Real Estate Investing in Old Forge, Pennsylvania (18518)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 18518 (Old Forge, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
Rare combination of both appreciation and cash flow. These markets don't last long — worth serious consideration.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Old Forge, PA (18518)?
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Market Analysis: 18518 Old Forge
The 18518 ZIP covers a section of Old Forge that demands careful diligence. Prices near $221K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 18518 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
Within PA, ZIP 18518 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Lackawanna County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and significant enough to shape underwriting.
Demographically, 18518 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. sturdy returns are possible in 18518, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Old Forge:
Property Strategy for 18518
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $178,469 | $1,170 | 4.7% | +9.5% | $89,235 |
| 3BR | $242,967 | $1,520 | 4.5% | +9.8% | $80,989 |
| 4BR | $282,371 | $1,650 | 4.2% | +9.9% | $70,593 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 18518 Compare?
| Metric | 18518 | Old Forge | Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $221,156 | $221,156 | N/A | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 8.6% | 8.6% | N/A | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,400 | $1,400 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.9% | 4.9% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 18518 (Old Forge, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $221,156 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,400 |
| Price-to-Rent | 13.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 7.6% |
| Cap Rate | 4.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 13.6% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +8.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +8.6% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.2% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.9%). 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 18518
Population: 8,533
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 18518
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (2 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Riverside El Sch West
Riverside JSHS
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
What is the typical home price in Old Forge, PA?
Homes in Old Forge, PA typically sell near $221K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which predictable long-term demand.
Can I house hack in Old Forge, PA?
Old Forge, PA offers a challenging house-hacking opportunity. Small multifamily or rent-by-the-room plays can pair well with the $1,400/mo rent level.
How strong is tenant demand in Old Forge, PA?
Old Forge, PA draws a even-keeled base of working renters. Demand at the $1,400/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
What is the investability score for Old Forge, PA?
Yes - Old Forge, PA a 3.0/5 investability score. With $221K home prices against $1,400/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Old Forge, PA?
PA law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Old Forge inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
You know 18518 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 18518 ranks in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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