[jjbradleynyc]

I'm again looking at Bridgeport to purchase an investment property.

I'm confident that Black Rock is very solid in which to purchase right now, and the future. Are there other 'hoods that someone would recommend?

I am going to identify and close on a property between now and most likely, January 2008. Prices are dropping, and I'm gonna make a move.

[mels]

Black Rock has always been a good neighborhood so I agree with your decision there. I think downtown is going to be good at some point. Not that it is horrible now, but when the working day is done that place is lifeless sans a couple scattered restaurants and the Cabaret. They have already started with newer apt./condos so hopefully it gets some activity in there. The south end (Seaside Park area) would be my best guess. Some action is going on on the eastern side, say east of Park Ave, though having the Marina Village projects right there on the western side probably hurts the neighborhood greatly, or at least will keep west of Park from revitalizing.

Edited to add: I was thinking of up and coming neighborhoods, I don't know if that is what you are looking for. If you want hoods that area already in good shape I would look in the north end, Trumbull line, and Beadsley Zoo areas.

[JayCT]

Black Rock would be your best bet. It has always been one of the nicest parts of the city and the new train station just over the line in Fairfield will help. Downtown seems to be going in the right direction as well.

The North End and Beardsley Park areas are also good. You need to be a bit careful though to stay west of Main Street or east of Route 8. There is a large public housing project on Reservoir avenue near the Trumbull line that has issues. Stay away from it. JMHO Jay

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by mels

Black Rock has always been a good neighborhood so I agree with your decision there. I think downtown is going to be good at some point. Not that it is horrible now, but when the working day is done that place is lifeless sans a couple scattered restaurants and the Cabaret. They have already started with newer apt./condos so hopefully it gets some activity in there. The south end (Seaside Park area) would be my best guess. Some action is going on on the eastern side, say east of Park Ave, though having the Marina Village projects right there on the western side probably hurts the neighborhood greatly, or at least will keep west of Park from revitalizing.

Edited to add: I was thinking of up and coming neighborhoods, I don't know if that is what you are looking for. If you want hoods that area already in good shape I would look in the north end, Trumbull line, and Beadsley Zoo areas.

Yeah, I've looked hard at the south end--but I think it will be a while (around 5+ years or so) before properties start to command much higher rents and the area will start to revitalize and take off. It will get there--once the government is no longer corrupt and some projects get going, that south end pocket will take off.

As for now, Black Rock is the way to go. The train station really is going to help. I am looking for up and coming areas--I think Beardsley Zoo is good and also Trumball. How about Brooklawn? I've heard about this area from realtors. Where, exactly, does it begin and end? Thanks.

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Black Rock would be your best bet. It has always been one of the nicest parts of the city and the new train station just over the line in Fairfield will help. Downtown seems to be going in the right direction as well.

The North End and Beardsley Park areas are also good. You need to be a bit careful though to stay west of Main Street or east of Route 8. There is a large public housing project on Reservoir avenue near the Trumbull line that has issues. Stay away from it. JMHO Jay

I think so too. The train station will be HUGE for this area. When is it expected to be complete?

As for the housing project up there--I had no idea, thanks for the information, I appreciate it.

[JayCT]

The train station will begin construction next year and open in early 2011. It is a little behind schedule due to (as always) environmental permits which take FOREVER to obtain.

Brooklawn is very nice. It generally falls into the area north of North Avenue, east of the Rooster River/ Fairfield town line and west of Park Avenue, generallay along the Brooklawn Avenue corridor. It kind of overlaps the area I described as the North End. Jay

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by JayCT

The train station will begin construction next year and open in early 2011. It is a little behind schedule due to (as always) environmental permits which take FOREVER to obtain.

Brooklawn is very nice. It generally falls into the area north of North Avenue, east of the Rooster River/ Fairfield town line and west of Park Avenue, generallay along the Brooklawn Avenue corridor. It kind of overlaps the area I described as the North End. Jay

That's a bit of a bummer--regarding the delay of the station. But, as you said, it does take forever.

I've looked at Brooklawn before. Some good buys to be had there now, supposedly. I'll take another look around.

[wan2hav]

If your going to buy in the South End to hold for future turnover--you'd better get in quick...there are already projects being planned for the areas around the Arena at Harbor Yard !............and if you find anything around the Uiversity of Bridgeport that hasn't been bought up yet--you'll be doing good !

Black Rocks the best....

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by wan2hav

If your going to buy in the South End to hold for future turnover--you'd better get in quick...there are already projects being planned for the areas around the Arena at Harbor Yard !............and if you find anything around the Uiversity of Bridgeport that hasn't been bought up yet--you'll be doing good !

Black Rocks the best....

Thanks for the info--I appreciate it. Yeah, the south end right around campus was my focus about a year ago, then I started losing interest after going there twice and looking around. I recently have gotten interested in Black Rock, and that's where I'm investing now, I think.