neighborhoods

A while back we focused on some of the most popular neighborhoods in the country. Well, wouldn’t you know it, there are more than ten great neighborhoods as evidenced by this new list. The median list price is included.

1. Colonial Village, Arlington, VA – $325,000
2. Atlantic Station, Atlanta, GA – $315,000
3. Chesterbrook, Philadelphia, PA – $447,200
4. Harbour Island, Tampa, FL – $565,000
5. City Center, Santa Monica, CA – $1,851,600
6. South Lake Station, Seattle, WA – $474,990
7. Carmel, IN – $579,900
8. Midtown, Atlanta, GA – $400,000
9. Madison, Huntsville, AL – $456,500
10. Johns Creek, Atlanta, VA – $711,000

Home buying in an urban market can be a tricky business and Trulia has provided an excellent primer on what to look for n an up-and-coming neighborhood. Below are a few highlights:

• Days on the Market: A steady decrease in the days homes are on the market is often a strong sign of a revitalized neighborhood, even before the prices actually increase.
• Construction and remodeling: Are there new buildings going up and older ones being rehabbed? If so, this could be sign of a neighborhood coming back to life.
• Organic grocery and other speciality stores: New restaurants, small boutiques, organic groceries and other speciality shops are strong signs that a neighborhood is changing and on the upswing.