Real Estate Investing in Shady Valley, Tennessee (37688)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Johnson County • Population: 1,057 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 37688 (Shady Valley, TN)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
WEAK FIT
Grade F (31/100)

Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.

📈 For Investors
WEAK
2.0 / 5 (33/100)

Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.

⚠️ Risks to Know
1 flag
  • High vacancy: 22.0% 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 Shady Valley, TN (37688)?

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2.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

0.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $240,815
Avg Monthly Rent $909
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $43,429
% Renters 11.7%

Market Analysis: 37688 Shady Valley

This part of Johnson County is not an easy win. The 37688 ZIP reports softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.

The 37688 ZIP can work — but only with a tight operating hand. Remote landlords and passive investors tend to struggle here more than the underwriting suggests.

Within TN, ZIP 37688 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Johnson County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and resilient enough to shape underwriting.

Who lives in 37688 is part of why the ZIP is priced as it is. The demographic profile requires hands-on management, tight screening, and local knowledge.

The right play in 37688 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Shady Valley:

C Below Average
Buy Confidence Score: 58/100
Affordability
10/25
Appreciation
18/25
Stability
7/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Expensive
Homes cost 5.5× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+4.2%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $909/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: This market may be challenging for buyers. Consider your timing and budget carefully.

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$251K$241K$231K$220K$210K$199KFeb 2022May 2024Jul 2026

📊 How Does 37688 Compare?

Metric 37688 Shady Valley Tennessee
Home Value $240,815 $240,815 $327,001
5-Year CAGR N/A N/A 7.7%
Avg Rent $909 $909 -
Cap Rate 2.9% 2.9% -
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 37688 (Shady Valley, TN). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Fair
Cap Rate
2.9%
Low

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $240,815
Monthly Rent $909
Price-to-Rent 22.1:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 4.5%
Cap Rate 2.9%
5-Year IRR 8.3%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +4.2% ▲
3-Year CAGR +5.4% ▲
5-Year CAGR N/A
10-Year CAGR N/A

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 2.9%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.9%). 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.

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⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
22.0%
Elevated risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
N/A
Stable
Eviction process: Moderate Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 37688

Population: 1,057

💰 Median Household Income
$43,429
This area
$43,429
State
$60,881
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
11.7%
This area
11.7%
State
25.6%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
0.0%
This area
0.0%
State
-22.2%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
27.5%
This area
27.5%
State
-6.3%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
56.0 years
This area
56.0 years
State
9.9 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
22.0%
This area
22.0%
State
15.4%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 96.4%
Other/Mixed 3.6%
👶 Under 18
6.5%
This area
6.5%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
36.7%
This area
36.7%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
1.7%
This area
1.7%
USA
11.5%

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

🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities

1 Nearby 430 Off-Campus Students
C
Virginia Highlands Community College
2,052 students · 12.5 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the investability score for Shady Valley, TN?

Shady Valley, TN reports an investability rating of 2.0/5, with median home values near $241K and average rents around $909/mo. That combination puts it in the significant tier for investor interest.

How much do tenants pay in Shady Valley, TN?

Expect rents around $909/mo per month in Shady Valley, TN. With home values at $241K, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.

What approach is best for Shady Valley, TN real estate?

The best-fit strategy in Shady Valley, TN is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.

How do landlord-tenant laws work in Shady Valley, TN?

TN law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Shady Valley inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.

What are home prices like in Shady Valley, TN?

The median home value in Shady Valley, TN is roughly $241K. That puts it reasonable relative to the TN statewide average.

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