Questionable Neighborhood with some Cliff May homes

The May homes in this area vary from nicely renovated to desperately in need of renovation, but the neighborhood is a challenge.  That said, below $200K for a renovated ~2,000 square foot mid century modern Cliff May home is a rare anywhere in the Dallas area, so it is a bargain in that regard (not even considering the sub-$150 ones (and sub-$100 ones which need a lot of work).  The area is something of a pocket and that is what makes it a challenge -- the housing stock around the May homes is of poor quality and the best one can hope for is an general inprovement in the pocket itself and little else around it.  You won't see a bounce in an investment like you might see in other areas, but it seems the May houses in good condition are stable or have appreciated somewhat.  I don't see them as a bad investment, but just not one which will see a huge jump in value unless there is some elemental change in the entire neighborhood.

We looked at a Cliff May home on Andrea and loved it.  We just couldn't "get beyond" the bad area.  The drive from LBJ to the house was SCAREY.

The old conundrum:  a cool house in an iffy area.  I remember feeling the same concern when I first drove through the area to find Andrea Lane.  But, after selling several homes there, I'm now pretty comfortable with it.  The Millmar/Andrea Lane neighborhood of Cliff May pre-fab homes is a terrific local modern option in that price rance.  The people who lived in the homes I worked with were happy there and had not experienced any significant neighborhood issues.  The more time you spend in an area the more comfortable you may become with it,  and if you love modern--and on a tight budget--its worth spending some time there. 

--Yes, its an inexpensive area, but the majority of homes seem well-kept to me.  There are a couple that have been altered beyond recognition, and the commercial areas are not upscale, but you have other choices for that.

--To find that kind of design and provenance you generally have to go where the house is to some extent, they are just rare, and to further find then for $140-$170K is more rare.

--There are owners in there, and 1-2 new ones each year, who understand and support the preservation of these homes. They will eventually be in the majority.

--I would probably not buy one just hoping for appreciation, but just for the love of it.  If maintained, they will never be worth less than now.

Mark Millikan   >    DallasMod.com

Previously Adam Pickrell wrote:

There is an area that has been discussed a bit on here over in far east dallas (the main streets are Andrea, and Millmar). I am wondering if this neighborhood might ever turn around, or how bad it really is. Every once in a while homes will be for sale, but from what i've heard from a couple of people, it's a bad investment. Anyone have any ideas or thoughts about this area?