There’s no denying that the Hudson Valley is a tourism hotspot right now. As out-of-towners flock to cities up and down the Hudson River, the need for accommodations grows. For visitors looking for an experiential stay, hotels don’t always make the cut.
That’s where Airbnb comes into play. The short-term rental program that allows travelers to find homestays across the globe has slowly but surely grown roots in the Valley. Not only is it a boon for visitors from locales like New York City and Brooklyn, but it is a win for the regional real estate market as well.
“Almost all of my clients keep Airbnb in mind when purchasing property,” says Annabel Taylor, a Houlihan Lawrence agent based in Millbrook. Personally, Taylor is a successful Airbnb owner who shares two rentals in Hudson with her husband, Zach. In summer, during peak season, the couple garners about $10,000 a month.
“It’s been successful beyond our wildest dreams,” she says.
On average, regional Airbnbs cost $200 to $400 a night depending on location and home type. Renters often come from New York City, although a wider spread of tourists is guaranteed during the heavy traffic season that runs from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.
“I’ve been surprised at how busy I’ve been in the off-season,” adds Katherine Jennings, the manager at Houlihan Lawrence’s Millbrook NY office. She owns and Airbnb on her horse farm in Ghent. “I would say I have it booked for half of the off-season weekends.”
Anyone in the market for Airbnb real estate should keep an eye out for listings with standalone guesthouses that have a main home for owners as well. As far as locations go, top cities include Amenia, Chatham, Hudson, Millbrook, Millerton, New Paltz, Rhinebeck, Saugerties, and Woodstock.
Would you rent on Airbnb? Do you use Airbnb when you travel? Let us know in the comments!
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