Location: Bedford County, PA | Metro: Bedford County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP code 15535 is marked by a median home value of $264,880. This figure provides a foundational understanding of the current market valuation, but the absence of percentage data on listings that have been reduced and the median days on market (DOM) indicates a lack of recent activity or volatility. These missing metrics would typically help gauge the urgency of sellers and the bargaining power landlords hold in negotiations. Without them, it's challenging to predict precise shifts in pricing power over the next 12-24 months, but the static median home value suggests a stable market with little fluctuation in asking prices.
On the rental side, the Forward Monthly Rent (FMR) for the area is projected at $1,130 for the fiscal year 2026, while the current market rent stands at $797 based on Census ACS data. This gap highlights an opportunity for landlords to potentially increase rents to align with future projections, assuming economic conditions remain favorable and demand for rentals does not significantly decrease. The discrepancy between the FMR and the current market rent also suggests that properties may be undervalued in terms of their rental potential, which could be advantageous for long-term investors looking to capitalize on future rent increases.
For long-hold investors, the setup implied by the data points toward a realistic appreciation thesis. The median home value of $264,880, coupled with the potential for rents to rise closer to the FMR of $1,130, indicates that properties in ZIP 15535 can offer steady growth in both capital and rental income over time. However, the absence of specific trends in listing reductions and DOM makes it difficult to assert a strong immediate upward trajectory in home values. Instead, the data supports a scenario where continued investment in property maintenance and strategic rental pricing adjustments could lead to gradual appreciation and enhanced cash flow returns.
In summary, the median home value and the potential for rising rents suggest a market poised for gradual growth. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should focus on maintaining property quality and adjusting rents in line with future expectations to maximize returns. The stability indicated by the median home value, alongside the undervaluation in current rental rates, positions ZIP 15535 as a viable long-term investment area, though rapid appreciation is not clearly signaled by the available data.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.