BiggerPockets

I haven't seen much discussion on targeted real estate markets and I don't see this category on the forum. Rich's post caused me to wonder what RE markets everyone thinks are the best to invest in. Where are you investing and why?

What does everyone think of the Austin market? I am too close to the city to evaluate it without prejudice.

I'm not sure which post Bryan is referring to. I like all of Texas pretty much, due to the small rise in the big run up and low median prices of homes. It is easy to see which areas were popular before and they'll be popular again. Follow the sunshine as population ages, imo. I'm trying to buy in FL and building in TX. I must like those areas. We'll see. Rich.

Columbus, Ohio...really?! Buffalo, N.Y....?

I guess I must be misinformed because those are two of the last places I would invest money. Do you have a link to a study?

I am investing in Baltimore. Deals galore. I grew up there, and live 30 miles from there so it's convenient. I am using a buy and hold strategy.

I would agree with rich on alot of things, but especailly the fact that the whole texas market looks pretty good right now, I'd invest in almost any major (200k+ population) cities in Texas. I moved to Texas to invest, and currently invest in Amarillo, Tx, but have consitered most major cities in Texas. Id also say Buffalo and Columbus would be one of the cities on the BOTTOM of my list, while they may be cheap, i dont see them offering much more, many on these boards have made good money in these areas, but I wouldnt consiter them a good real estate market little alone one of the best. I'd also say the whole Phoenix Az Metro area would be one of the top markets right now with tons of CHEAP inventory. for once in along time you CAN CASH FLOW in these areas! I think Austin is an excellent area, and my investing is long term based...
-Scott

Vikram I agree. I also believe that an area can be potentially good if you understand the market and know where to look. I find deals in my market and have be able to all along. There have always been distressed properties and if you know your area you can buy right and know what is a deal.

What does everyone think of Austin?

Bryan, I love Austin from a long-term perspective. Cities that make it hard to build and have a lot of regulatory hurdles (e.g. San Francisco) tend, over time, to have very high property values. Austin also has the cultural aspects that would want educated and affluent people to want to live there. People are willing to pay a higher multiple of their annual income for a home as their income levels increase, which should help Austin property values in the long run.

Depends on what you want to do. I've been doing north Indiana because the state has been running a budget surplus all through the "crisis", has been cutting property taxes, and has sociological anchors that will keep people here and coming no matter what shape the economy is in.

Post depression is a good time for looking into any sort of "destination" city that people will always go to for a reason. The same reason I like key areas of North Indiana is the same reason I like key (hint hint) areas of South Florida.

Tim

I love Austin and the Hill Country. It is definitely in the heart of the Texaplex,see Texaplex.com. Strong economy and desirablity plus anti growth government = strong support for existing properties.