Real Estate Investing in South Paris, Maine (04281)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 04281 (South Paris, ME)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 12.9% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in South Paris, ME (04281)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 04281 South Paris
The 04281 ZIP in South Paris, ME is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $305K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $305K asset, 04281 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
In practical terms, 04281 offers a low basis, the region around South Paris has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Resident income in 04281 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Strategically, 04281 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 South Paris:
Property Strategy for 04281
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $238,475 | $1,390 | 4.2% | +11.5% | $119,237 |
| 3BR | $294,495 | $1,930 | 4.7% | +10.5% | $98,165 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 04281 Compare?
| Metric | 04281 | South Paris | Maine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $305,231 | $305,231 | $401,109 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.7% | 7.7% | 8.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,251 | $1,251 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% | 3.2% | - |
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 04281 (South Paris, ME). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $305,231 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,251 |
| Price-to-Rent | 20.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.2% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.7% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.2%). 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 04281
Population: 5,268
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 04281
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (3 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Oxford Hills Middle School
Paris Elementary School
Oxford Hills Comprehensive H S
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
Investor Insight: With 1,549 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How qualified is the tenant pool in South Paris, ME?
Tenant quality in South Paris, ME ranks as solid. Landlords generally report consistent occupancy at market rents of $1,251/mo.
Should investors consider South Paris, ME?
Our data puts South Paris, ME at 3.0/5 for investability. Home prices of $305K and rents around $1,251/mo create a solid backdrop for investor activity.
What price range are homes in South Paris, ME?
Typical homes in South Paris, ME go for around $305K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% measured price movement.
What is the rental occupancy rate in South Paris, ME?
South Paris, ME carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect predictable absorption at market rents of $1,251/mo.
Is South Paris, ME a friendly market for rental owners?
The landlord environment in South Paris, ME is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
You know 04281 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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