Real Estate Investing in Buhl, Alabama (35446)
Should you buy in 35446 (Buhl, AL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — values have been flat. OK for long-horizon buyers, less attractive if you may need to sell soon.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- Declining values: -1.8% 5-year CAGR — values have moved lower.
- 1-year downturn: Values declined 5.7% in the last year.
What’s happening in Buhl, AL (35446)?
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Market Analysis: 35446 Buhl
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Buhl's 35446 ZIP reports signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $179K pricing implies.
Rent of $927/mo on a $179K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 35446 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
ZIP 35446's metrics run below Tuscaloosa County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
The 35446 ZIP's population of 1,772 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that registers the need for careful underwriting.
The 35446 ZIP fits a narrow investor profile — hands-on, patient, and willing to accept that the cap rate on paper is not the cap rate in reality.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Buhl:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 35446 Compare?
| Metric | 35446 | Buhl | Tuscaloosa, AL | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $179,024 | $179,024 | N/A | $231,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5.6% |
| Avg Rent | $927 | $927 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.0% | 4.0% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 35446 (Buhl, AL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $179,024 |
| Monthly Rent | $927 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.2% |
| Cap Rate | 4.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 2.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -5.7% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -7.1% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | -1.8% ▼ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +1.8% ▲ |
🏠 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 (4.0%). 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 35446
Population: 1,772
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 35446
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.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 2,331 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rental occupancy rate in Buhl, AL?
Buhl, AL vacancy trends elevated. Investors running standard buy-and-hold plays see reasonable downtime between tenants.
How deep is the rental pool in Buhl, AL?
Expect a solid tenant pool in Buhl, AL. The rental market absorbs $927/mo rents without meaningful friction.
Is Buhl, AL a friendly market for rental owners?
Buhl, AL falls under AL landlord-tenant law, which is landlord-friendly. That backdrop makes day-to-day property management reasonable.
Does house hacking make sense in Buhl, AL?
House hacking works a challenging in Buhl, AL. Rents of $927/mo against $179K acquisition make the strategy solid for owner-occupants.
Is housing expensive in Buhl, AL?
Buhl, AL median home values land near $179K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $927/mo-per-month rentals.
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