Tracking Airbnb’s Shift: NYC & Its Neighbors

Mapping the change in active listings New York City, Jersey City, and Newark and location patterns after the Airbnb ban took effect.

DURATION

4 weeks (Mar - May,2024)

TOOLS

ArcGIS, Figma

TEAM

Solo Data Analyst and Designer

SKILLS

Data Cleaning, Spatial Analysis, Map Visualization, GIS

TEAM

Solo Data Analyst and Designer

TEAM

Solo Data Analyst and Designer

TEAM

Solo Data Analyst and Designer

DURATION

4 weeks (Mar - May,2024)

DURATION

4 weeks (Mar - May,2024)

DURATION

4 weeks (Mar - May,2024)

TOOLS

ArcGIS, Figma

TOOLS

ArcGIS, Figma

TOOLS

ArcGIS, Figma

SKILLS

Data Cleaning, Spatial Analysis, Map Visualization, GIS

SKILLS

Data Cleaning, Spatial Analysis, Map Visualization, GIS

SKILLS

Data Cleaning, Spatial Analysis, Map Visualization, GIS

Overview

The Airbnb Ban in New York City

Founded in 2008, Airbnb grew into the largest U.S. platform for short- and long-term rentals, with the average host earning $14,000 in 2023. But in September 2023, NYC began enforcing strict regulations to curb short-term rentals, citing their role in the city’s affordable housing crisis. Critics argue that illegal listings take away homes from residents, drive up living costs in tourist-heavy areas, and create issues like noise, property damage, and overflowing trash.

Overview

The Airbnb Ban in New York City

Founded in 2008, Airbnb grew into the largest U.S. platform for short- and long-term rentals, with the average host earning $14,000 in 2023. But in September 2023, NYC began enforcing strict regulations to curb short-term rentals, citing their role in the city’s affordable housing crisis. Critics argue that illegal listings take away homes from residents, drive up living costs in tourist-heavy areas, and create issues like noise, property damage, and overflowing trash.

Overview

The Airbnb Ban in New York City

Founded in 2008, Airbnb grew into the largest U.S. platform for short- and long-term rentals, with the average host earning $14,000 in 2023. But in September 2023, NYC began enforcing strict regulations to curb short-term rentals, citing their role in the city’s affordable housing crisis. Critics argue that illegal listings take away homes from residents, drive up living costs in tourist-heavy areas, and create issues like noise, property damage, and overflowing trash.

Tourist housing through Airbnb

Locals navigating rising costs

Research Question

What is the impact of the de facto ban on Airbnb’s activity in New York City and it’s surrounding areas?

Research Question

What is the impact of the de facto ban on Airbnb’s activity in New York City and it’s surrounding areas?

Research Question

What is the impact of the de facto ban on Airbnb’s activity in New York City and it’s surrounding areas?

Hypothesis

Airbnb Ban Boosts NJ Listings

Hypothesis

Airbnb Ban Boosts NJ Listings

Hypothesis

Airbnb Ban Boosts NJ Listings

The de facto ban effective since March 2023 on Airbnb's activity economically impacts Airbnb’s 2024 revenue. The amount of listings available in New York City has experienced a sharp decrease in the past few months. The ban also leads to an increase in listings of areas surrounding New York City, specifically in Jersey City and Newark, New Jersey.

Process

Local Gem, Untapped Potential

Process

Local Gem, Untapped Potential

Process

Local Gem, Untapped Potential

Data collection

Compiled Airbnb listing data from Inside Airbnb and spatial layers from NYC, Jersey City, and Newark Open Data portals.

Data collection

Compiled Airbnb listing data from Inside Airbnb and spatial layers from NYC, Jersey City, and Newark Open Data portals.

Data collection

Compiled Airbnb listing data from Inside Airbnb and spatial layers from NYC, Jersey City, and Newark Open Data portals.

Spatial Analysis

Mapped listing changes over time and across boroughs, identifying shifts before and after the 2023 NYC ban.

Spatial Analysis

Mapped listing changes over time and across boroughs, identifying shifts before and after the 2023 NYC ban.

Spatial Analysis

Mapped listing changes over time and across boroughs, identifying shifts before and after the 2023 NYC ban.

Contextual Research

Integrated 311 complaint data (noise, trash), transit access, and neighborhood boundaries to understand broader urban impact.

Contextual Research

Integrated 311 complaint data (noise, trash), transit access, and neighborhood boundaries to understand broader urban impact.

Contextual Research

Integrated 311 complaint data (noise, trash), transit access, and neighborhood boundaries to understand broader urban impact.

Visualization

Used ArcGIS and Figma to design interactive maps and dashboards illustrating geographic and temporal trends.

Visualization

Used ArcGIS and Figma to design interactive maps and dashboards illustrating geographic and temporal trends.

Visualization

Used ArcGIS and Figma to design interactive maps and dashboards illustrating geographic and temporal trends.

Data COllection

Data COllection

Data COllection

1.

Inside Airbnb Dataset

My Airbnb data comes from InsideAirbnb, which archives the past 12 months for major cities. NYC data is updated monthly since April 2023, while Jersey City and Newark only have records for June, September, and December 2023.

2.

Parks and Landmarks

In addition to visualizing Airbnb listing changes post-ban, I mapped NYC’s major landmarks and parks—key attractions that often correlate with higher short-term rental activity due to their tourist draw.

3.

Transportation

By integrating MTA and PATH data, I examined how transit accessibility influences Airbnb listings. Areas near major subway and train lines tend to see higher rental activity, while limited access can reduce demand and shape listing distribution across the city.

4.

Other Relevant Datasets

NYC Trash Complaints

NYC Boroughs

Path Stations

(Jersey City Open Data)

NYC Noise Complaints

New York City NTA

Newark NTA

Jersey City NTA

NYC 311 Complaionts

Methodology

Methodology

Methodology

Visualize the decline in active Airbnb listings and the rise in new registrations over the past 12 months.

Identify patterns in Airbnb locations, such as proximity to public transportation and tourist hotspots.

Highlight how accessibility and attractions influence short-term rental distribution in NYC.

Sketching

Sketching the Airbnb Shift

To present the data effectively, I grouped the maps into two sections: an overview of NYC’s public transport, tourist attractions, and Airbnb locations, followed by maps showing changes in Airbnb listings over time in both NYC and its surrounding areas.

Sketching

Sketching the Airbnb Shift

To present the data effectively, I grouped the maps into two sections: an overview of NYC’s public transport, tourist attractions, and Airbnb locations, followed by maps showing changes in Airbnb listings over time in both NYC and its surrounding areas.

Sketching

Sketching the Airbnb Shift

To present the data effectively, I grouped the maps into two sections: an overview of NYC’s public transport, tourist attractions, and Airbnb locations, followed by maps showing changes in Airbnb listings over time in both NYC and its surrounding areas.

Userflow

Mapping with Intent

To ensure users understand the project’s context, I introduced "page breaks" with commentary between maps. This prevents information overload and creates a natural flow through the four maps. At the end, a summary highlights key findings.

Userflow

Mapping with Intent

To ensure users understand the project’s context, I introduced "page breaks" with commentary between maps. This prevents information overload and creates a natural flow through the four maps. At the end, a summary highlights key findings.

Userflow

Mapping with Intent

To ensure users understand the project’s context, I introduced "page breaks" with commentary between maps. This prevents information overload and creates a natural flow through the four maps. At the end, a summary highlights key findings.

Layout

Five different maps, focusing on different things.

To manage the vast amount of information, I grouped key data points into five distinct maps, each focusing on a specific aspect of Airbnb’s activity. Together, they create a cohesive narrative of how the ban has reshaped short-term rentals in New York City.

Layout

Five different maps, focusing on different things.

To manage the vast amount of information, I grouped key data points into five distinct maps, each focusing on a specific aspect of Airbnb’s activity. Together, they create a cohesive narrative of how the ban has reshaped short-term rentals in New York City.

Layout

Five different maps, focusing on different things.

To manage the vast amount of information, I grouped key data points into five distinct maps, each focusing on a specific aspect of Airbnb’s activity. Together, they create a cohesive narrative of how the ban has reshaped short-term rentals in New York City.

NYC at a Glance: Landmarks & Transit

This map provides an overview of New York City, highlighting parks, airports, subway lines, and major landmarks. As expected, Manhattan has the highest concentration of attractions and transit access, while the other boroughs have fewer but still significant points of interest.

Airbnb Distribution & Location Patterns

This map uses a spatial join to show the number of Airbnb listings per neighborhood, highlighting their concentration and proximity to subway stations. It reveals how transit access influences listing density across the city.

Airbnb Listings Shift in NYC

This interactive map tracks Airbnb listings from April 2023 to March 2024, showing how the ban impacted availability across neighborhoods. Users can toggle between months to see if rentals decreased or shifted elsewhere.

Airbnb Surge in NYC’s Neighbors

With NYC's Airbnb ban, active listings have risen in nearby areas like Jersey City and Newark, where tourists can easily reach Manhattan via the PATH.

Final Product

Airbnb’s NYC Ban: A Story in Maps

The final delivarable was prototyped with Figma. This project not only visualizes the impact of NYC’s Airbnb ban but also highlights shifting trends in short-term rentals. By combining maps, data, and interactive elements, it offers a clear narrative of how regulations reshape the city's housing landscape.

Final Product

Airbnb’s NYC Ban: A Story in Maps

The final delivarable was prototyped with Figma. This project not only visualizes the impact of NYC’s Airbnb ban but also highlights shifting trends in short-term rentals. By combining maps, data, and interactive elements, it offers a clear narrative of how regulations reshape the city's housing landscape.

Final Product

Airbnb’s NYC Ban: A Story in Maps

The final delivarable was prototyped with Figma. This project not only visualizes the impact of NYC’s Airbnb ban but also highlights shifting trends in short-term rentals. By combining maps, data, and interactive elements, it offers a clear narrative of how regulations reshape the city's housing landscape.

Reflections

Adding a little bit of interactions brings the map to life.

Previously, most of my maps were static—easy for data professionals to scan but less engaging for general audiences. Adding interaction and animation makes them easier to navigate, letting people explore details at their own pace without cognitive overload.

Reflections

Adding a little bit of interactions brings the map to life.

Previously, most of my maps were static—easy for data professionals to scan but less engaging for general audiences. Adding interaction and animation makes them easier to navigate, letting people explore details at their own pace without cognitive overload.

Reflections

Adding a little bit of interactions brings the map to life.

Previously, most of my maps were static—easy for data professionals to scan but less engaging for general audiences. Adding interaction and animation makes them easier to navigate, letting people explore details at their own pace without cognitive overload.

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Ey, thanks for stopping by.

Feel free to reach out anytime, looking forward to it!

Minh Nguyen @ 2025

Ey, thanks for stopping by.

Feel free to reach out anytime, looking forward to it!

Minh Nguyen @ 2025

Ey, thanks for stopping by.

Feel free to reach out anytime, looking forward to it!

Minh Nguyen @ 2025