Real Estate Investing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (19144)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 19144 (Philadelphia, PA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- Declining values: -2.0% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- Elevated vacancy: 10.4% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- Higher unemployment: 7.2% unemployment — tenant risk signal.
What’s happening in Philadelphia, PA (19144)?
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Market Analysis: 19144 Philadelphia
Stepping back, ZIP 19144 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $184K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 19144 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
From a cash-flow lens, 19144 offers a low basis, the region around Philadelphia has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
The 19144 ZIP's population of 48,542 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that sits at the need for careful underwriting.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. durable returns are possible in 19144, 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 Philadelphia:
Property Strategy for 19144
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $135,011 | $1,620 | 8.6% | +3.8% | $67,506 |
| 3BR | $148,477 | $1,940 | 9.4% | +1.3% | $49,492 |
| 4BR | $219,858 | $2,170 | 7.1% | +2.9% | $54,965 |
| 5BR | $333,862 | — | — | +4.7% | $66,772 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 19144 Compare?
| Metric | 19144 | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $184,426 | $260,324 | $278,018 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | 1.2% | 6.3% |
| Avg Rent | $1,499 | $1,659 | - |
| Cap Rate | 6.3% | 5.6% | - |
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 19144 (Philadelphia, PA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $184,426 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,499 |
| Price-to-Rent | 10.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 9.8% |
| Cap Rate | 6.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 4.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -0.5% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -2.0% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +2.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.0% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) is close to the estimated cap rate (6.3%). Financing this market at current rates produces a cash-on-cash return near the cap rate. Appreciation and tax benefits may still support the investment.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 19144
Population: 48,542
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 19144
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Allen Dr Ethel Sch
Barry Comm John Sch
Barton Clara Sch
Bethune Mary McLeod Sch
Cayuga School
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 4,742 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia, PA a smart market for rental property?
Investors tracking Philadelphia, PA will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $184K median home values and $1,499/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting even-keeled returns.
Which real estate strategy fits Philadelphia, PA?
Most investors in Philadelphia, PA run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Philadelphia, PA?
Rental owners in Philadelphia, PA deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
Is Philadelphia, PA suited for a house hack?
Philadelphia, PA is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $184K price point reasonable to enter.
Are rents high in Philadelphia, PA?
The typical rental in Philadelphia, PA commands about $1,499/mo monthly. That rent profile even-keeled cash flow against the $184K purchase basis.
You know 19144 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 19144 ranks in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
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