Real Estate Investing in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania (18436)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 18436 (Lake Ariel, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 49.4% 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 Lake Ariel, PA (18436)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 18436 Lake Ariel
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Lake Ariel's 18436 ZIP stands at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $310K pricing implies.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 18436 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
Within PA, ZIP 18436 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Wayne County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and sturdy enough to shape underwriting.
A significant renter share of 12% in 18436 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Strategy in 18436 is an operator game, not a passive one. From an investor standpoint, entry prices of $310K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Lake Ariel:
Property Strategy for 18436
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $236,525 | $1,330 | 4.0% | +12.4% | $118,263 |
| 3BR | $296,920 | $1,690 | 4.1% | +11.2% | $98,973 |
| 4BR | $354,308 | $2,140 | 4.3% | — | $88,577 |
| 5BR | $423,593 | — | — | +10.2% | $84,719 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 18436 Compare?
| Metric | 18436 | Lake Ariel | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $310,296 | $310,296 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.6% | 5.6% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,197 | $1,197 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% | 3.0% | - | - |
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 18436 (Lake Ariel, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 18436 (Lake Ariel, PA)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $310,296 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,197 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.7% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.0%). 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 18436
Population: 13,225
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 18436
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
Does Lake Ariel, PA make sense for an investment property?
With a 3.0/5 investability score, Lake Ariel, PA ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $310K and rents of $1,197/mo drive the underlying numbers.
Are tenants stable in Lake Ariel, PA?
Working renters make up the core of the Lake Ariel, PA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
What do rentals go for in Lake Ariel, PA?
Rental rates in Lake Ariel, PA average $1,197/mo. Tenant demand and $310K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
Which real estate strategy fits Lake Ariel, PA?
The best-fit strategy in Lake Ariel, PA is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.
Are landlord laws favorable in Lake Ariel, PA?
Lake Ariel, PA operates under PA law, which is landlord-friendly overall for landlords. Expect measured treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
You know 18436 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 18436 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 18436 ranks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 18436 (Lake Ariel)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 18436 (Lake Ariel, PA).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.