Real Estate Investing in Lake City, Tennessee (37769)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 37769 (Lake City, TN)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 13.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- Elevated poverty: 20.5% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Lake City, TN (37769)?
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Market Analysis: 37769 Lake City
This part of Anderson County is not an easy win. The 37769 ZIP shows softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Meanwhile, the numbers look inviting — $247K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 37769 is substantial and deserves full respect.
On the rental side, 37769 offers a low basis, the region around Lake City has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
The demographic picture in 37769 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Lake City averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
The right play in 37769 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Lake City:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 37769 Compare?
| Metric | 37769 | Lake City | Knoxville, TN | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $246,717 | $246,717 | N/A | $327,001 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.6% | 7.6% | N/A | 7.7% |
| Avg Rent | $891 | $891 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% | 2.8% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 37769 (Lake City, TN). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $246,717 |
| Monthly Rent | $891 |
| Price-to-Rent | 23.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.3% |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.6% ▲ |
| 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 (2.8%). 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 37769
Population: 5,673
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 37769
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
Which real estate strategy fits Lake City, TN?
Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Lake City, TN. The numbers - $247K homes against $891/mo rents - support that play.
Does Lake City, TN favor landlords or tenants?
Rental owners in Lake City, TN deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
How high is vacancy risk in Lake City, TN?
Vacancy risk in Lake City, TN is elevated. That supports stable cash flow for typical rental holds.
How strong is tenant demand in Lake City, TN?
Lake City, TN draws a measured base of working renters. Demand at the $891/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
Is Lake City, TN a good place for real estate investing?
Yes - Lake City, TN a 3.0/5 investability score. With $247K home prices against $891/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
You know 37769 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 37769 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 37769 ranks in Knoxville, TN
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