that may require business licenses, adherence to occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Properties in historic districts or areas zoned exclusively for single-family residential use may face additional restrictions or prohibitions. Recent trends in South Carolina municipalities have shown increasing regulation of STRs, with some cities implementing registration requirements, safety inspections, and tax collection mandates, though Travelers Rest has maintained a relatively permissive approach compared to larger cities like Charleston or Columbia. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits before operating STRs, as local regulations can change and enforcement has become more stringent statewide since 2020.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Travelers Rest, South Carolina include the Historic Downtown District along Main Street, which attracts visitors to local restaurants, breweries like Swamp Rabbit Brewery, and the popular Swamp Rabbit Trail terminus. The Furman University vicinity offers strong potential due to visiting families, prospective students, and university events throughout the academic year. Properties near Paris Mountain State Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills appeal to outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, camping, and nature activities. The area around Campbell's Covered Bridge provides a unique historic attraction for tourists. The emerging arts district near the Center for Creative Arts draws visitors for workshops, performances, and cultural events. Properties within walking distance of the Swamp Rabbit Trail are particularly valuable as the 22-mile greenway connects to downtown Greenville, attracting cyclists, runners, and trail users. The residential neighborhoods like Altamont and areas near Furman's campus offer quieter settings for longer-term stays while remaining close to attractions, making them ideal for business travelers visiting nearby companies like BMW Manufacturing and Michelin.

Airbnb properties in Travelers Rest, South Carolina are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state accommodations tax of 2% collected by the South Carolina Department of Revenue, Greenville County's accommodations tax of 3%, and the City of Travelers Rest municipal accommodations tax of 2%, resulting in a combined rate of approximately 7% on gross rental receipts. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for participating jurisdictions, though hosts may need to register directly with local tax authorities and remit taxes quarterly or monthly depending on volume. The state requires registration through the South Carolina Department of Revenue's online portal, while county and municipal taxes are collected through their respective tax offices, with remittance generally due by the 20th of the month following collection. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 90 consecutive days, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organizations, though documentation is required. Hosts earning over $600 annually must obtain business licenses and may be subject to additional business personal property taxes on furnishings and equipment used in the rental operation.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Travelers Rest, South Carolina is approximately $285,000-$350,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $220,000-$280,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,200 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required inspections from Greenville County and local authorities. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,500 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total $800-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($2,400), maintenance reserves ($1,500), property management software ($300), and marketing ($600) add approximately $6,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a cash reserve for unexpected repairs or vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Travelers Rest, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on proximity to downtown and local attractions like the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties within walking distance of Main Street restaurants and the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail typically achieve 65-75% occupancy rates with profit margins of 25-35%, while those requiring guests to drive to attractions see occupancy drop to 45-55% with margins around 15-25%. Success factors include professional photography showcasing mountain views, proximity to Furman University for parent weekends and graduation events, targeting cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the trail system, and maintaining consistent 4.8+ star ratings through responsive communication and spotless cleanliness. A typical successful case involves a 3-bedroom home near downtown generating $28,000 annually with $17,000 in expenses, yielding approximately $11,000 profit (39% margin), while properties further from the city center often struggle to exceed 20% profit margins due to lower occupancy and pricing pressure.

Based on Travelers Rest, South Carolina market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location proximity to downtown and outdoor attractions. Properties within 2 miles of the Swamp Rabbit Trail and downtown area command premium nightly rates of $120-180, while suburban locations average $80-120 per night with 65-75% occupancy rates during peak seasons (spring through fall). Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, with full investment recovery expected in 6-8 years for well-positioned properties. The market benefits from consistent demand driven by Paris Mountain State Park visitors, Furman University events, and Greenville spillover tourism, with seasonal variations showing strongest performance March through October generating 70% of annual revenue during this period.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations for Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Greer and RE/MAX Executive in nearby Greenville (serving the Travelers Rest area since 2018) have developed expertise in vacation rental investments, while Coldwell Banker Caine and Century 21 Blackwell & Co. also assist investors in finding properties suitable for Airbnb conversions in the area. National services include AirDNA (founded 2015) which provides market data and analytics, Mashvisor offering investment property analysis tools, and Awning providing full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition assistance. RedAwning and Vacasa have expanded their services to help investors identify and manage profitable short-term rentals in smaller markets like Travelers Rest since 2019. Local property management companies such as Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals and Upstate SC Vacation Rentals offer consultation services for investors looking to enter the market, while real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Arrived Homes have begun targeting secondary markets in South Carolina for short-term rental opportunities.