How to analyze and grade the neighborhood?

[Jim Elston]

First off I am just getting started in the world of REI. I have to admit I am fascinated by it and my curiosity is coming up with more questions than I have knowledge or answers for.

I see many posts in the forums that mention the neighborhoods people are invested or looking to invest in rated on a graded scale..... this neighborhood is a "B' for example.

How does everyone analyze and what data points are commonly used to come up with and then assign this "grade"??

[Michael Leffelholz]

Welcome Jim,

In addition to the criteria Eric laid out you might ask yourself a very simple question- would you want your family living there? If the answer is yes you have probably gone a long way in "grading the neighborhood". I came across a web site by the name of neighborhood scout probably which you may also want to look at. While some of the info is available only by subscription (not advocating you pay) it may also offer a little different perspective .

Good luck

Michael