04.18.14 Focusing on a Square Mile

On a recent podcast, the guest suggested that people in larger cities focused on a one mile by one mile area. His allows you to get really good at one area, gain inefficiencies by not driving all directions, and not be overwhelmed in a big city.

I live in a small town, but I still focused on a small area. My target area is 40 blocks and one mile long by half a mile long. If I hear an address that lands in this area, I can instantly visualize the type of block it is.

A fun tool I found to research neighborhoods is http://neighborhoods.findthebest.com.

Some characteristics of my target neighborhood, from the website:

With 8,633 people / square mile, this neighborhood is fairly crowded compared to others nearby.

Comprised of more property renters than home owners, as 66% of residents rent property.

Low education levels for the area; percent of people who hold a four year degree, 4%, compared to 22% citywide.

Low income: 87% of households have a yearly income below $50k a year.