Best and Worst Neighborhoods to Buy a Home

Biz.Yahoooo.com ^ | Sara Clemence

[P-Marlowe]

Who in their right mind would pay nearly a million dollars for a home in a South Central crime neighborhood? Here is a good example of a $ 750,000 California home:

Baloney. That house would probably sell for around $100,000 to $150,000. Still too much, but your example is ludicrous.

I just checked the MLS and you can still buy a 5000 square foot house in south central/watts LA for about $300,000.

[Decepticon]

I spend a few days in San Diego every year for work, and I absolutely love it. One of the nicest cities and best climates in our great country.

Yea, it's great as long as you never own a gun, love taxes off the chart and don't mind being hip deep in illegals. But hey, the climate is nice.....

[Decepticon]

I just checked the MLS and you can still buy a 5000 square foot house in south central/watts LA for about $300,000.

And you can buy a 5000 SF house in the "medical district" of Fort Worth for $40,000....what's your point...?

[stands2reason]

Here is a good example of a $ 750,000 California home:

That's a $29,000 house in my area.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

I see. Have you ever thought of selling your home and buying 5000 acres in Wyoming, building a 4000 sq. ft. palace for your family and doing your programing and business on-line....like the rest of us hicks?

Please note that I've never used terms like "hicks" to refer to anyone who chooses to live elsewhere - you might be reading things in my post that aren't there. It's just that I and many other people prefer to live in California - great weather most of the year, great colleges, great job opportunities with established firms, great start-up incubator in the Bay Area, great cultural diversity in the major cities.

Despite the governmental mismanagement, most of California is still a wonderful place to live in.

[ex-Texan]

Actually, unlike Yogi Berra's nonsequetor, my statement is true. There are dozens of news reports about people moving away on the Internet. Here is One Dated March 16, 2006

[Walkingfeather]

Exactly. It is like the beach, it is nice to know you can go at any time. You dont have to but if you have ever lived in the middle of West Texas, ( as I did in college) it is an awful feeling being 8 hours from anything.

[Decepticon]

Despite the governmental mismanagement, most of California is still a wonderful place to live in.

I've been to California, I loved the state. But the politics, greed and illegals will be its undoing.....unfortunately. France on the West coast.

[Cementjungle]

Who in their right mind would pay nearly a million dollars for a home in a South Central crime neighborhood? Here is a good example of a $ 750,000 California home:

I did 3 years ago, for $545K and sold it last summer for $869K. For the 2.5 years I owned it I rented out it's 4 units and better than broke even on monthly expenses.

Of course that gain was peanuts compared to our home in a better Los Angeles neighborhood, held for 7 years.

Thanks to those 2 properties I quit my corporate job and now live in a free and clear waterfront property in WA.

[stands2reason]

Seriesly. For that kind of money you can build your own paradise in flyover country. And not have to share it with others.

[ex-Texan]

Not baloney! The truth! That is a photo of a real house in Culver City listed for sale at $ 750,000. The MLS number is 05-029011. View more POS, over priced California real estate HERE

[Hi Heels]

See... I just can't do it. My daughter wants to move to Williams AZ where we vacationed this year. I'm like, WAIT, we can't surf, no tidepools, no coastal flowers/hikes, nope nope nope.

[jra]

There are tons of communities in Alabama which are great to live in.

Montgomery?

I'll pass.

[Decepticon]

Thanks to those 2 properties I quit my corporate job and now live in a free and clear waterfront property in WA.

You chose wisely and know when to quit pulling the slot machine handle.....

Now, about Washington state.....

[Decepticon]

or that kind of money you can build your own paradise in flyover country.

That was my point :). It's amazing so few seem, or don't want, to understand it.....

[Cementjungle]

Now, about Washington state.....

My county is growing by leaps and bounds, although it won't be as crazy as LA was. We have already bought our first investment duplex here, and it'll pay for itself until we sell it. I'll be happy with the projected 10%/year gain for the next few years. If that doesn't happen, it'll still support itself.

[ex-Texan]

Nicely stated, Decepticon!

About Washington State: Prices up there are about two years behind hyper-inflated Oregon. They are averaging about $ 100k less with some exceptions for prime locations in Seattle.

By the way, there is a new real estate company having it's grand opening in Portland. The name of the outfit is POS(H) Homes, Inc.

[Decepticon]

I'll be happy with the projected 10%/year gain for the next few years. If that doesn't happen, it'll still support itself.

Exactly. You understand the risks and the gains, you're very good at what you do, I'm guessing you're actually gainfully employed, probably your spouse also....and you don't rely on your real estate income to fill your bank account.

Now take a good look at the home at the beginning of this thread.....$750,000, I ask?

[Cementjungle]

Now take a good look at the home at the beginning of this thread.....$750,000, I ask?

True. That's really stretching it! Besides, I don't hold much hope for Los Angeles' future (taxes are going nutz, people are moving out, etc.).

[stands2reason]

Yeah, I was agreeing with you.

They act like the Midwest and South are overrun with sulfuric lavapits giving off miasmic vapors. I feel a bit insulted...