Real Estate Investing in Rocky River, Ohio (44116)
Should you buy in 44116 (Rocky River, OH)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Rocky River, OH (44116)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 44116 Rocky River
The 44116 ZIP covers a section of Rocky River that demands careful diligence. Prices near $408K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
Distressed does not mean uninvestable. It means the margin for error is thinner. ZIP 44116 rewards the prepared, punishes the overconfident, and leaves the math unchanged either way.
Meanwhile, 44116 offers a low basis, the region around Rocky River has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Demographically, 44116 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. sturdy returns are possible in 44116, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Rocky River:
Property Strategy for 44116
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $99,289 | $1,170 | 8.5% | +10.3% | $99,289 |
| 2BR | $180,395 | $1,410 | 5.6% | +8.6% | $90,197 |
| 3BR | $383,324 | $1,810 | 3.4% | +7.7% | $127,775 |
| 4BR | $537,058 | $1,940 | 2.6% | +8.5% | $134,265 |
| 5BR | $734,099 | — | — | +8.6% | $146,820 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 44116 Compare?
| Metric | 44116 | Rocky River | Cleveland-Elyria, OH | Ohio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $408,374 | $408,374 | N/A | $237,530 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.5% | 7.5% | N/A | 7.4% |
| Avg Rent | $1,472 | $1,472 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% | 2.8% | - | - |
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 44116 (Rocky River, OH). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $408,374 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,472 |
| Price-to-Rent | 23.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.3% |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.3% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +7.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.9% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -5.3% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.5%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.8%). 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 44116
Population: 21,527
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 44116
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Lewis F Mayer Middle School
Garfield Middle School
Harding Middle School
Harrison Elementary School
Horace Mann Elementary 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
Investor Insight: With 7,165 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Rocky River, OH?
Expect median prices around $408K in Rocky River, OH. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been predictable.
How does Rocky River, OH stack up for property investment?
Rocky River, OH sits at an investability rating of 3.0/5, with median home values near $408K and average rents around $1,472/mo. That combination puts it in the substantial tier for investor interest.
Are landlord laws favorable in Rocky River, OH?
Rental owners in Rocky River, OH deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
Is Rocky River, OH a good market for FHA house hackers?
Rocky River, OH is a a challenging market for house hackers. FHA or conventional owner-occupant buyers find the $408K price point reasonable to enter.
What kind of tenants rent in Rocky River, OH?
Tenant quality in Rocky River, OH ranks as solid. Landlords generally report even-keeled occupancy at market rents of $1,472/mo.
See what 44116 really looks like for investors
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