Real Estate Investing in Terra Alta, West Virginia (26764)
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Should you buy in 26764 (Terra Alta, WV)? 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: 29.6% 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 Terra Alta, WV (26764)?
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Market Analysis: 26764 Terra Alta
This part of Preston County is not an easy win. The 26764 ZIP shows softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
The investment case in 26764 is robust only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $178K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Nearby ZIPs in Terra Alta have seen price recovery that 26764 has not matched. Preston County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
The demographic picture in 26764 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Terra Alta averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
New investors are better served looking at Terra Alta's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 26764. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Terra Alta:
Property Strategy for 26764
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $161,157 | $970 | 4.3% | +10.1% | $80,578 |
| 3BR | $196,159 | $1,160 | 4.3% | +8.8% | $65,386 |
| 4BR | $250,146 | $1,610 | 4.6% | +10.0% | $62,536 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 26764 Compare?
| Metric | 26764 | Terra Alta | Morgantown, WV | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $178,492 | $178,492 | N/A | $169,372 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.4% | 6.4% | N/A | 6.1% |
| Avg Rent | $873 | $873 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.8% | 3.8% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 26764 (Terra Alta, WV). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $178,492 |
| Monthly Rent | $873 |
| Price-to-Rent | 17.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.9% |
| Cap Rate | 3.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
🏠 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 (3.8%). 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 26764
Population: 4,349
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 26764
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
What investment strategy works best in Terra Alta, WV?
In Terra Alta, WV the impressive play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $178K prices and $873/mo rents suits that approach.
Are renters plentiful in Terra Alta, WV?
Terra Alta, WV draws a reliable base of working renters. Demand at the $873/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
Is Terra Alta in WV worth investing in?
Investors tracking Terra Alta, WV will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $178K median home values and $873/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting reliable returns.
Does house hacking make sense in Terra Alta, WV?
House hacking works a challenging in Terra Alta, WV. Rents of $873/mo against $178K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
Are landlord laws favorable in Terra Alta, WV?
Rental owners in Terra Alta, WV deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
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How 26764 ranks in Morgantown, WV
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