Real Estate Investing in Serena, Illinois (60549)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 60549 (Serena, IL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 26.8 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Serena, IL (60549)?
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Market Analysis: 60549 Serena
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Serena's 60549 ZIP stands at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $330K pricing implies.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 60549 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
Statewide comparisons place 60549 among IL's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Resident income in 60549 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
The 60549 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Serena:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 60549 Compare?
| Metric | 60549 | Serena | Ottawa, IL | Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $330,284 | $330,284 | N/A | $279,761 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.0% | 6.0% | N/A | 6.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,026 | $1,026 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.4% | 2.4% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 60549 (Serena, IL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $330,284 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,026 |
| Price-to-Rent | 26.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.7% |
| Cap Rate | 2.4% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +6.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +5.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | N/A |
🏠 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 (2.4%). 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 60549
Population: 836
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 60549
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
How strong are rents in Serena, IL?
Investors in Serena, IL typically see rents near $1,026/mo per month against $330K home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
What is the tenant pool like in Serena, IL?
The tenant pool in Serena, IL is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,026/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
How expensive is real estate in Serena, IL?
Median home price in Serena, IL is near $330K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been consistent and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
Is IL a landlord-friendly state?
The landlord environment in Serena, IL is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
Can I house hack in Serena, IL?
Serena, IL is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $330K price point reasonable to enter.
You know 60549 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 60549 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 60549 ranks in Ottawa, IL
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