Anyone have advice for moving to rough neighborhood? (Minneapolis, Apple Valley: for sale, rent)

[powerfulpup]

So let me preface by saying, I'm not trying to start a fight about whether or not areas of town are "ghetto". Nor do I want to get into an economics battle about the housing market or the recession or George Bush or anything. Thank you.

Housing sucks right now, right? Right. That's good for some people though. I'm very fortunate to have a bit of disposable income, and am considering moving into a dirt cheap house in a couple of the "rougher" areas of town. I'd still have a my real place near Apple Valley, I'd just switch between the two. I'd live in it, fix it, sell it in a couple years when things turn around.

Yes, there are muders and shootings in some parts of the area. Rarely (though tragically) are random people killed. Most gang violence stays in gangs. I'm more concerned about burgalry (sp?) and property crime.

So installing some home security system, motion lights outside... those are about it for my ideas for keeping things a bit safer. I'm looking for more ideas or advice. Thanks all!

[Globe199]

Why would you do that? Sounds like you're convinced there's a problem in the area you're looking. This seems like a lot of work for very little gain. So...why?

[Slig]

I recently bought a house in the Powderhorn area of south Minneapolis. The area isn't as bad as Phillips and Near North but there is definitely poverty and some crime issues there. Anyway, the biggest cause of crime I can see stems from signs of neglect. If you are occupying and maintaining the house then you are going to be fine, nobody will bother you. Things that invite theft and vandalism include leaving your car parked in the same place for several days or failing to lock it, not raking your leaves or removing the snow from your sidewalks, entryway and yard, having all your house lights off for an extended period of time, etc. A "FOR SALE" or "FOR RENT" sign might as well be an invitation for squatters or getting your place robbed. As soon as my offer was accepted I ripped the realtor sign out of the ground and hid it and I suggest you do the same.

The first thing I did when I moved in was changed all the locks and installed new deadbolts. I also installed a motion light and outside light which automatically comes on when it gets dark to the side entryway of the building. I keep my car parked in the garage at all times and don't leave my garage door open or anything in my yard that could be stolen. I recommend taking all these measures. Also, get to know your neighbors and try to get on their good side. Participate in block parties and other neighborhood events, volunteer in the neighborhood organization if you get a chance. I always plow the snow on my next door neighbor's portion of the sidewalk. Why? Because I know she watches over my property and lets me know if there is anything funny going on in the neighborhood and she's always the first one to call the cops if something is awry.

[Bideshi]

First of all, don't move there. If you must for some unavoidable reason, reduce your exposure as much as possible. Stay inside and out of sight. Vary your routine coming and going; most ambushes and break-ins are set up after observing your routine. Be un-predictible. Advice already given is golden: get to know your neighbors and, if possible, form alliances for common defense. Pray for God's protection. If you're doing this to save a buck you are crazy. People work their butts off to escape those situations at any cost.

[Aylalou]

My daughter lived in Frogtown for a very short period to save on cash, and twice her car windows were bashed. That's all I can tell you.

[Slig]

Originally Posted by Bideshi

First of all, don't move there. If you must for some unavoidable reason, reduce your exposure as much as possible. Stay inside and out of sight. Vary your routine coming and going; most ambushes and break-ins are set up after observing your routine. Be un-predictible. Advice already given is golden: get to know your neighbors and, if possible, form alliances for common defense. Pray for God's protection. If you're doing this to save a buck you are crazy. People work their butts off to escape those situations at any cost.

This is terrible advice, this guy sounds like he's afraid of his own shadow. I recommend heeding this advice if you just finished screwing over a drug lord for 20 kilos of heroin.

Originally Posted by Aylalou

My daughter lived in Frogtown for a very short period to save on cash, and twice her car windows were bashed. That's all I can tell you.

Right, so buy a house with a garage and then utilize it, problem solved.

[Kebinminn]

IMO you're going to have better luck selling a fixed up house in a part of town that people want to live in, not a part of town people want to get away from.

[Ben Around]

Originally Posted by Kebinminn

IMO you're going to have better luck selling a fixed up house in a part of town that people want to live in, not a part of town people want to get away from.

I agree. I'd buy the smallest, dumpiest house in a moderately priced, relatively safe neighborhood that is more likely to go uphill than downhill in the future (but who really knows: trust your gut). For example, Longfellow or Midway, some off the beaten path NE Mpls neighborhoods or Lex-Hamline.

[Ben Around]

Originally Posted by Bideshi

First of all, don't move there. If you must for some unavoidable reason, reduce your exposure as much as possible. Stay inside and out of sight. Vary your routine coming and going; most ambushes and break-ins are set up after observing your routine. Be un-predictible. Advice already given is golden: get to know your neighbors and, if possible, form alliances for common defense. Pray for God's protection. If you're doing this to save a buck you are crazy. People work their butts off to escape those situations at any cost.

I think you are missing the point. The OP is betting on catching the market on the upswing and turning a profit. Doing this in marginal neighborhoods is not for the faint of heart, but the OP sounds like he is comfortable with the risks.

[powerfulpup]

Thanks all. Slig, I really appreciated your input about plowing and raking and whatnot, good ideas.

Yes, I am aware of the risks. I do agree buying a dumpy house in a better neighborhood might be the better bet... but that disposable income I mentioned... well, I can't "dispose" of that much. I'll keep my eyes peeled certainly. Ben Around nailed it, I'm playing the odds, and hoping for a bit of luck where I could sell it after a few years. Like any investment, there is some risk involved.

I'm not looking into property in a DMZ where I'll be ducking rockets and gunfire. I don't look good in flak vest, and I couldn't find a spot to park the Abrams anyway :P And I won't take a place w/o a garage, you can bet on that. I appreciate people pointing it out though.

Thanks again all, I value everyone's input.