Real Estate Investing in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (37738)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 37738 (Gatlinburg, TN)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- High vacancy: 71.3% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (0.9% CAGR).
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 31.5 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Gatlinburg, TN (37738)?
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Market Analysis: 37738 Gatlinburg
In practical terms, ZIP 37738 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $415K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
The investment case in 37738 is impressive only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $415K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
ZIP 37738's metrics run below Sevier County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
Who lives in 37738 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.
Strategy in 37738 is an operator game, not a passive one. From a cash-flow lens, entry prices of $415K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Gatlinburg:
Property Strategy for 37738
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $360,864 | $1,020 | 2.0% | +10.2% | $360,864 |
| 2BR | $446,280 | $1,220 | 2.0% | +10.4% | $223,140 |
| 3BR | $609,394 | $1,600 | 1.9% | +10.3% | $203,131 |
| 4BR | $808,147 | $1,620 | 1.4% | +11.0% | $202,037 |
| 5BR | $1,125,552 | — | — | +10.0% | $225,110 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 37738 Compare?
| Metric | 37738 | Gatlinburg | Sevierville, TN | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $415,186 | $415,186 | N/A | $327,001 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 0.9% | 0.9% | N/A | 7.7% |
| Avg Rent | $1,098 | $1,098 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% | 2.1% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 37738 (Gatlinburg, TN). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $415,186 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,098 |
| Price-to-Rent | 31.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.2% |
| Cap Rate | 2.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 3.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -0.2% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -5.7% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +0.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +9.1% ▲ |
🏠 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 (2.1%). 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 37738
Population: 5,269
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 37738
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do landlords face vacancy issues in Gatlinburg, TN?
Occupancy in Gatlinburg, TN runs steady with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,098/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
How do experienced investors play Gatlinburg, TN?
Gatlinburg, TN investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($415K prices, $1,098/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
Is rental property easy to operate in Gatlinburg, TN?
TN ranks as a landlord-friendly state for landlord-tenant law. Gatlinburg generally follows the statewide framework, so landlords face reasonable operating rules.
What kind of tenants rent in Gatlinburg, TN?
The renter base in Gatlinburg, TN is reasonable for the $1,098/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields predictable tenants.
Is Gatlinburg, TN a good place for real estate investing?
With a 2.0/5 investability score, Gatlinburg, TN ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $415K and rents of $1,098/mo drive the underlying numbers.
You know 37738 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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