North Side neighborhood in Pueblo, Colorado, where a large wind turbine factory
is being built, bringing new jobs to the area
This Old House online is doing a cool series of posts called Best Old House Neighborhoods, in which they identify the best neighborhoods for finding old houses in various categories, like "fixer-uppers," "waterfront," and so on. The most recent Best Old House features neighborhoods where historic properties can be found for bargain prices. Sounds good to us! Check out a sampling of their results after the jump...
Elgin, Illinois, is full of lovely Queen Annes
Most of the neighborhoods and towns featured here have been through periods of relatively prosperity followed by more depressed years when local industry closed up shop or dwindled; but now a lot of these neighborhoods are experiencing renewals fueled by influxes of young families and new local businesses.
Many of the old homes in the Indianapolis suburb of Woodruff Place were converted to apartments in the sixties and seventies, but can be turned back into single-family homes
For the complete list of 16 neighborhoods where historic homes can be found for relatively cheap, visit This Old House.
(Images: This Old House)
I had such a warm, happy feeling to see a house from my hometown of Pueblo on AT this morning. There are many homes like this that need someone to love and fix 'em up. I've seen some beautiful renovations with stunning results in the area. Something to consider!!!
view Sharon H's profile
Too bad you'd have to actually live in Pueblo. What a dump that place is!
view mini_mel_ist's profile
Great historic districts like these that offer steals of real estate are everywhere.
However, as someone who has done the historic home thing a few times, do know what you're getting yourself into with maintenance, budget, and repair. I wouldn't trade Our Lady of Perpetual Maintenance (1905), but even with after a full renovation and modernization, she's still a lot of work. They're great for self-confidence and getting you off of the couch every Saturday, though. You'll never believe what all you will learn to do!
view JaxByDefault's profile
I just bought an historic fixer upper in Richmond, VA and I have learned HUGE amounts in the two and a half short weeks of work so far. You must be committed to the long haul and be ready for ups and downs and surprises. There are lots along the way. That said, I've never been so tired and so satisfied in all my life. What an amazing experience.
http://domusaurearichmond.blogspot.com
view mntwmyn 's profile
http://www.deadohio.com/franklincastle.htm
A real fixer-upper. A supposedly haunted, former nazi mansion in an actually cool area of CLeveland. I'm pretty sure the current owner would sell this for pennies on the dollar.
view ECB's profile
@mntwmyn- a fellow richmonder! I just checked your blog and know exactly what house you are rehabbing.
On to this post, I am in love with the idea of purchasing an old house and restoring it back to its original beauty. Unfortunately for myself, I have no money to do this although it is certainly a goal I have set for when the time comes for me to buy my own home.
view ellearRVA's profile
What paint colour is this I wonder? I'm wild about it!
view becalee's profile
ie. Woodruff Place
view becalee's profile