Clarksville neighborhoods (for sale, real estate, renting)

[Arrowette]

My spouse and I are relocating to Clarksville, and we are thinking about buying a house in the next six months or so. I've been browsing real estate websites and google streetview for the past month, and these are some neighborhoods we're interested in based on the architectural styles and proximity to the university (where we'll both probably be working, though I may work at a firm downtown). I have a few questions about them.

We are looking for (1) a historic area or close to it, because we hate all housing styles popular after the Korean War; (2) a neighborhood that is improving - i.e. it doesn't matter if it's not great, as long as it's getting better; and (3) an area close to Austin Peay.

GREENWOOD AVENUE (near the train tracks, and area immediately east) - this area has the most attractive houses by far, but it seems to be rather "checkerboard," if you know what I mean; and there seem to be a lot of voodoo ladies and the houses don't seem to be selling quickly. How's this neighborhood doing? Is it moving up or moving down? Does it have a crime problem?

HICKORY HEIGHTS - I love the cottage-style houses and mature trees, but... it seems like people aren't taking care of their yards, which is never a good sign. But it also seems like the yards are BIG, which is good. So how is it doing? Is it getting better or worse?

IMMEDIATE NORTH, EAST, AND WEST OF AUSTIN PEAY, BETWEEN KRAFT ST., COLLEGE ST., AND 2ND ST. - It seems like these houses turn over very quickly, because the (very few) houses I've seen for sale in this area are only advertised for a few days. This is a very attractive area but it looks like students are renting a lot of houses here. And very few homes go up for sale - what's up with that?

[cashmannsdq]

Arrowette, hopefully I can assist in answering some of your questions below.

Originally Posted by Arrowette

My spouse and I are relocating to Clarksville, and we are thinking about buying a house in the next six months or so. I've been browsing real estate websites and google streetview for the past month, and these are some neighborhoods we're interested in based on the architectural styles and proximity to the university (where we'll both probably be working, though I may work at a firm downtown). I have a few questions about them.

We are looking for (1) a historic area or close to it, because we hate all housing styles popular after the Korean War; (2) a neighborhood that is improving - i.e. it doesn't matter if it's not great, as long as it's getting better; and (3) an area close to Austin Peay.

GREENWOOD AVENUE (near the train tracks, and area immediately east) - this area has the most attractive houses by far, but it seems to be rather "checkerboard," if you know what I mean; and there seem to be a lot of voodoo ladies and the houses don't seem to be selling quickly. How's this neighborhood doing? Is it moving up or moving down? Does it have a crime problem? Arrowette, this area is making a comeback as is alot of the downtown areas (or in close proximity) We just sold a home not far from there to a young couple exiting the Military and starting school at APSU. In regards to crime, I would refer you to the CPD

HICKORY HEIGHTS - I love the cottage-style houses and mature trees, but... it seems like people aren't taking care of their yards, which is never a good sign. But it also seems like the yards are BIG, which is good. So how is it doing? Is it getting better or worse? Many of the folks in this area have been there for years. As with alot of the older areas in town, there is not much turnover.

IMMEDIATE NORTH, EAST, AND WEST OF AUSTIN PEAY, BETWEEN KRAFT ST., COLLEGE ST., AND 2ND ST. - It seems like these houses turn over very quickly, because the (very few) houses I've seen for sale in this area are only advertised for a few days. This is a very attractive area but it looks like students are renting a lot of houses here. And very few homes go up for sale - what's up with that? Many investment properties in this area, but also residential.