Location: Bedford County, PA | Metro: Bedford County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP code 16659 presents a unique opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. With a median home value at $184,290, the area remains relatively affordable compared to other regions, suggesting a broad appeal to potential buyers and renters.
The absence of percentage data indicating listings reductions and the median days on market (DOM) highlights a stable market condition, where neither a significant surplus nor shortage of homes is evident. This stability implies that there is little pressure on property values to decline sharply, maintaining the pricing power of current and future listings.
On the rental side, the Forward Monthly Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is projected at $970. However, the current market rent stands at $487 according to Census ACS data. This substantial gap between projected and actual rents signals a growing demand for rental properties in the area, likely due to increasing population or economic activity. Landlords can leverage this trend to gradually adjust their rental rates, aligning closer with the FMR as the market matures.
For long-term investors, the setup suggests a cautious approach. While the current market conditions support steady occupancy and rental income growth, the lack of specific historical data makes it difficult to project strong appreciation. The realistic thesis leans towards maintaining the status quo with modest increases in property value, contingent upon broader economic trends and local development activities.
Investors should consider diversifying their portfolios and focusing on properties that offer both rental income and potential for gradual value appreciation. The affordability of the median home value combined with the upward trend in rental expectations provides a solid foundation for a balanced investment strategy.
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.