Are Zip Codes really a good indicator? (extended stay, for sale)

[roc81]

I've been reading this forum for a couple of years now, more intensly since I am about to leave in a matter of days. I just wanted to know if Zip Codes are really that good of an indicator of the areas potential to be good or bad? I mean since the zipcode can change literally across the street? And how wide spread is the area that one Zip Code pertains to?

[Wilshire81182]

Zip codes for the most part usually lean in one direction, nicer or less nice because of their size, but definitely have exceptions. Some good examples of ZIP codes that are all over the place in regards to nice and not so nice are 32825, 32809, and 32818.
Most others to me tip more toward nice or bad. The better indicator is by street or intersection if you can get that specific!

[GloryB]

Trust me, I moved here just a few months ago, and the BEST advice I have is to rent either an extended stay hotel or a condo/villa by the week. This time of the year the rates are the lowest. Check out the area BEFORE renting or buying a permanant place.

I didn't do that and am stuck in this creepy part of town where most of my neighbors are hookers and the rest don't speak English.

[AONE]

Glory BB sounds like you didnt speak to any of us realtors or some of the other outspoken people in the forum. While a couple zips are mostly ok there are certainly areas I think have too many bad surroundings very close to them to be nice. (The first PUD in the country comes to mind) When I get asked about homes I tend to find out what someone likes / values and then I look for homes in areas I think fit what they indicated. For me the process will eliminate some of the nasty options. There is a condo conversion off Semoran that is a great example its all for sale because it is so nasty. It is priced so cheap everyone finds it when they search realtor.com then they want to know about it... I dont send them to people as I am confident the reaction i will get when they see them.... and yes I have shown them and got reactions of ..why are we here and where is the closest exit....
talk to your realtor tell them what you want. we really can find it and prevent most of the horror stories. We really do want you to be happy because happy clients make for many referrals :-)
summary. don't trust a zip code to give you a clue of the area. look at how many units are for sale, if they are foreclosures or more. value, hoa issues and more....

[RelocatorNYtoFL]

AONE, we have reply to each other before and to give credit to Gloria I have to agree with her, I am latino but always speak english, ORL is depressing and people are nasty NOT ALL which includes you AONE. You are looking this in the eyes of a Realtor and with my most sincere respect there should be a better way to try to gain the confidence of the prospect buyers...

Good luck AONE...

[Granny Sue]

Originally Posted by roc81

I've been reading this forum for a couple of years now, more intensly since I am about to leave in a matter of days. I just wanted to know if Zip Codes are really that good of an indicator of the areas potential to be good or bad? I mean since the zipcode can change literally across the street? And how wide spread is the area that one Zip Code pertains to?

To answer this acurately......the zip codes are a good place TO START.
Best example....zip code 32818. This zip code has some very run down areas prone to crime. It also has an area that has nice tree lined streets and no police activity.

The best advise is to find a zip code in a area of town that appeals to you and go check it out. Make sure you cover the ENTIRE area.

You can't judge an entire tri-county area by the appearance of one neighborhood. Nor the people who live here.

Good luck in your search.

[VaNative]

Originally Posted by Kali's Grandma

To answer this acurately......the zip codes are a good place TO START.
Best example....zip code 32818. This zip code has some very run down areas prone to crime. It also has an area that has nice tree lined streets and no police activity.

I live in 32818 and have no issues in my neighborhood...it's an old neighborhood but it's very nice.

[cfIfan]

If you dont have any info to hand then zip codes are a good starting point, but i would suggest if you are moving into an area from out of town or out of state, then you should consider initially where you will be working, keep in mind a max commute and then talk to realtors and see if they specialize in that area and work with them to find you a great neighbourhood. Keep in mind if you have children you will also want to keep in mind for the better schools, but there are many great schools here around.

I wish you the best of luck