My wife and I are contemplating purchasing a home in the Historic Kenwood area. Specifically, we are looking at properties in the area bounded by Dartmouth on the north,1st Ave. N. on the south, 20th St. on the east, and 25th St. to the west. We would greatly appreciate some information from the residents of the community as to the safety in this particular area as well a current home values. It seems that the values we have heard do not seem to match values we have researched on the property appraiser's web site.

We would also appreciate an assessment of how this specific area within HK is trending. There seem to be a number of properties which are well maintained and a few which are being improved. However, there still remain a number of properties which are in need of improvement.

We have researched HK and have driven around the neighborhood a number of times. We find the area to have many strong points which attract us. A frank discussion of the area within HK described above will help to understand the area and the direction it's going. Any reply would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Kenwood Property Values

Hi John,

I am not an expert but do own a home within the area you described. I think that the Property Appraiser's Web Site has not cought up to the current values in Historic Kenwood. I think that you have to look at the most recent sales(sq ft price and whether the house has been renovated or is in poor shape) There is a great difference between the two.

As to the trend of the housing, there are still several rental houses in the area south of 5th avenue. (north of 5th has mostly all turned) It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that rentals are not taken care of the same as owner occupied. So until more of the homes turn we will have sub standard houses to deal with. When you are renting sub standard housing, you get sub standard tenants. This is the way it goes in neighborhoods that are undergoing renovation. And we are still UNDERGOING renovation of this neighborhood.

This is a great neighborhood and I can honestly say that I have never lived in an area where there were nicer people. The neighborhood association is strong and truly knows what is going on.

Please feel free to stop in at our association meeting. It is held on the first Thursday of the month at Albright Methodist Church.

Kathy

By Kathy Young

Moving in?

I've lived in Kenwood for 11 years and it has definitely changed alot for the better. As Kathy posted, south of 5th Ave. still needs alot more work. However, great changes have been made just in the last two years. Our house is on 2nd Ave. and we have seen many former rental properties become owner-occupied, which seems to be the big difference. The more people like you who move in and will care about their homes and neighborhood, the better off we will be, and it seems that this is a trend that will continue.
Property values have also increased a good deal in the past few years and this trend should continue. Anyone looking to buy should do so now!
Historic Kenwood is a great neighborhood and we are happy to be a part of it.

By Pam

Looking to buy in HK

Are you still looking? Check out the note I posted to deedee (March 14), today's date. Its about the lessons I've learned since I bought my house, regarding home condition and location. As far a sq ft price, its revelant to the condition of the house. If the house is in excellent condition with little work left to ber done, look at the $90 - $98/sq.ft price. Average condition, $83 - $88. Poor: you make the call, depending how much you want to put into it! Hope it works out for you and for us in the neighborhood too! There's been some great FSBOs in the neighborhood lately, so drive through!