3 standout listings in Bay County's Airbnb economy

Travel was revolutionized just over a decade ago when Airbnb started on the scene in Silicon Valley.

The website gave travelers the option of a local experience by renting real homes, apartments, or rooms of individuals who actually live in that particular city. Beyond the obvious benefit for guests, the service is mutually beneficial for hosts too, providing additional streams of income and another forum to promote their city and community space to a global audience. 

The home-sharing economy's impact is growing in Bay County. From cabins to apartments (and even a tiny house), here are three different Bay County Airbnb listings that stand out: 

This 2,900-square-foot cottage is within walking distance of Bay City State Park

Charming Bay City House with Deck and Walk to Lake Huron

Walking distance from the beach and Bay City State Park, a quarter-mile from a boat launch along the Kawkawlin River, and only a few miles from live riverfront entertainment nests this quaint cottage that fits the whole family...and then some. 

The spacious 2,900-square-foot home offers guests a fitness room, a furnished back porch to enjoy in the summer and a fenced-in backyard filled with perennial flowers, trees, and a firepit.

The kitchen is outfitted with updated appliances including a 4-burner gas stovetop, a tile backsplash, beautiful granite countertops, and a Keurig for morning cups of joe. The downstairs area is decked out with board games and a wood-burning fireplace to cozy up icy, mid-February nights.

Unique to the other properties listed, these homeowners outsourced their rental to the professional vacation rental company, Evolve Vacation Rental, so guests’ experiences are as accommodating as if they were making a reservation with a real hotel. A representative notes, “Evolve Vacation Rental Network is on a mission to make vacation rental easy for guests. Every property in our network has been vetted and verified so you can book with confidence.”

Located inside the Legacy building, this apartment is in the heart of downtown Bay City.

Luxury Apartment in the heart of Downtown Bay City

Newly developed, the Legacy Building stands as one of Bay City’s prime real estate options. Anticipating a bar and restaurant opening in the building during spring of 2019, residents will be able to indulge in both what the building has to offer as well as being within walking distance of everything in downtown Bay City. 

With host Jacob Spence's offering on the site, Airbnb guests can now enjoy the same amenities. He says about his space, “This fourth-floor apartment features beautiful floor to ceiling windows in the spacious living/dining area with stunning views of Downtown Bay City! It's equipped with beautiful stainless steel appliances and comfortable seating. It also features a beautifully tiled bathroom and a comfortable queen-size bed with luxury Egyptian cotton sheets. You're going to love this place.”

This newly remodeled home lies on Bay City's West Side.
Upscale, freshly remodeled Bay City Home

Falling perfectly between beachfront and downtown is the home of Bay City natives Deb and Bill Edmonds. They purchased their west-side property nearly a year ago. With Deb being a designer, the couple has updated the home into an avante-garde yet timelessly classic destination for guests.

“We purchased the home a little over a year ago. This house has more of a Mid-Century Modern flair with details like the expansive fireplace and exposed rafters in a few of the rooms," says Deb Edmonds. "A Rustic Modern feel emulates throughout the house too! The living room and kitchen are wide open spaces but cozied up with comfortable furnishings and we included lots of whites warmed with beautiful barnwood. I loved designing it!  

We opened it up on Airbnb in October 2018, and the response has been amazing. Reviews so far have been very positive and complimentary. We are happy to share our home with travelers coming into the Great Lakes Bay Region. We have everything anyone would really need to make their stay comfortable!” 

The home fits six guests comfortably with four beds and two bathrooms. Located in a quiet west-side neighborhood across the street from a park, it’s walking distance from river trails and food markets, and is less than a mile from downtown. 

To see more Bay County Airbnb listings, click here.