Real Estate Investing in Lee, Maine (04455)
Should you buy in 04455 (Lee, ME)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
Rare combination of both appreciation and cash flow. These markets don't last long — worth serious consideration.
- High vacancy: 45.5% of homes vacant — above national norms.
What’s happening in Lee, ME (04455)?
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Market Analysis: 04455 Lee
This part of Penobscot County is not an easy win. The 04455 ZIP shows softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
The investment case in 04455 is significant only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $187K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
In the broader ME picture, 04455 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.
Resident income in 04455 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
The right play in 04455 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 Lee:
Property Strategy for 04455
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $171,786 | $1,630 | 6.8% | +10.8% | $85,893 |
| 3BR | $210,222 | $2,110 | 7.2% | +10.5% | $70,074 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 04455 Compare?
| Metric | 04455 | Lee | Bangor, ME | Maine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $186,855 | $186,855 | N/A | $401,109 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 8.3% | 8.3% | N/A | 8.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,467 | $1,467 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 6.1% | 6.1% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 04455 (Lee, ME). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $186,855 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,467 |
| Price-to-Rent | 10.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 9.4% |
| Cap Rate | 6.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 14.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +3.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +8.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.7% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.5%) is close to the estimated cap rate (6.1%). Financing this market at current rates produces a cash-on-cash return near the cap rate. Appreciation and tax benefits may still support the investment.
⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 04455
Population: 934
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 04455
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
Where do home prices stand in Lee, ME?
Lee, ME median home values land near $187K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $1,467/mo-per-month rentals.
What kind of vacancy should I budget for in Lee, ME?
Occupancy in Lee, ME runs even-keeled with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,467/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
Is ME a landlord-friendly state?
Landlord-friendliness in Lee, ME is landlord-friendly. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
How much rent can I charge in Lee, ME?
Lee, ME rentals go for roughly $1,467/mo a month. That puts gross yield in solid territory relative to $187K acquisition costs.
What kind of tenants rent in Lee, ME?
Tenant quality in Lee, ME ranks as solid. Landlords generally report even-keeled occupancy at market rents of $1,467/mo.
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