Real Estate Investing in Amherst, Massachusetts (01002)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 01002 (Amherst, MA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 14.1% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
What’s happening in Amherst, MA (01002)?
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Market Analysis: 01002 Amherst
Looking more closely, ZIP 01002 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $549K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
The investment case in 01002 is durable only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $549K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
In the broader MA picture, 01002 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
The demographic picture in 01002 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Amherst averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Strategically, 01002 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Amherst:
Property Strategy for 01002
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $241,608 | $1,950 | 5.8% | +8.8% | $241,608 |
| 2BR | $316,311 | $2,480 | 5.6% | +7.1% | $158,155 |
| 3BR | $482,155 | $3,100 | 4.6% | +7.1% | $160,718 |
| 4BR | $611,129 | $3,340 | 3.9% | +7.4% | $152,782 |
| 5BR | $735,574 | — | — | +7.3% | $147,115 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 01002 Compare?
| Metric | 01002 | Amherst | Springfield, MA | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $549,078 | $274,539 | N/A | $645,115 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.4% | 6.4% | N/A | 7.0% |
| Avg Rent | $2,430 | $2,430 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% | 3.5% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 01002 (Amherst, MA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $549,078 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,430 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.3% |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -22.6% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -4.7% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.5%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 01002
Population: 24,726
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 01002
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
Which investment style suits Amherst, MA?
In Amherst, MA the robust play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $549K prices and $2,430/mo rents suits that approach.
Is MA a landlord-friendly state?
MA ranks as a tenant-protective state for landlord-tenant law. Amherst generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
How qualified is the tenant pool in Amherst, MA?
Amherst, MA draws a measured base of working renters. Demand at the $2,430/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
Is house hacking profitable in Amherst, MA?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Amherst, MA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
Are there empty rentals in Amherst, MA?
Vacancy risk in Amherst, MA is elevated. That supports measured cash flow for typical rental holds.
You know 01002 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 01002 ranks in Springfield, MA
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