Real Estate Investing in Southwest Harbor, Maine (04679)
Should you buy in 04679 (Southwest Harbor, ME)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 49.4% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 43.0 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in Southwest Harbor, ME (04679)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 04679 Southwest Harbor
ZIP 04679 in Southwest Harbor, ME carries a sturdy set of headwinds. Home values near $617K and rents of $1,197/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
For an experienced owner, 04679 can be a a solid fit for hunting ground — but the discount at $617K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Within ME, ZIP 04679 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Hancock County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and notable enough to shape underwriting.
A healthy renter share of 40% in 04679 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
trends toward the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Southwest Harbor:
Property Strategy for 04679
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $484,292 | $1,330 | 2.0% | +7.6% | $242,146 |
| 3BR | $548,816 | $1,810 | 2.4% | +7.5% | $182,939 |
| 4BR | $814,181 | $1,820 | 1.6% | +9.3% | $203,545 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 04679 Compare?
| Metric | 04679 | Southwest Harbor | Maine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $617,289 | $617,289 | $401,109 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.5% | 6.5% | 8.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,197 | $1,197 | - |
| Cap Rate | 1.5% | 1.5% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 04679 (Southwest Harbor, ME). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 04679 (Southwest Harbor, ME)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $617,289 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,197 |
| Price-to-Rent | 43.0:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 2.3% |
| Cap Rate | 1.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +5.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.2% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.5%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (1.5%). 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 04679
Population: 1,544
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 04679
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (1 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Tremont Consolidated School
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.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average monthly rent in Southwest Harbor, ME?
Rent in Southwest Harbor, ME is around $1,197/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $617K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
Are there empty rentals in Southwest Harbor, ME?
Southwest Harbor, ME sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader ME rental market.
Are homes affordable in Southwest Harbor, ME?
Southwest Harbor, ME home values average about $617K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $1,197/mo in monthly income.
Is rental property easy to operate in Southwest Harbor, ME?
The landlord environment in Southwest Harbor, ME is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
What strategy should investors use in Southwest Harbor, ME?
A careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy Southwest Harbor, ME best. The market produces consistent results for that approach at the $617K price point.
See what 04679 really looks like for investors
You're reading the free snapshot. Unlock appreciation trends, cap rates, vacancy signals, Section 8 data, and full demographics for 04679.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 04679 (Southwest Harbor)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 04679 (Southwest Harbor, ME).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.