Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Metro: Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $950 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,230 | $74,050 | 1.66% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,570 | $109,597 | 1.43% | A |
| 4BR | $1,700 | $135,225 | 1.26% | A |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Turtle Creek, PA, located within the HUD Metro FMR Area of ZIP 15145, serves as a solid cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1040, while the current market rent stands at $1157. This creates a positive spread of $117 per unit, ensuring that landlords can maintain a consistent and reliable cash flow above the subsidized rates.
The median home value in Turtle Creek is $100,333, which is relatively low compared to other areas in Pittsburgh. This makes it an attractive location for small-portfolio investors looking to acquire properties without a significant capital outlay. The low median home value also indicates that property acquisition costs are manageable, allowing for a higher potential return on investment through rental income.
While appreciation plays typically involve areas with rapidly rising property values and short days on market (DOM), Turtle Creek does not fit this profile. There is no specific percentage increase in property values noted, nor is there a mention of a reduced DOM that would suggest quick sales or high demand for properties.
Turtle Creek is not best suited as a pure diversifier either, although the 59.6% renter share does provide a strong tenant base. However, the median income of $49,628 suggests that the majority of tenants are likely to be eligible for Section 8 assistance, making the area more specialized in subsidized housing rather than offering broad diversification opportunities.
In summary, Turtle Creek, PA, acts as a reliable cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio. Landlords benefit from a steady stream of income, with rents exceeding the FMR by $117, and the low median home value supports the acquisition of multiple units without substantial upfront investment. This makes Turtle Creek an ideal choice for those seeking stable and predictable returns from their Section 8 investments.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.