Up and Coming Neighborhoods

We're fans of the This Old House. Their Web site recently featured "Best Places to Buy an Old House 2009," a really interesting tour of nearly every state, house prices there and why certain neighborhoods were up-and-coming, as in "why you should buy there now."

Here's what they had to say about a neighborhood in Montgomery, Alabama... read it with the thought, "this could happen here in Abilene!" Also note that the neighborhood was recently designated a historic district. We've got lots of great housing stock, all we need is more investment in housing close to the heart of the city. APL firmly believes it will be happening!

Capitol Heights, Montgomery, Alabama

In 1916 the Montgomery Advertiser called this new neighborhood, built on an old cotton plantation, "an ideal residential suburban section." And Capitol Heights has retained pretty much the same feel since. East of downtown Montgomery, it's a beautiful old streetcar suburb that's gaining favor among lawyers, teachers, architects, and maintenance workers who like the diverse, tight-knit community—and that it's five blocks from their jobs in downtown Montgomery.

The Houses:
The houses are extraordinary Deep South versions of the California-style Craftsman, with long, low-pitched eaves and roomy front porches. Some have upstairs sleeping porches that capture the cool night breezes. Many were built in the early to mid-1900s using concrete blocks made on-site. Home values range from $75,000 to $200,000.

Why Buy Now?
Capitol Heights was recently designated a historic district. Many residents believe the designation will help protect the neighborhood’s architectural integrity and boost property values. A neighborhood group is drawing potential buyers by sponsoring yearly home tours, during which the work of local artists is displayed and for sale.
Photo by Carole King
Here's the link to the whole article