A house in a bad area or a flat in a nice area?

Moby_Tide

flora48 wrote: »

Location, location, location.

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Kirstie and Phil are returning with their new series "House, House, House" on Ch5 US+1 in a couple of weeks

curious_

It depends on your opinion of a 'bad' area! I live in what is known as a 'bad' area of Glasgow and have done for three years. In that time we've had our building set on fire by bored kids, had two cars vandalised, I've caught junkies shooting up under the stairs in the entrance and have caught two more junkies off their faces on heroin and alcohol breaking into the building via a window. As dull as it sounds, my advice would be to never underestimate how important it is to feel safe in your home. I never walk to the local shops as you have to run a gauntlet past drunks, junkies and NEDs. I'm lucky enough to never need to spend any time outside my home in this area, and also to be able to drive out of it!

On the flip side, I work in an area of Glasgow that is widely reputed to be a 'good' area and a desirable location to work and live. However, if folk knew the half of what was going on in that area I would imagine that they would think a bit differently.

Not a decision to be made lightly - visit the area at all different times of the day and even the night. Call into the local Police Office and speak to the beat cops - make sure it's someone who actually knows the area and that you aren't being fobbed off!! Chap some doors in the area you are interested in and speak to people who actually live there. Best of luck!

DigForVictory

It's like the "would you buy a murderer's house" scenario & in the polls, we were vehement we'd avoid anything that jacked house insurance costs up. Add car insurance, schools (for resale, if not currently appropriate) & look just at the numbers. Some bad areas are less expensive than others & "gentrification" happens. The local coppers are definitely worth a chat to, and I'd try to chat to a school secretary or two.
Best of luck!